Dead End

          
01:03 AM          
Leaving Amber's party feeling exhausted and annoyed.        
It was dreadful and I luckily managed to do a runner.        
           
Over an hour earlier, we had just welcomed in the New Year.        
I had no intention to go anywhere, but Amber insisted that I attend.        
It was supposed to be a small gathering at her place, but that ended up being the opposite.        
It was congested! Like a trendy club down in West End on a Friday night.          
I fumbled for my mask in the pocket of my blue skinny jeans.        
In honesty, I wouldn't have come if I had known so many people would be present.        
Unfortunately, it was too late now.          
And I know that Amber only invited me due to a certain somebody being here.          
         
         
James was an attractive guy. Sturdily built, tall and, a chiseled face, but he was a pompous prick.        
Although rumor got around that he had a thing for me, I didn't quite feel the same.        
James called over to me and as I turned around to say hello - he stood amused to see half of my face covered by a thick black surgical mask.        
Now to think of it, everyone was gawking at me. (The only person wearing a mask).      
They shouldn't be wondering why I was doing the most sensible thing and take a look at themselves.        
I found Amber in the kitchen pouring herself a drink, and told her that I was getting ready to leave.        
My place wasn't too far from hers and I could walk there within 15-20 minutes.        
         
"Ohh please stay a bit longer, pretty please" she exclaimed.            
"Sorry Amber, you wanted me to celebrate the New Year and it's the new year now. I'm tired, so I'll text you once I get in. Love ya bye."            
I rushed to the front door.          
"Okay, see you. Get home safely okay, bye. Oh shit wait! You left your phone charging. Hey come back!"          
           
01:10 AM          
Outside was frosty and I thought I felt a trickle of rain.        
Was starting to regret going out in this gorgeous, but extremely thin jacket.        
I removed my mask and put it straight into my jean pocket where my phone should've been.        
Great! My phone's missing.        
I most probably left it at Amber's, I can just collect it tomorrow.        
Anyhow, the fresh air should do me good, and the streets were somewhat vacant.        
It was a lovely walk and the silence was pleasant.        
         
01:12 AM          
I wasn't too far from home now, just a little more walking and soon it will just be my bed and I.        
I could picture it, taking of these clothes and wrapping my self in my duvet.        
Must hurry and get home. I considered to walk across the bridge, it's not the shortest bridge, but it's great for a shortcut.        
From the distance, I couldn't see much, but the closer I got, I noticed movement.          
I couldn't see much, just a figure or two. I felt uncertain to walk that route as there's a gang of young boys who hang around there and tend to cause trouble.        
Could it be them?          
I decided to keep walking on the main road.          
         
01:15 AM          
I'm almost home now, but something is different. The streets aren't quiet as they once were.        
I hear movement, but can't determine where it's coming from.        
I think its from behind me. I swiftly turn my head around. I can see a figure, around 4 metres away. I can't see his face too well though.        
I casually quicken my pace, but wonder why anyone would be interested in following me.        
Maybe he hasn't noticed me. Perhaps he is just walking in the same direction.        
This could all be a coincidence, I shrug it off and continue pacing, almost there...          
         
01:19 AM          
Five minutes away and my bed awaits me.        
I wonder what Amber is doing right now, probably still having a blast.        
She's absolutely insane for allowing all those people into her apartment.        
We'll catch up tomorrow and I'll ask how it went.        
Hopefully James didn't start any trouble, I always wondered why Amber was friends with him.        
Amber is kindhearted and can sometimes be too trusting, but she always looks out for others.    
James is just James. Maybe Amber sees the good in him that others don't see.          
           
01:21 AM          
My legs are starting to ache, but I can see my block in the distance.        
Almost there.        
A gust of wind passes, and my hair starts to blow uncontrollably.        
I flick it away from my eyes, but something isn't right.        
An inkling to turn around. I steadily turn my head, and it dawned on me.        
He has moved. He has gotten closer, substantially closer.        
I can see his face now! I recognize the clothes. It's the man from before.          
           
I heard nothing, this whole time he's been right behind me and I heard nothing, he.. he was monitoring his steps.          
He was following me!          
           
RUN!          
           
01:25 AM          
I can't go home. He'll know where I live.          
My block is straight ahead.          
Instead, I turn left onto a different road.
I hoped that someone would be out, someone who can help.
It is new years after all.
But no one is here, I am on my own.
Think! Think!          
My heart is thumping and my body shivers. I feels sick.
He is still trailing me.        
Is he picking up his pace?          
I could expel all of the contents in my stomach right now!          
           
01:28 AM          
I just need to find somewhere to hide.  
If I can do that successfully. He'll pass by me, then I can run in the other direction and get help.          
I think I can do this. I have to pull this off!          
         
01:29 AM          
He is picking up his pace now.        
I must move faster, I must move now!          
Up ahead, I see a small opening.        
Maybe it's side street. I'm not sure.        
I may be able to hide there, but I must be quick.        
He mustn't see me go there!          
           
01:30          
I run with all I've got. Sprinting forward, then turning right onto what I thought was a side street.    
But it's not really a side street.        
           



It's a blind alley,        
           
 
A dead end.