Excerpt of Chapter 6

I had never been afraid of walking in this neighborhood before. It was an

upper middle class area with homes that ranged from brick ranches to 

cozy bungalows. The area was virtually crime-free, except for an 

occasional minor vandalism. Herrington was divided into two very distinct 

sections. A broad, winding, sometimes drought-stricken river provided the 

perfect border. The South side housed the poorer population of 

Herrington, while the North side was the playground to the upper and 

middle class residents. The 'other side of the river' was notorious for 

burglaries, violence and rape. I suppose that I never dreamed that 

something like this could happen practically in my own backyard, and 

especially to me. 

I made my way down the side of the paved road that would eventually be 

the entrance to a very exclusive neighborhood. The road, which was 

covered with loose gravel and chunks of mud, reminded me not of 

improvement, but destruction. Subconsciously, I ran my hands through my 

hair feeling the tenderness of my bruised scalp. I found myself glancing 

over my shoulder, aware of every shadow that the clouds and moon 

created. How was I going to explain my appearance to Jenny? It was funny 

how I thought Jenny even deserved an explanation. I was the one that 

needed some answers. Here I was walking down the street, jumping at the 

slightest movement, fearing it would all happen again. I was so cold and 

tired. I wanted nothing more than to go home and take a scalding hot 

shower. I wanted to wash the filth from my skin. However, I doubted that 

would ever be possible.

I finally reached the bottom of the new road. Small houses with lush green 

yards appeared on both sides of the old section of the street. A dog 

barked, and I jumped grabbing my chest. My heart fluttered rapidly with 

fear, and a cold sweat broke out across my face. I quickened my steps, as I 

hurried to get on the sidewalk. Strangely, I felt a rush of comfort sweep 

over me. The large mature trees with their withering leaves seemed to 

cover me like a blanket. I felt as if I couldn't be seen by anyone. The dim 

light of the moon turned on and off like a light as it moved in and out of 

the clouds.