Journey At Night

My eyes dropped in shock, I couldn't stop myself from reading the message over and over. He wanted me to resume work in two days time? But, I thought I would take a long break to recollect myself and stabilize my mental health. He was always unfair when it came to me, why wouldn't he when he despised me for whatever reason he had has. Too bad I felt something for him.

I poured the milk into a cup, my mind abruptly wandering away, reminding me of my boss's beatification. Those deep hazel eyes of his, his succulent lips, his full black hair that I wouldn't hesitate to run my fingers into them over and over again if I had the chance to. His intimidating aura and intoxicating scent. Everything about that man got me blown away that I was beginning to think that he was a deliberate special creation from God.

" Are you okay?"

Being drawn back into reality by the annoying familiar voice. I blinked repeatedly before looking up at my brother, his brows furrow while his eyes are glued to my hand. Looking down at myself, I realized the mess I had caused.

The cup was over filled with the milk and had started pouring out. I didn't even realize it, blame it on boss Martinez.

I sighed then went to get a towel to clean up the mess.

" I was trying to make dinner for us,"

He nodded.

" Sure, you can but I'm not interested in eating anything for today and I suppose mom isn't too, she's asleep on the couch,"

Turning the towel over to hide the stained part, I continued to clean up the counter.

" I'll just stay with her for a while,"

Max said and left the kitchen. I could hear him muttering some comforting words to mom. My eyes soaked with tears again.

I remembered how mom had always suffered since she started up her own family. Her case wasn't like those other women who lived happily with their husband but the opposite was my mom's case.

My dad and her had divorced some months ago. She found him cheating on her and instead of apologizing he filed for a divorce, My mom was so disheartened and broken by the news that she refused to do anything other than cry. She loved that man with every single life in her, she didn't deserve to be treated that way.

After gulping down the cup of milk, I returned to the living room only to find Mom awake with Max helping her through the stairs and into her room. I followed quietly behind them until I made it into my room, back to my hole of fears and anxiety.

A lot of things had happened these past few days, things I didn't even expect.

While I studied the ceiling, I heard the door opposite our house going open along with a flashlight that suddenly went off. Curiosity ran through me and I climbed off my bed and walked to check through my window what it could be but instead I found someone dashing away. I couldn't exactly tell who it was due to the night cloud that surrounded the place but whoever the person was, he/she sure seemed suspicious.

Being too adamant and eager to know who the person was and why the person was sneaking out by this time I scurried to my box, opened it, and picked up a casual black top and pants and immediately change into them.

I wore my black hoodie and then tied up my hair. I checked out the window to see the person standing and scrutinizing around as if checking to see if anyone was following up or probably he/she was waiting for someone? My thoughts fell wrong the moment the person began to scamper away.

I hurriedly tiptoed to my door, slightly pushed it open, sneakily stepped out of my room, and quietly shut the door trying to stay as quiet as I could.

Making it to the living room, I unplugged my phone and kept it in my pocket.

I walked to unlock the entrance door before stepping out, the fresh night breeze wafted through me. I looked around and saw the person walking, he/she was already a few distance from me so I follow quietly, being clear of any suspicion.

Moments later and we were already on the highway, few people moved around and the street lights flicker repeatedly making me sigh in terror. For all I knew, Mr Strange could ambush at any time and anywhere.

The mysterious death of my sister suddenly knocked me off, making me clutch my hand into a fist in anger that I wished I could just find the murderer and kill them too.

" Ralph!"

I stopped walking when I realized I was just a few steps away from the person I followed. Other guys were with him as they neared him almost as if they seemed to notice my presence. I turned my gaze away from them, although being mindful of their movements and speech.

Remind me why I'm risking my life out here, because I'm so determined to find out who killed my sister but then can I find out by doing this? I don't even know.

" Chief is certainly going to have our heads if we don't make it to the club in time. Did you bring it?"

One of the guys said, his voice too husky.

