A New Life: The Facility

The hole in the wall closes in front of me. For a brief moment I could still see through the hole, it looks like the door was opening in Lyla’s room. I hope she’s okay. With the thoughts of our previous encounter with Paul, I stand up and walk to the other side of the room back to my bed. Sitting down. I stare at the wall. I can’t believe what happened. One second, Lyla and I were sitting in the grass talking about memories from before all this, and the next. I’m slinking away from a fight trying to not get into trouble. But… I ended up causing more trouble than I intended to. It’s just another stroke of bad luck for me I suppose.

Now… This whole place is on lockdown, I still hear those guys in the swat outfits patrolling the halls… It’s not good. Each footstep echoing through the halls, this lockdown, it’s my fault it happened. I look over to the mirror on the other end of the wall. My face just partly visible from where I’m sitting. It’s weird, seeing something else in the mirror when I look into it. It’s actually kind of ironic now that I think about it.

A Painter, turned into a chameleon. I chuckle to myself. None of this feels real, yet it is all the same.

I can’t help but feel like I should’ve done something in the fight, Lyla’s words saying “You froze up!” keep replaying in my mind like one of those old CD players that skips when you held it wrong. I knew I could’ve done more, and I didn’t. But, with our new plan to get out of here. This is going to be another chance to actually do something. I know I’m capable of it. It’s not like I’m not. It just seems so daunting when you can’t trust anyone. Is it that? Or is it the small piece inside me that still believes I could get out of this place without risking staying any longer…

I honestly, don’t know.

It’s been a wild evening. To top it all, the PA goes off and a voice comes through the speakers. “Attention patrons, we are holding a practice lockdown for the remainder of the night, you will be escorted to your rooms, in which the lockdown will end tomorrow morning. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Jeez, now they’re keeping us inside for the rest of the night? Sitting on my bed, I wonder what’s going on in Lyla’s room, who’s the person in there? Is it Carter? Should I try to intervene and see what’s going on? No, I shouldn’t. Thinking about it I know that if it’s not him, it’s going to put a larger target on our backs. Lyla pulled out a chunk of the wall for god’s sake, and if they find out, not only will they seal it, but they could prevent us from talking like we have been the past 2 days.

But if something else is going on, there’s a chance that Lyla could be in danger.

I have to do something..

Right?

I get up and walk to the crack in the wall, I lean in to see if I hear anything, but I can only make out some muffled voices.

“make it through this…”

Who’s on the other side? Is it Carter? I need to know.

“don’t…start… anything…”

Who is that? I can faintly hear the door closing from Lyla’s room, waiting a few minutes, I tap on the piece of the wall Lyla pulled out.

“Lyla? Hello?”

Tapping more on the piece of the wall, the piece falls out, leaving the hole between Lyla’s room and mine wide open. I can tell lyla hears the piece fall onto the floor, as the sound of her clawed feet hitting the tile comes closer to the whole in the wall.

“James? What’re you doing?”

“Who was that?” I ask, “It sounded super bad, I waited until they were gone so I didn’t get you caught.”

“It was Carter. He told me about the file. Something messed up is going on James, we need to think really hard about getting out of here.”

“Well, what was it?” I ask.

“It’s not good, he said that the files removed…”

The sound of my door opening catch Lyla’s attention, and she makes a quiet shrieking sound before putting the piece back in the wall. Seeing her do this, I simultaneously dart upwards and move to the sink right next to the hole in the wall. Splashing my face with water as fast as possible I turn around.

Looking at the door, a blonde woman enters. Wearing the same blue polo that every other person, Carter included, is wearing. She’s looking down a clipboard, seemingly oblivious to what had happened as she was opening the door.

“James?” the woman asks.

“Yeah, that’s me.” I respond.

“Hey, I’m sure you heard the PA but, I’m going to be picking you up tomorrow morning for an assembly before they start serving breakfast. I know it’s not the normal schedule so I’m making the rounds to let you guys know.”

“Alright, thanks.” I say.

The woman goes to leave, but stops, looking up at me, in front of the sink.

“You… you good?” the woman asks.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just cleaning up before going to bed.” I reply.

“…Alright.” The woman says, closing the door.

Wait… hold on, who is this woman?

“Actually…” I say.

The woman stops closing the door, opening it enough to see me. “What’s up?”

“What happened to Carter? Normally, he takes me to breakfast.” I ask.

