Mystery Between Friends (part 2)

David had gone to get some movies, while I waited for the pizza in the oven to be done cooking. I was sitting on the couch with my psychology book flipping through the pages. Even though it was over, and everything worked out I still felt bad for breaking Dan's nose, especially after he saved David and I.1

Lost in my thoughts I didn't see David walk in, until he shook me.2

"Marie? You okay, didn't you hear the timer go off?" I jumped. "oh the pizza!" he laughed, and shook his head. "the pizza isn't burned, Marie are you okay? You seem more distant ever since what happened with your old boss." I glared at him, getting up from the couch, and went to my room shutting the door.3

Laying on my bed thinking about what happened just a few months ago. I started to cry, just then David knocked. whipping my eyes I muttered. "yeah?" he called through my door. "Marie, may I come in?" "sure." I answered. He walked in with a plate of pizza, taking one look at me he set the plate on the night stand and took a seat in the chair next to my bed. "Marie, are you okay?" I shook my head.4

"No, how can I be? It was my fault you got hurt. My fault you could have been killed... I'm the only reason you got shot, the only reason you got a scar on your shoulder, protecting me. How can I be okay?" I said, crying again.5

David pulled me into a hug. "Marie, it's okay, I'm fine, the scar on my shoulder I got saving you. My best friend. You mean a lot to me, Marie. the scar is just a small symbol of how much..." I looked at him for a moment, then the phone rang. I went to answer it.6

"Hello?" I said. "Marie, how's it going?" The voice on the other end asked. "Hey Dan, it's going alright, I guess. how are you?" sadness still lingering in my voice. "Something wrong?" He asked. "No, everything is fine. what's up?" I answered."okay, not much what's up with you? he said.7

We talked for a while more, and I invited him over to watch movies with David and I, knowing David didn't mind.8

When Dan arrived David had the movie set up. I went and got some sodas, and David pushed play.9

In the middle of watching the movie the phone rang. David was sitting next to it answered. "Hello?" a minute later he handed it to me. "yeah?" I paused. "okay I am on my way, cya, bye." I said and hung up the phone.  I went to my bedroom to get changed and came back out moments later in my work clothes.10

Walking into the living room while putting on my coat, "sorry guys they called me in to work, and we need the money so I gotta go." I sighed. "Want a ride?" Dan questioned. I shook my head. "I'll be fine" I said walking out the door.11

Walking down the dark sidewalk I thought about the promotion I had almost gotten, before my ex-psychopathic boss tried to kill me.they decided not to promote me, in fact I had to fight to keep the job. they thought that if people found out one of the employees tried to kill another, it would be bad for business, I convinced them wrong.12

When I got to work, I looked up at the flashing florescent lights. Still the same old dump. Hmm... when I got the call they said that they were slammed with costumers. but it didn't even take me 15 minutes to get here, and it looks dead. oh well might as well go get soda while I am here and see if they need me to stay. I thought, walking inside. 13

"Hey Marie! what are you doing here?" Sean asked. I waved to him. "Hey Sean, I got a call saying you were busy and needed some help, I think it was Sam that called."  Sean shook his head. "Sorry you had to come down here Marie, but we been dead all night. Sam is in the back if you want to go talk to him about what is going on." I nodded. "Thanks Sean, cya later then." I called over my shoulder walking away.14

why that jerk, he calls me up and tells me that they are slammed and they need me to come in to help. it's my only Friday I have had off in three weeks! I would quit but we really need the money. I'll get even some way. I thought to myself. I didn't even bother knocking on the office door I just walked in.15

"SAM, WE NEED TO TALK, HOW DARE YOU CALL ME IN ON THE ONLY FRIDAY I HAVE HAD OFF IN THREE WEEKS TELLING ME YOU NEED HELP WHEN I GOT HERE I FOUND OUT THAT THE STORES BEEN DEAD ALL NIGHT, I DEMAND TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON!!!!!" I shouted. He looked up from his desk.16

"Marie, take a seat, I am glad you are here." Sam the manager of the store said calmly. I glared at him. "No thanks, I'd rather stand all the same to you." I sneered. "Marie, I called you in because the district and I met today, we had a meeting about your job here..." He paused, I didn't wait for him to finish, before I blurted out. "OH so I am being fired, is that it? you called me up, to have me come all the way down here to fire me..." He cut me off. Marie, You aren't being fired, I called you here to talk with you and to make you an offer... hear me out." His voice keeping the same calmness as it was when I stormed in. I nodded. "Take a seat, please."  17

