the story continues...

Chloe was humming to herself and turning over the story Jessica had told her about the beer and bedroom.  The afternoon had passed without incident.  No growling, no being-watched feeling, no messes, aside from the obvious one.  But now this.  What did it mean?  She had thought that perhaps she was going a little crazy, seeing and hearing things that no one else could.  Taking a deep breath and folding the last of her jeans she slowly walked back to her apartment.  She was startled to see Jessica biting her nails.  She hadn’t done that since grade school. 

“Um, so yeah, I have no idea what to say.”  Jessica began as she wrapped her arms around herself.

“What happened?”  Chloe asked, but she didn’t wait for the answer as she walked past her.  I’m pretty sure that I don’t want to know the answer.  Damnit if I have to clean again…wait, wasn’t there music playing?

“Hey when you’re done with laundry let’s go grab some food.” Jessica suggested, she hoped that her voice wasn’t shaking.

“We could do that.  We’d have to go somewhere cheap.”

“I got it.” Jessica offered as she followed Chloe through the small apartment.  Once they reached the living room, Chloe shivered.  Jessica caught her breath. 

“What the hell?!  I- I can’t breathe!” Jessica gasped.  Every nerve in Chloe’s body was screaming.  Must leave, must leave now.  The apartment was quiet, but the air was filled with static.  Chloe’s skin began to itch and burn.  She looked at Jessica and saw her friend wrap her arms around herself.  She felt her eyes watering, and a fear she had never known before.  There was something in her apartment, something new and far worse than other invited guest.  An icy sensation raced through her body as she caught some movement out of the corner of her eye.  Naturally, when she tried to focus on the aberration there was nothing to be seen.  But it was there.  Waiting for her.  Reaching for her purse and Jessica’s, she grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door. 

 

            “Dude, seriously, we need to call a priest or something.  We need to get you some holy water, some garlic and possibly a crucifix.”  Jessica advised driving as though Satan himself were chasing them. 

“Now you believe me?  And I don’t have a vampire problem.”

“Well, you have some kind of problem.”

“Thanks Sherlock, and it’s funny that you only want to talk about this when it happens to you.” Chloe said, not hiding her bitterness or frustration.  Chloe studied her friend’s profile in the window’s reflection.  She debated with herself if she should really open up to Jessica or continue to keep her at bay.  Should she tell her about the continual growling?  The strange sounds and vibrations?  The overall creepy feeling of being watched by something that she couldn’t even see?  Nah, better not.  She’ll just think I’m crazy or over reacting.  This is my problem after all. 

“Okay okay- I’m sorry for not believing you.  It’s just…it’s just so X-Files.”

“No Jess, it’s not just about being sorry.  It’s about you sucking at believing me.”

“Chloe, I said I was sorry.  But come on- you were talking like a crazy person!  Heavy breathing, moving shadows…” Jessica’s voice trailed.  The tone of her friend’s voice worried her.  Chloe wasn’t a person who got worked up easily; however this was the same girl who believed that you really could get ulcers from Coke and pop rocks, and therefore avoided the peril until she was 18.  This was the same girl that was in love with the world.  She really cried when there was a beautiful sunset and she really believed in karma; she recalled that when they were 8 she wrote an apology to family of mosquitoes because she had killed it.  On the other hand, there was an iciness in Chloe’s words and body language that also concerned her.  Jessica slowed her speed and tried a different topic.  This was the moment to be the friend that you saw in the movies, the friend that pulled the car over, turned to face the passenger and say something meaningful and sincere.  Jessica chewed her lower lip and realized that the moment was about to pass.  She didn’t know what to say.  She had never really listened to her when she started talking about being lonely and hearing growling.  She glanced at Chloe as she checked her blind spot, yet she didn’t stop.  The moment had passed.  Jessica realized with heavy heart that Chloe wouldn’t tell her what was really happening, she wouldn’t confide in her.  Too many sarcastic remarks and self-centeredness had created a gulf between them.  Yet now, perhaps there was a bridge that being built thanks to a super natural creature.  Jessica rolled down the window and the icy wind help push these thought from her mind.

