Choke On It

It felt like time slowed down, like a funny movie before something dramatic happens. However, this was for sure dramatic, but I was not laughing, I heard the crash before I even registered the shove. My tray went flying and before my ass hit the floor, I was wearing the customer's burger meal and drink. I grunted as I landed, and my mouth dropped open in shock before I could stop it. I looked up at the manager's daughter, Maya, and had to fight the urge to scream at her. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment, but I refused to back down. The smirk on her face was all I needed to confirm that this was another one of her tactics to get me fired. She has hated me since middle school and could not wait to ruin my life the second her parents hired me. Considering we are both in our mid-twenties now, I was under the impression childish bullshit would have been over. "Was that really necessary?" I mumbled and attempted to grab everything that had flown off the tray. I hated confrontation; I felt my heart start to race with anxiety. The fall I could handle, but I knew she wasn't finished. I was just about to stand when I realized I hadn't found the tray itself. My eyes scanned the floor and found my tray, directly under the heel of the smirking b***h. I shut my eyes and sighed. I looked up and gestured with a wave of my hand for her to get off of my tray. I knew if I opened my mouth I was going to get fired. We had gotten into it enough times for me to realize it's easier for them find a new waitress than a new spoiled daughter. "Aww, did you want me to give this to you?" Her voice made me physically ill. It probably wasn't even that bad. I just couldn't stand HER. "Well, I would love to, but it looks like some of the drink got on my shoe. You wouldn't mind wiping off my heel, would you?" Yes b***h. Yes I mind. I looked up and saw my manager, her mother, staring at me. I knew she expected me to just get this charade over with. I looked around and saw the dozen or so customers had directed their attention towards us. My eyes burned with unshed tears at all the attention and I regained my composure enough to wipe her pretty heels that were probably worth enough to pay my rent this month. I grabbed my tray, scooped everything that I had gathered on to it and walked quickly to the back. I was so tired of dealing with this every day, this was just the most convenient option for me. I lived in an apartment a few blocks away from the diner. This allowed me to save money by walking or biking to work. I didn't have a lot of money and I didn't make a lot of money, but I made do. To be honest, I am tired of working for what feels like absolutely nothing. I would just be happy if I were left alone every day. I scoffed and threw the poor cheeseburger and fry combo in the trash can. I looked down at myself and cringed in disgust. I was just about to walk into the very back of the diner to get cleaned up when my manager, Laura, walked in looking not so impressed. "I feel like it is the same thing every day with you. Do you just like to cause trouble or is the jealousy you have for my daughter simply too much for you?" I gaped as she stared at me. She was serious? Delusional woman. I thought about defending myself, but thought better of it. It will accomplish nothing. "It will never happen again." "I could have sworn you said that last time and the time before that. Get the customer his meal, forget about the way you look, and next time this happens there will not be a next time." I nodded and did exactly what she told me to do. Just like I did every time. I was finishing remaking the meal when I caught Maya staring at me with a satisfied smile. She was going to cost me my job and there wasn't really much I could do. I sighed and bent to grab a meal basket when my back seized and I gasped. I moved to straighten as quickly as I could. I looked around to ensure nobody had seen me and continued to work. I glared at Maya. Chances are that fall I took did wonders for my back. 25 years old and I felt like I could apply for senior citizen discounts. I watched as Maya left the restaurant and smiled to myself. I could finally finish my shift without more anxiety. I glanced down and saw there was still ketchup covering my name tag. I grabbed a napkin and wiped the red off of my white name tag, "Lexi" "Lexi! Take the trash out!" I looked up and saw one of my many co-workers walking out the door. "Then take that burger to table 4," I pleaded. That poor guy was still waiting. She scoffed. "Fine. At least I'll make sure it makes it to the table." She giggled and I turned red. Embarrassed all over again. I grabbed the overfilling trash bag and took it to the back dumpster. I didn't even realize it was already getting dark. All the overwhelming "excitement" and caramelized onions must have made me lose track of time. I scanned the back lot and did not see anything noteworthy. I turned to the garbage and threw the bag into the dumpster. For the second time today, time slowed down. One second, I was putting the bag in the dumpster and the next I was being pulled away from the dumpster by my hair and thrown