Meeting

You know that feeling?

The one where you feel as though someone is watching you, following you. But everytime you turn around, there isn't anyone.

I hate that feeling. I kept feeling it. I was paranoid. I could feel eyes on me during school, walking home, reading, using the computer. It drove me crazy.

But I didn't show it. I kept on my happy smile, my default one that kept everyone polite but at bay. And all I could think about was that one feeling.

One night, as I was walking home from track practice, I felt that same feeling. But it was stronger than ever. Now, it wasn't just a feeling, it was a certainty. And something clicked inside me. Something that had never happened before.

I whirled around. Yet again there was no one. And that click, that thing that changed inside me? I could feel it well up. I couldn't stop my response.

"COME OUT!!" I bellowed. I was so sick and tired of that feeling. That same sensation of being watched and followed.

I didn't expect a response, so I kept on yelling.

"I'M NOT HIDING FROM YOU! COME OUT AND SHOW YOURSELF BEFORE I RIP YOU TO SHREDS!"

OK, admittedly, not the best thing I've said, but the minute those words came out, I felt better. At ease.

I took a deep breath. I turned back to walk home, but jerked back in shock.

A person stood right in front of me, just a couple centimeters away. They stepped back, and I was able to get a good look at them.

Not a good look, unfortunately, but I was able to make this out: They wore black a black hoodie, shirt and jeans. A pale face was barely visible through the hood. Their hands were by their sides. And for some unexplainable reason, I felt afraid.

"I was following you." They said. I stared at them. They chuckled, and I realized my jaw was open. I closed my mouth.

"What?" I stammered out. I could have sworn I saw a smile flash under the hood.

"I was following you." That voice. It was rich and almost hypnotic. It made me feel just a bit dizzy.

"Uh huh." I said, my voice softly. I had a sudden urge to rip off their hood. I desperately wanted to see what they looked like.

They cocked their head to the side. From deep under the hood, I could feel eyes reaching out for me. Like before. That same feeling overwhelmed me.

"STOP!" I yelled. The person took a step back. The feeling left. But another took its place. I fell to the ground, the world blacking out. Just before I slipped away completely, I felt my body being carried, and hoped I would wake up.

Then I was gone.