“So…how about this economy.  Sucks right?”

“Whatever Jessica.  Where are we going anyway?” Chloe asked, her eyes not leaving the side window.  

“Are you going to be sour kid until we get to where we’re going?”

“Yes.  And damnit I want another beer and- and, I want a hug.” Chloe pouted, trying to keep herself from smiling.  She crossed her arms in defiance.  She could never stay upset at Jessica for long, but the simple fact that Jessica had refused to even listen her made her angry for a variety of reasons.  Why be upset, it’s going to change anything.  As usual, I’m left on my own. 

“I thought we talked about this, no hugging allowed.”  Jessica joked, “and you know that you have a serious X-Files problem.”

“Really, I was thinking Supernatural or Paranormal Activity.  And let me tell you, if its Paranormal Activity there is no way in hell I’m getting dragged down a hall.” Chloe laughed trying to shake off the eyes that she felt watching her.  The two fell into a somber silence, each with their own thoughts.  Chloe replaying the past thirty minutes; the sudden flight from her apartment, the temperature drop the uneasiness that just wouldn’t go away.  Okay, so now I finally have an ally, but now what?  Her mind wandered back to the strange man she had seen the other day.  For some reason she couldn’t get him out of her mind. 

“Oh, we’re going to get wings.  Then we’re going to a church.” Jessica announced as she turned into the familiar parking lot.

“Um, do you think God would take me serious if we went to church hungover?” Chloe pondered out loud.

“Seriously or seriously?” Jessica asked.  The one thing that cemented their friendship was a strange love of grammar.

“Shouldn’t it be serious because it’s not followed by another verb” Chloe offered, then searched her grammar memory for an exact rule.

“Perhaps, but it just sounds strange.” Countered Jessica.

“This is really not the time to worry about grammar,” Chloe said as she smiled and began to rummage through her bag. 

“Hey, just because you’re dealing with a ghost doesn’t mean you can let your linguistic ability go.”

 

the story continues

Chloe felt the warm glow of the wine hit her as she tried to massage her tense muscles.  She scanned Beth’s cozy house and wished for something like it someday.  The soft green walls and earth brown carpet reminded her of a Pottery Barn catalog; everything was decorated with care and precision.  Much different than Chloe’s eclectic collection of impulse surreal art purchases and mis-matched dishes.  She felt warm and safe here, and yet…there was still something.  Chloe blinked as an image tried to demand attention in the corner of her eye, but then it was gone.  She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to slow down her heart.  “…so then he tells me that I’m the one with the attitude problem!”  Beth’s voice interrupted her thoughts.  On cue Chloe began to laugh and took another long drink from her wine glass. 

“Eat up, we gots lots of pizza!”  Chloe tried to keep from cringing, we have lots of pizza.  Not got.  She smiled again as Beth began to panic about crumbs being on the floor and helped herself to cheesy delight. Beth’s nine year old daughter sauntered into the kitchen, long enough for her to help herself to the pizza, wave hi to Chloe then leave again.  “Wow, I can’t believe how long her hair is getting!” Chloe exclaimed.  “Yea, I know, I just can’t bring myself to get it cut.  I’m afraid it won’t grow back if we cut it.  Stupid, I know.”

“No, it isn’t stupid at all.  I need to desperately get to a salon at some point too, but I just haven’t had the time.” Chloe whined as she studied her dry ends that hung over her shoulder.

“Nah, Chlo, what you need is just a good wash and trim is all.”

“Great, so my hair is dirty.” Chloe smiled as she chewed and reached for her glass.  “You know what I like about you?  You’re just so great and honest.”

“Aw, honey, it ain’t what I meant, I just wanna see you take better care of yerself.  When you first started you were real well put together.  These days, you just seem tired and somethin’s different ‘bout ya.”  Beth leaned over the table and held Chloe’s eyes with a caring stare.

“Beth, do you believe in ghosts?”  Chloe asked her.  Beth blinked then tried to smile, but she could see the seriousness of Chloe’s question.

