'The Date" by Joseph B

Prologue

 It was a stormy night, a prison bus full of convicts was on board. One of them was Robert Zombie, a man who turned into a killer after he brutally killed someone at the age of 13. During the long drive to Illinois State Penitentiary, a mysterious person was wondering in the middle of the road. The shocked bus driver tries to avoid hitting the stranger, causing the bus to go off track and rolling into a meadow. The figure goes to the crash site and recovers Robert. However, the guard has survived the crash.

One Year Later

“Its my day,” I whispered to myself as I comb my hair. I just cannot believe it happened, I’m finally dating the girl of my dreams. Her name is Charlotte. I’ve known her since eighth grade and now I’m taking her out on a date. As I leave my house and enter my car I think to myself, nothing can go wrong , but for some reason, deep down my soul is telling me that this is a mistake. Her house is only a five minutes away by car. Once I reach her house, I get out of my car and force myself to walk to her door. I knock and she answers.
“ Hey Chester” she said with her soft voice and gave me a hug.
 “Hey Charlotte, you look amazing.”
     Once we got to my car, she asked me a very strange question. “Do you still talk to Robert Z?” That’s a name I have not heard until his escape from the bus.
“I haven’t talked to him since junior high. That was like eight years ago.” I said with a slight chuckle.
“C’mon, you two were like the bestest of friends. What ever happened to that?”
“I guess we both changed. After that incident back at the shack, I just realized I was hanging out with the wrong person.” On the last day of eighth grade, Robert was sentenced to two decades in prison for killing someone.
“Did you at least visit him,” she said with an irritated voice. “He was your best friend and since you betrayed him like that, you should have at least said sorry or something to him.” “You're right maybe someday when we cross paths again I’ll apologize.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea
.” “What do you mean?”
“Well, what if he has a grudge against you now.” “I guess, I just hope not though.” We finally arrive at this fancy restaurant called La Veille de Sanctifier . The name has always freaked me out for some odd reason, which is why I’m confused on why Charlotte chose this place. Right before we walk in I spot a person in a plain mask staring at me. “Is something wrong, Chester?” Charlotte says. I turn to see a paranoid expression on Charlotte’s face. Then I look up and the figure is gone. “No, no everything's fine. Let’s go in.” I open the door for her.
“Bonjour. Do you have a reservation?” The French hostess ask with a friendly smile.
“Hello. Indeed we do. Its Chester, party of two.” “Oh yeah, right on time too. Follow me.” We followed the woman to this table with a candle already lit. “Here you are. The waiter will be with you in a second.” The hostess said while we sat. She then walked by me and whispered, “I hope your first date is extra romantic,” and walks away. We waited for the waiter for five minutes, but in the meantime we just talked about current events. Then the waiter arrives. “Bonjour mademoiselle et monsieur. My name is Éric and I will be your waiter today. Can I start you both off with our most romantic drink, la forme ?” He then gets out his pen and pad. “Uh sure why not,” I responded. “OK and I’ll be right back with your drinks.” He then put the pen and pad away and went to the kitchen. I then look toward the door trying to remember the masked man outside. “Here comes our drinks,” Charlotte points out. “Here you go monsieur. In our restaurant it is tradition for the gentleman to drink first.” “All right then, here we go.” I take a sip from the wine. “Its strong and kinda stings...in a good way though.” “I’m glad you like it.” He says. I notice that he has a mischievous grin on him. Then it hits me. I feel light headed and then everything becomes a blur. “Chester, are you alright,” Charlotte says with a worried but foolish look as if I’m faking this. I try standing up, but I fall. Then everything is black. I open my eyes to a white room, my legs are chained to the wall. Where am I, I thought. Wheres Charlotte? “Hello anyone there?” I ask, expecting an answer. Then a sliding door opens to reveal the same figure from the restaurant. He turns his head to the corner as if telling me to look in that direction. I turn to find a decomposed body wearing a guard's outfit. “Wwho are you?” I asked paranoid. At that moment another person entered the room but this one was smaller and slimmer. “Hello Chester.” I immediately recognize that voice. “Charlotte? Why are you doing to this?” I demanded. “My friend wanted to say hi.” Then the taller figure takes off the mask. My stomach grew sick I knew that at this moment, it was personal. “Robert?” “No, that man in the corner, he’s Robert. I’m Michael the only survivor of the bus crash. I’m here to avenge my brother’s death by making you suffer.” “You ... you're gonna kill me.” “No, time and isolation will. Goodbye Chester. Oh, and nice to meet you.” Then Charlotte came to me bent down and kissed me on the cheek. She then got up, left the room with Michael, and locked the door.