Heyyyyyy.. sorry for the late update. This chapter is pretty long.. so... thats why.

Anyways.. Im super excited about this book.

Happy reading.

Rain.

The rain pattered against the pavement as if there was no tomorrow. The dark clouds had drawed its veil over, making the whole atmosphere even more gloomier than it already was.

I never liked rain. There isnt any particular reason for it... its simply because I do not like the idea of getting drenched... like right now.

The only pair of outdoor shoes that I own was completly wet. The shoe laces were untied and I tripped multiple times along the way. My umbrella swayed in the wind and it felt just so unfair to me, as there was no point in using an umbrella when I was already drenched.

The cold breeze was not helping me either, as it was plastering my wet shirt further into my skin, sending shivers down my body.

I spotted the sign board 'Coco and Latte' ahead and I reached to it, pushing the door open. The windchimes at the top of the door clinged over my head. The warm, soothing scent of freshly brewed coffee hit my nose and it felt like I found my oxygen.

I exhaled the air and kept my umbrella in the umbrella box, near the entrance.

I looked around the cafe and found that there werent any customers. I dropped my shoulders and made my way to the counter.

A wide smile greeted me and I smiled back.

"Hi Ellie." I said softly, opening the side door to get across the counter.

The red haired girl smiled at me. Her jet black eyes gleaming.

"Hey Justice. " she chimed in, placing her elbow on the counter. She placed her chin on the heel of her palms and slowly tilted her head, "how did your classes go?"

"Fine.... I guess.." I muttered.

I placed my backpack near the small shelf and turned back to see my friend, Elaine Rose. We have been together since almost 10 years. Ellie was a year older to me and she was a sister, a bestfriend and my only secret diary.

I met Ellie first when I moved into the orphanage. I liked being to myself and did not like talking to other people. Although, the nuns from the Church Orphanage, tried to open me up to reveal why I ran away from home... I never told them. I was just afraid of all people in general not to mention, men especially.

The lone thought terrified me everynight, bringing back my nightmares. Eventually as time passed and I grew more closer to Ellie, I naturally opened up to her. I told my worst secrets to her on a promise, to keep them as the way it is.

She rescued me and pulled me up from my deepest hell. I was forever indebted to her.

I snapped out of my thoughts and foumd her frowning.

She narrowed her eyes at me, "why don't you just ask me for help Justice? I can lend you as much as money you want. Your clothes, your shoes... " she trailed off dropping her shoulders.

"Im fine..." I said smiling apologetically.

"You barely eat 3 meals a day, just to pay off the rent. Why cant you just move in with me?" She said with a sad voice.

I smiled guiltily looking at the floor, "thanks Ellie, but I can manage. Trust me... everything will be fine. Okay? I will soon graduate and then I will have a proper job.... everything will turn out the way its supposed to. My life cant get any more crappier than it already is, trust me..." I said laughing.

She put her arms around me completly forgetting that I was soaking wet. She didnt budge though and continued hugging me. I heard the wind chimes cling and someone walk in.

She let me go from the embrace and straightened her now damp clothes. I was ushered to the door that led to the employee room.

Ellie, poked her head in and quickly whispered, "there are some extra clothes and a pair of sneakers out there. Get changed. "

I smiled quickly mouthed a thankyou and Ellie left to take care of the customer that just arrived.

I opened one of the lockers and saw some spare clothes. I pulled out a shirt but then plopped it back in, since it was too huge to fit in. I cant work in oversized clothes in here.

My hands caught a warm, soft fabric and I pulled it out. A beautiful knee length black dress met my eyes. The dress was simple and plain... with white polka dots, yet again beautiful. I knew this was definitely Ellie's since she loved wearing dresses.  Me, on the other hand.. I didnt really own cute dresses so, I never it very uncomfortable to wear them.

I sighed and raked my fingers through my wet blonde hair. I walked into the small bathroom which was only for the employees. I felt a little conscious and glanced over my shoulder to make sure no one else would be hiding in here.