“Honestly hon, I never gave it much thought.  I think you’ve just been watching too many horror movies.”

“Try spending one night in my apartment and you’d believe in ghosts.  I’m not crazy Beth.  There’s something strange there.” Chloe said as she reached for another glass of wine.

“Well, I don’t know what to tell ya’.  Maybe get a priest or something to come pray with you.  Now, enough about supernatural mumbo jumbo, let’s talk about something else.”

 

 

      

Dear God, please please let me get some sleep tonight… In place of unseen eyes and unidentified growling, Chloe was allowed one night of dreamless sleep.

 

When Chloe returned home she discovered a mess.  A mess not of her making.  The frozen roast that she had pulled out and forgotten about was gone; in its place was a shredded bag and bloody spots on the walls and floor.  The trash was overturned and a genuine stick filled the air.  More dismayed than scared, she kicked the piles of garbage and called Jessica to come and help her clean- and she ordered her to bring a six pack. This is getting ridiculous!  Where is that smell coming from?  She stood and slowly examined the general disarray; it reminded her of a bad comedy where a bored Labrador retriever tore up a room.   

 

 

  “Dude!  What happened?!” Jessica asked as she made her way through the assorted piles. 

“I have no freaking idea.  I stayed with Beth last night and came home to this. Thanks for coming over so soon.  What did you bring?”

“Budlight Lime and let’s hope you have some food.”

“Well I did have some meat but now that seems to be missing.  But I do have some box stuff and veggies.  Did you want to do anything tonight?” Chloe asked in a hopeful voice.  She gathered an arm full of clothes and piled them into a pale blue laundry basket.  Jessica opened two beers and put the rest in the refrigerator.  Chloe had already picked up the kitchen and taken out the trash.

“So what exactly do you need me to do?” Jessica inquired as she leaned against the island.  Chloe shrugged. 

“Nothing I guess.  Just relax and make yourself at home.  I’ll be back in a few.”  Chloe hoisted up her laundry and left the apartment.  Jessica walked to her computer and clicked on the I-tunes icon to disturb the stony silence which engulfed the tiny apartment.  As Weird Al began to pour out the speakers, Jessica heard a shuffling sound.  She took a long drink and slowly stood up.  She went back into the kitchen and peered down the short hallway.  The windows looked closed, and there was a strange stillness in the entire apartment.  There it was again.  A soft shuffling noise.

“What is this song all about, can’t figure any lyrics out…” The song screamed and Jessica walked into Chloe’s bedroom.  The bed was stripped down, the pile of sheets at the foot of the bed.  A pile of dark clothes next to the sheets.  Her dresser was cluttered with jewelry, books and magazines.  Yet there was nothing here, nothing to make the sound that she thought she had heard.

“Now I’m mumbling, and I’m screaming…” there was a scratching sound behind her.  She spun around.  Again, nothing.  What the hell?  Where’s my beer?  I know Chlo said that something was keeping her awake at night, but I thought she was being eccentric, Jessica thought to herself.  She strolled back into the kitchen and found her beer tipped over.  The golden liquid poured onto the dingy kitchen vinyl floor.  Swearing to herself she began to mop up the mess when Chloe burst through the door. 

“Seriously, it’s not a good day if I don’t have to kick the dryer to get it to take my money.  What happened here?” She asked as she saw Jessica on the floor. 

“To tell you the truth, I have no idea, I thought I heard something in your room and when I came back my beer was like this.”

“Aw man, party foul!  It’s not even seven yet!”  Chloe laughed as she reached for her own beverage.  She deliberately ignored Jessica’s comment about something being in her room.  The song ended and The Black Eyed Peas came on.  “Can you meet me half way?  Right at the boarder that’s where I’m going to wait for you…”  Chloe watched her friend rinse her hands off in the sink.  Her black hair was flowing around her, her eyes etched in eyeliner and lips glazed with gloss.  She was, in a word, enchanting.  They had been friends since childhood.  “Meet me halfway, I’ll be looking out, night and day…”  Chloe shook her head at the song and walked to the computer to change the song. 

