The Sweetest Kill: A Young Adult Paranormal Read Online Free PDF Page A

run every time he stares at me, I’ll give him vague answers. Then, just when I start to like him, he’ll try to touch me. I’ll freak out and when I’m in the middle of my panic attack, he’ll run for the nearest exit. I want to say that this is just an assumption but it isn’t. Just ask Tom, Chris, and Colin. All of them were great guys and all of them were fast runners.
    As the day goes on, I start to relax a little. Frank does me a big favor and works at the counter while I mix the drinks. We both know it’s a good move for everyone involved. When our shifts are over, Frank’s replacement comes first. It’s a girl named Kayla and though I don’t know her, it’s obvious she doesn’t like me. That is quite obvious, since her face always looks like she’s smelled something rancid.
    “Hey, do you need a ride home?” Frank asks as he comes out of the back.
    I shake my head but says nothing as Kayla’s glare intensifies.
    “You sure?”
    I glance at Kayla quickly before nodding, “I’m okay.”
    “Alright. Well, I’ll see you Monday, alright?”
    I nod but don’t say anything, as I busy myself with changing the filters on the machines. It’s not long before Melanie comes rushing into the building looking both contrite and disheveled. Her blue eyes widen when she sees me behind the counter and comes over to explain in a rush.
    “Oh my god, Shoshanna, I had no idea I was your replacement. I feel so awful. Trevor drove me over here, but then he wouldn’t let me get out of the car. He’s adorable but he always makes me late for my shifts. Please say you’ll forgive me! I feel so awful for making you wait. I swear I’ll make it up to you.”
    I gnaw on my lip and shake my head, “It’s okay.”
    “So you’ll forgive me?”
    I just mumble an affirmative but it does the job. She jumps up with a grin before unraveling her scarf from her neck, “I’ll be back in a second. Just let me go hang this stuff up in the back.”
    “Shoshanna!”
    I jump and turn around to see Lawrence glaring at me. I don’t know what he thinks I’ve done this time, but I don’t like the look in his eyes. He doesn’t say anything more, but he urges me to go towards him. Stumbling a bit on my sneakers, I hesitantly do as he asks. My palms begin to sweat, and a twisting in my stomach begins to wrench its way through my body, the closer I get to him. I know this will be bad but I can’t escape, and I realize this is just how he wants me to feel. Shoving all emotion down into a tight little box, I meet Lawrence’s eyes with a blank look.
    I feel nothing and I am nothing.
    “Come into the office.” He says stiffly, “I want to talk to you.”
    “I-I have to go home.” I stutter out, feeling the growing urge to run.
    He glances up at Kayla before smiling at me, “It’ll only take a few minutes.”
    I spot Melanie out of the corner of my eye, walking out of the back room. Her walk slows down but she doesn’t say anything. I know I’m alone on this one. Neither Kayla nor Melanie can or will help me. When Melanie passes by me to stand behind the counter, my suspicions are confirmed and I blink back tears. I can’t say I’m surprised but it doesn’t hurt any less.
    “It’ll only take a minute.” He assures me again and reaches out to guide me towards the office. I clench my hands into fists at my side, but my feet follow his command.
    I walk into the fairly small office and see two desks facing different walls, one of which belongs to the other manager, Diane. A fairly small window is on the farthest wall from the door. It has a view of barren tree branches going across it. I’m studying the tiny half bathroom nearby, when I hear the door click shut behind me. This is followed by another click, and I realize I’ve just been locked in.
    I close my eyes and try not to show my panic when Lawrence’s hands come down on my shoulders. Both of my fists tighten to the point that my fingernails are digging into my palms. I