Fin by A.R.C. (top 50 books to read .txt) 📖

to sleep with you. You sound like you could need some company comfort. I'm available for that." My smile had grew a little broader. How about a courtsey phone call when I get home?" The time Lionel laughed. "Whatever works for you, I'm open to it."

I couldn't stop beaming for the rest of the day after my lunch hour was over and everything seemed to be in a rapid pace for me. I decided to go home early anyway to see how can I prepare for Lionel's phone call. I swear, I felt like I was a teenager all over again-giddy and guliable. Well...there's no harm in hoping right? Tonight can be a start.

After well wishers from the staff for me to feel better and EMTs coming to pick up the bodies, I walked to the bus stop and decided to go to the closest store and pick up a few things for my dinner. I think I deserved a treat and considered tonight to be a cheat night from my diet that I have been on for the past month.

My mind was either on getting a chocolate fudge cake-or baking one, or a tub of vanilla fudge ice cream when I seen him...walking along the side walk across the street was the old man who appeared to be my dad. My mind went on auto mode as my body took the place of thinking as I rushed across the street to catch up to him. Dipping and dodging on going people while minding my manners as I said "excuse me", "pardon me" but it seemed like the on going walkers grew thicker as a crowd and wouldn't let me close to the old gent.

I slowed my pace after the last struggle and attempt to get him and walked back to where I was going in the first place feeling yet agian, defeated. Maybe it was time to stop chasing the illusion that it is my father.


I decided to get the tub of vanilla ice cream and the fudge cake. Didn't feel like making one of my own. And picked up a hot dish from the deli that I was looking forward to eating tonight and the hours couldn't have gone any slower until dinner time. I needed Lionel more than ever and I didn't think just a courtesy call would be enough for me. So I decided to take him up on that offer to come by.

As I strolled passed ailes looking for a short line to the check out counter, there was something wrong with my line of vision. I thought I saw Mr. Jenkins coming towards me but that was impossible...then what appeared to be a woman was briskly walking behind him and went straight through him-STRAIGHT THROUGH! And coming right to me.I did a quick turn, almost knocking down a guy who was in the longest line. I apologized to him over my shoulder and went down the dairy aisle.

Passing the yogurts and cheeses, was another one of those creepy women coming right towards me and walking right through folks...it was becoming too much to handle. I turned back the way that I came from and I reached for my phone. My fingers were not being cooperative as fumbled through my purse. When I finally got a grip on it I called Lionel. Three rings and he finally picked up.

"Hello?"

"Lionel. Lionel. It's Sarah..."

"Hey...are you ok? You sound like your panting."

"No, I'm not. Listen I think they are some people following me-" I dropped my phone when I seen another woman right in front of me that came out of no where. Her hair was flowing erriely with no wind in the store what so ever. Her face was transparent and became vivid as she spoke. "No need for running, Sarah..." What was with these voices telling me something that I was capable of doing or feeling?! My thoughts were wheeling of what to do, where to go... (@)


(Rushing and racing
and running in circles
Moving so fast, I'm forgetting my purpose
Blur of the traffic is sending me spinning
Getting nowhere

My head and my heart are colliding, chaotic
Pace of the world
I just wish I could stop it
Try to appear like I've got it together
I'm falling apart

Save me
Somebody take my hand, and lead me
Slow me down
Don't let love pass me by
Just show me how
'Cause I'm ready to fall
Slow me down
Don't let me live a lie
Before my life flys by
I need you to slow me down

Sometimes I fear that I might dissapear
In the blur of fast forward I faulter again
Forgetting to breathe, I need to sleep
I'm getting nowhere

All that I've missed I see in the reflection
Passed me while I wasn't paying attention
Tired of rushing, racing and running
I'm falling apart

Tell me
Oh won't you take my hand and lead me
Slow me down
Don't let love pass me by
Just show me how
'Cause I'm ready to fall
Slow me down
Don't let me live a lie
Before my life flys by
I need you to slow me down

Just show me
I need you to slow me down

The noise of the world is getting me caught up
Chasing the clock and I wish I could stop it
Just need to breathe, somebody please
Slow me down


-*Emmy Rossum "Slow Me Down"

)


I ran outside. And I didn't look back. I went where my legs could take me...I seen my dad who was across the street. I knew it was him. I didn't see the bus that was coming. My bus. The sight of my dad was the last thing that I seen.


