Write In The Middle Of It

The screaming was incessant. No matter how far and how fast Brett ran from the alley he could still hear the screaming. Breathless and sweaty, he stopped and hunched over to catch his breath. He winced and turned back around heading toward the dark alley where he left Sadiah’s body. The screams became blood curdling the closer he came to her, so he covered his ears. Finally, he reached the space by the dumpster where he left her body and saw the tarp he covered her with. The screams were reverberating inside his body. He had to stop them. With his breath freezing up in the air her bent down and wrapped his hands around Sadiah's neck through the tarp. As he squeezed the screams became labored and Brett finally began to relax his grip. Suddenly two hands came from under the tarp and grabbed his wrists. The creature under the tarp overpowered Brett. In one swift motion he heard a cackling laugh and saw the tarp going over his own head. He attempted to scream but then realized that he the one suddenly out of breath. He gasped and clawed at the tarp over his face. The cackling laughter resonated in is eardrums and made a rhythm with his slowing heartbeat. He could only exhale, while he drifted from consciousness, listening to the cackling, which now sounded like a jazz saxophone.

His eyes popped open and he saw nothing but darkness. But when Brett ripped the sheet from his face he remembered where he was and then his motions became more delicate as to not disturb the sleeping Mekayla. He smiled as he looked at her as he slipped out of bed. He walked over to her and kissed her on her forehead and brushed the bangs out of her eyes.

Damn, she was amazing. He recreated the experience they had just a few hours ago slowly in his mind and wanted to do something special for her but he didn't know what. He thought he had a few dollars left in his wallet, and maybe he could go down to the corner store and but her one of those fake scented roses. Women might not like to admit it but it’s the sentiment and the thought that counted.

But some women are superficial. Judging by the stuff in Mekayla's loft she had taste.

He didn’t know what to do. Without thinking he started looking through her baskets for money, but he didn't find any and became discouraged. He saw her purse on the floor and that instantly reminded him of his own bags.

Oh shit!!! I never brought my stuff in the house. Everything is still out in the hall.

With urgency, Brett flew to the side of Mekayla's bedroom where he left his clothes, put on his jeans and swiftly but silently headed to the front door. He had to get his bags in the house before anyone saw them especially Mekayla. All of his belongings were in there and if anyone took them he would have nothing. But what would be worse is if Mekayla saw them. She would know he didn't have a place to go and would think he was trying to impose on her. Brett opened the door and immediately searched for the bags that he left at the top of the steps. Relief came over him as he noticed that they weren't exactly where he left them. They were pushed to the side against the wall, but not rummaged through. As he went to step out into the hall he kicked something. He glanced down in confusion and noticed two bags of candy and a bouquet a flowers. Brett bent down, retrieved the flowers and took the card from its wrap.

The card said "Please call me for coffee, on me, I have to talk to you. Love Erik"

Brett smirked but put the card in the back pocket of his jeans. He then picked up the candy and smiled sinisterly to himself as he walked over to the top of the steps to collect his belongings.

Upon reentering the apartment, he gingerly walked back into the bedroom being careful not to let his bags brush up against the walls. As Brett glanced at Mekayla she began to stir. He placed the bags by the foot of her bed and climbed like an animal towards her. Mekayla woke up and slightly frowned but when she realized what Brett was doing smiled a wide smile.

"Hey you." Mekayla said sleepily while rubbing her eyes.

"Hey there yourself, " Brett said as he kissed her on the nose and handed her the flowers.

Mekayla's eyes popped open, "Oh wow, lilies! My favorite!" She looked at him beaming. "How did you know?"

Brett shrugged, "Lucky I guess." He began to kiss her neck. "Or blessed." He stopped suddenly and handed her the candy. "Those are for you too."

Mekayla saw the candy and a skeptical frown came over her face when she saw the Gummy Bears and Swedish fish. "Okay, these are my favorites too. What have you been going through my things." She said jokingly.

Brett became instantly defensive moving off of the bed, "What the fuck you mean by that?! I ain't like that!"

Mekayla's face became one of instant concern, "Um, I was kidding."

Brett frowned at her, "Some thanks I get." He then walked to the foot of the bed to grab his bags.

"I guess I should do my laundry."

She got up, wrapped her arms around Brett's angrily stiff waist and began to kiss his chest.

"Why if you ain't leaving the house for a while."

His stature instantly softened and put his bags back down. He snickered to himself and led her back to the bed.

He's got her now.