“That song still bother you?” Jessica asked pulling out another beer, 

“Not really bother, it just reminds me of him.  And I’m having enough issues at the moment,” She explained as she took a long drink. 

“Now I know, that I can’t make you stay.  But where’s your heart? But where’s your heart…”  Jessica shook her head. 

“Haha,  so no to My Chemical Romance?” Chloe laughed as she leaned over and scanned her long list of music.

“No, it’s just an overplayed song,  try again.” 

“Oh I got it!  Ready?”  “Wake up in the morning’ feeling like P. Diddy got my glasses, I’m out the door…cause when I leave for the night I ain’t comin’ back…”” Both girls laughed and because to move their heads to the song.  They laughed and danced around each other.  For the second verse they sang into their beer bottles and continued dancing around.  Chloe picked up a pair of socks along the way.  Jessica grabbed the feather duster and dusted off the television.  “Tik tok on the clock, but the party don’t stop, tonight I’m goin fight till I see the sunlight…”  For the next minutes the girls continued to laugh, dance and clean the small apartment. 

“What would I do without you, Jess?”  Chloe asked finishing her beer and grabbing her laundry basket.  Jessica shrugged.  “You’d be one of those ads where the single girl is dancing around by herself and the audience goes, aw!”

“Your mom.  But you’re probably right.  I’m going to have to go babysit my clothes soon.”

“You’re going to leave me here again?  By myself?”  Jessica asked, her uneasiness rushing back to her.  She found it strange that Chloe didn’t find it strange that her beer had spilled on its own or her account of hearing something in her room.  Perhaps in Chloe fashion it meant that she was thinking about it, but not talking about it.  That was how her friend handled everything in her life, lots of thoughts kept to herself- never letting anyone in and finally acting only when she had a concrete plan.

“You can come with me if you like.  Unless you think you’re going to spill more perfectly good beer.”  Chloe’s voice had an unusual edge to it.  Both shrugged and stared at the floor for a second then Jessica broke the silence. 

“Dude, have you been to the gym lately?  There’s this guy there that does the most amazing bench press.”  “That is the most desperate topic change I’ve heard in a while.  I’ll be right back.”  Chloe said as she exited again.  Feeling silly Jessica shook her head and plopped onto the well- worn couch.  The music was still playing, this time a group from the 90’s.  Jessica closed her eyes and hummed along with the music.  She heard Chloe walking around the kitchen and then heard her open the door.

“Be brave young grasshopper, I’ll be back in a few.”  Chloe joked as she closed the door.  Jessica waved her off and opened her eyes once again.  She took another pull from the bottle when she heard it again.  Only this time it was a growl.  So low was the growl she thought it was part of the song, but her heartbeat increased.  She opened her eyes and slowly looked around the room.  There was something in the room with her.  She couldn’t see it, but she could feel it.  Not wanting to stay any longer she opened the door and waited for Chloe on the stairwell.  Once outside, she felt better. 

An hour later Chloe stared at herself in a bathroom mirror with bad lighting.  Her normally warm and tan complexion was becoming pasty and less than healthy looking.  She pulled out her make-up bag and began reapplying her mascara and lipstick.  Feeling a little more confident she took a deep breath and headed back to her workplace.  Or more like her counter. 

“You look lousy doll, what’s wrong?” Beth inquired.  Chloe smiled, only Beth could pull off such a brass question with sincerity.

“I just haven’t been sleeping much.” She sighed as she reached for a box of cat food.  Beth handed her a price gun and continued with her own task of pricing dog food. 

“Ya still got that nightmare goin’ on?”  She asked pulling her blond hair back into a ponytail.

“Something like that…so I met this guy this morning…” Chloe began as she set the price into the gun. 

“Yea?  No wonder you’ve been re-applying the make-up!”

“No, it’s not like that.  Which is too bad, but I got the strangest feeling from him,” she said as she began stacking up the canned goods.  Her hands shook with a subtle reminder that she hadn’t eaten yet.  She took a deep breath and tried to steady herself.  The room began to spin as she reached for another can of questionable meat product which was supposed to be good for animals.  Beth stopped and looked at her, her sky blue eyes filling with worry.  “Chlo- honey, why don’t you git yerself a cup a jo, and make me some while you’re at it.  I’ll finish up those cans for you.”

