Resist the Prize: Chapter Three

Chapter Three: Blood Dress

"Why did you stop?" Erich laid down her back on the back seat again. If she just accepted Lake's anniversary gift three hours ago, a great war would never play between them, they would have gone home earlier than her father's curfew. "You know, Lake. I honestly like you. But I am sorry for not accepting your gift."

"Why can't I open it?", Lake said to himself.

The answer she expected from the front seat did not arrive.

"Maybe tomorrow, Lake. Let's talk about it again tomorrow," she continued, while playing with her blue necklace. "Why are you not answering? Those three strangers are not your business, Lake. I need to go home."

She rose up and gazed on what Lake was watching. Ten feet away from the car, on the bridge's sidewalk, two guys and a lady were standing. They looked like they came from a rich person's party. The taller guy wore a black tuxedo and the other guy wore white. The lady wore a long red gown that was shining even in a dark area. The taller guy and the lady were close to each other while the shorter guy was watching the couple having a conversation.

"I think you know that girl, " Lake turned to Erich. "I saw you together three nights ago. Is she your best friend? She won't give me her name."

"I can't see, " Erich leaned closer to the car window. "Can you move the car closer?"

Lake started the car and ran it slowly. The night wind was now flying diagonally with the drizzle. The car stopped four feet from the strangers.

"It's Samantha," said Erich, opening the car window. "Wow."

Never had Erich saw her best friend wearing a beautiful gown. She was surprised on how Samantha handled the blood-colored gown. The red gown was dancing with the wind.

"Lake, what's that on the lonely guy's right hand?"

"Samantha, I know it's the wrong time, but, " the humid wind burst on his face when he opened his window. "Will you be the mother ..."

The weather was cold but sweats were running wild on Lake's face.

"Don't finish it, Lake. It's nonsense. I'm only eighteen. I am still going to college."

"... of my children?"

Erich was not surprised. Her boyfriend loved to say wrong things at the wrong times. She just ignored him and opened the window near her and tried to figure out the object the white-tuxedo guy was holding.

"What's that on the other guy's hand?"

"Fudge. Oh God, Samantha," Lake closed his window. "Close your window. He is holding a gun."