Seeing White
Chapter Two

Poppy woke up the next morning to a delicious aroma throughout the house. She got to her feet and followed her nose to the kitchen to find a plate of biscuits and gravy on the table, with a piece of paper next to it. She sat down and opened the letter.

Pops! I had to go out early today because of work. I may not be home till late tonight, so we have to re-schedule our movie night. Have fun and be safe today.
Love, dad.

Poppy smiled and put the letter down. She stuffed her mouth, then put the plate in the sink. She combed her short hair and head out the door back to the book store. On her way she passed the ally that she was trapped in the day before, then rescued by a complete stranger who later became her friend. Poppy scurried fast past the darkened way and opened the door to the shop.

"Hey, Penelope!" A pair of warm friendly eyes met her.

"Hi Oliver!" When she stepped closer she noticed a purple ring circling around his left eye. "What happened? Are you alright?"

Oliver looked on in confusion until his hands followed her gaze and he touched a sore spot on his cheek. "Oh this. Uh, this happened yesterday when I fought that junkie off you."

Poppy held his cheek in her hand, "I don't remember seeing this yesterday."

"Well thank goodness this is all he did to either of us." She showed a sympathetic smile. Oliver caught himself smiling too. "Anyway, are you ready to start your new job?"

"What job? I haven't even given in my application yet."

Oliver pulled out an apron and started to tie it behind her. "I talked to the boss about you. He already loves you and said he wanted you to work immediately."

Poppy turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "Thank you, Oliver."

The day went on with at least ten customers every forty-five minutes. The two entertain themselves by having starring contests, arm wrestling, darts and just about anything to pass the time. When Poppy's shift was over, she hung up her apron and turned to leave when Oliver stopped her.

"So, one of my friends is having a party tonight, and I was wondering if you would like to come with me?"

Poppy smiled, "I would love to." She waved him goodbye and shut the door behind her.

Oliver's friend entered and took his place behind the counter. "Why do you seem so happy?"

Oliver let out a little laugh and smiled as he leaned back in his chair. "No reason."

Later that night, Poppy was putting on her makeup, curling her short blonde hair, and deciding on what to wear. She finally made up her mind on a blue satin dress.

She picked up her phone when it began to ring. "Hello?"

"Hey, Penelope. It's Oliver."

A smile snuck on her face, "Hi! Are we still going to the party tonight?"

Oliver started coughing, and had to turn away from his phone. "No, I'm sorry. I... must have come down with something. You can still walk over, though."

"Alright. I hope you feel better, Oliver." She hung up, disappointed, and put her phone in her bag. She tip toed down stairs to the front door.

"Why do you look so nice?" Her farther asked, leaning in the door way with his arms crossed. "Going out somewhere?"

"To a party. It's just down the street."

He shook his head and closed the door. "No, I don't want you going alone. It's too dangerous."

"But, dad!"

"And it's too late." He gently pushed her back up the stairs and into her room. "It's time for bed."

Poppy stuck out her bottom lip. "It's only ten. And I'm eighteen, dad."

Her father copied the look on her face and said, "As long as you are living under my roof, you obey my rules." He gave her a smile, kissed her on the cheek, and closed her door. "Good night, love!" He called as he walked down the stairs.

Poppy looked around the room, that is supposed to belong to her, and saw only a mattress in the corner to sleep on. Her eyes scanned the walls and she saw an old window. She walked over to it, lifted up the screen, and stuck her head and arms and through. Grabbing a sturdy branch from the tree next to her room, Poppy hoisted herself out of the house. She hung they're for a moment, before letting herself fall gently down.

Poppy ran across the street, and down the sidewalk until she couldn't see even the tip of her home. "Catch ya later, old man." She skipped down the street, a little let down by Oliver bailing on her by saying he was sick when she saw him that morning in perfect health. Would he lie to her? She had only just met him, yet he has saved her life, protected her, and given her a job. She shook the idea out of her mind and lifted her head high.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up tall and sent a cold shiver down her spine, freezing her in place. Someone was watching her, and she knew it. Poppy looked behind her, but found nothing. She took in a deep breath and continued to walk again. She took one step, then another burst of chill shot through her. A loud explosion like noise shot through the air, and brought Poppy to her knees.

She covered her head with her hands and screamed when she heard another eruption near her. The adrenaline ran into her veins, making her bounce to her feet and dashing back towards her home. Poppy could hear footsteps somewhere near her, then another gun shot, right next to her ear.

The footsteps came closer, then suddenly, oof! she whacked into something, something hard. Her vision becoming cloudy and dull, and she staggered back a bit. She hit the floor with a loud thud and making her mind shake from the impact. Poppy closed her eyes. The last things she heard were more footsteps, then another gun shot explosion coming from somewhere next to her.