A Big Scare

Valerie

I was in the reception expecting the person to be sitting on one of the chairs for visitors. But he was nowhere to be found. I looked at Mary, who shrugged. The person must have left after all. I left the building and started walking aimlessly thinking about what I was going to do. How would I regroup my life, where to go and how to look for a new job? I was walking through the streets, didn't even take a taxi because I could walk home. Just three blocks from Derek's Publishing House Inc, I was dragged into an alley by an unknown assailant. I was grappling, trying to escape the clutches of the unknown person. I was sure that it was a guy because I could see the hard physique behind me. I couldn't think, all the self-defense techniques that I had learned flew out of my mind. 

I didn't know it would be like this, I chanted in my head as the guy dragged me deeper into the alley. I was going to die just after leaving my job. What kind of disaster was this? If he wanted my bag, I would gladly and willingly give it to him.

"Stay calm, and I will let you go. Promise you won't shout." the guy said as my head buzzed with fear and alarm. I nodded hastily in fear. How would I escape?

"When I let you go, turn away slowly and don't think of escaping Valerie." I gasped against his hand, scared and wondering how he knew my name, until the voice registered in my head. That was Dave's voice.

I turned quickly as he released me. It was actually Dave, he was wearing a black hoodie with a cap on. He looked different, healthier than the last time I saw him. 

"Dave, what are you doing here? And better still, why did you drag me inside this alley?" I hissed, annoyed and getting pissed off.

"I waited patiently for you at your workplace, but you were wasting time." He ran his hand through the lengthened strands of his brown hair.

"You were the person waiting for me?" I asked shocked.

"Yes, I wanted to discuss something important with you." Something important with me? This asshole evaded my apartment and stole all my life savings like he had every right to.

"After stealing my cash?" His eyes widened, he. He thought I wouldn't connect the dots. Did he think that I was that gullible and stupid?

"You wouldn't have given it to me if I had nicely asked for it, so I took it." I almost pounced on him, forgetting myself. 

"So you thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to take it for yourself." I shook my head and turned. I was done, damn done, I was cutting him out of my life. I turned ready to leave and not listen to the nonsense he was spewing.

"You don't know what I have been through, Valerie. You never care!" He shouted at my back.

I turned infuriated by the audacity, he just said I never cared. Valerie do not hit him. I chanted to myself.

"I don't care? A person that never cared wouldn't be so stupid to always accept you when you come back, even after all the nonsense you've done. Won't take you to the rehab center. Won't even stand here talking to you." I yelled back, shaking terribly, my eyes tearing up.

"Valerie..." He sighed heavily, dragging his fingers through his hair roughly.

"Don't. I am done." 

"Valerie, I just wanted to warn you to be careful." He spoke to my back.

"Are you threatening me?" I asked him, getting enraged.

"No, I followed all the way from your workplace and you didn't notice one bit. You are still my little sister Valerie, just be careful." He turned and left the alley through the other exit/entry.

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The day was already approaching dusk as the sky slowly became darker when I reached the building where my apartment was located. After the little stint between Dave and I, I walked all the way from the alley to my apartment and my feet were aching not too bad. Thanks to the fact that I wore black flats to work this morning. The building had no guards at the doorpost, it was free for all entry for anyone. And besides, the building was already falling apart, and few people stayed here anyway anyway. It was cheap and was occupied by lower-class people who could afford it. This place was my saving grace after Dave used our family house as collateral for a loan he didn't pay back. 

Although, I wouldn't call this a place to live, but beggars can't be choosers. I didn't think that I wanted anyone to visit me in a dump like this, but at least I tried to make my apartment presentable. I climbed the staircase since the elevator was spoiled even before I started living here. I climbed to the third flight of stairs and turned left. 

My apartment door was right there, it was close to the stairs and I liked it that way. It was just the door standing between me and my bed and delicious sleep. I yawned as I searched in my bag for my keys. After finding it, I placed it in the keyhole and twisted it to the left side twice, opening the door.I closed the door and locked it. It was better to be safe than sorry. I dropped my bag on the floor and used my hand to search for the light switch, since the room was bathed in darkness.

Instead, dim light flooded the room, but I haven't even switched on the light. How was that possible? I turned only to see a strange man in my apartment sitting on my single couch. 

My heart banged hard against my ribcage, leaving my mouth dry.

What was with my apartment attracting intruders to it?