The Alley

I stood with my back to the cold, brick wall. It was pitch black in the dirty alley. The thick clouds were covering up the moon's light glow. I could see nothing but the dark outlines of trash cans and smell nothing but what was in them. They were placed next to the tall looming walls of the supposedly empty apartment complexes that made it up. I could hear nothing but paper fluttering weakly in the wind and the whooshing sound of the occasional passing car. Yet I knew someone, or something, was there with me.

"H-H-Hello?" I asked, trying to sound brave.

No reply. I exhaled deeply trying to calm myself down. Or at least enough to think properly.

I had rushed into this alley because I thought I was being followed and I wanted to get away from whoever was following me. But I think they just followed me into the alley. Argh! I thought to myself. Why did I go into a dead end alley? How much stupider could I get?

"I know you're there." I said, raising my voice just a bit.

Still no reply.

Maybe no one is here after all. I thought to myself, feeling relief wash over me in a huge wave.

Still, I was spooked, so I decided to get the heck out of the alley while I could. I turned to leave the dead end of the alley but something moved to block me. A human shaped shadowy form stood in my path to freedom. I inhaled sharply, making a small gasp-like sound. The figure was wearing a hood which, I assume, was to hide his/her face. The only visible part of the person or creature was their mouth and chin, which were the only things not covered by the black hood.

"E-Excuse me," I stuttered trying to sound like an adult. "I need to go."

All I could tell about the figure was that its mouth was dipped down at the corners, making a strange frown. The mouth started to move.

"I do not think that is wise." Said the figure, in the most charming, appealing, and smooth voice I'd ever heard. I felt my heartbeat quicken. A smile spread across the figure's face. Not the scary type, the friendly type, which made it all the scarier. I felt my self shudder.

I couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman (or even a human) who was under the black cloak.

"Do not be frightened young one." The sweet voice slid off the figure's tongue and wrapped around me, blocking out all other noises or sensations. "Come here. Come to me." it said, softly, yet commanding. I was under its spell. I couldn't think or process information. Unconsciously, I took two slow steps forward but then I stopped. I snapped out of the dream-like trance.

What? Why am I obeying what this... this creature tells me to do? I thought. I took four steps backwards and, in a raised, defiant voice, stated a firm "No" at the figure. The smile on its face fell into a straight line.

"Carley" It cooed, rolling the "r" in my name making it sound strange and foreign. Wait, my name? How did it know my name?

I took another few steps away from the stranger and I backed into the dead end wall of the alley.

"Crap!" I cussed under my breath. The smile crept back onto the figure's face.

Oh–no. If it's smiling I'm doomed, I thought to myself wondering about how the figure would kill me. I frantically glanced around for any way of escape but was frightened to find none. I turned back to the figure.

"W-What do you want from me?" I asked it. "I don't have any money or jewelry."

"My dear," it laughed in that silky voice. "I do not want anything from you. I am here for you."

"Oh God," I whimpered, falling to my knees. I felt faint and slightly dizzy. I hung my head down and stared at the ground, watching my tears splatter on the cement. I heard steps coming towards me but I didn't care. After two more ka-tap-ka-taps, the tips of the two black boots were under my face.

This is it. I'm done. I thought, tears now falling much more rapidly.

But instead of feeling the cold metal of a knife stabbed into in my back or hearing the click of a gun trigger, all that happened was a beautiful perfectly crafted pale hand came into my view and cradled my chin. Another hand gently held my upper arm in a firm grasp and lifted me up to a standing position. Now that the moon was shining through the space between the clouds, I could see much better. I looked up at the figure and gasped.

The hood had been removed and in its place was an angel's face that seemed to radiate beauty. I could see the wavy blond hair that hung like bangs, framing his face. His beautiful lips that were not one bit chapped seemed to shine in the dark. And his eyes. Oh, his eyes were the most gorgeous, baby cute, deep blue eyes that made me feel like melted chocolate inside. There were freckles scattered over his petite nose. I was shocked by his beauty and even more shocked at how old he seemed. He seemed about 16 or 17. My age. Everything about him was perfect. From the way his hair blew in the soft wind to his jaw bone structure. It was as if he were an angel.

I was still staring at him with my mouth open when he glanced around and cooed, "We must be leaving now, my dear."

I absent-mindedly nodded my head, still in a daze from his unexpected beauty. I felt a twinge of pain on my shoulder and then all went black and fell silent.