Run Poppy Run

McNair's Book Store

Poppy

I found myself staring at the man for far too long. He pushed a book towards me, silently, as it felt like he was boring his gaze into the top of my skull.

“Um... find everything you were looking for?” I asked in a whisper as I took the book, ringing it up. I saw the title, “Dracula”, as I raised a brow while placing the book in a small paper bag. He placed a twenty on the counter, taking the bag and leaving without a word. God, he’s hot... but I could have sworn the look on his face was one of disgust, though.

“Excuse me! Your...” the door closed. “Change...” I sighed out as I placed the twenty in the till. I scooped my phone up, opening up the text.

“Count me in,” I shot back, flipping my phone upside down as my heart raced. I haven’t been to a club since my twenty-first birthday. And that was a disaster, as Jake spent most of his time grinding on other women. That should have been my red flag back then.

I plopped my head down on my arms as the day drifted by. I helped mom inventory some books as we were slow. She cut me loose at three to head home and get ready for Jess to come pick me up. I decided to walk home instead of getting a ride from mom.

I strolled down the sidewalks, looking at the small shops. They all were so cute and small. This town was adorable. I turned, waiting for the crosswalk to light up to tell me to go. My body erupted into goosebumps as every instinct told me to turn around, to which I obliged.

Quickly spinning, I startled an old lady who was standing behind me.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” I apologized profusely, bowing to her. She chuckled as she stepped forward to cross the street. I followed closely behind her. I’ve been a nervous wreck since I keep seeing that mysterious man standing outside my house. Maybe it was Jake being an asshole.

I took my phone out, scrolling through my feed as I walked down a dirt path. I wanted a distraction as I was passing by that god forsaken house; I decided so dumbly to set foot on. A chill ran down my spine as I walked in front of it.

The rumors surrounding that house say that it’s owned by a supernatural creature. Some say a vampire, some say a werewolf, others state a serial killer. Some say it’s a halfway point for a s*x ring. I personally do not care; it gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Keeping my eyesight on my phone, I didn’t notice the man in front of me. I ended up running face first into his shoulder, making him drop his cigarette.

“Oh! I’m sorry-” I halted my apology as the air stilled around me. My lungs tightened as I could feel fear slowly ride up my legs into my core. My eyes slowly ran up to the figure I ran into. It was the man from the bookstore.

He glared at me as his upper lip furled into a disgusted look. He stomped his cigarette out as he stepped out of the way so I could pass.

“Keep ya nose up, mic roșu. Looking down will only make ya an easier target.” His voice was full of disdain as he turned, heading in a different direction. My body erupted into goosebumps as his voice slithered through my ears. What accent was that? I couldn’t place it, but it was seductive to me. I chewed my lip as I shook my head, forcing my trembling legs forward.

I quickly made my way home, rushing into my small guest house and locking the door. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still following me. I peeked through my curtains as my heart rapidly slammed against my chest. Once I realized no one was there, I sighed and turned to head upstairs. I froze when my eyes landed on the same white box I tossed in the trash in the morning.

I slowly made my way to the counter, eyeing the box as I turned around the counter’s corner. There was a card on top of it this time. I reached out slowly, grabbing it and flipping it over.

“You throw these away again and you’ll find them somewhere... less pleasant.”

I felt the color drain from my face as I snatched up the box, throwing it into my kitchen's trash can. I quickly headed upstairs, as my mind was racing. I was jumping from everything I saw in the corner. I curled up on my bed, hugging slothy as panic slowly crept in.

Do I tell someone about this? Would they believe me? I gripped my hair in frustration as I pulled my phone out, shooting Jake a mean text.

“If you think scaring me will make me come back to you, then you’re a sick, twisted f**k. Leave me alone.” I hit send, then flipped my phone upside down. I was praying it was Jake, and it’d end here and now. I yelped when my phone went off, startling me. I flipped it back upright. It was Jess saying she was on her way.

I sighed, pushing off my bed and heading to the bathroom. Flipping on the switch with much more ease than I did this morning, I headed for the shower to start it up. I stood there, staring at the water cascading down as I fumbled through my thoughts, trying to figure out who would be doing this to me if it wasn’t Jake.

The asshole dumped me, and now he’s tormenting me? Ugh! I pulled my shirt off, working my way down to my pants. I sighed as I kicked them off, reaching behind me to unhook my bra.

“Maybe if you put out more, I wouldn’t have dumped ya.” Jake’s words rang through my ears. The man took my virginity and was the only person I slept with, yet I wasn’t putting out enough. I rolled my eyes at that thought as I tossed my bra over onto the floor. I paused, looking at myself in the mirror.

I was exceptionally pale, my face had freckles, whereas my hair was bright orange red, like poppies, hence why my mother named me Poppy. Original, right? I was five-foot-six, my chest was a normal size where I wasn’t overly skinny or curvy. I was right smack dab in the awkward middle ground. My weight went to my thighs and buttocks, making jeans always rip at the middle from the wear and tear.

I stepped into the warm shower, groaning as the heat washed over my body. I wrapped my arms around myself as I zoned out, reminiscing about the reasons Jake threw at me to dump me.

Let’s see, didn’t put out enough, wasn’t pretty enough, always felt embarrassed by me, never really loved me, only settled so he could find someone else. Oh, what else? Boring and poor. Sheesh, why did I stay with that man? Because he gave me love. He treated me great in high school. He only started treating me terribly. I didn’t know the reason. Part of me was hoping he’d take me back. He’s done this before, where he dumps me, then asks me to come back. I always fell for it and I’m not going to lie. I’ll probably fall for it again.

I finished my shower routine, stepping out and wrapping myself up in a towel. The steam swirled around the bathroom, making me feel sleepy. I yawned, reaching for my phone and unlocking it. I had time for a quick nap. Placing it back down, I looked up to swipe the steam from the mirror. I froze as my lips locked into a thin line.

“If you go back to him, I’ll kill him.” Was scribbled across the mirror, the steam revealing the message.

I spun around, slipping on the floor and falling on my wrist. Wincing, I pushed off the floor and went to my entrance door. I fumbled around the locks, making sure it was still secured like when I entered. My heart plummeted as I saw everything was still locked.

I slid down the wall, holding my wrist as I started to hyperventilate. This is insane! How is this happening!? I’ll have to change my locks. How am I going to explain this to mom?! She has a lot on her plate already. I can’t add this. I have to figure it out on my own.