My husband learned very early to give me fair warning and to not sneak up on me. We were friends prior to getting together. Everyone in our circle of friends knew that I had a concealed weapons permit. They frequently said “If Alexis has her big purse, be nice.” Let me just say right now, I take gun safety very seriously. They are not a toy. However, I own a weapon for protection.

On this night I was tired from working all day and had decided to turn in early. My roommate was working out of town. I didn’t know if he would be home that night or not so I didn’t deadbolt the door. We lived in a safe area but we weren’t stupid. We secured our home. I had talked with Nick earlier. He was working and wouldn’t be off until much later. I was tired and was not waiting up for him. I ended up turning in.

After several hours of sleep I heard a noise. I knew that no one was supposed to be at my house. I laid in bed and waited, listening. Sure enough, someone was trying to break into my house. I reach into the hiding place I had for my weapon. Some of you may say why didn’t I call 911, and you are right, I was going to but my phone was in my purse in the kitchen. Stupid lapse in judgement not bringing my phone into my room with me.

I grab my gun and slowly open my door a crack. At the same time I hear the front door open. Whoever it was had actually broken into my house and there was no way I could get my phone unnoticed. Oh man, this was for real. I see a man round the corner heading towards my room. Ok I’m not going down without a fight. I step fully out of my door, level my 9mm at the intruder and state “IDENTIFY”. The intruder immediately stops, throws both hands in the air, and yells “Its me! Its me!” I think I recognize the voice but wanted to make sure. I told whoever it was to turn the light on. Nick was still standing as still as possible, both hands raised. I’m standing there in your typical girly pajamas with a fully loaded weapon pointing at him. I secure my gun and move back into my room to put it back away. Neither one of us has said anything else. I just walked away because my adrenaline was pumping and I would not have said anything nice. I hear Nick mumbling and immediately go to the bathroom. I head back into the kitchen to grab my phone. Nick comes into the kitchen, grabs the bottle of rum I had on the counter, unscrewed the lid and took a long swallow. He finally looked at me and said “Never again! I will never sneak up on you again.” And to this day he hasn’t snuck up on me.