I sat down in the chair across from him. "Marie, are you happy being employed here as a cashier?" He asked. I chuckled, "not really. but it gets the bills paid." He smiled a little. "Marie, I would offer you the promotion that was taken from you, as a supervisor but, I think Assistant management fits you better." I smiled. but then stopped. "what's the catch?" I asked. He laughed. "No catch, all I ask is no hiring people, no over time, and you start at your normal time and work till close. You will make double of what you are making right now. Will any of this be a problem for you?" He asked. "No sir, thank you, I gratefully accept." He smiled, shook my hand and told me to tell Sean to go home we are closing early. I start Monday night. and there will be an announcement.18

I helped lock up and then walked home again, just as it started to snow. If it wasn't for the fact that I was overjoyed about the promotion I would have noticed the weather and how cold it was.19

I walked inside, David said that Dan went home he had work in the morning. "David, Sam called me into work to talk about my job, I am being promoted to assistant manager I start Monday night." I told him, I watched the look on his face and he hugged me. "Marie, That's wonderful news, I am so proud of you, you really deserve it." he said, I walked over to the couch and flopped down. "So do you want to finish the movie?" I asked looking at him.  He smiled and pressed play, taking a seat next to me on the couch.20

By the time the movie was done, I had fallen asleep with my head resting on David's shoulder. he looked at me and smiled. Pulling the blanket that draped over the back of the couch he covered us up and went to sleep.21

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^22

when I woke up the next morning there was a message on my cell. I had to go into work as soon as I got the message. 23

Slowly I moved David's arm from around me and slid off the couch careful not to wake him. I took a shower and grabbed my stuff for work in case they needed me to come in to work, unlike the last time they called.24

Before I left I smacked David with a pillow, and laughed a little standing next to the couch with my bag.25

"David, I have to go into work, I got a message on my cell. call me if you need anything." I said.26

He looked at me funny, "Marie you woke me up for that?" he said laughing.27

I looked back at him pulling my had over my ears."yeah well, I couldn't let you sleep all day, now could I?"28

"yeah you could have"he yawned.29

I walked out the door and down the sidewalk. The weather was bitter cold and the wind blew strong. I walked quickly, the wind stinging my face.30

When I got to the store there were cops in the parking lot with their lights flashing. I sprinted towards the store.31

Running inside I looked around. I spotted Sam talking to the cops.32

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^33

I quietly walked up to them, trying to hear what was going on.34

Sam looked at me."Marie, I am sorry to have to call you in on your day off. But the police need to talk to you about last night. the store was broken into." His voice shook as he spoke.35

I glanced around and asked. "Was anyone hurt?" 36

He shook his head, I sighed in relief just as the police officer came back to talk to me. I told him everything that had happened and where I had been the rest of the night. And then I sent home again.37

As I walked down the sidewalk the wind blew hard. the sidewalk was glazed over with ice, I slipped and fell. Carefully getting back up I cautiously walked the rest of the way home. 38

Pounding on the door because I had forgotten my keys I waited for David to come let me in. There was no answer. So I sat and waited, after trying to page him on his cell a few times.39

Half an hour later David came walking up the sidewalk, seeing me sitting on the porch he greeted me and helped me up as I tried not to flinch.40

After unlocking the door we went in. As walked past he patted me on the back "I thought you had to work, so what are you doing home?" He asked. I flinched again, this time he noticed.41

"Are you okay Marie?" he added in. I nodded and explained that I had to go talk to the cops and then on the way home that I had fallen on the ice.42

David and I talked some more for a while. Then I called Dan to see if he had heard any news on the break in at the store. Dan and I talked for quite some time about whom might have been if we knew anyone.  43

After a while we agreed to meet at the cafe down the block for lunch to talk some more. I asked David if he wanted to join us but he said he had to go to the library for some more psychology books.44

David walked me down to the cafe so that I wouldn't slip on the ice again. Then he left to go to the library.45

When I walked in the door the cafe was half empty. Dan was already there waiting. He sat in the last booth at the end next to the wall. I walked over and joined him. 46

"Hey Dan! How are ya?" I asked taking a seat across from him.47

He smiled and replied. "Marie, I am fine, did you hear any news from Sam yet?"48

I shook my head sadly. "No I haven't, other than what I told you on the phone there wasn't any news. It's a good thing no one was around to get hurt, however, I do wish the cops catch who ever did it soon."49

Dan chuckled and looked at me in surprise."You trust the cops? The last time I checked you still didn't trust them!"50

I glared at him and he stopped laughing. "I barely trust anyone you know that! You, David and Sam are the only ones I really trust. especially after..." My voice trailed off as I stared out the window sadly.51

"Marie... I am sorry. I didn't mean to...." Dan said feeling guilty.52

I shook my head again. "It's alright."53

Just then the Waitress came over. "Hi my name is Ann, I'll be your waitress for this afternoon. Are you ready to order?"54

I looked down at my menu  saying. "I'll take a slice of apple pie and a cup of french vanilla coffee."55

