The Lady and the Marble by TheRoost (ebook reader screen txt) 📕

The Lady and the Marble.

The soft pitter-patter of rain echoed through the empty city, clashing with the tar-covered roofs and grey, cold sidewalks. The merchants, who usually yelled out bargains on the streets, were nowhere in sight on this rainy, foggy, dreary day. The only soul who dared walk in these dangerous streets, alone, was a young lady. Her dark green cotton dress stood still around her thin, curved body. Her makeup, which consisted of a dab of mascara and a touch of lipstick, was perfectly applied. As she walked, her white heel’s clicking against the empty sidewalk along with the rain, she froze; she sub-consciously put a strand of curly, natural brown hair behind her ear, listening for anything unusual.

No, she thought as she continued on her way, there’s nothing there. It’s Sunday; everyone’s at church. Even knowing this comforting fact, she could have sworn she heard a cough behind her. Ignoring her instincts to bolt, she continued down the deserted street, her hazel eyes watching every movement besides her own. After hearing another small, nearly inaudible cough, she turned swiftly, and ran down the sidewalk, racing against the rain, to the town library.

This time, as she ran as fast as her thin, muscular legs could carry her, she heard heavy footsteps behind her. Closing her eyes, she gained speed, eager to out-run her pursuer. Her Prada knock-off bag swung uselessly by her side, her make-up was starting to run, and her breathing, once long and steady, became short and detached. The heavy foot-falls grew closer and closer. The young woman opened her eyes and ran with all her might to the town’s library. Its wide open pavilion and marble columns always comforted her at the worst of times: maybe now it can protect her. She raced up the steps, reached excitedly for the door handle and pulled with all her might.

It didn’t budge.

The young woman, now terrified as she heard the rhythmic pattern of the foot falls climbing the stairs, looked around her wildly. As she scanned for a weapon, an exit, something to get her out of this mess, a sign caught her eye. ‘Library closed on Sunday’s: deliveries through back door.’ Squealing with excitement, she dashed to the left, running towards the back entrance. The pursuer, confused for a moment to take in what she had done, charged after her. But that one moment of hesitation was all she needed as she dashed towards the back entrance. Finding the door with ease, she quickly tried the handle.

Locked: with 3 packages in front of the door.

Now completely terrified, she backed away from the door, hoping she could run home. Instead, she backed into a strong, hard chest. As two large hands grabbed her waist, the woman screamed with all her remaining might. A voice whispered comforting words into her ear as she continued to scream in terror. The pursuer held the screaming woman, waiting until she paused for a breath, before asking “Are you Susan Bones?”

Gasping, the woman looked into the eyes of her pursuer: deep, clear blue eyes stared back: his angular, straight face held a look of pure determination, his black hair swept behind his ears, his tan skin dripping from the rain.

The woman, who was calmer than before and her mind was much clearer, replied with “Yes, I am, and I can easily keep screaming until help arrives.”

“Ms. Bones, I’m not here to harm you,” The man said smoothly. “I just…wanted to say hello, but you kept running away. I’m so sorry if I scared you.”

“As am I,” Susan replied, wrestling out of his grip, “Can you walk me home?”

“Sure,” The man replied, helping Susan up and gathering her things.

The pair walked together back down the deserted sidewalks, past the tar-covered roofs, and through the empty city. Trusting this stranger, Susan gratefully led him to her home.

She didn’t live long enough to see the platinum blade get plunged into her back when they arrived at the marble steps of her front-gate. She didn’t live long enough to see the man break into her house and steal all her belongings. She didn’t live long enough to watch him escape, slipping into the night.

Now, 10 years later, another beautiful young lady moved into that very house, walked down that very street, even heard those same heavy foot falls chasing her to the library. She didn't see, however, the same man with those startling blue eyes. The town’s police found her dead by the back entrance. No one ever saw that man again. No one ever knew he existed…until he wants to strike again.

Publication Date: 10-07-2011

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