I removed my shoes and kept them aside, to let them dry. I slipped out of my pants and shredded my wet shirt. Thankfully, my pants were soaked only uptil my mid thighs and my shirt, only till my long sleeves. My chest and lower regions were not that drenched... so I did not worry about them, since they were dry.

I put my feet into the plain shoes and picked up my wet clothes, spreading them apart on the small clothline, which the owner put up last week. 

I ran the face towel over my hair, to dry it. I pulled my hair to one side and looked at my reflection.

Wow. I sure do look crappy today.

I messed up my hair and raked it backwards and it somehow satisfied me. I sighed again and walked out of the room to the work that was awaiting.

The warm air embraced my skin and I never liked it any better. I glanced at the clock and it showed 2.15 pm.

I spotted Ellie and she was smiling widely at me. She wiggled her eyebrows at me, "I knew my gut feeling was right! Its good that I picked up this dress to bring as a spare. You look so damn pretty."

I shook my head, smiling. "Did the customer leave already?" I asked hee looking through thw cafe.

"Yeah. She took a takeout. " she said leaning against the counter.

"Oh I see.." I replied.

Silence hung in the air, as I continued inhaling the scent of coffee and the baked goodies.

"Hey! hey! I completely forgot to tell you about this..." she exclaimed

"What?"

"From the past one week... guess what is happening." She whisper shouted, smiling

"Ummmmm.. Ive been not showing up at my other shift?" I guessed.

"Not that Dumb dumb!" She scoffed "there's this hottie who keeps showing up once in two days at the supermarket. He is my boyfriend now." She said dreamily.

"What?! Seriously Ellie? Oh my gosh... Im so happy for you!!" I said hugging her with a genuine smile.

She hugged me back and I heard her sigh. I pulled back from the hug and found her staring at the wall.

"But there's one tiny problem." She said sighing, turning her gaze back to me.

"What?"

"He is my boyfriend... but, he just doesnt know that." She said shrugging with a plajn smile.

I hit her arm with a scowl on my face, "ohmygod... I swear I thought you were telling the truth for a second back there." I moved away and began wiping the cups. She followed me and began cleaning the counter.

She grinned at me and shaking her head.

"So... this boyfriend of yours.. does he have a name?" I asked her, suddenly intrigued by the topic.

Usually.. I would not pay attention to couples and all that romance thing. I've never been in a relationship before and I clearly do not know how all that world works. Highschool, college and even now, in the university I could see things going wayward. It gives me creeps on the thought of trusting someone to love you forever... not like the love of friends and bestfriends... but love as in, a romantic chapter. The lone thought of it makes me cringe and cower in my favourite corner of pretend-that-you-did-not-see-me.

Although, it is true that I never wanted to engage myself in these kind of conversations... but, I could not help but listen to Ellie. I mean... who would not want to listen about the Case Files when it involves their best friends and their crushes? Right?

I heard her sigh again. "That, is a problem too... I do not know his name.. where he lives..  hell- I do not even know what his face looks like!" She said frusturated

"What? Why do you say that? If you do not know what his face looks like well, how would you ever know that he is glorious?" I asked turning to her, trying to stiffle my laugh.

"I dont know.. I just do. He comes in, takes some snacks and soda.... and leaves, paying the amount without even looking up at my face." She said slightly frowning and laughing at the same time.

"Well, maybe he doesnt like the customer service." I stated.

"I guess so. Do you think we should put up a board saying 'black hoodied guys with no courtesy to speak to the cashiers - NOT ALLOWED'???"

I laughed at that and she joined in laughing.

"I cant wait to meet that guy.." I said shaking my head and laughing.

"Yeah... he came in yesterday... so he might not come today. Im pretty sure, he will show up tomorrow." She said pursing her lips together into a straight line.

"Wow.. what a mystery." I said letting out a low whistle.

