Runaway Mate

Happy Birthday

* 2 years later*

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!" I smile and thank my co-workers for the surprise party. They are the closest thing to friends that I have. Other than them, I have nobody. No family or friends outside of this building.

I like to consider myself a strong and independent woman. However, it would be nice to have someone by my side to show me what unconditional love feels like. That's the wish I make when blowing out the candles.

I'm handed a knife and begin to slice the cake up, handing out piece by piece to those who want some.

After a long day, I am the only one left in the office as always. This is my company after all, and I like to make sure everything is in order. Since everyone has left, I turn the radio on to ease the silence. I look at my hand and touch the only piece of jewelry I wear. The ring my parents gave me for my sixteenth birthday. I miss them so much, especially on days like today.

In the middle of one of my favorite songs, a beeping sound is heard indicating an important message is about to be announced. I stop my work and listen carefully.

"Attention, Chad Kreisher has escaped prison. If seen, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately and state the location. He is believed to be armed and dangerous. Please go to the local news website for images of suspect. Thank you, and stay safe."

Well, s**t. That's scary. Chad is known for murdering his own family and then kidnapping women to chop them up to eat. His story was all the town talked about for months. His freezer was filled with dead women, some just limbs, and I was relieved when he was finally caught. Especially since I was almost one of those women.

I continue work for another hour before calling it a night. I pack up my belongings and lock the building up. It's my favorite time of the year, Autumn. Therefore, I decided to walk to work since the weather is comfortable and I don't live far from here.

I begin my walk, but can't stop thinking about the escaped convict. Every little sound I hear has me on edge. "Come on, Jennifer. Head up. You'll be home soon and can relax with a nice glass of wine before bed." I tell myself, trying to stay positive, though I'm scared as all hell. At least he doesn't know where I live.

I pick up my pace as I begin to feel rain drops. "Great." I mumble to myself. I guess I should have checked the weather before leaving. My heart begins to race as I swear I hear footsteps behind me. Too afraid to look, I run into the nearby coffee shop that's open 24/7.

I order a large coffee and sit at a table near the window. I made it inside just in time. The rain is pouring and it's such a beautiful sound.

"Mind if I join you?" I look up at the voice and am in awe of this handsome man talking to me. "Yes, please." I smile at him. Is this really happening? Is my birthday wish coming true?

He introduced himself as Josh and we engage in conversation. This man is hilarious and hot! I find myself laughing and smiling none stop with him. Eventually I was exhausted, even with coffee and good company. I mentioned I walked here, and he offered to drive me home. As kind as he is, he's still someone I literally just met and I vowed to myself to never get in a car with a stranger again, after what happened with Chad. Instead, I ask him if I could use his umbrella that he brought into the coffee shop. I promised to return it, but he just chuckled.

"Do you really think I would let a beautiful woman walk home, alone, in the dark?" He opens the umbrella and it's big enough for the both of us to stand under comfortably.

"Lead the way." My heart fluttered at this kind gesture. When we reached my doorstep, he asked if he could see me again. Obviously, I said yes. This feels like a scene in a romantic movie. We are standing under an umbrella, in the pouring rain, and his lips are now on mine. This has got to be the best birthday ever.

What the? I feel him gasp in my mouth and suddenly I taste blood.

His body begins to fall, but I catch him. "Josh!" I shout, tears flowing down my face. And that's when I hear it. A deep, dark, laugh.

I can't believe my eyes. Chad is standing there, covered in blood, with a sinful smirk plastered on his face.

"Happy birthday, Jennifer."