Don’t Think

The gunshot rings out from behind me, my instincts pushing me to the ground. The woman I was just sitting with before lays slumped at the table with redness staining the white tablecloth below her. Rolling to the left I feel the wind from another bullet whiz by my head as the tile shatters into thousands of pieces where my head had just been. Reaching into my suit jacket my hand finds the holstered 1911 under my armpit. Drawing the heavy gun I begin to sprint as another bullet breaks a glass that had been full of thick, red merlot; covering me in the red substance which causes me to slip on the tile.

What is this about? Why is this person trying to shoot me? Luckily, I actually brought my pistol with me for once on a first date, but I didn’t expect I would ever have to use it. I haven’t used a gun since my time in the Marines… I’m not even sure I remember how to shoot straight!

Reaching the bar I dive behind as two more shots slam into the thick wood. The thudding impact makes me gasp in fear as I try to decide what to do next. Slowly I peer around the bars edge and see a large man walking towards me, oblivious to anyone else around him. His shaggy hair and unkept beard match his dirty, torn clothing to create the image of a bum.

A bum that I recognize! I swing my head back just as the wood splinters and the zing of a ricochet assaults my ear. This man I have seen twice. Once was just yesterday, he was asking for change on my street and I had some to spare, but when I put it in his cup I noticed he was glaring at me. Ignoring it I had left him alone and continued on my way to work. The second time was tonight as I walked in here to meet Sarah, my blind date. He wasn’t asking for money or handouts tonight, instead he was watching everyone going in and out of the restaurant.

I assumed he was just here because it was close to the street he was on yesterday, and the restaurant is known for giving out their extra food every night to the homeless. Why would he be trying to kill me? He’s hellbent on it, peering again I notice he is still walking my way. Scooting further down the bar I risk a peek over the top and receive another cracking bullet by my head.

A first date wasn’t suppose to go like this. I was enjoying Sarah and I’s time together before this. The overwhelming nervousness I had all day had vanished the moment she sat down across from me. Her dark red hair and green eyes were gorgeous set against a sharply framed face and petite body. We had instantly began to realize the large amount of things we had in common. Then the shots rang outa, and now I think she may be dead.

Peeking over the counter I snap a shot off at the man and graze his shoulder. To my horror he smiles and continues to walk towards me. The hatred he has for me is apparent by the way his face is set. The pistol in his hand I realize has a double stacked mag, which means he has plenty of bullets.

I duck down as two more bullets slam into the wall where my chest had just been. My instincts kick in further and I move positions back to the first spot I was and peek around the corner, sending two more shots at the man. He is pushed backwards and falls to his knees from the impact. I stand up and smile as I level the gun at his chest.

“Get on the ground! Lay down, it’s over!” My voice is stronger than I feel.

His head lifts and I feel something like hot steel pierce into my chest. The fire spreads to my spine and I feel my own knees buckle from exhaustion. He laughs and falls to his face, as I do the same. Covered in merlot, and on a first date is the way I leave this earth.