Metanoia

Lilith...

Lilith...

Nope. Nope. Nope. Read that one, read that one, didn't like this one, the sequel was ridiculous. Yup, this is it. I picked the book off the shelf and went to the cashier. He flashed his usual flirtatious smile that I returned quickly before bowing my head in my purse, pointlessly counting change to avoid conversation. I muttered a 'thank you' and headed out as quickly as possible. I took a breath at yet another successful endeavor of not bolting away crying after having to interact with another person.

I looked in the window to see the precious work of Calliope Aldora- Richardson. Her work was currently a top seller in the thriller, psychological section of the average bookstore. If only I could be like her, well I am her but that's not my real name. Lilith, is the name I was blessed with by the parents I never knew.

I snapped myself out of a trance when the young cashier from earlier waved at me through the window. I nodded and walked away quickly.
That was enough socializing for today. I just need to get down this block, into a cab and be home in no time. I despised going out, being around people was too much for me. People scared me to no ends. They're predictable yet the idea that they'd consider doing some actions surprises you every time. They're desperate to please each other as if the whole world is their own oppressive parent that demanded perfection from them at all times and don't get me started their lack of conception about personal space.

I slowed my pace as I came closer to the night club that was already bustling with social butterflies, my natural enemies. Traffic gave me no opportunity to avoid the crowd like I usually do so I was left with one option. I'll wait till traffic is eases up. Courageous-me tapped timid-me in the back of the head. Do you wanna be out here till two in the morning? Move it woman!

I sighed, I had no choice, let's just walk by quickly and avoid eye contact. I can do this, right? Sure I can, let's go. My heels clacked quickly on the concrete, I was home free until someone grabbed my hand tightly. I spun around and was slapped by the scent of cheap cologne, sweat and alcohol. The man looked like he was in his early twenties but smelled like a sailor's retirement home.

"I was calling you girl!" he shouted. I winced at his volume.

"Please let me go," I hoped my voice was loud enough for him to hear. But I guessed not. He squeezed my wrist tighter.

"I said let me buy you a drink and you totally ignored me. That wasn't very nice," his three other companions laughed at his statement. The bar for comedy is rather low nowadays I see.

"See this is what's wrong with ya'll dark girls, always think ya'll too good for everyone," he spat.

Great, sexist and racist he's definitely the next hot bachelor on the market. A hand took mines from his and I was shoved behind a pair of broad shoulders in a fitted blue vest.

"Dan, leave her alone. You don't even know her," said the voice.

What a selcouth tone. He held my hand gently while talking down the other man. I only focused on the tone of his voice, he would make a lovely singer or narrator, even if his tone was irritated it still kept its flowing vibrato.

"Get out of here," he told me, he never turned around to look at me.

I just whispered a thank you, and turned and practically ran away.

I panted for breath as I stood on the corner waiting for a taxi. I rubbed my pained wrist and panicked when I saw my bracelet missing. It must've fallen off when that smelly racist grabbed me.

I have to go look for it, I can't just leave it. But they might still be there... my mind and conscience battled our options. Finally I gave in and headed back the direction I came.
I found one of the book charms on the ground but no bracelet. I walked down the ally slightly hoping it was tossed or kicked in the moment. I jumped when I heard someone groan. I was disturbing a homeless person's slumber. I turned and bowed my head to quickly apologize.
Why would a homeless person be wearing dress shoes? I looked and it was the same guy who helped me earlier half conscious on the ground.