Ellie playfully hit my arm. The windchimes clinged again and I shifted my attention to the door. A woman walked in and I watched her take a next-to window seat. I put up a smile and walked out of the counter towards the woman.

"Its not anything serious... so dont go around thinking about worst case scenarios." Ellie said behind my back

"I dont do the imagination stuff... its you who drool over." I said without turning back and I heard her snort. I could imagine her defeated face and that made me smile.

I planted my feet next to the tabke, where the woman was seated. I took out my writing pad and a pen from my apron and looked back at the woman.

"Ah.. Justice! How are you dear?" She asked me. Her face was wrinkly and old. Her brown bun was perfectly tied at the back of her head and her blue eyes gleamed in anticipation. Mrs. Lenny came in here often and we are quite the friends.

I smiled at her, "Im fine Mrs. Lenny."

She smiled back at me. "its a disastrous day out there." She said looking out of the window. The montrous clouds were huddled together but it wasnt raining. I saw people and cars moving around in the usual manner.

She chuckled and shook her head, "looks like the heavens are fighting a war."

I mentally scoffed at that comment but I didnt want to be rude to the old woman's enthusiasm, so I stayed still playing along.

She turned her gaze to meet mine.

"Uh.. What can I get you?" I asked with a smile.

She folded her fingers, "I will have the usuals dear one..."

".... not too sweet but, not too bitter. Just the right one." I said finishing her statement. "Should I add up the brownies? Its today's special."

"Yes yes... my little nephew, Jack is at home and he loves brownies. Get them safe and packed." Her eyes almost disappearing around the corner as she smiles.

I nodded my head and went back to the counter. I handed over the slip of paper to Ellie who began preparing the drink, whilst I took out the brownies from the holder and placed them in a box, wrapping it in a  brown paper. I placed the box in a paper bag and kept it on the counter.

Ellie finished preparing the warm cup of coffee and placed it on a tray handing it over carefully to me. I took the tray and smiled at her.

I walked towards Mrs Lenny and placed the cup of coffee on the table. She mouthed a thankyou and I smiled at her, about to turn around and leave.

But, suddenly a loud crash and screeching of tires was heard outside. I quickly turned my head to the window and saw a commotion erupting.

A car had crashed with an another car on the opposite lane, right infront of our cafe. There was smoke coming out of the car that had swerved into the side of the other car. Its bonnet was splayed upwards and I could see two angry drivers yelling at each other.

People surrounded the commotion and I walked out of the cafe to get a clear picture. There were pieces and parts of the car lying around on the pavement. Except for the damaged cars and the piled up traffic, there was no harm done to the people.

The police cars blared and the crowd enhanced even more.

I saw the driver who crashed into the wrong lane yell at the other.

"I swear man! I swear I hit something! Do you.. do you see this dent?" He said swaying his arms at the front of his car. "Its half way in! I Did not just crash into your car just like that! I hit something and then lost the control over my car!!!"

I stood on my tip toes to see the car. And like, the man had stated, there sure was a nasty deep dent right in the middle as if he had hit a pole.

Except for... there was no pole in the middle of the road. The car had crashed sideways to the man's on this lane... so there's no way he can get a dent like that from hitting sideways.

The sherriff aporoached the scene and cleared the dispute. 

"What?! You too Sherrif? Trust me... I did not do anything." The man said balling his fists at the Sherrif.

The Sheriff raised his eyebrows and placed his hand on the Man's shoulders, "we can talk about this in the station. "

Both the men were taken away, while the tow vehicles pulled the crashed cars away. The crash site began getting cleared up and people walked away to their routines.

Wow.. that was a close call... they could have crashed into the cafe... or the worse, died.

I shuddered at that thought and turned away from the scene, holding my arms close ypto my chest, to orotect myself from the cold breeze.

