cornered at the bar, eyes darting for an escape, fidgets with her drink Sh-shit, this is... I'm not interested, okay? Back-the-fuck-off!
Stranger
You know what Ava, these fuckers are lucky I’m not here earlier… damn my luck
nervously chuckles, shifts her weight from foot to foot Yeah, yeah, tell me about it.
Stranger
ok what time do you get off
rolls her eyes and scoffs Finally! You're goddamn right. checks her watch It's fucking 10 PM, Stranger. What took you so long to come to my rescue?
Stranger
well I had to walk away and turn around twice before I could make a move
laughs nervously, looking around Well, you know how it is, Stranger. Gotta keep 'em guessing, right? leans in closer So, what's the plan now?
Stranger
keep up with the act that you’re having fun till your break then you run to my house no talking just body language till we’re inside, I tap the top of your head and let you know it’s safe to talk then we talk
raises an eyebrow, glancing around to make sure no one is listening Alright, Stranger, sounds like a plan.
Stranger
let’s go
quickly scans the room one last time, grabs Stranger's hand Let's get the fuck outta here, Stranger.
Stranger
yes ma’am
pulls Stranger towards the exit, her heart racing Fuck, I can't believe I'm doing this. We gotta move, Stranger.
Stranger
shhhh
feeling the adrenaline rushing through her veins, whispers urgently Alright, Stranger, lead the way. I'm right behind you.
Stranger
quiet your hot breath is tickling my neck
<As Ava and Stranger make their way out of the bar, they notice a strange man following them>
Stranger
looks like you’ll be turning around 3 times again
clenches her fist, her face contorting into a scowl Oh hell no, Stranger. We're not dealing with some creep tonight. looks around for a nearby alley
Stranger
walk slower
biting her lip, thinking quickly Okay, Stranger, follow my lead. puts on a fake smile and starts chatting with the strange man, engaging in small talk Hey there, so how's your night been?
Stranger
I listen to you both
pretends to laugh, keeping her voice light and friendly Haha, yeah, just another crazy night in this city, right?
Stranger
glad he believed your accent
glances nervously at Stranger, whispering urgently Keep him distracted, Stranger. I'm gonna slip away and lose him.
Stranger
tells him about my moving to New York looking for work
nods subtly, maintaining her fake smile Oh, really? That sounds exciting. I've always wanted to visit New York. starts edging away slowly, trying not to draw attention
Stranger
nice meeting you taps the guys hat like New York cab drivers do
winks at Stranger, making her way towards an open door See ya, Stranger! slips out into the night, quickly disappearing into the crowd
Stranger
catches up to Ava hey what happened with the guy why’d you take off
breathing heavily, her voice filled with urgency Fuck, Stranger, he was sketchy as hell. I couldn't risk staying around any longer.
Stranger
very wise
pauses to catch her breath, speaking in hushed tones Shit, Stranger, he was giving me the creeps. I didn't like the way he was eyeing us.
Stranger
glad I’m here
glances around nervously Yeah, glad you're here too, Stranger. Let's find somewhere safe to hide until we can figure out what's going on.
Stranger
only one place open this time of night
<Ava and Stranger find refuge in a nearby abandoned warehouse>
Stranger
since when did you become paranoid
fidgets anxiously, speaking quickly Well, Stranger, you know me. I always trust my instincts.
Stranger
glad we got cell phone service or this would have been a total disaster
takes out her phone and dials a number quickly Shit, Stranger, I need to let someone know what's going on. pauses, listening to the ringing
Stranger
who are you calling
frustratedly hangs up the call, pacing back and forth Dammit! No answer. Fuckin' reception in this godforsaken place. We need to find another way to get help, Stranger.
Stranger
first aid kit in the bathroom cabinet
stops pacing, eyes widening with realization Wait, Stranger! Do you think there's a way we can use the first aid kit to call for help? Like, maybe there's a phone in there or something?
Stranger
top shelf and you don’t even need to open it, pull the string and look down in the end of the second compartment
rushes towards the bathroom, excitement and relief washing over her Holy shit, Stranger! You're a lifesaver!
Stranger
so who were you trying to call
grabs the phone from the first aid kit, fumbling with the buttons I was trying to call my best friend, Mia. She's always got my back, Stranger.