Unwanted Attention *Finished*

Yet another boring day at school. I'll never understand why teachers feel they must almost-literally drill holes into your head so that information can go in. After all, most of it is useless, and it'll just pour out the other side later anyways. Well, I guess it doesn't matter right now. I'm free for the day. Lucky me.1

"So, Emily, what are you gonna do since it's the weekend?" It didn't matter greatly to me, but since she was generous enough to give me a ride home instead of making me suffer the bus, I figured I'd be polite and ask. After all, she was the only friend that had a car AND offered to give me rides. At least, for free...2

"Well, after I drop you off, I'm gonna get a shower, and then me and Eddy are, like, going to the movies. It's totally been the first movie we've been able to agree on."3

I watched a smile play on Emily's lips. Her words had piqued my curiosity, though, and I could care less how happy she was that they could reach agreement.4

"What are you guys going to go see?" I asked, hoping I hadn't sounded like I was pleading to know, or something like that.5

“The Strangers. Why, do you want to go, Maddy?”6

I hated when she called me Maddy instead of Madeline. I think she knew that, too, because she did it far more than was necessary. Regardless, it seemed like she had read me like a book.7

“Sure.” That was the only reply I could give at the moment. My mind managed not to come up with something wittier. Just as I was about to open my mouth to say something, we pulled in to my driveway. To be continued, I suppose.8

“All right. I’ll get my shower, and when Eddy comes to pick me up, I’ll so definitely tell him you’re coming with. He won’t argue.” She smiled again, this one larger than the previous take.9

“Cool. I’ll see ya in a bit, then.” I replied. I brushed the black hair out of my eyes as I climbed out of the seat.10

“Like, later.” Emily replied as I led the door close. She reversed as normal, then sped off, going at least ten miles faster than what would legally be allowed on my street. I hope she doesn’t get pulled over. Oh well, that would be a concern for a later time. I had to go and get ready. Unlike Emily, however, I didn’t need a shower, because I showered in the morning before school, whereas she always waited until early evening to get it done. I walked up to the front porch, pulling out my house key. My parents were on some five-day getaway vacation in the Rocky Mountains, and I was totally alone. Regardless, that meant the door needed to stay locked all the times. Like I was worried about something happened. This was a higher-end neighborhood, and nothing bad happened here. The worst crime ever committed on my street was a fistfight between some of the neighbor kids.11

I inserted the key into its proper slot, turning both it and the door handle simultaneously, and shoved against the door at the same time. However, my impatience resulted in my stomach hitting the hand-encased door handle, and I had to step back and take a breath. This time, I took a second to make sure the door was unlocked before pushing my way into the house. I spun on my heels, tearing the piece of silvery metal from the keyhole and re-depositing the object into my pocket. The door was quickly locked, and I lazily strolled into my room, the one farthest back from the street. It paid, too, because I could play my music loud, and it NORMALLY didn’t bother our neighbors.12

I tore into my closet, trying to find something that would look good for such a public place as a theater, regardless of the fact that I would be sitting in darkness. It didn’t take incredibly long to find the outfit I was hunting for: a black tank top and a pair of baggy blue jeans, with frayed spots along the legs. After all, the frayed/holes-in-jeans thing was apparently a fad these days. After changing, I threw my clothes into the washer, but didn’t turn the machine on yet. I didn’t know for certain when I would be back, and it would suck to have to wash clothes again after they’ve sat wet all night.13

I reckoned that Emily would probably take at least another hour, so I decided I would find something to occupy myself with. First, I walked into the living room, flipping on the National Geographic Channel. Something about tattoos was on, and that was enough to keep me thoroughly entertained for about forty-five minutes. However, I soon grew tired of watching people have needles pressed onto their skin, and picked up my Dell laptop from the coffee table that sat in front of both the couch and myself. It took a few moments to log on, but I was quickly into both the Yahoo! and MSN messengers. Emily was logged on, xXx_Baby_Blue_Eyes_xXx on MSN. On both MSN and Yahoo, my name was X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X. ((I never understood the “X” thing in people’s names, but it seems to look really good as part of a messenger name.))14

xXx_Baby_Blue_Eyes_xXx: R U ready yet?15

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Yeah, of course. What about you?16

xXx_Baby_Blue_Eyes_xXx: No. Me N Eddy discussing times.17

Discussing usually meant arguing for Emily and Eddy, but regardless, as long as they were able to reach an agreement they were doing well. Usually, anything they can’t agree on ends up ignored forever more.18