**********************************************

*RANDOLPH "FALCON" JAMES*


That was a close call.


Sarah wasn't allowed to see me and everytime when I see her, she always seems to see me. It's impossible but not likely. It can only mean one thing: her time is getting near. I've been watching her since I left and what a journey it has been for her and myself. To not be there for your daughter in her time of need when she's crying and feels alone is heart breaking. But I watched over her. As an angel and with a help of other spirits I did the best I can for comfort.

I stepped out of the shadows of the wall between the alley when I didn't sense that she was still near. The crowd was the best distraction I could muster up and thank goodness it worked. She walked back across the street with her shoulders looking slumped over...my little girl. I didn't like to see her sad and what a day she has had. She'll be ok-or...will she?

They glided in threes. And from their quick pace and I knew that they were after Sarah. There was nothing I can do when the spirits of the dead had a job to do. I seen him himself-the death angel, walking among the people in a trench coat on a hot day but they couldn't see him. I cuoldn't stall...I pray that it will be all over and there no pain.

So I waited on the corner to see what would happen next. Waiting for a miracle. She deserves to go on but when the death angel comes there's no negotiation. And he's been very busy since giving the orders to collect souls before the end of all. The scene flashed right before my eyes. Sarah was in panic. I can see her heart beating a hundred times a minute.

She's looking back at someone...one of the three spirits were after her but they didn't make themselves go any further. The death angel himself was leaning on the bus stop sign so casually. Why was just standing...the 72...oh no...I seen it coming. I wanted to wave at her. Motion for her to get back or point to the bus so she can see. But all she seen was me. I exposed myself accidently and at that short moment that was shared between us, I didn't care. It was a slow motion momentum...the 72 came and then it haulted.

Immediately a crowd had formed to take a look at what was left of my Sarah. A road kill expedition. I wished they would stop gawking at her! I heard someone screaming to call 911. The bus driver in shock said, "Oh my god...she rides this bus! What have I done?! I couldn't stop in time...Oh god...Oh god..."

And she was still looking at me.

Perplextion was also in the mix of her facial expression but love and happiness in her eyes shined right through. The three spirits guided her away to what's unknown to her as she kept looking back at me. I gave her a saulte and blew her kiss. She was off to where new souls were taken. A new journey. I know she didn't want to leave her life behind without reconciling with Lionel. It was a small chance but she had gotten that much.


***********************************************


*COLLIN*


I heard the news about the 72 running over one of its regular passengers. A nurse, 34 years old. It was a sad occassion but I couldn't help but to be glad that there was something new in the news than the count down. The clock was still showing on tv and it felt like the time was being merciless and picking up the pace. But that could be all in my head...

"Yo, I heard the lady's body was bust open wide!..." Rod said with such enthusiasm it was disgusting. "My cousin said he was there. He said he heard a screech coming from the bus and then a loud THUMP. Next thing he knew blood all splattered everywhere on the street."

"You talk about it like it was an hall of fame moment in sports." I said glaring at him.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I think it's cool. You know me. Blood, guts and gore."

"The lady probably had a family. Probably had a purpose in life. She wasn't no prop or stunt double failure for no horror show." I said with a little anger in my voice.

"Hey Collin...I suggest you better tone down what you think is bass in your throat. I don't know what the hell's been up with you, but your change of attitude?-Is not wanted."

That was fine by me. Speaking of attitude, Rod's has been turning uglier. I wasn't sure what was going on. I've been hanging around Jenna, Steve, and Mark a couple of times since they offered my a plate of hot food. I thought it wasn't possible for people around my age or younger to be so open and nice...the complete opposite of with Rod and the rest of the crew.

"I'm just saying, I remember her seeing her around and I don't think it's cool-"

"No one here cares about that weak, whack ass feelings you pouring out. Just shut that up."

He got up to walk away and of course, the rest had followed him. They passed by that homeless guy who was just standing there looking as if there was hardly any life to him anymore. He usually be sitting somewhere with his cart of