“Oh. Carter.” The woman says, “I’m taking over for him for tomorrow, since It’s a mass wakeup, rather than individuals.”

“Gotcha.” I reply. “Thank you.”

The woman gives me a nod, before closing the door, the electric lock clicking into place as she walks away.

Waiting another few moments to make sure the woman is gone, I return to the crack in the wall.

“Lyla, you there?” I say.

Silence.

“Hello?” I call out.

“…I’m here.” Lyla says, “Nobody in there?” She asks.

“Yeah, some woman showed up to tell me about an assembly.” I respond. “So, what did Carter say?” I ask.

“I want to tell you, but with these two close calls already, I think we should wait until tomorrow.” Lyla says. “I don’t want to take any chances. Can you wait until after the assembly tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I can wait. Good idea.” I respond. “goodnight, Lyla.”

Silence.

“Goodnight James.”

I get up from the crack in the wall, and lay down in my bed. It’s been a wild day, still, there’s thoughts inside of my head that are preventing me from sleeping. I could’ve done more, I could have went out of my way to defend my friends. Instead, I accidentally instigated the fight.

Instead of helping I cowered behind Lyla and fled when they needed me. I don’t know why, is it because of my nature? I know I’m not one to do things like this. I know that I would stand up for my sister when she needed me. Has this place gotten to my head? Am I starting to become more animal than man? It doesn’t make sense, and yet, I’m sitting here, dwelling on it. I don’t mean to beat myself up about it, but I do know that I could have done something.

The more I think about what could have been, the more I suffocate myself as I lie awake. These conflicting thoughts intruding themselves into my head until I can’t think about anything else, and somehow, as I’m drowning in my thoughts, I fall asleep.

Still within my dreams, while I don’t remember much, I do remember running. I don’t know from what, but the feeling of being caught is something that I can’t fathom, not that I want to. I’m sprinting, but I keep falling over myself. Running isn’t something I’m capable of doing when it comes to being this way. The feeling keeps getting closer and I know that if I look back, I’m done for. However, I do. I don’t remember what I saw, as right when I turned around to face whatever was chasing me, the sound of the door opening wakes me up.

“James? Rise and Shine.” The familiar voice says.

I sit up in bed and look to the door at the foot of my bed. It’s the same woman who’s entered my room last night. She tosses me a Ziploc bag with the number 19 written in marker.

“Clean up and come on, you need to get to the assembly.” The woman says, closing the door.

I quickly get around, using the Ziploc bag, and the toiletries inside to clean up, and then head to the door, where the woman is waiting outside. With a group.

“Lead the way.” I respond.

The woman gestures for myself and the rest of the people to follow her. We all start moving, as I slink back to the back of the line. We walk about a couple steps before someone pipes up, a mountain lion.

“Scuse me miss..” The Lion says. “What’s this assembly for again?”

The woman looks at her clipboard for a short moment before responding. “Something about the incident that happened outside yesterday.”

The lion shakes his head as the caravan of people keep moving.

While we’re walking, I hear someone from behind me. “Yo, lizard.” Look to my side as another smaller person catches up from the back of the line. It’s a racoon. Wearing a bright red hoodie, and shorts. “you know what’s going on?” It asks.

“You weren’t paying attention? It’s supposed to be some assembly.” I reply.

“Well yeah… I know that.” The racoon says, rolling its eyes. “I’m asking if you know what it’s about.”

“So… you weren’t listening, it’s about what happened outside yesterday.” I say.

The racoon responds, “I wasn’t outside, what happened? A bunch of swat guys were telling us to head back to our rooms last night.” The racoon looks at me for an answer. I don’t know how much this person knows, and tying myself to the incident doesn’t seem like a good idea, especially with everyone being so on edge.

“Someone hopped the fence.” I say. “Dunno how, but they made a break for It. I only saw them on the other side, booking it.” I respond.

“Seriously?!” The racoon’s eyes light up. “You’re kidding, someone actually made a break for it?” They ask. “As far as I know, yes.” I respond.

“That’s freakin’ awesome.” The racoon says. Before her expression changes to one of surprise, like she forgot her keys at home. “Oh shit, I’m sorry, what’s your name dude?”

“Uh… James.” I respond.

“Nice to meet you James, I’m Kellie.” Kellie extends their hand for a handshake. I shake their hand as we continue walking.

“So, what else did you see?” Kellie asks.

