Free ShameLess by Mel Ballew Page B

pass or a new tomorrow. The meaning is strong, deep and true. It reminds me of the words my pap always shared with me, which are also wise since my pap has always been an exceptionally wise man. Reflecting upon them now, in this moment, has his frail voice vibrating within my heart. We lost him last year. He fell asleep and never woke up. I honestly believe he died of a broken heart from losing my nana. No one else will admit it, though. He always seized each day, but even he was not guaranteed a new one. Just like that, we no longer had him. I really have tried to remember his advice these past few years, even though it’s been so hard. I hope I never allow myself to lose the whisper of his loving voice in my heart. What will I do with it?
    Suddenly, I am startled from the thought. I hear a noise, and come to a complete stop right in my tracks. I swear I hear footsteps. As I look around, I don’t notice anything or anyone. In fact, it is eerily motionless, like the entire campus is abandoned. Although, it’s more like everyone is asleep or just partying elsewhere. It is dark, and it’s extremely quiet. Spookily quiet, actually. A shiver runs the entire length of my spine. I try shaking it off.
    Feeling panic-stricken, I put a little more pep in my step making my way toward the main dorm door. I pull out my ID badge that has my security swipe card attached, so I can have it ready ahead of time. It must be my dad in me, I guess. He has taught me from an early age to always pay attention and to be aware of my surroundings. Of course, he also taught me never to be alone in dark places, but for some reason here I am – alone.
    “Keep a buddy system, Ren,” his voice vividly reminds me now that I’m truly a senseless fool for not listening to him. This was one of his strict conditions, after all, and I’m not obeying. I knew before going tonight Jade would stiff me for the dick. I’m quite angry with her, but I shake my head in dismay, trying harder to quiet the hair-raising feeling. I expect I’m just being overly cautious. Once more, I presume, it’s probably just my dad’s words influencing the situation, and carry on.
    You know when a storm is brewing, how the smell of rain permeates the air, and a sense of the unexpected fills you up inside? The hair on the back of my neck may be prickling, chill-bumps may be forming, but I’m feeling silly for being overly acute. I keep hearing noises. I can’t shake the unnerving sense that someone is here. Watching me. Like black vultures circling overhead. A loud crack of thunder erupts! Boom! I jump!
    I dodge between the raindrops as I’m only half way across the lot. Great! It’s as if the sky opened up. The drops collide against the rumbling thunder as it cracks against the black of night. Lightning strikes its assault more intensely than my own fear. I am running now trying to get inside as fast as I can. I can’t see through the heavy downpour. My hair is soaked, and I’m completely drenched. Dammit! Why did I let Jade talk me into wearing these heels? Pausing long enough to climb out of these shoes, it sounds and feels like I am on a crazy-train, full steam ahead. Tempestuous!
    I am now in a full bare footed sprint, clutching onto the straps of my heels with curled fingers. I’m running for my life. Amid the storm, away from this rising anxiety and against the dead of the night, as fast as I can, I run. I don’t make it very far.
    Shoved down with full force, I am lying face down. I’m face-planted on the asphalt, thrust right into a forming puddle. I cannot move. His entire body weight is crushing me with his knee digging into the center of my back. I think he is going to break my spine in half from how hard he is driving himself on my vertebrae. I gurgle past the water forcing itself into my mouth. I knew I heard something – someone!
    As I lay here, many things swirl around in my mind. Again, I mainly hear my dad’s voice, shouting, “Fight, Ren! Turn