She wrote it down on her note pad and then turned to Dan. "And you Sir?"56

"French vanilla coffee, and cherry pie." He replied.57

Scribbling on her note pad. "anything else?" She asked.58

"yes, three banana muffins to go" I said, smiling at Dan.59

The waitress hurried away. 60

"why tree muffins?" Dan asked.61

Smiling again. "one for you, one for David, and myself." 62

He nodded.63

We sat quiet for a little while and the waitress came over with our coffee, setting it in front of us. Then hurried away again.64

I sipped from my coffee staring out the window again. Dan noticed the sad look in my eyes.65

"Marie, are you okay?" he asked cornered.66

"Huh... Oh yeah I am fine...Nothing to worry about." I said softly.67

The waitress returned with our pie, and a bag with our muffins. Setting it in front of us she asked. "Can I get you anything else?"68

Dan looked at me, I shook my head.69

"No that is all, thanks." He said.70

After we were done eating we paid for the food and started walking towards the door. Just as I heard a voice behind me.71

"Well If it isn't Marie!"72

I turned around to see who it was. There before me stood Adam. A guy I hadn't seen since high school. We were stuck working together on a science project once. David and him got in a fight once, because Adam thought because I was his partner I wanted to go out with him. He just wouldn't leave me alone. When I told him to drop dead and leave me alone, he pushed me into a locker swearing at me. That's when David punched him.73

"Hey Adam, long time no see." I said trying to be nice.74

A sly grin grew on his face. "Yeah no kidding. How are you? Are ya still hanging around that loser.... David?" He asked.75

I grew tense and tried to restrain myself from hitting him. I came close to until Dan interrupted.76

"Marie, everything okay?" He asked putting his hand on my shoulder.77

I nodded. "Dan, this is Adam... Adam this is my friend Dan. And Yes I am still hanging round David..." I said through my teeth.78

Adam started laughing. I turned around again to leave.79

"Lets get out of here Dan. We don't want to be caught hanging around with him. He hasn't changed one bit since high school." I said and began to push the cafe door open.80

Adam snickered behind me. "Marie, you haven't changed either, always running away from people."81

I gripped the door handle tightly replying through my teeth. "Shut up."82

Dan intervened. "Marie. lets go.  don't let him irritate you your better than that!"83

Adam shoved Dan from behind. "You think you and her are too good for me?  you think she's better than I?"84

Dan turned around and shoved back. "Back off!" He shouted.85

Suddenly the cafe became quiet. It was a stare down between Dan, and Adam.86

"It's just like you Marie! Letting others fight your battles for you!" He snarled looking past Dan for a moment. 87

"Dan lets just go.  he's not worth the time." I said pushing the door open again.88

Dan stepped out first. I stood in the doorway for a moment.89

"Adam, be careful what you say.  one of theses days you'll get hurt for it." I said and then walked out.90

The door shut behind me. Seconds later it blew open fast. Adam came running after me.91

"Marie! Is that a threat!?" He shouted grabbing my wrist.92

I turned and faced him. "Take it however you want! Now let go!"93

He tightened his grip glaring at me. Dan turned around and saw what was going on. He started to come towards us quickly, but stopped.94

"ADAM LET HER GO!" A voice shouted.95

Adam's grip became even tighter, as he recognized the voice. "Well if it isn't David! Are you coming to her rescue again just like you did in high school?" He sneered never taking his eyes off of me.96

I tired to punch Adam with my other fist but he caught it and it held tightly. David stepped away from his car and started coming towards Adam and me.97

"ADAM LET HER GO DAMN IT!" David shouted.98

Feet away from were Adam and I were standing David stopped. Adam looked over at David, then back at me.99

"Fine!" he said shoving me backwards, I tripped and fell.100

David helped me up as Adam walked away. After helping me he ran after Adam.  David quickly caught up and stopped in front of him.  stepping close so that him and Adam were just inches apart.101

"If you EVER touch Marie again or even go near her I'll beat the crap out of you." David growled.102

Adam shoved past David ignoring his warning, and kept walking.103

David walked back to Dan and me. He looked at me and asked. "Are you okay Marie?"104

I nodded and thanked him. Then headed back home. Dan followed us.105

Sitting on the couch we talked about what happened at the cafe. I looked down at my wrists.  they were bruised.106

While David and Dan talked I quietly got up and slipped away into my room, shutting the door behind me.  I watched the sunset in the horizon.107

^^^^^^^^^^^^^108

A week passed by, we didn't see Adam since the incident at the cafe. We also didn't hear anything about whom robbed the store.109

I went into work that evening and talked with Sam. He said the cops were getting close to finding out who broke into the store.110

I clocked in and started stocking the shelves because we were short on help. The night dragged on for hours. I was half way through my shift when I heard a low cackle from behind. I spun around. Then turned away quickly and started to walk away.111