“You know, for once I’m not going to argue with you.  I’m so worn out, I could use another cup.  I had like 3 cups this morning before I left.  But don’t do all the cans- I’ll be able to handle them.”  She slowly walked past the isles of dry and wet pet food, each can bragging about their superiority compared to the other.  Six years of higher education, and this is where I wind up.  I hope Aunt Erin doesn’t see this from heaven; but then again I guess I shouldn’t dwell on the past.  Once opened, the road of memory lane can’t be denied.  As she poured the coffee her mind flashed to the office she had worked at just a few months prior.  Every morning she would prepare coffee for the doctors and their associates, prepare the files and start her day.  Suddenly she found herself gainfully unemployed due to new laws and regulations that she should have tried to understand, but just couldn’t.  Bringing her mind back to the present, so returned to the front with two piping hot cups of coffee, hers resembling a milkshake and Beth’s the color of night.  Beth had ignored Chloe’s request and had priced and stacked the case of cat food herself.  Secretly grateful, Chloe pretended exasperation and placed their coffee on the counter.   Chloe and Beth had become instant friends when Chloe started at the pet food store.  Beth reminded her of her own mother, a heart of gold and a transplant from Alabama.  She could be little overbearing at times, but then again, what married woman of five wasn’t?  “So, tell me more ‘bout this boy of yers” Beth asked as she dusted herself off. 

“The creepy guy from this morning?  There’s not much to tell, he was---well, interesting looking.  He had these eyes-”

“Oh?  Blue or brown?”

“Something in between, darker than mine but not quite black.  But they were intense you know?  He was waiting at the bus stop when I arrived, but then he didn’t get on the bus.  It was so strange.”

“Honey, maybe he was waiting for a different bus.  And when you getting’ that car outta the shop?  It’s getting cold you know.”

“Believe me you don’t have to remind me of that, and no, there’s no other bus on that route.  Mix that with my crazy, creepy ass dream and yeah, I want some sleep.” Chloe yawned as she sipped her coffee.  The front door rang and they were greeted with the day’s first customer. 

“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find cat food?” An obese man wearing a rather strange animal skin hat inquired. 

“It’s where it says, Cat Food.  Over there.” Chloe bluntly said, pointing towards the front door.

“Well, you don’t have to be so snippy about it.”

“Sorry?  You asked a question, I just answered.”

“Where’s your manager?”  For crying out loud, what is this guy’s problem?!  Lying, Chloe pointed to Beth who was currently engaged in an animated discussion about fish food.

 

            The day seemed endless.  Most of the day passed without incident; customers coming in and telling her endless stories about their beloved four-legged children, asking her for help to their cars with their purchases; telling her about their family problems- ever since she started this job Chloe thought that she should charge for psych evaluations.  She never knew that strangers could be so open with one another.  She recalled her own family, as close as they were- they were also very distant.  “Be sure to keep everyone at arm’s length away, darling.  You have such a big heart, and knowing you’ll just give it away to the first person to come around.”  Her mother’s words rang in her ears, and she knew that she was right.  She was constantly being teased by those close to her about being in love with love and trusting everyone.  Was it her fault that she believed that all people were generally good?  What was so wrong with wanting to believe in honesty and integrity?  The sudden noise from falling can brought her back to reality and sent her jogging over to help Beth.  Feeling watched, Chloe spun around and almost walked into an old couple with a hostile looking Yorkshire terrier in their arms. 

“Oh I’m so sorry!  I didn’t see you there!”

“That’s okay dear.  Listen hon, can you help us find some food for Fifi?  The poor thing doesn’t seem to like the duck much.”  The lady with thinning purple hair, less than straight eyeliner, and mismatched outfit told Chloe.  She glanced at Beth to make sure that didn’t need her help; Beth nodded and began the journey down the dog food isle. 