“Not much.” I respond. “Just some guys chasing after the person who escaped.”

“Damn.” Kellie says. “I was hoping for some action here.” She frowns. “How long you been here?” She asks.

“Uh… About a few weeks, I think?” I say. “Really? Longer than me.” She responds. We walk in awkward silence. Before she pipes up again. “How you handing the whole, um… being an animal thing?”

“I uh… I don’t know how to respond to that. I guess I’m handling it fine? I was kind of freaked out at first.” I say. “I’m used to it now.”

“Really?” She says. “When I woke up like this, I was freakin’ stoked dude.” She says, beaming. “Like, of course I didn’t want it at first, but how freakin’ cool is this?” She spins around while walking, gesturing to herself. “I’m like, not a human anymore. My life was pretty freakin’ boring before this happened. Now, I guess, I’m special.”

“I mean, I guess?” I say. “Not really anything special about being an animal though. We just look different.”

“Look different?” Kellie says. “Dude, I have a freakin’ tail now. I can see in the dark, and I’m never freezing. This is probably the coolest thing that’s happened to me… like… ever.” Kellie does a little dance, before she catches back up to me. “I don’t like being so small though. It’s annoying to have to run so fast to catch up to everyone.”

“There’s cons to everything I suppose.” I say. We all stop. The blonde woman opens two doors, and we enter a gymnasium. Sports equipment strewn across the floor, as all of the people from the cafeteria, and outside are in here, as two people pull out bleachers from the wall. A small platform is at the other end, with a microphone on it. I look through the crowd to see if I can find Lyla, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

“Looking for someone?” Kellie asks, poking me in the leg.

“Yeah.” I say. “A friend.”

“Were they outside with you?” Kellie asks. “She was, she didn’t see much either if that’s what your asking.”

“Oh a girl?” Kellie says, “She cute?”

I glance down at her, confused. She looks up at me with the same expression. “Dude, if you’re trying to give me some look it aint working. I can’t tell if you’re making a face with those weird freakin’ eyes of yours.”

I sigh.

Finally, people start moving, and I get close to the bleachers, this Kellie girl, following me. As I get close to the bleachers, I feel someone tug at my shirt. Looking to the side, I see Lyla. Finally, someone I know.

“There you are.” She says. “How you holding up?”

“I’m fine.” I respond. “Still a little shaken up.”

“Oh! So this is your friend.” Kellie says, butting into the conversation. “Hello! Oooh! You’re a possum! That’s so freakin’ cute! I’m gonna die!”

“Th… Thanks?” Lyla says. She turns to me. “Who’s this?”

“This is Kellie.” I respond. “She was in the group I was with walking here.”

“Gotcha. Well, hello Kellie.” Lyla says. “Nice to uh.. meet you?”

“Oh yeah definitely nice to meet you! What’s it like… Bein’ a possum?!” Kellie says, smiling big.

Lyla just stops, her facial features changing from confusion to just a blank stare. The three of us stand in silence for a moment, as Lyla freezes in place.

“Lyla… you… you okay?” I ask, waving a hand in front of her.

She starts moving again, turning to me. “I’m Fine, sorry, zoned out there for a second.”

A single tear runs down Lyla’s cheek. Something’s up with her, this happened in the art room yesterday too. Kellie’s excited expression turns to one of remorse, like she went too far on a joke that didn’t land. I grab her arm. “Let’s go find a place to sit.” I say.

Kellie, now not saying anything. Follows us as we walk up the stairs to one of the spots near the middle of the bleachers. I put myself between both Kellie and Lyla. Kellie’s abrasive, but whatever she said to Lyla about her not being human must’ve done something to her. I don’t want to risk that again, have the people here think she’s having some kind of episode.

Now that we’re sitting down here, I never realized how small this place was. I’m only seeing about 300 people here. It’s not a lot, but I thought it was going to be bigger, that’s for sure.

Once everyone’s sat down. The people in blue polos start coming out. All lined up, all with Cattle prods at their sides. A feeling of nervousness rushes over me, looking at both Lyla and Kellie. From their expressions, I’m not the only one.

Now, I see the main person walk through. It’s the psychologist for this place. Dr. Thorn. He’s a tall, lanky looking guy. Always has on a white lab coat, aside from that, the only defining features of this guy are his round glasses, and longish hair. He’s been here since the beginning; I’ve only talked to him a few times in my three weeks of being here. It’s clear he’s important. I think I remember Carter saying something about him being the backbone of the RCC, travelling from facility to facility, guess he’s here for now.

