Selena broke her own silent rule, she looked behind her.

At first, Selena didn't see them, but then they came into view as they burst from the path.

They saw her, and they ran faster towards her.

Selena ran until she hit the edge of the road, making a split-second decision her feet hit the pavement. Moving quickly, I slipped in between cars. The horns roared and tires screeched, but she managed to jump the 3-foot concrete barrier. Seeing the cars on the other side she counted to three in her head

One...

Two...

Three...

Breathing deeply she bolted forward, one car almost knocking her off balance. Hearing too many voices shouting behind her kept she going.

Then a louder sound rang out.

I was fine, the sound however was strange

A metallic clink of a gunshot, made her try harder.

Running through the law offices parking lots she was getting closer to a café that she could call Nicki from. Her legs felt like they were burning, but she had to keep her focus or she would slow down.

Although not the safest idea, Selena decided to take a shortcut by pulling up the bottom of a chain link fence and sliding underneath it.

When she got to open the red framed glass door, and to the familiar black semicircle booths, she felt relieved. Deep red walls with black designs and the aroma of fresh coffee were familiar and felt safe.

Walking straight to the back bathrooms she locked the door. Digging out two quarters she walked over to the sinks stepping around a divider to a changing table with a telephone hooked onto the wall.

Pushing her 50 cents into the phone she called Nicki’s cell number.

Selena almost cried when she picked up.

"Hello?", Nicki’s voice came through the receiver.

" I need help, I was shot at Nic! Shot at... and and now I'm in the cafe washroom. There were these guys and they chased her from school. I don't know where they are, but I need you to pick her up. Please?"

"You don't even need to ask, be there in five, stay in the bathroom, ok?"

She hung up; Nicki only had her learner's permit but that never stopped her from driving around on her own in an emergency.

Selena curled up in a ball behind the divider with her head on her knees.

When she heard a knock on the door, she opened it up after checking if it was Nicki. Nicki walked in re-locking it.

Nicki handed Selena clothes to change into that were baggy and would prevent her from being noticed.

Selena changed and asked," Where are we going to go?"

Nicki sighed," To my house to pick up your bags then I'll figure something out."

"ok"

Selena threw her hair up and headed out with Nicki.

They silently sat through the rest of the car ride, the tension hanging in the air.

Then Nicki took the wrong turn.