" I was able to Khalid, although not much,"

" Great job Ralph,"

My eyes widened in shock. I recognized that name and the voice too. Ralph! Yes! He was the new neighbor that had moved into our neighborhood before my sister's funeral along with his family and to think he was out here with some guys talking about some Chief that would have their heads if they don't make it to a club of some sort gave me a lot of eagerness. For a minute and I didn't hear anything else, the sounds of cars taking off suddenly replaced my hearing. My heart pounded against my chest as I slowly turned around to check on them only to meet no one of them in sight again. How the hell did they just disappear? I notice the few cars that drive away confirming my thought that they could be in one of them.

I pathetically sigh. Maybe I should just head back home. All these things I was doing were just crazy and dangerous. I could lose my life in the process too and leave my family in tears just like my sister did to us.

But...

I had always known I had this other side of me. One shy part, the determined part and also that eagerly part of me. And right now I was taking action to satisfy the curiosity part of myself because right now I was walking towards this man who leaned over a taxi, a small electronic device on his hand while his other hand contains a stick of lit cigar.

The smell engulfed me as I got nearer to him and when I finally did get close enough and due to his obliviousness he threw off the cigar which nearly met my leg, I shrieked.

My little shout did bring his attention to me because right now he was glaring at me with this ‘what do you want with me’ look.

" Help me,"

My words did take him by surprise. His tiny eyes trail through my body as he disgustingly scratches his beard, his fat stomach poking through the tight body hug he wore, the baggy trousers he wore swallowed his short legs. The smell of the cigar was what I was inhaling instead of oxygen.

" Where ya headed?"

He asked me, his deep accent voice making me flinch a bit.

" The club,"

He nodded.

" You got any dough on ya?"

Oh no! I just realized I didn't bring a penny with me. Great! Now how do I convince the man to take me.

" Uh..."

" You got the gumption to come up to me without any cash, huh?"

His strong accent became audible.

" I promise to pay you, please. I need your help...I..."

I took a deep breath then leaned closer to him.

" Mr Strange sent me and if I fail to deliver his message then he would attack tonight and kill anyone, remember it could be you,"

I pulled away from him, noticing his now pale expression. His eyes widened as they once again studied me, I did all I could not to show my fear. This game I was playing was dangerous but I couldn't stop myself from playing it until I was sure I'd win. Okay! Win what? I don't...know.

" You sayin' what?"

I could hear the slight shiver in his voice, the fear gripping the man was very obvious as he made no effort to hide it.

He surely didn't believe what I told him, did he?

" Git into the car,"

I didn't think it would be as easy as this. Within a blink of an eye, the man got into his vehicle and started the engine. I hopped into the back seat, wary of the scattered metals and zincs on the floor. Slowly, he began to take off. The street envelope in pure night darkness, only the blinking street lights illuminated the place a bit. Fewer people dashed around wanting to get to their destination before midnight, even the few cars drove at a high speed. I relaxed my back on the seat, my body slightly shaking from fear.

The breeze blowing brought in the smell of mixed liquor and smoking fish. I scrunched my nose in disgust as my eyelids suddenly became really heavy that I didn't know when I drifted to sleep. The sudden honking of the horn jerks me awake. I looked up at the angry face that stared at me.

" Git the fuck outta mah car,"

Say what now!

" Hump! No! I need you to take me to the club, I need to get there, please, I'll pay you double,"

" Git out,"

He shouted, his voice even deeper.

" Git outta mah car or I'll kill ya, it ain't no joke,"

His furious voice mixing with his furious accent did get to me. I didn't know this man yet I chose to trust him enough to think he would get me to my destination, I was indeed dreaming.

I slide out of the car, gently shutting the door.

" What about your money?"

" Keep ya damn cash with ya, son of a bitch!"

And with that he accelerated away, leaving me in the now quiet street, alone!

I didn't blame him though, he sure wants to live and I using Mr Strange as a bait must have scared the hell OUTTA him.

I think I was starting to respect his accent...No, I was not, I was just terrified and trying to think he was still here with me.

Now, I was stranded and I didn't know what to do.

Fabulous!