Cast & Fall by Janice Hadden Page A

Sam and I went through racks and racks of clothing. Between
the two of us, we pulled out about twenty dresses.
    “ Okay,
let’s start with these,” I said, as I handed her the
selections I picked out for her. I sat down on a chunky red chair in
front of the dressing room, while she went to try everything on.
    She
started with the short blue dress. It had an open back. The front was
covered up to the collarbone. It was loosely fitted and ran all the
way just right below the knee.
    “ TADA
watcha think?” She paraded it in front of me.
    “ I
like it,” I said. “Lets keep that in mind and try on the
rest.” She tried several long ones just for fun. She also tried
on a lavender dress that looked promising. Then, she came out in a
black chiffon fabric that had the fifties feel to it. It fitted her
perfectly. “That’s it!” I squealed. Even she knew
it was the one. “Maybe they have one in my size.” Sam and
I share the same passion for anything eclectic and vintage. I tried
it on and it looked great on me too.
    “ Get
it,” she yelled, “it’s fifty percent off.” I
decided to buy it. Sam and I probably have ten outfits that are the
same. Of course, it was always tricky when we did go out together,
making sure we didn’t dress in twin attire.
    “ Hey
guys!” it was Michella.
    “ So
who’s this guy you’re going out with?” She
questioned and grinned.
    “ His
name is Al, I met him at the gym,” Sam whispered, all goo-goo
eyed.
    “ Do
we know him?” Michella asked.
    “ Well…If
the two of you had shown up last week, you would have,” she
scolded.
    “ This
is really going to make me want to work out more often,” her
shrilled voice scratched my ear drums.
    “ Hey
whatever works,” Michella, giggled. We devoured five more
stores, met Avril at the coffee place then we headed to Susana’s
Spa and Salon.
    It
was about a thirty minute wait in which we consumed talking,
gossiping and reminiscing how we missed each other and the things we
did last summer. Finally, we were able to rest our feet in the most
relaxing lavender soak. The foot massage was also amazing. Then, our
toes got buffed, filed and painted.
    Then,
three more hours passed, we hit a couple of more stores before we
accepted the shop till you drop gauge, to finally quit. Feet all glammed-up ,
we carried our loot to the parking lot. We gave each other hugs, then
Michella and Avril strode toward the east parking lot where they
parked, while Sam and I headed to the north side. I walked Sam to her
car and waved her goodbye. I was definitely tired.
    On
my way to my car, I suddenly noticed it was almost dusk, so I hurried
to unlock my door, grabbed the handle and shoved my bags in the back
seat and circled around to the driver side. I placed my purse on the
seat. But before I could slide myself in, someone grabbed me from
behind. It happened fast. A strong grip locked one arm on my waist
and covered my mouth with the other. My defensive instinct kicked in
and I started kicking with both feet as It dragged me several feet
away from my car toward the forest-like side of the mall building. A
Crippling fear ravaged through my mind.
    I
knew it was about a hundred yards until no one would see what was
happening to me.
I brushed my fear with my will to escape and with all the strength I
had in me, I kicked from behind. I opened my mouth to bite what I
could and tried to scream for help.
I wasn’t sure if I had made any progress. Everything happened
fast and my instinct was the only thing I was relying on. But despite
the enormous effort, it was no use— it was
so much stronger than I was.
    It’s
iron grip was locked on my waist. I gasped for air. I couldn’t
breathe. I was suffocating. I suddenly felt dizzy and a cloud of haze
covered my eyes. Despite the veil of mist that was in front of me, I
could still see the dark and gray shadows that suddenly appeared. A
trace of familiarity emerged in my mind. A memory resurfaced—the
shadow just like in