            Nine hours later, Chloe stretched and arched herself backwards to relieve some of the tension in her lower back.  “Chlo honey, you want a ride home tonight?”  Beth offered, walking by and squeezing her shoulder.  “I’d love one actually.  Do you have dinner plans?”

“Just the same ol’ same ol.  Fixin’ somethin’ for the kids.  Then fightin’ with my husband.”

“Aw, are things that bad again?”

“No, I’m just playin.  It’s been so much better since he been out travelin’.  Why don’t you come over for dinner?  I’ve got a bottle of wine that needs openin’.”

“Hmmm…..I’d love to actually.  Is there a chance I can crash on your couch?” Chloe asked, trying to control her voice.  She didn’t want to admit that she hadn’t slept in a week and that she was now seeing everything in multiple. 

“Damn girl, how much you planin’ on drinkin’ tonight?”

“Oh no, I didn’t mean like that.  It’s just- uh- I’m freaking exhausted.  I can’t even remember the last time I slept all the way through the night.” She finally admitted and began to study the intricate design of the concrete floor.

“Of course it’s okay, suga!  I’m just worried about you.  I don’t wanna seem rude, but you don’t seem like yerself.”

“I’m not.  So I can come over? Oh wait, I don’t have anything with me…”

“That’s okay I’ll take you home, you grab a few things and then we’ll go to my place.”  Beth winked at her and Chloe felt herself blush, it made her uncomfortable when people were being too nice.             

Introduction

Chloe awoke with a start.  There was something in her bedroom.  The light streamed in weakly from the streets outside, casting shadows around her sparsely decorated room.  She held her breath and listened intensely.  There it was, a low growl; a growl so low that she wasn’t sure that she had really heard it, however it was loud enough to send a tremble through her body.  Deep breath, she thought to herself.  Too scared to leave her bed she sat up and stared into the darkness and tried to make out of the shape of something looming in the shadows.  I’m not dreaming, I’m not.  Deciding that denial was the best way to go she buried herself deeper in her bed and tried to steady her racing heart.  The growling stopped, but the feeling that she was being watched didn’t go away.  Not only was something in her room, invading her personal space and walking around like they owned the place, it was felt as though the thing were looking though her.  She had had enough of that.  If I wanted someone to try and look though me, I would have stayed with Mom, she thought to herself.  Her mind digressed and her fear temporarily subsidized when she remembered her family.  Her charming, caring and overbearing parents.  She couldn’t help but smile when she recalled thrift store shopping with her mother on the weekends and listening to her father ramble on about the latest political scandal.  She could feel the shadow s moving around her.  And then- nothing.  It was as if someone hit the stop button.  Even the traffic seemed to stop.

The sudden quietness of the room bothered her more than the growling.  She wondered how long the growling had been going on.  A week?  A month?  She couldn’t quite remember.  “Go away!  I have to get some sleep!” she called into the empty room.  Seriously, I can’t deal with this tonight, maybe it’s the pipes.  Yes because pipes growl and make shadows move around.  I wonder what time it is.  Damn I’m tired.  Maybe if I can just keep my eyes closed I can talk myself into sleeping.  Chloe continued to argue with herself until she finally closed her eyes for a few minutes.  She tried to push away the images that danced in front of her eyes, faces she couldn’t place and figures that began forming in the shadows.  She inhaled deeply and tried once again to calm her nerves. 

