[ Mikey's POV ]

I could sense danger. It was that hair-raising sensation that causes uneasy butterflies to tickle the inside of your stomach. It was nerve wrecking, to be honest.

''That will be thirty dollars and fifty-five cents.'' The clerk says, smiling at me. She was rather gentle under the eyes, with her wavy brown hair and pale blue eyes. Her name tag read ''Branda'' and if I was going to stamp a lable on her I would say she seemed to be one of those girls who are used to getting hit on everyday.

Guilt struck me like a pound of bricks. It shouldn't have, though, and I knew that very well. I can't help it that I'm homosexual and love girls for nothing more than their style sense and flirting tips.

I smile and hand her the fifty dollar bill, waiting for her to bag Gerard's gifts and hand me back my change. Once everything was settled I take the bag and walk from Hot Topic, heading to the food court.

Buying myself a chicken wrap, I sit down and begin eating. I found myself getting lost in the faint chatter around me so I wasn't exactly focusing on anything, which is bad. Very bad.

Living in New Jersey means you have to prepare for everything, and I do mean everything. I remember when I was thirteen so guy mugged me for my new Converse, leaving me in the dust with tears in my eyes. I knew from then on that in New Jersey, however many people may be around you, you are never safe. People turn their back on you which is why people drop lip flies here.

''Excuse me, can I sit here? You don't look very threatening, while all the others, well, do.'' A woman - Branda from Hot Topic - says with a small laugh.

I nod, moving my bag. Was it weird that she happens to choose me to sit by?

Looking around, I saw there were a bunch of friendly looking guys, and a bunch of friendly looking girls too. I didn't think it over to much, because I knew if I did it would give me a headache, which would sour my mood completly.

''I'm Brenda, by the way. What's your name sweety?'' She asks, brushing her brown hair from her face. Brenda smiles, her slightly yellow tiny teeth showing. I smile back, even if it's forced.

''I'm Mikey, Brenda. It's very nice to meet you.'' I say nicely, not wanting to offend her. For some reason, she gave me that hair-raising sensation, too. Maybe it was her watching me in the store.

Brenda flashed me a daring smile, like she was hoping I would flirt with her instead of weighing my words out. I couldn't flirt with her, because I was in no way attracted to her.

''You're really sweet Brenda - ''

Suddenly, I was cut off by a short guy with a bunch of tattoos. He had a seriously angry look plastered on his face and my stomach knotted in fright due to it.

''Are you seriously out flirting with guys when you should be working?'' He barks, glaring at her before his eyes dart to me. It only lasted for a split second though before his attention was back on Brenda.

''You're a god damn whore, Brenda Loon. I should fuckin' kill you right now. You owe me money, bitch, and I'm going to get it.'' The man snarls, hand gripping her wrist tightly.

My stomach seemed to knot even tighter. This guy seemed aggressive, and I honestly didn't need a fight happening on my account.

''I'm not flirting with her, man. Really. I'm just talking to her.'' I tell the guy, my hands up in a surrendering manner. The man didn't seem to like this, though, because his fist flies out and comes into contact with my face.

''Mikey!'' Brenda cries, kneeling next to me. In a quick motion the guy had Brenda up by her hair, knife against her throat. People scattered, screaming and wailing, running to safety in stores. I wish I could be one of those people.

''Give me the damn money for the coke and I'll leave you and your little faggot boyfriend alone, got it?'' The man snarls.

''Frank, please! Just, give me a few more days! I'll have it!'' Brenda cries.

Frank rolled his eyes before he made a quick movement which caused Brenda's neck to make a sick snapping sound.

I whimper, inching closer to the bag of goodies for Gerard. I bought him a pocket knife just to piss him off because of his fear of sharp objects - which are mostly needles, but I can tease my brother, right?

''Touch the bag and you'll have the same fate, princess.'' Frank snaps, jerking me up. He grabs the bag and carries me out of the mall.

Surprisingly, no cops have come. I was about to scream for help, but just like before everyone turned their back on me. I was going to drop dead like a fly someone steps on.

For once in my life, I felt completely and utterly alone.

Notes

c: Chapter two! It's longer, right? xD Oh well. Comments are lovely<3