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Have you figured it out yet?19

xXx_Baby_Blue_Eyes_xXx: Ya, we R goin to 5PM showing. B ready.20

Five P.M…. Which meant that we would need to leave in about an hour to make it on time. Which meant we had plenty of time.21

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Of course…22

Emily’s name now showed busy, which meant she was actually getting ready. I was about to log off when another message popped up.23

20_randell_10: Hey, Madeline. What’s up?24

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Not much, Randy…You?25

Randy was an okay guy to hang around. He got a little too serious about certain subjects, but he was a nice person.26

20_randell_10: I’m just sitting around. How has your day been?27

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Pretty cool. Me, Emily, and her bf are going to the movies tonight. We’re seeing “The Strangers”.28

20_randell_10: Awesome, that movie looks like it’s good!29

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Yeah. Hey, I’m sorry about you and your gf splitting up…30

20_randell_10: …..31

20_randell_10: Lol it’s fine. I guess I really can pick ‘em, can’t I?32

I hoped I hadn’t opened up opened recently closed wounds with my words. I suddenly felt bad for the guy.33

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: I’m sorry.34

20_randell_10: No, really, it’s alright, Madeline.35

20_randell_10: ….36

20_randell_10: I really like you, Maddy.37

I would have been mad at him referring to me using my pet name (thanks to Emily, haha), but I wasn’t going to be mean to him at the present. He had just lost his girlfriend of five years, and she had all ready slept with three other guys in the weeks since then. And just a few days ago, her parents reported her missing. He must have been taking it really hard…. Although it sounded like he might have been hitting on me, I didn’t want to encourage another advance of any kind. He was probably confused, just looking for something to replace what he had. I didn’t want to lead him on when he was so obviously still in emotional pain. I chose my next words carefully.38

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: You’re cool, too.39

20_randell_10: You and I both know I didn’t mean it that way.40

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Randy, you’re hurt. Give your self some time to recover, to start feeling happy again.41

20_randell_10: But you know I’ve been crushing on you since the eighth grade. I’m not just looking for a new Kaitlyn.42

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Please, not now. Just give it some time.43

20_randell_10: Alright…44

20_randell_10: I’m just so messed up right now. I mean, I have feelings for you, but I just broke up with Kaitlyn, and I don’t want to seem like I’m replacing her with you. And she has disappeared, on top of things. I hope she’s all right. It would be a shame if something has happened to her.45

Now Randy was starting to creep me out. I’d never seen him speak like that about anyone his entire life. It was disturbing in a sense. But in a way, it made sense…Sort of.46

Suddenly, a horn blared from outside my house. In my conversation, I had failed to realize how much time had actually passed.47

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Randy, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.48

20_randell_10: Okay….hey, can we talk later?49

X_Rainfall_Sorrow_X: Sure.50

20_randell_10: Cool. =D I will talk to you later, then.51

I signed off without saying bye. After all, I would be talking to him again later. Maybe I could help him sort out some of the stuff he was going through. I set the computer over on the cushion next to the one I was occupying. Now, all I had to do was walk out the door. I almost ran to the door, and when I got there, I reached into my pocket, ready to lock the door. But…no key. I looked back over to the car.52

“Just a second” I shouted, and Eddy waved an OK with his fingers. I ran back into the house, checking everywhere I would have put my key, but no dice. And, of course, that WAS my spare key. I would just have to improvise. I pulled the front door shut, locking it, and then went to the back door. I unlocked it, exiting the house, and pulling the door shut behind me. I sprinted along the side of the house, nearly tossing myself in the car once I had reached it. The car smelled of cigarettes, a habit Eddy had picked up after his mom died.53

“About time.” Emily said, in a mock-mean voice that was obviously not so, as she was smiling when she said it.54

“What’s up, Eddy?” I asked as we pulled out of the drive, the car now pointed towards the center of town.55

“Not much. I’m just ready to go see this movie.”56

I smiled slightly. Same old Edward, always right to the point. Well, that kind of attitude was good for some, and Eddy made it work well.57

“’Kay.” I replied.58

It didn’t take long to get to the theater. We got in, ordered our snacks, and went into the nearly-empty theater. The movie’s previews were playing. I must have been tired, though, because I could feel myself drowsing closer to a nap every second. I wanted to watch this movie, but… sleep… was far more appealing.59

*****60

“BOO!” Emily shouted. I leapt forward slightly, cracking my knees on the top of the seat in front of me. I quickly regained my composure, but not before letting her know how I felt.61

“That was a real asshole thing to do, Em!”62

“Well…” Eddy said, “you slept through the whole movie. Emily didn’t have the patience to wake you up politely, so go figure.”63