            After what seemed like a blissful twenty minutes of rest she felt something damp on her toes.  Thinking that she was cold, she curled herself into the fetal position and tried to remain asleep.  Her uneasiness didn’t subside but she didn’t open her eyes until her phone began to ring.  She was greeted by the oppressive darkness and the uneasiness of being watched.  Annoyed by the fact that someone was calling her at this hour and the simple fact that she was afraid of dark, she took a deep breath as she jumped out of bed and tried to walk to her door.  Her legs were numb her and she tried not to stumble.  She never realized how far 10 feet could feel.  Taking another deep breath she reached for the door knob and pulled with all her might.  The door didn’t budge.  Trying not to panic, she pulled again.  The door resisted.  This is the beauty of living alone, no one to help you when shadows lock you in your own bedroom.  Fighting back tears of fright and anger and pulled again and kicked the door at the same time.  The low growl made her jump as she spun around to face the darkness.  Her bedroom didn’t even look like her bedroom anymore.  She could see her bed, but it didn’t look inviting any longer.  She could almost make out a shape crawling across it.  She reached for the light switch and hoped that it would work, yet she doubted that it would.  As the light came on, she was met by a shadow with teeth that quickly dissipated with the light.  She sobbed and tried to scream but all that came out was a yelp and she felt the door loosen against her weight.  Chloe tried to run out of the room but tripped over her own feet and crawled out to the living room skinning her knees in the process.  What do I do?  Who should I call?  Will anyone believe me?  I doubt it, no one believes in anything these days.  Maybe Jessica…maybe Sam, and maybe I should get a bigger cross?  Wait, do I even own a crucifix?  Why me?  Chloe couldn’t organize her thoughts as she pulled herself to her feet.  She collapsed into her worn couch and turned on the television and welcomed the noise of a laugh track to a show that didn’t deserve such a low compliment.  Her skin felt as though she had been attacked by a million mosquitos as she wrapped her couch blanket around herself.  She had managed to turn on a few more lights yet the light offered her little comfort.  The television droned on but she wasn’t listening or paying attention.  Her eyes studied the empty apartment and tried once again to control her breathing.  Silence.  There was no growling, no oppressive silence.  She felt her eyes growing heavy and realized that she probably hadn’t blinked in a few minutes and now she was also realizing how fatigued she was.  Deciding it was best to keep the white noise on, she tried to make herself comfortable as she fell into an exhausted sleep.       

            The sun streaked through the sheer sheets acting as curtains in Chloe’s living room.  Her coffee colored eyes; though a little blood shot, slowly greeted the day and a long sigh escaped her lips. Sighing again, she uncurled herself from the fetal position and arched herself back and wiggled her toes.  Flopping back on her pillows she tried to motivate herself to face the day.  As she stretched out her hands she felt a dampness on her blanket.  A surge of anger and annoyance surged through her as she pondered the exact date then onto her side to see the damage.  Damnit, its Tuesday- it’s a twelve hour day.  Chloe cautiously approached her bedroom and peeked inside.  Her bed looked as though a bad porno had made an appearance in her absence.  She noticed more damp spots and was even more surprised to see several clear circles.  She pulled back the sheet and discovered more spots which yielded a clear yet gooey substance.  Swearing under her breath she walked to her small bathroom and turned on the shower.  Waiting for the water to warm up, and for the rust to clear the pipes, she combed her long cinnamon colored hair and gazed at herself in the mirror.  Dark circles were beginning to form under her eyes,  what I would give for a decent night’s sleep.  Maybe I’ll bother Jessica and crash on her couch.  “And what the hell is up with those spots?” she wondered out loud.  When the steam began to accumulate on the mirror she turned on the radio, loud enough to drown out her still uneasy thoughts and tried to turn her attention to the day ahead.    