to the ground. I couldn't see anything, I looked around and got into a crouching position. I felt a presence but only saw the empty lot and heard the wildlife in the woods. I felt my heartbeat in my ears as my energy surged with adrenaline. Or maybe fear. I stood slowly and felt around the back of my head. It was tender to the touch but no blood. I heard running footsteps in the distance. I felt my breathing quicken and my chest tightened. I looked at the door and willed my feet to move. I was about to run when my left arm was seized. I screamed as I was whipped around in a circle and slammed into the side of the building. I dropped to the ground with a thud and a groan. What the f**k was happening? I reached up with my hand and touched my face. I pulled it back, and it revealed a small amount of blood. I heard a growl in the distance. Primal and Hungry. I froze and lifted my head to look at the tree line. There, staring back at me, were a pair of red eyes. I couldn't move, as if I were locked in a trance. I felt a slight pressure in my head. I watched as the eyes suddenly started to glow, as if they were searching my soul. I couldn't look away, I groaned as the pain set in, the fight between my body and my mind. I felt myself crawling towards the glowing eyes. Tears spilled down my face with realization, but the urge was too great. Even as the gravel dug into my palms, my mind didn't even register the pain. Come. I heard a voice inside my head. Fear ripped through me, but I couldn't stop crawling. I edged closer and closer to the tree line. "Lexi! How long does it take to take the garbage out?!" My co-workers' voice snapped me back into reality and I gasped. I stumbled back against the dumpster and looked down at my bloody hands. I would have to dig the stones out of my skin. I winced and looked up at the door to see Laura standing there. "Will you get back in here?" She looked me up and down and scrunched her face. "And clean yourself up, you look like you have just seen a ghost." She scoffed and walked away, but I was left there stunned. "I have no idea what I just saw," I whispered to myself. I felt my brain finally catching up with my body. I slowly stood and caught my breath. I found myself scanning the trees again. Darkness and trees surrounded me. I found the strength to get to my feet and rushed inside. I attempted to make myself look presentable. I grabbed a beanie from my locker and attempted to hide the damage to my head. I had no choice but to move on and just assume I was seeing things. I finished my shift and found myself anxiously shaking when it came time for me to go home. I had ridden my bike today and was grateful for that choice. I should be able to pedal faster than whatever could be chasing me, right? I walked into the night and felt a nice breeze but otherwise, it was a beautiful night. I looked at the moon and smiled. This was the perfect night to smoke. I started smoking to cope with my anxiety when the meds weren't cutting it. I pulled the blunt that I had rolled out of my bag and put the bag on my back. I did this often, especially when the days were long. I got on my bike and drove one-handed as I puffed. I felt my worries float away with the smoke. It was peaceful, I found myself letting my guard down. Whatever had happened today. There had to be a perfectly reasonable explanation. I felt pain throbbing in my head and decided I would clean it up myself and avoid the hospital. What would I tell them? I made it to the parking lot and was ready to chain up my bike for the day. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I couldn't pinpoint why. I looked around, and I didn't see or hear anything. But I know I felt something. I scrambled to get my bike chained, I hustled up the stairs, taking two at a time, I turned and glanced at the treeline one last time before getting into my apartment and slamming the door behind me. I made sure everything was locked before walking through the small apartment and into the bathroom. A scalding shower seemed like the perfect remedy for a stressful day. It helped, but not nearly as much as I hoped it would. I crawled into my warm bed and practically moaned at the feeling. I sighed and shut my eyes. I almost instantly opened them again and peaked at my partially cracked window. I usually loved the cool night air along with a candle burning on my nightstand. Not tonight. I got up, shut and locked the window. I closed the curtains and instantly felt more secure. I got back into bed and snuggled under my heavy comforter. I felt my eyes start to feel heavy, and I felt myself hoping for a better tomorrow. Next thing I knew, I was cold. It felt like I was dreaming, but it also felt too real. I felt a coldness caress my face and almost a whisper of breath against my skin. I felt my eyes flutter but still I refused to awaken. I felt something cold but soft press against my lips. Suddenly, something pierced my lip. I gasped and rose in bed to feel a chill creep down my spine. I licked my bottom lip and instantly felt the tell-tale metallic sting of blood. I opened my eyes and looked over just as my window slammed shut. Then all was silent.