“Oh…” I replied, at a loss for words.64

“Well, like, come on.” Emily said, still kind of giggling. I got up, and it took only a few moments to make our way back to our driveway. Sleep had nearly overtaken me again in the car, but I managed to make it to the house. I climbed out of the seat, waving goodbye, and Eddy and Emily sped off. I slowly walked around the house, a shuffling zombie, and entered. I opened the washing machine, checking my pockets to make sure nothing was in them.65

“Oh, so that’s where my key went.”66

I stuffed the object into my pocket, and started the washer. I walked over to the living room, nearly falling over as I walked around the arm. I laid myself down, eyes nearly shut. Just before my mind drifted on to dreaming, my eyes widened a little.67

“Wait, wasn’t my laptop sitting on the couch when I left?”68

I was a little spooked, but I brushed it off as my own forgetfulness. After all, I often moved things and then failed to realize I had done so later. I flipped on the TV, when the first thing I saw was a weather warning. A balding man stood on the screen.69

“… a severe thunderstorm warning for…”70

His message was immediately cut off. The satellite signal wasn’t getting through anymore; the rain had started. I went and lit some candles, bringing them into the living room. As I walked with them back in hand, I paused for a second at the reflection in the mirror.71

My hair, a silky black, was neatly brushed behind my ears, letting the features of my face stand out. But, the only thing that actually stood out was my eyes. The soft green irises seemed insignificant surrounded by black rings, marking my lack of sleep. When, exactly, was the last time I had enough sleep? Before any thorough inspection of my person could be made, a loud bang erupted from just outside the house, and the lights first flickered then faded to blackness. Thank God I just got the candles. I carried them back to the living room, setting them on the coffee table. My cell phone showed I had just missed a call. I flipped it open, and it showed Randy’s cell number. Sorry, Randy, but I need my sleep. I’ll listen to your message later.72

I flipped the phone shut, the green LED on the outside display read eight forty-seven. Well, now was as good a time as any to catch up on sleep. I rested my head on my arms, letting myself drift into dreaming.73

*****74

I awoke, startled. Outside, the sky was on fire in vibrant bright blues, purples, and whites, enough light in the sky that everything was as viewable as in the daytime. I shifted position on the couch so that my head was resting in one of my palms, with the elbow of that arm pointed into the cushion. I flipped my phone open, and the screen said two thirty-nine. Figures that I'd get woken up from sleep by a storm...75

Regardless, I sat up, trying the TV remote. No go. At least the candles were still flickering with enchanting intensity. I stretched, then laid back down. It was when I was about to close my eyes to go to sleep that I realized what was amiss a moment ago. Someone was sitting in the chair across the room, far enough away that their figure was blurred by the shadows. I lept over the couch, my heart skipping a few beats then fluttering in an attempt to keep up with missed blood flow. My eyes were wide, and my chest was hammering as I spun to look at the figure sitting across the room.76

"Who the fuck're you?!" A little rude, but who the hell breaks into a sleeping teens house and watches them sleep?77

"Madeline, I tried to tell you earlier, but you weren't answering."78

The voice was calm, and so familiar. However, in my fright, I failed to recognize the owner of the voice for who they were.79

"I don't know what you're talking about! And just how the hell did you get in? I didn't hear you breaking in or anything!"80

"Madeline, I tried to get a hold of you after you left. You didn't answer, so I came open, and the back door was unlocked. I've been waiting here while you slept. I had hoped you wouldn't wake this early in the morning."81

While the guy spoke, I suddenly realized who it was. I leaned over the couch, squinting my eyes. I could just make out the outlines of his smooth features. It was Randy. I almost wanted to smack myself in the head for not realizing it sooner.82

"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked him, curiosity winning over the fear I still felt.83

"You aren't safe here. We have to go."84

I just gazed at him, dumbfounded. Not only did he have the gall to come into my house and sit around while I slept, but now he was telling me to get out of the house. I don't know who Randy thought he was, but I decided to give him a piece of my mind.85

"You're an idiot. There's no way I'm leaving in this storm. And besides, why should I trust you?"86

"Don't make me drag you out. I can save you, but I can only guarantee your physical well-being if you come willingly. Otherwise, you might end up injured."87

He was still talking calmly.88

Randy was crazy, though. I suddenly was feeling less and less safe even with this "friend". I wasn't sure what he was talking about, but I didn't like it one bit.89

"Randy, I want you to leave."90

"But-" he started.91

"No Buts! Get out of my house, or I'm calling the police."92

The candles flared up temporarily, and for that briefest of seconds I saw a flash of a smile playing on Randy's lips. All right, that is just fucking scary.93