            Chloe stepped out into the bright and cheery day and tightened the scarf around her neck.  As usual, the day looked warmer than it really was.  Just like so many things in her life, nothing was ever as it appeared.  She smiled despite her runny nose and began the long descent down the stairs.  Okay, after work I’ll stop by the store to get some eggs.  Maybe I’ll make breakfast for dinner tonight.  Or maybe I can invite David over for a drink.  Better yet, for once maybe he’ll take me out…its cold out.  Do I have exact change for the bus?  Crap, did I forget my MP3 player again?  And seriously, what the hell am I going to use to get those spots out of my sheets?  That growling…no, don’t think about it.  As she shuffled though her impressively large bag, Chloe let out another stream of annoyed phrases under her breath.  She had indeed forgotten her beloved music.  She was now forced to face her thoughts alone and give some thought to the night before, the night before that one, and the one before that one.  She felt a chill colder than the air run through her veins as her mind dwelled on the events of recent weeks and possible months.  The Event, as Chloe began to think of it as, began after watching a horror movie.  Which one, she couldn’t quite remember.  As did most movies, she was entertained; however she would always be the first to point out the flaws and lack of flow in the plot; and like many young people she always felt a little lost after watching adventure and drama movies.  She and her friends had had several, and to her mind, quite sophisticated discussions about the topic.  “People have nothing better to do than think of new things to worry about,” she recalled Phillip saying this and it made her smile.  He’s totally right, but I want to see him deal with my new guest.  I think I have a right to be worried.  That sage stick thing didn’t work at all.  Chloe also recalled that her friend, Sam, had advised her to try burning a large amount of sage to ward off evil spirits.  What he had forgotten to mention was that it would smell like burnt gravy or that the smoke wouldn’t go away.  Jessica had scoffed at the comment and told her to save her time and energy.  The sound of steps startled Chloe out of her jumbled thoughts and memories and caused her to raise her head out of her little cocoon of warmth to look behind her.  She saw a man quickly approach her.  He nodded at her and continued his brisk pace.  She slowed even further and scolded herself for being so jumpy.  Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement- she quickly turned.  Nothing.  Blinking and continuing her pace, she tried to catch up to the man.  Please let him be taking the bus…he was.  He smiled again when he saw her.  He was smartly dressed in a wool jacket and black gloves.  His skin was dark olive and his eyes like ebony.  “It’s a little cold this morning,” he opened.  Chloe only nodded in agreement and pulled her now frozen braid around her shoulder.  She was still looking behind her; the same uneasiness from the night hadn’t left her.  “Do you take this bus every morning?  Does it run on time?” he tried again.  She looked back at him and shrugged her shoulders.  Her senses were beginning to bother her.  What the hell is wrong with me?  Why can’t I shake this feeling and he’s trying so hard to be nice.  And those eyes!  Amazing!  Come on Chloe, you can be nice.  Be nice, there’s nothing there.  Nothing is going to hurt you…taking another deep breath she said, “it should be here in about 5 minutes.  I try not to get here too early because it’s too cold.” She could feel herself shaking and hoped that he hadn’t noticed.  An easy silence engulfed them, the silence that comes when two people who have just met and have nothing to talk about.  Chloe blew into her double gloved hands and watched her breath condense into the air.  She felt herself relaxing a little in the company of this strange, this remarkably handsome stranger.  She knew that she should say something clever or amusing, but nothing came to mind.  Sighing deeply and digging out her cell phone, she couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder one more time.  As she expected, there was nothing there.   The sun grazed over the field, illuminating the blades of golden grass and weeds, prairie dogs were running around barking at each other like parents do to children.  Chloe imagined their conversations went something like this: “Dude!  Did you roll around in the dirt this morning?” “No!  I did it last night!  Have you seen my grass?” I told you need to constantly roll around to keep your coat warm and to hide from hawks!” “Mom for the last time, I told you, we need to stand up to the hawks!”  Chloe smiled to herself as she continued her monologue to herself.  “What’s so funny?” the man asked her. 

“Oh?  Nothing, I was just thinking about what prairie dogs might talk about.”

“I can safely say that I have never given those rodents a second thought.” He said smugly as he lit a cigarette. 

“You have no sense of humor, and the bus is coming.” She sighed as she looked down and tried to put her annoyance aside.  What was wrong with people?  Technically speaking, they were here first, she thought to herself as she kicked at the frosty rocks.  The silhouette of the bus appeared on the street as she dug through her purse for her bus pass.  She glanced over at the man with no sense of humor and noticed that he hadn’t lit his cigarette.  He was staring at her; Chloe blushed despite herself and tried to look away.

“What do you mean I have no sense of humor?”                                        

“Oh nothing.  Nevermind.”  She said more to herself than to him, the exhaust from the bus greeted her with a sound the reminded her of indigestion and a scent of burnt oil and grease.  She nodded at the bus driver and sat down with a heavy plop and looked up at her fellow passengers.  She looked out through the foggy window and noticed the man still standing outside.  He winked at her and strolled away.