Just Another Day In Paradise...
A strong force slammed me against the wall making me yelp in pain. As the attacker’s arm came across my throat, his other hand worked furiously on undoing my belt. Unable to move, I spat in his face causing the hand at my waist to come across my face hard. Bastard...
“Hey!!” A shout from the distance pulled our attention out of our battle and to the approaching man. At the distraction, I shoved against his chest causing him to lose his balance before kicking him between his legs. As the man keeled over in pain, I swiftly moved out of the way as he lunged at me again. The approaching man reached us and pulled the attacker away from me. The thug turned on him and soon they were in a fight of their own.
My attacker hit him directly in the face before sending a punch to his opponent’s gut. As my instincts kicked in, I fled. I had just gotten around the corner when I felt something that I’d only felt for two people in my entire life: Protective. Clenching my fists and groaning in frustration, I turned on my heel. No one except Fermina had ever come to my rescue before.
As I dived back around the corner, I muttered to myself angrily. Of all the people I could have developed concern for I go for the idiot.
It was common sense! If you saw someone being attacked you walked past: it was their own fault if they couldn’t handle themselves. I was perfectly fine, I didn't need any help, and I was about to enter a more dangerous situation saving 'Mr.Hero'. Muttering angrily to myself, I walked back around to see my ‘rescuer’ on the floor while the thug pulled out a knife. Plummeting at him, I knocked the knife out of his hand before kicking it away in the direction of the dumpsters and abandoned carbon boxes. Reaching in my inside coat pocket, I quickly grabbed my pen knife and held it ready. Realising I now had the advantage, he bolted towards the exit of the alley. As I watched him run, I pocketing the weapon and backed away before turning around and going back the way I came. It wasn’t until I was about to turn the corner that I heard a moan from the man crumpled on the floor.
Sighing, I reluctantly walked back and knelt down beside him. “Are you OK, mate?”
Slowly lifting up his torso off the ground, he dabbed at his lip. When he continued to remain silent I tilted my head to see him better. “You’re new around here aren’t you?”
As he glanced up at me, he seemed to quickly check me over before pulling himself up unsteadily. “What gave it away?”
A smirk pulled across my face. “The fact that you’re not wearing all black, that you are exposing a pouch which contains...” I pursed my lips as I analysed the amount of money that it contained. “Sixty Seven pounds... But do you know what really gave it away?” The smirk became a little more pronounced at the man’s surprised expression. “The fact you tried to help.” I stood back up and grabbed the guy’s arm to help haul him up. His face was swollen and he winced in pain at the sudden movement I forced him to make. His eyes drooped and I noticed how he had to make an effort to keep them open.
Looking at me thoughtfully, his voice was weak. “What’s your name?”
“Yeah- that’s another give away.” I rolled my eyes. As I started to walk him towards the entrance he had come from, I kept up the conversation to keep him conscious. “Where’ve you come from, mate?”
He laughed weakly. “I got a ride.”
I laughed myself. “Yep, definitely not from around here...” As we came onto the main road, I once again felt my mood darken with the misery of the buildings. Each one was deserted: people to scared to live in such open, vulnerable brickwork. The street was cracked and abused and the yellow lines were faded and neglected. Complete silence could be heard apart from the ragged breathing of the man I supported causing goosebumps along my skin.
Further down the road a worn car lay parked on the pavement. I blinked in disbelief and looked at the slumped man with new eyes. “You must be pretty well off to have a car.” He laughed ruefully causing a little bit of blood to dribble down his chin. Glancing back at the car, I saw a man slumped back in the front seat with a tattered paper. Holding the weight of the man in one of my arms, I stuck my fingers in my mouth and whistled loudly. The driver’s head snapped up and he quickly put down his paper. When he continued to gawk at me in shock, I groaned. “Come on mate!”
The driver suddenly seemed to organise himself and was soon driving at a slow pace towards us. He stopped the car and I opened the back door before dumping the man in the back. My eyes darting about as the occasional scuffle of feet and grunt could be heard from the different alleyway along the main road. A loud gunshot echoed in the distance and I flinched. I had to get away and quickly, there was sure to be a retaliation...
The man, who was so injured he was unaware of the danger, smiled gratefully. “You still haven’t told me your name.”
I glared at the driver who was waiting patiently in the front seat of the car, making no apparant plans to move. Was he insane? Looking back at the man I saw an expectant look on his face. realising that the driver wasn't leaving until the man in the back was satisfied. I reluctantly spoke. “Ailia.”
“It’s nice to meet you Ailia.” he whispered. “Do you have a second name?”
I rolled my eyes at the ridiculous situation. “Clark. My name’s Ailia Clark.”
OK guys, I know it's short but the rest are going to be longer. This just gives you the chance to be introduced to the environment the rest will be here shortly- I promise!
Happy Reading! x
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