"Well, you could try...but, I think you might have difficulties getting to the only phone in your house before I did."94

He sort of chuckled, motioning towards the phone. He made a good point, in any case. He was but a few quick strides from my coffee table, while I would have to clear the couch and still reach for the phone. Well, anything was worth a shot.95

I lept over the couch, but I missed and hit the floor instead. I reached up towards the coffee table, but all I got was a warm hand. Not what I wanted. That hand quickly pulled away, and was slid into a jacket pocket.96

"Now, are you ready to come peacefully?" he asked, curiously.97

"Fuck you!"98

Instead of giving him what he wanted, whatever he wanted, I spun on my back, kicking the coffee table into his knees. I heard Randy cry out in pain, but I didn't care. My only concern was getting out of the house. The front door was double locked, so my only option was the back door, just a little bit more distance to run. I sprinted towards the kitchen, but a flash of lightning caused me to lose my balance, and I felt a hand grip the back of my hair. I screamed, thrashing my arms in every direction, not seemingly able to find my target. He must have grown tired of this, however, because Randy lifted me by my head and slammed my forehead into the island counter. I felt my vision blur, but the blow hadn't quite been enough to knock me out. As he attempted to drag me by my shirt collar, I reached up, grabbing a rather large knife, and plunging it into the back of his thigh. He shouted obscenities and lost his grip on me as he dropped to his knee, reaching around to pull the blade out. I didn't waste time, quickly scrambling to my feet and running for the front door. I reached it, and was quick fumbling to undo the locks. However, before I could open the door enough to exit, Randy tackled me, shoulder first, into the door. A sharp pain erupted in my side as it jammed into the front door handle with great force. It didn't last long, however, as my shoulder was gripped and I felt myself heading earthward. Before I could push myself up to run, I felt a knee slam into my back, and the little breath I had managed to hold on to up to that point left me. I would have screamed, but it's kind of hard to when there isn't any oxygen in your lungs. Before I could react, I felt something stab into the side of my neck. I didn't know what it was, but after an instant of icy coldness, my neck was on fire. I felt a tugging at my shirt, but as my vision clouded and faded into darkness, I felt a sudden peace surrounding me. Hopefully I was dying; at least then I wouldn't have to experience whatever plans Randy had for me.99

*****100

I could smell wet grass. Normally that would have pleased me, but my eyes were being flooded with burning light, and something was dragging me by my shirt. Not something, actually, but someone. I let my head tip back, and saw Randy's back. He seemed not to have noticed my coming conscious, and I took advantage of his lack of vigilance to survey my surroundings. We were in a field, in God knows where. The field was surrounded by trees, so I guess it's pretty out of the way. I looked around a little, and saw a large brick building, partly buried in the ground. I had had enough of Randy. I lifted myself around, biting his hand. He yelped, letting go immediately. I didn't even have enough time to get up. He stepped around me, and kicked my square in the chest. My breath was once again extinguished, and I was once again being dragged. We reached the building in less than a minute.101

Bodies. That's all I could see. As Randy drug me through the building, I saw what appeared to be mannequins, as well as bodies. As we neared the back of the room, I saw a table. Kaitlyn's body rested on it, an open cavity revealed where organs should have been. It was one of the most disturbing things I can ever remember seeing, and my heart began fluttering wildly, uncontrollably, and I wished as much as possible that this was a dream. However, we passed the table, and Randy brought me into an adjacent room.102

I looked up at Randy, pleadingly.103

"Don't do this. You can just let me go."104

"No...I can't. You can't leave now." He looked away, distracted. I saw chains with hooks dangling on the ends of them hanging from the walls and ceilling.105

"This is gonna hurt. But, I must do this to make sure you don't run."106

He took my arm in his left hand, and grabbed a chain with the other.107

"Don't..." my voice almost too quiet to be heard. It didn't matter, though. The metal tip plunged through my wrist, coming out the top, above the back of my hand. I screamed out, agony overtaking me. I writhed and kicked and clawed at the chain with my free hand. Randy took my other arm, and repeated the procedure. My pain was absolutely unbearable. I was ready to bleed out now and leave this world. But, apparently, that wouldn't happen. I cried out, and the first of my tears hit the ground. In a rogue second-long thought, I imagined the dust of the floor swirling up into the teardrop, clouding it. However, the pain overcame this thought, and spots appeared in my vision. Randy walked to the door, looking back at me.108

"Nobody can find you. I can't let it happen."109

I just looked at him pleadingly, eyes red and face wet and dirty.110

"Why?" I asked, chocked up.111

"I love you." Short and simple.112

I cried out again, but my tears were met with darkness.