Chapter Eight

It's getting late and I have no idea where I am. I've been walking around trying to find something familiar but everything looks the same.

Smart move, Audrey. I bitterly tell myself.
I've been walking on this deserted road for ten minutes. Was anyone going to come down this street?

Someone has to come eventually, right?
I'm heading back to the concert or I thought I was. I stop. I'm completely lost.

If it wasn't for the flickering streetlight I wouldn't have noticed him. I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in right now.

I walk up to him, meaning to ask him how do I get back to Stone Rock but I freeze when I see what he has in his gloved hand.
Blood is dripping down the sharp blade.

There's a body laying on the ground in front of him and it isn't moving.

Now I know why cars haven't been down this road. I'm by myself. Or I thought I was until Hayes emerge from the shadows.

His grey eyes flickers to me, examining me.
The unknown guy doesn't know Hayes is here. He's too busy looking at me. He slowly rise from the ground.

"You picked the wrong time to be walking around, Sweetie." He tells me. "Now I'm gonna have to do something about it."

He steps over the motionless body and walks over to me.

I take a step back, keeping my eyes on him.

"Don't bother running." He warns me. "Or screaming there's no one around."

That's what you think."I'm not going to run." I say.

He smiles. "Good." He holds me. "Now be a good little girl and try not to move. I'll make it quick." He promises. "A girl like you doesn't deserve to feel pain."

I know I should be scared but I'm not. Maybe it has something to do with Hayes being here. Knowing that I'm not alone makes it somehow better.

He wipes the bloody knife on my shirt before caressing it on my face.

I don't pull away. I stay still, like he asked.

"It'll be over before you know it." He says, turning my head. "Don't watch."

What kind of person is he? Does he do this for every person he kills or just for me?

He chuckles. "I don't want to do this but I have to. I see the fear in you eyes and I'll make this one expection. I'll make it painless. Quick and easy."

Before he can go through with his plan, he's ripped away from me. I feel the tip of the blade graze my cheek.

The guy eyes Hayes, wondering when he arrive but it's replace by rage.

He gets into his fighting stance, blade ready for the kill. Hayes is calm.

"Audrey" Hayes says, not taking his eyes off the unknown guy."Turn around, run down the street, and don't stop."

I'm taken back. "What? I'm not just going to leave you."

"You're not doing much help standing right there, either." He informs me, clenching his jaw.

I have no doubt that Hayes can't handle himself. But I can't just leave him. I need to know if he will be okay. I couldn't live with myself if he got hurt because of me.

"Have some faith, Boo" Hayes says. "I'll be okay"

I don't move. "But-"

"Go, Audrey!" He yells, making me jump.

Giving Hayes one more glance, I turn around and take off running. I force myself to not look back.

Keep going, Audrey. I think, pushing myself a little harder.

I reach the end of the dark street and I see a car heading my way. This is my only chance.

I rush out into the street and wave my arms, wildly. "Stop!" I shout.

The car comes to rolling halt. I recongize it. It's Teri's car.

She sticks her blond head out the window. "Audrey?"

I hop into the car and my mind wandering to Hayes.

"Where is everyone?" I ask.

"They went to look for you but I guess I need to call them."

I don't say anything. I turn my head and look down the long, dark street. Hayes?

I hear Teri talking quickly on the phone.
She looks at me. "Did you see Hayes?" She asks.

I nod. "Yes"

"Where is he?"

I don't trust my voice so instead I point down the deserted street.