Dr. Thorn steps up to the platform and taps on the mic. “Hello everyone. It’s good to see all of you again.” Thorn pauses and looks around at the group. “I understand yesterday was very eventful. I know that a lot of you, mostly those who weren’t outside yesterday afternoon are confused as to why we’re holding this meeting.”

Thorns voice rings through the gymnasium, voices can be heard whispering underneath the speech. “This morning, one of our esteemed citizens, Paul Miller, has decided to “check out early”.” Thorn pauses, and for a moment, it appears that he locks eyes with both Lyla and I. I’m not sure if I’m seeing things, but it sure felt like it.

Thorn continues. “Paul Miller has escaped. He’s most likely not going to be coming back, and on top of this. There’s been murmurs among all of you saying Miller possesses some… special abilities. However, I’ve brought everyone together to assure everyone that this is false. Please bear in mind…”

Thorn chuckles to himself. “Pun not intended, That there’s an explanation for almost everything. While we don’t know the cause of your physical changes, what we do know is that yesterday afternoon… One of our teams looking into expanding the basement has tunneled underneath the outside yard. Combining this with the cave in underground…”

Thorn uses his hands to demonstrate a wedge shape pushing something upwards.

“This caused a pillar of earth to be pushed up into the air, which is just where Miller happened to be standing. This is what gave him the necessary height to allow him to clear the fence. There wasn’t any special abilities involved, Miller Doesn’t have control of rocks or the ground. It was merely a strange coincidence.”

Murmurs from the crowd start to pick up. Thorn raises his hand, as people’s voices start to calm down again. “If you don’t believe me, that’s fine. However, I hope you all remember that what we do here, is to keep you safe until we know that you can return to your normal lives. We don’t really have the need to lie to all of you. That would most definitely put us in a situation where this wouldn’t be a relaxing and human experience for you.” Thorn says. “Remember, here at the RCC, we’re all in this together, and if you’re still concerned about the situation, you’re more than welcome to come and talk to me. I’m always going to be here for each and every one of you.”

People shift in their seats, a small moment of silence from all parties fills the room. Thorn then speaks up. “From here on, until the ground is repaired, and the work underground is complete, We will be closing off the recreational area. Anyone caught outside in the rec aera will be escorted back to their room. This gymnasium will serve as the place for all outdoor sports and exercise to be done. I know you all don’t like being cooped up in here, and it hurts me to have to do this, but we can’t risk having someone get a bright idea and try to climb the pillar that Miller jumped from.” Thorn pauses once more. I feel like he’s been picking his words very carefully since he started talking. “Until we can find a way to remove the pillar and replace the broken concrete from our mistake, we’ll be looking for a way to get you all fresh air. I promise, this whole debacle will be over before you all know it.” Thorn smiles.

“That’s all I have for you, after breakfast, you can all go back to your current activities, remember, if you have a scheduled appointment today, please come in at the right time. I know some people have been missing appointments. If we don’t talk to you, we can’t help you! Have a great rest of your day everyone!” The people in blue polos starts dispersing. People start walking down from the bleachers. With people now starting to spread out around the gym.

Lyla, Kellie, and I all get up and start walking down the stairs. “Well, that was boring.” Kellie says. She turns to the both of us. “You guys doing anything? I don’t really got anything going on right now, If you’re interested in eating breakfast with me.”

“Not this time sorry.” Lyla says. Lyla looks at me. “I gotta talk to you about something.”

“Sorry Kellie.” I say. Kellie’s pointed ears flatten as she tries to fake her smile. “Alright. I’m sorry if I said anything to upset you guys. I’ll be around if you two change your mind.”

“It’s fine Kellie.” Lyla says. “Actually, go first and grab us a table, we’ll be there.” Kellie manages to perk up a little, probably at the thought of hanging out with us. “Okie dokie, I’ll talk to you guys later then.” Kellie starts walking out of the gym, leaving only me and Lyla. Lyla starts looking around the gym, then turns to me.

“Have you seen Carter?” she asks.

“No.” I say. “I haven’t seen him since outside.”

“Well, he said he’d link up with us after the assembly. Follow me.” She starts walking out of the gym and into the hallway.