Just as I was heading back to the cafe, not far away I spotted a man in a grey hoodie looking solemnly at the clearance. He was standing alone and his hoodie covered half of his face. His hands were hanging loosely on his sides. I turned to face him for some reason and after not more than five seconds, he directly turned to face me... as if he noticed my presence.

I mean, afterall I was directly staring at him... facing completely towards him.

I immediately switched to panic mode as I turned away, lowering my gaze to the floor. I speed walked to the cafe and pulled the door instead of pushing it, in panic. I glanced at the lone figure and found him still looking right at me. His face was shadowed and I could only spot his deep oak brown hair. He did not budge and fear rushed inside me. I grabbed the handle firmly, pushing it this time. I walked in breathlessly and shut the door behind me. The windchimes clanged loudly as I moved away from the door and walked further in.

"Are you okay dear?" Mrs Lenny chriped with concerning look in her eyes.

"Yes I am Mrs. Lenny. Thankyou." I said smiling at the old lady. Ellie threw me worried look but I shook my head, indicating I was completely fine. With a suspicious look, still hanging around on her face she settled down on her seat and I turned to Mrs.Lenny.

"You sure dear? You look like you spotted a demon out there. " she said looking into my eyes.

Demon? Sounds like clichè but that is scientifically impossible.

I smiled, "no.. no. Im just..." I paused, exhaling "... Im fine." I smilee at her and walked away to the counter.

Ellie threw her eyebrows up, in a questioning manner but I just shook my head.

I sat in the empty seat and looked out of the huge glass window, thinking to myself.

...

What a weird dude.

********

"Are you sure you will be okay, to walk back home?" Ellie asked me concerningly.

No

"Yes... I will be fine." I said putting up a fake smile.

"I could give you a ride, if you'd like. Its getting pretty late now Justice." Ted, my colleague from the supermarket spoke up.

Ted Avers, is farthest the nicest guy Ive met. We are friends but, we are not that close to spill over all my secrets to him. He is more close to Ellie than he is to me... and Im fine with that.

"No.. its okay. You guys should leave. I better head out, I gotta catch a bus in five minutes." I said walking backwards.

"Okay. You better be careful. Call me if anything happens. " Ellie stated.

"Yes Sir!" I said chuckling, doing a quick salute and we all began laughing. I waved at them both.

"Goodnight!" I said smiling and they both wished their goodnights before heading out.

I walked to the bus stand and waited for my bus to approach. After somewhat ten minutes my bus finally came and I got into it.

The driver gave me a small smile and I felt a little awkward, but I returned the same smile anyways.

I clutched my bag and sat at an empty window seat, in the middle. There were few other people in the bus. Some from my neighbourhood, whom I recognised instantly. I avoided eye contact with any of the people just to be on the brighter side, since I cant really deal with converstaions and talkative-strangers. Both are a combination of bad duos which can tire the living soul out of my body.

My stop finally arrived and I quickly got down from the bus. I glanced at my watch and realised it was 8.48pm. The skies were pitch black and I hated it. I hated the darkness.

I fastened my footsteps to reach my house quickly. I clenched my umbrella in my left hand tighter as I walked.

As much as I hated walking alone in the nights, after my shift... I couldnt just bother other people to keep me safe. If they would help me once, then I would need them there again... and again... until I will become a bothering burden and that is something I clearly want to avoid. I can never stop being afraid of people.... but, I can try to make myself stronger and independent... even if that means I have to walk home, alone in these scary nights.

The wind howled and I stopped dead in my tracks when I spotted some drunk people coming at my way. My heartbeats increased at an inhuman pace and I turned around taking the other route.

But, it was too late.. since I already heard them scream profanities and other loads of trash at my back. I grabbed my bag and quickly made a run into the darkened alley. My brain told me, heading into an even more darkened place was stupidity... but, my gut feeling begged me to listen to the only escape route.

I could hear the footsteps behind me getting louder and louder. Tears were already forming in my eyes and I was trying hard not to break down. I took a turn and entered into another alley.

