The Town of Clarksville

Prologue

Prologue

I was walking down the streets of Clarksville. I have been in this town for some months now. My life here is better. I am alone, away from my family but I am striving. I study in one of the schools here.

I walked inside the restaurant where I’ll meet Travis. He’s not yet in here. So, I sat at a table near the door so that I can see who’s coming in. The waiter went to me to get my order.

“I’m waiting for someone. We’ll just order later.” I said and smiled at him. “Can I just have a glass of water?” he nodded. “Thanks,” I said.

The waiter left to get a glass of water that I requested. When he came back, he placed the glass on my table. “Thank you,” I said to him.

“You’re welcome.” He smiled at me and left.

I opened my phone. It is 7 pm already but he’s not yet here. I am starting to get worried so I texted him.

To: Travis

Hey. I’m already here. Where are you?

I sent it. I was waiting for his reply for 30 minutes but none came.

It was already a quarter to 8 and I was so ready to leave the restaurant when the door burst open. I saw Travis entering the restaurant. He was wearing ripped denim pants, a white shirt, and his white sneakers. He looks so hot. But I’m not in the mood tonight.

I glared at him. He raised both of his hands. “I’m sorry, baby.” He said. “I got caught up because of something. I’ll make it up to you.” He said.

He sat in front of me. He took my hand and kissed the back of it. I sighed. “Fine. Because you kept me waiting for almost an hour, you’ll treat me ice cream later.” I said.

He smiled then nodded. “Of course, anything for you.” He said.

I smiled back at him. “You should be thankful. I can’t get mad at you because I love you.” I said to him.

“Thank you. And I love you, too.” He said.

After that, he called the waiter for our order. He ordered for the both of us. After he ordered, the waiter left. When we were alone, I talked.

“Why are you late?” I suddenly asked. He was never late. This is the first time he kept me waiting.

“Dad asked me to do something. I can’t say no.” he simply said. I nodded. I understand.

“How’s your day?” he asked.

“Wow, you ask me that like we were not together the whole day!” I exclaimed.

He laughed. “Well, I just want to start a conversation.” He said. I laughed. “Just answer the question please.” He pleaded.

I decided to ride in what he wants. “It’s fine. I’m already done working with my home works.” I said, smiling at him.

“That’s good.” He said while nodding his head.

“How ‘bout you? Are you done with it?” I asked.

“No, not yet.” He answered.

Our conversation was cut short when the waiter arrived with our food. When all was set at the table, we started eating. We talked about our classmates, our professors, and school in general.

When we were already done eating, Travis called the waiter for the bill.

“I’ll pay,” I said. I opened my bag to get my wallet.

He shook his head. “No way.” He said while getting his card from his wallet.

“Let me pay. It is always you who pays.” I said while getting my card from my wallet. “Just let me pay for this. You’ll still treat me ice cream later.” I gave my card to the waiter, but he did not accept it. He got Travis’ card and left.

“Yeah, I’ll treat you later. But that doesn’t mean I can’t treat you now.” He said, grinning. I just sighed and put back my card inside my wallet.

I crossed my arms in my chest. “You’re the only one who pays for everything. Can’t I pay for both of us?.” I asked him, pouting.

“I’ll never make you pay.” He said firmly. I rolled my eyes at him. He just laughed at me.

We waited for his card to be returned. When he already got it, we left the restaurant. We walked to my favorite ice cream parlor. It is just located near the restaurant we were in. when we arrived, we went straight to the counter to order.

“I’ll have caramel almond cluster blizzard in large,” I said to the lady at the counter. “How ‘bout you, baby?” I asked Travis.

“I’ll just have blueberry cheesecake delight blizzard in large.” He said.

He got some cash in his wallet. He gave it to the girl at the counter. We just waited for our orders we decided to stroll outside. It’s too cold since it’s already November.

We ate our ice cream while walking. “Where do you want to go?” he asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Anywhere. I don’t have anything in mind.” I said.

We arrived at the mini-market in the center of the town. We did not notice that we were heading this way. Travis is already done eating his ice cream a while ago so he’s already holding my waist, while I am still eating mine. When I was done, I went to the trashcan to throw my cup.

After that, Travis and I went into a pet store. I went to the dog’s clothes section. I got one cute pink hoodie that I think fit Storm. I showed it to Travis.

“That would look good on here said, smiling. I nodded went to the counter to pay for it. I handed it to the guy at the counter. I was about to get my wallet to get my money when I saw Travis handed money to the guy. I pinched his side.

“Ouch!” he shouted and walked away from me. “It hurts.” He said while holding his side.

I glared at him. “I’ll be the one paying for it,” I said but it is too late. The guy gave Travis his change. When the guy had wrapped what I bought, he handed it to Travis. Travis got it and, he held my hand and he pulled me out of the store.

We were just walking when he suddenly stopped. “It’s getting late. I’ll take you home.” He said.

I nodded and walked with him. I did not give him an attitude just because he paid for Storm’s hoodie.

We just walked our way home. This is what I like about this town. You can just walk your way to anything. He was holding my hand. I was shocked when he suddenly spoke.

“Can you promise me something?” he said.

“Of course, anything,” I said while nodding.

“Can you promise me you’ll never let anyone in your house?” he sighed. “Never invite anyone inside. Only me.” He said a little worried.

I nodded again even though  I don’t get the point. “Okay. But Cayden can come here.” I said and he nodded.

“Okay, you can invite Cayden.” He said. It was weird. Him, asking me that. No one else enters my house except him and my friend. Who else will I let in there?

Even though he is acting weird, I just let it pass. He’s just worried because I only live alone. I don’t have anyone with me in the house.

When we got to my house I went straight to the bedroom while he was left in the living room. I changed my clothes before I went outside. I saw him watching the news.

I stopped and watched. I was still behind the couch so Travis hadn't seen me yet.

“2 people found dead beside the lake. The authorities said it was an animal attack. The victims’ bodies are all drained of blood.”

I approached the couch. I sat down next to Travis. “What kind of animal would do that?” I asked, a little terrified. This is the first time that I have heard the news about this. This town was so peaceful then this news came.

I leaned on Travis' shoulder. He wrapped his arms in me. I squeezed to his side. “I don’t know.” He said softly.

He kissed my head. My eyelids are getting heavy. I was too sleepy. I did not know that I had fallen asleep.