"What's the matter Marie, aren't you happy to see me?" Adam asked.112

I stopping I shut my eyes tight. "Adam go home." I said.113

"Now why would I do that? I came here to get milk." He said chuckling.114

"Then get your milk and GET OUT!" I said knowing he was just there to annoy me.115

Sam came walking up. "Is there a problem?" He asked.116

"No sir." Adam replied in a sly voice. and turned to leave.117

After my shift was over I punched out and started to walk home it was late and cold.118

After walking a few blocks I felt someone following me. I turned around and came face to face with Adam.  He grabbed my arms tightly. I kneed him in the stomach hard, he let go and I ran.119

Soon he was right behind me. I tripped and fell him standing there looking at me with anger and hatred in his eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket knife. I tripped him. When he fell he caught my arm with his knife and cut it. I quickly stumbled to get to my feet. Half crawling half running I got up and ran down the block. 120

Dan drove bye and stopped seeing that I needed help. He stopped the car opened the passenger door and hollered to me. "Marie! GET IN" I quickly climbed in and slammed the door locking it. As he sped away.121

I put my seat belt on and didn't look at him I just kept looking down holding my arm. "Marie, are you alright?" he said looking in his rear-view-mirror. 122

I nodded, forcing tears back. "Thanks, your a real life saver." I said. He pulled into the back of my apartment stopped the car and got out. He came around to the passenger side as I slowly unlocked the door. He walked me inside to make sure that Adam wasn't near by.123

David looked up from his textbook as we walked through the door. I kept my eyes on the floor and kept walking to the bathroom. Dan told him about Adam chasing me, While I cleaned my wound.124

David came in and finished wrapping my arm up. "Are you sure your okay?" He asked.125

"Yes, I am.....NO! I AM NOT" I shouted bursting into tears.126

David pulled me into a hug, then walked me to my room. He sat in the chair next to my bed as I laid down. After a while I seemed to have calmed down and fallen asleep. 127

David got up and walked out shutting my door behind me. He talked to Dan about what he saw and asked him to come file a police report in the morning.128

Early the next morning I woke up. I looked out side, the sun wasn't even up yet. I went into the empty living room turning on the TV with the volume on low, and waited for David to wake up. I fell back asleep and when I woke David was sitting on the floor watching TV.129

"Dan is going to take you to file a police report today, I would come but I cant get out of going to work.." He said.130

I moved to the floor next to him. "Its okay. I'll be okay." I said.131

"Marie, I don't want to lose you... You're my best friend, and I..." He stopped in mid-sentence.132

I looked at him. "David you what?" I asked.133

"Marie...I love you. I have for a long time." He said quickly.134

I looked at him wide-eyed. "David..." I my voice trailing off quietly.135

He looked away.136

"Hey David?" I said quietly.137

David looked at me. I kissed his cheek, and whispered. "I love you too." Then I got up to go change clothes leaving him shocked.138

Dan took me to the police station and filed a report with me. Then we went to lunch. Adam came storming in. I hid in the corner of the booth. 139

"Man he keeps finding me!" I whispered.140

Dan didn't move until Adam came over to the table.  Dan got in the way and told him he better leave. I quickly ran out of the diner and down the street in panic. I turned around and he was following me again, this time Dan chasing after him. David was on a break and decided to come see if i was okay.  He came walking up and i bumped into him, he caught my fall.141

Police came racing down the street seeing what was going on as David punched Adam as soon as Adam was close enough.  Adam fell to the ground and the police hand-cuffed him. David and I stood there hugging for a moment and then I hugged Dan saying thanks for helping me. Tears started to stream down my face, and David came and wrapped his arms around me. Gently placing my head on his chest crying. 142

"It is over for the second time, someone has tried to kill me and I managed to make it out alive." I whispered.143

David lifted my chin and brushed my tears away. "As long as I am around, I promise to do my best to protect you." He whispered back, brushing his lips softly against mine.144

"AWWW, How Sweet." Dan teased, but we just ignored him.145

After everything that has happened to me, I have not yet given up. I found strength in my friends, and the people who care about me.146

We decided to go home and watch movies the rest of the day, after David explained to his boss what had happened, David said he wouldn't be returning to work the rest of the day.147

Sitting there watching movies and just hanging around each other seemed to help ease the stress and tension in me. David sat next to me as I rested my head on his shoulder watching the movie. But I couldn't stop thinking how twice I almost died, and both times I luckily made it out alive....148

^^^^^^^^^149

That night I called my parents and explained everything. They wanted me to move back home, but I refused. I can understand their concern after all this is the second time someones tried to kill me, for reasons I don't know. But my friends, Dan and Sam were there for me. Along with my long time friend, and new love, David.150

I Just hope that no one else wants to kill me, or the people close to me. But life is a mystery all in itself. Just as love is.151

Sam got more security for the store. And I was more careful about who I talked with and stuff. David, Dan, and I continued to attend college, and we were all happy.152

For a while that is...153