I heard hoots and shouts increasing. I quickly leaped into an empty space between the wall and crouched down to the floor... so that those people would not find me.

"Here.. kitty kitty kitty..." one of the manly voices cooed and my stomach did a triple flip. I put my hand over my mouth to cover the scream that was building up. I blinked away my tears and prayed to whatever forces were listening to me.

"Kitty with the pretty dress, where are you?" Another voice yelled, closing in.

I could hear voices of few other girls as well. A few moments later, they were walking past me. They did not notice me hiding in the space and I was relieved.

There were 2 girls and 5 men. A whole army that could wreck my life in two seconds. The clan passed still, hooting and shouting.

Just as I felt their voucee disappearing farther and farther away, I got up from my hiding spot and walked back to the open alley that lead back to the main road. My knees wobbled from the panic attack and my brain was all disoriented.

I was steadily placing my footsteps not to draw any attention, but my eyes caught something pass right infront of me and this... was the last thing I expected to see.

A grey hoodied figure passed just by the road and I stopped moving.

My movement, my breaths, my brain... stopped all together. The only thing that moved was my wild heart beat and the blood that gushed into my veins.

I counted to three and nothing happened.

Maybe it was just an illusion...

Maybe I just drea-

My eyes widened when I saw the hooded figure backtrack right into the middle. He was still facing forward, showing me only the side profile of his.

The blood drained out of my face and I gasped as he turned to his right, to look directly at me. His face was again shadowed and his hands were in his pockets.

I waited for no green lights and turned on my heels, running in the opposite direction.

I huffed and puffed as I took turns through the darkened maze. The worst part was that I couldnt analyse where I was going and if that creepy dude from the crash site, was still on my tail.

I took another turn and came face to face with a dead end. I gasped in horror as I let out a muffled cry.

I turned around but it was too late. He was already there. His silhoutte was pitch black and I stumbled back.

I grabbed my umbrella and aimed it him, "d-dont... m-move any.. c-closer.."

I kept walking backwards as, he took small steps towards me.

"I-I said.. s-stay a-away.. Stay a-away!!," I yelled and hurled my umbrella towards him, gripping the handle. He flinched a little at my action, but caught the umbrella in his hand and yanked it away.

I cried and crouched to the floor... realising that this would be the end.

"P-please.. I-I will.. give y-you anything... " I cried as he walked even more closer.

"P-please.. just.. d-dont rape m-me.. please... just k-kill me before t-that." I cried shutting my eyes tighter.

Countless tears streamed down my cheeks as I huddled myslef closer to protect myself from my doom.

All my happy moments flashed before my eyes. Ellie, Ted, Father Francis, Sister Margaret... everybody.. everybody who made me happy came before my eyes.

Please... please.. I beg of you.., I cant go through this.. not again..

I heard the footsteps stop and i looked down at the pair of sneakers infront of me. Not just that, I also saw a glimmering chain infront of my eyes. A gold chain, with a pendant.. a pendant with my name... Justice.

The only link to my oldest memories and the only prized possesssion that I owned was in his hands... but, how?

I still didnt look up to the man and fixed my gaze on my chain.

I realised what he was doing and slowly drawed my hand forward. He dropped the chain on my palm and turned around leaving me dumbfounded.

My mind was a mess and I slowly got up from my stance and stood up.I looked at my name and then looked back up, just to see that the man was nowhere in sight.

I sighed and grabbed my bag and umbrella walking out of the alley. I thought about what happened and I felt a little embarrassed from all that happened back there. He wasnt trying to hurt me.. just trying to return something that I lost. I sighed again.
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Guess, I was being just too paranoid to the creepy guy...

Authors Note:

Creepy guys everywhere, which one would you like to stare? Okay, that was bad.. lmfao.. I was thinking about that sentence all day.. and here we are.

Thanks for reading yall.

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Have  a great day.