Mark Judah: Chosen

Chapter 8 Las Vegas

                          MINDFULNESS

       "Pay attention to your surroundings.
So much is going on, if you just pay attention."
                            -KezTown

        "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
                              -Aristotle

                     280 HOURS BEFORE
                            APOCALYPSE

    Mark Judah

    I came to at three that sunday morning.
Which would be five central time. I forced
myself back to sleep, and woke up three
hours later.
    I was still tired, and preferred to stay in
bed. But, I got out, anyways. I changed
into my workout gear, and and headed to a nearby gym. Happy Vegas was always bright.
    No darkness to be found.
    I decided to strength train that day. After
thirty minutes, I threw in the towel. As I
stretched, I noticed a couple of eyes upon
me.
    When I exercised, I pulled in a lot of
attention from both men, and women. I
wasn't surprised when two men walked up to me, and asked.
    "How long have you been working out?"
    I laughed, and replied.
    "As far back as memory goes."
    "How long did it take before you were able to do those hand stand push up?"
    "And, that one armed push up?" Added the other guy.
    I took time to explain everything
they asked me about. After they thanked me, I continued stretching. Once I finished, I headed back to my room.
    It was about eight thirty, when I finished
showering, and began getting dressed. I wore a black V-Neck T-Shirt, with black Nike joggers, and Nike running shoes. Mebanes was already up, and about.
    "Have you eaten, yet?"
    "No, just coffee." Mebanes replied.
    "Let's go grab some breakfast."
    We went downstairs, and after the valet
brought us the Shelby, we went to the diner we've taken a liking to.
   Breakfast was really good. We spent the time talking about the upcoming backpacking trip.
    It was between nine thirty and ten when we left the diner. Driving down the strip,
Mebanes asked.
    "What are we going to do next?"
    "They've a firework..."
    I wasn't able to finish my sentence, before my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. I stomped on the brakes, causing cars to swerve, and honk at us.
    "What the!" Mebanes yelled out.
    "I'll be right back!" I yelled,  jumping out of the car.
    "I can't drive stic..." Mebanes yelled.
    I didn't quite catch the rest of that. I was
already running. I had to dodge a honking
car before I made it to the sidewalk.
    I ran faster. Weaving in, and around
people.
   "Oye!" (Hey) I yelled out. "Oye!"
(Hey)
    The person I was hollering at turned
around just as she entered a hotel. Upon
seeing me, she smiled wide.
    "We..." Deep breath. "Finally..." Deep breath. "Meet again." I said in spanish once I reached speaking distance.
    "Indeed we have. Why are you breathing so hard?" She inquired.
    "Because..." Small gulp of air. "You take my breath away."
    That made her laugh. And, my God was it a sweet melody.
    "Are you busy, now?" I asked, after catching my breath.
    "Unfortunately, yes."
    "Well..."
    I pulled out one of my cards from my wallet, then asked the hotel receptionist for a pen. I wrote my personal number down then handed it to her.
    "Will you call me later. When you're not
busy?"
    "I will."
    "I'd love to take you to dinner. Anywhere you like."
    "I'll call you tonight." She said with delight.

    Heading back outside, I noticed the
Shelby still parked in the middle of the strip. Woops. I jogged back to the car, and got inside.
    Mebanes looked at me crazily.
    "My bad."
    "Your bad? You leave me sitting in the
middle of the Vegas strip while cars are
driving by honking, and giving me the finger. Then, you come hop back in the car with that stupid grin on your face, and expect me to act like everything's cool. Because, Mark Judah said my bad?"
    Smiling even wider, I responded.
    "I saw her. I gave her my number."
    "What?" He responded. "That's awesome! Finally you can stop walking around like a sad zombie. You were really starting to
become a drag."
    I started to laugh at that. Then, Mebanes
continued.
    "When do you plan on seeing her?"
    "Tonight." I said with confidence.