Walking out into the hallway, the halls are lined with some of the people we saw outside, and some of the people I recognized from our group. I can overhear some conversations about the assembly. People talking about how boring it was, comments about Thorn, and the cattle prods the people in the polos brandished into the gym.

I overhear a person who’s been turned into a goat talking to the mountain lion from my group. “I understand where this guy is coming from, but something doesn’t sit right with me. Why were they working underground?” The goat says. “Beats me.” The mountain lion responds. “I don’t think we should be complaining, I heard from someone outside before the whole assembly thing that the guard involved was shocking Miller before he hopped the fence. We should probably keep our heads down for now.”

Lyla and I continue walking stop at the back of the line for breakfast, she starts letting people go in front of us, putting us at the back. She checks around to see if someone’s nearby before talking. “So, about the file, I told you we’d talk about it after the assembly.” She says.

“Yeah, we’re doing it now?” I reply.

“Only time I can tell you, too many people in the cafeteria.” Lyla says, looking around checking to see if anyone is coming closer. “There’s… Nothing about us in there.”

“What’re you talking about?” I ask.

“That doesn’t make any sense.” “Yeah, that’s what I said too.” Lyla replies. “But, I’m not talking about us right now, I’m talking about us before. Like, our previous lives.”

“You mean, what we were when we were… Human?” I ask.

“Exactly” It’s either blank or blacked out.” Lyla says. “At least, that’s what Carter told me.” Lyla pauses. Her ears perk up, as if she’s checking to hear for someone. “Carter also said a report mentioned that the people who picked me up found me…” She sighs. “Playing dead.”

“What?” I say. “You gotta be joking.”

“No, that’s what’s written down. Have they caught you doing something like that?” She asks. I think back to my time here, “The only thing I do is blend in, but they know that.” I respond. “The guy running this place. Thorn, says it’s not an issue at the moment.”

Lyla’s face turns into a frown. “Well, you might’ve gotten off lucky, but I don’t think I will. So we need to start thinking about checking out soon.”

“So you’re saying…” I respond. “We gotta find a way-out James.” Lyla says. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know when. But, it’s gotta be soon. I’ve already got a lead.”

“What is it?” I ask.

“Carter mentioned something important. My phone.” Lyla says. “Apparently, they confiscated it when they picked me up. It’s gotta be here somewhere.”

“Where do you think it is?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” Lyla responds. “But, Carter might. We should find him.” Lyla says. Lyla stops, her ears perk up once more. “Someone’s coming.” She says. I look down the hall to see another person in a blue polo coming down to us. “It’s not Carter.” I say. Lyla turns around to face the person in the blue polo. The person in the polo speaks up while walking towards us. “Oh, I remember you! You’re the girl I took to the physician a few days ago. Hello again.” The woman says.

“Hello, You uh… need me for something else?” Lyla asks. “Yeah, since it’s been a few days, you haven’t spoken to the psychologist yet. I’m sure you saw him, Dr. Thorn.” The woman replies.

“The guy on stage, earlier? Yeah, I saw him.” Lyla responds.

“Well, he’s asking anyone who finds you to take you to his office, since you’ve suffered from changed confusion, he’s asking to see you first while he has some time before the rest of his appointments for the day. I’m sure it’s no problem if you spared a little bit of time, right?” The woman says, smiling.

“I don’t really think I have a choice do I?” Lyla says.

“Well, yes and no.” The woman responds. “Technically, since it’s your first visit, it’s mandatory. If it were further along in your rehabilitation, you’d be able to reschedule. Thorn wants to make sure you’re all right up there with you not coming in since you’ve woken up.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you have something to eat after the appointment.” The woman smiles.

Lyla pauses, processing what the woman says, before speaking again. “…Alright, lets go.” She turns to me. “I’ll see you in a bit then James.” I can tell from the look in her eyes she’s not on board for what’s about to happen. The woman gestures for her to follow, and she starts walking away. Now, I’m left with my own thoughts. I know somethings up, Lyla mentioned that Carter might know something about her phone, I should go find him first. However, I can’t just… skip out on eating breakfast, and if I go now, I’ll probably run into Kellie again. I can’t help but feel bad about blowing her off in the gym, so if anything I can at least eat breakfast with her.

Walking into the line, I see that they’ve opted to do scrambled eggs and toast today, same two guys making breakfast, since so many people are skipping out. I know I should be going to find out where Carter is, but I also know that I shouldn’t be making enemies here either. Who knows what this Kellie girl is capable of. On top of that, