Eyeless Jack X Intelligent Reader - Chapter 6

       I put the rag back into the bin and put away the last of the beer glasses away. Abbey got up and pushed in the stool, slinging a small backpack over her shoulder.
       “She ya around, kid.” She chimed before walking out the doors. I followed her with my eyes, saying goodbye quietly. I watched her beat-up motorcycle pull away and turn the corner to go towards her home, wherever that was. I smiled dismally, preparing for a long and boring walk home.
       My eyes caught movement in the far alley though. A figure was definitely in there… a mass that was darker than the building it stood next to. I watched the figure disappear into the mouth of the dark alley. My heart rate picked up, my hands clenched, my lips twitched into a reluctant smile. Why do I feel this way! It’s not right, it’s not safe. I’m so scared I can hardly see straight, but excitement is rushing through my head at the same time… I need therapy for sure…
       With shaky hands, I quickly pulled my flashlight-taser from my bag and slipped it into the wide pocket of my jacket. I hesitated for a second before also pulling out the little can of mace and putting it carefully into the other pocket of my jacket. Would I walk right into a trap? Heck, no. I’d take another route and see what the stalker does.
       I pulled my hood up and smiled briefly, feeling the beginnings of adrenaline pump through my veins. What would mother say? Her child walking into probable danger…
       The manager had already left, locking the door on his way out. I quickly left after him and let the door slam shut, hearing it relock. I turned towards a different route and considered the trek home. All I had to do was make it past the dead zone surrounding the bar… then I’d be safe among other people. Right?
       Right?!
       Take a deep breathe, and… go!
       I began walking steadily, sticking next to the street. I quickly made it a block and began the next. I was tense, but since I hadn’t heard anything I didn’t consider myself in grave danger. I passed the four way stop sign where few cars stopped. I passed the abandoned warehouse with the penguin graffiti. I passed the empty subway station that was blocked off with yellow tape and a few boards. I turned a corner, seeing the light of the busier streets ahead of me.
       My pace picked up, eyes taking in the glorious calling of the lights and sounds of living things. I already felt safer just seeing the familiar streets. I just had this last block of shadow and I was home free…
       THUD.
       I jumped to the left out of reflex, away from the sudden noise. My head jerked towards the sound and quickly registered the dark figure that had leapt down from a fire escape and was running towards me with frightening intensity. The mask seemed ever more blue caught in the faint light of the street. There was also a shimmer of metal in the hand at his side, glinting sharply and dangerously. I saw all of this under a second while simultaneously commanding my legs to MOVE.
       I darted to the left, disappearing into the darker alley. I had to turn my shoulders a little to fit through the surprisingly narrow space, hearing my heartbeat echo back into my ears. I ran as fast as I could, making it to the other side and immediately swinging right, towards where I knew the light was…
       I skidded to a stop…
       “No…” I mumbled quietly, staring up at the impossibly high and dark building that was prevented me from reaching safety. The bricks were cold and dark, imperviously vertical as they reached high into the night air. I swung back around to run the other way but froze, muscles tightening with fear. The blue mask was hovering in the darkness, just out of the alleyway I had come.
       Why did someone build this dead end? Oh lord, why did I pick it? Think, think, think! There has to be a way out! I cringed as a faint laugh echoed through the small space, harsh and bitingly judgmental.
       “Finally… I’ve caught you.” A cold voice sounded from where the figure stood. I jumped at hearing the voice, noticing absentmindedly that is was raspy and quiet… as if it was rarely used. Though fear was coursing through my veins, I decided accepting my fate and submitting was the worst option. There was no way I was going down without a fight, cornered by some guy in a freaking mask.
       “Oh, yeah? And what are you going to do about it?” I called, hating that my voice didn’t come out as strong as I planned. My throat suddenly felt very dry. And those words came out more childish than expected. I needed to work on my verbal threats for sure…
       A soft chuckle resounded off the static walls, echoing back with magnified sound. I involuntarily cringed back as the blue mask detached from the inky darkness. His frame once again came into my view, footsteps silent on the pavement. His gate was smooth and relaxed, confident. But I knew he could spring forward in one motion, I knew he was faster than he appeared… and probably strong too… oh, shoot…
       “Have dinner?” He whispered eerily with the slightest questioning tone, talking more to himself than anyone. I stiffened at his words, registering them as beyond creepy. The hell? He wants to invite me over for dinner… or… I am dinner? What? He strode to my left, pace even and self-assured. I took one hesitant step back, aware I had nowhere to run. Then, his back arched and he leaned slightly downward, bracing for a quick attack. I slipped my hand into my jacket, feeling the solidity of the mace canister…
       In a dark blur, the figure leaped forward. A shimmer arched through the air as something sharp was thrust in my direction. I curved my torso just enough to miss the first jab, bringing up my hand with the can of pepper spray. His palm connected hard with my shoulder, pushing and then pinning me into the brick wall. He lifted his other hand, gripping what appeared to be a medical tool… a scalpel, I believe? Who the hell uses a scalpel to go on murder sprees? No horror movies I’ve heard of, that’s for sure!
       I stared into the blankness of his blue mask. The darkness of the eye slits gave no indication of this person’s eyes, just a wall of blackness. But that doesn’t give immunity to mace.
       I pressed down on the trigger, aiming the short nozzle of the spray into his right eye opening. As soon as I pressed down, the overwhelming smell of pepper flooded into the air. He flinched back and turned his head down to avoid the thick orange spray, hissing sinisterly at the obvious pain. He involuntarily brought his arms up to cover his face, losing the momentum of his second strike and his hold on my shoulder. The killing strike of his scalpel averted and vision temporarily impaired, I made a quick break for the light of the street. I scrambled across the concrete, determined to make it another night. I broke out into the street, huffing with exertion and adrenaline. I immediately forced myself to calm down and blend into the easy pace of other people walking along the streets.
       A lightheaded giggle passed through my lips. Oh my… I can’t believe it. I made it home, again! That was so much fun- that was so dangerous! What was I thinking? Geez, I’m an idiot and an adrenaline junkie for sure. That was so awesome- awful! I need help! No more! I’m too young to die and become… dinner? How incredibly creepy- and so amazingly thrilling…
       I was still jittery as I slammed my apartment door shut. A smile twitched around my lips, replaying the attack in my head. That was so thrilling! Nothing could be a bigger challenge that what I just went through. My opponent is cunning, quiet, aggressive, and so much fun to escape from… I need serious therapy but this is my life, right?
       I have choices, and I choose to remain in this death defying game. I choose to remain because ever since I went out on my own, I have never felt this alive.