We see a small shrub shake gently in the still summer air. It quivered as if cold. The wind whispered it's secrets in between the tall brown trees and the silvery moon momentarily poked it's head out of the fluffy gray clouds. The wind picked up fallen leaves and they flew serenely, (like pieces of confetti thrown from a small child's hand on fair day), into the air.
The park lights shone brightly, throwing their cruel yellow light throughout the park. Like small light houses they were, guiding a ship home, or a pretty girl perhaps?
Angus Biggs neither saw or heard any of this.
His deep black eyes watched hungrily from the shadows cast by the moon. He was like a patient predator, waiting and watching. Watching for the slim young girl whose name was Beth, with the flawless smile to pass him by.
Angus wrinkled his nose, the sickly smell of urine was virtually overpowering from the single toilet cubicle form where he watched. "Where are you bitch?" He whispered, flicking his sandy blond hair away from his eyes as he did so very often.
He was dying for a cigarette. But he made the swift assumption that Beth may see the light and run like a scared rabbit into the darkness.
Must be patient. These words kept bouncing around his head.
He had loved this girl since he was just 6 years old. He could see her beauty even then in Pre School, when they were so young and without a care in the world, or so it had seemed. Angus's only friend for so long, the only one who listened. The only one who made him feel like he really belonged.The only one who put a comforting arm around him, and soothed him when he felt down on life and himself.
Their friendship grew, like a tree. It became stronger with every year. But alas, like a tree it can be cut down and taken away so very quickly.
She made new friends and Angus made none. She was perfect, she had the looks and a family that loved her for who she was. In contrast, Angus's mum (before she died of cancer) had always constantly reminded him that he was, "a mistake."
Angus could see the way Beth's new friends looked at him, like he was piece of trash and his rightful place was in a bin or far away from them as possible. They whispered and giggled at his cloths and shoes. Both had more holes in them than a rifle range shooting target.
Beth and Angus' friendship faltered, then collapsed all together. He began to stalk her and constantly text her mobile phone.
Sometimes Angus would silently watch from outside Beth's window, as she was sleeping and dream of what used to be.
He sent her flowers he had stolen from the florists and he sent her chocolates from the grocery store, stolen as well. He had wrapped them up carefully with newspaper and had for a finishing touch, had stuck a tulip on top. He watched with an aching heart as she grimaced and turned her nose up in disgust. With wide, tearful eyes he watched as Beth had picked up the chocolate box as if it had dog shit in it, and walked it to the garbage can. Angus ran home, crying as he went. No one noticed, he was invisible to everyone, even Beth now.
So now, as the moon still plays hide and seek with the clouds and the leaves flutter lazily in the air like butterflies. Angus waits. It's cold now, his breath turns white like his exhaling a much needed smoke.
Beth always uses the park to get home quick from work.
We always walked together through here after school. And in the Autumn I'd throw leaves over her and tell her it would keep her warm. This was a memory that Angus enjoyed.
Angus's ears pricked up as he could hear high heels upon the pavement, they were like tiny pistol shots in the night air.
Angus held his breath, his heart was thudding in his chest rapidly, like a rat's heart.
Beth rounded the corner, her angelic features made Angus blush immediately and made him look away, ashamed of what he is meaning to do.
He didn't look up until he was confident she has passed him. Like a fox terrier chasing after a rabbit, he swiftly left his hiding spot and began to stalk Beth.
Angus was directly behind Beth now. She was wearing tight fitting jeans and a tight blue sweater. Angus held his gaze to the top of her head. Not acknowledging the way her ass rhythmically swayed sexily from side to side. Angus never loved Beth for a her beauty, but just for her kindness and ultimately her friendship.
Angus gathered pace, his feet were cold like he had dipped them in icy water, he had taken off and left his shoes and socks in the toilet as to dampen any noises.
He was so close he could smell her perfume, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. Still the same Beth. He thought.
There was a glint and a flick as Angus flicked open his switch knife.
With a psychotic smile that glistened nearly as brightly as the knife had, he raised the knife and tapped Beth on the shoulder.
There was only a brief scream, and all was silent once again.
Only the wind whispered back. Another secret it could keep.
THE END
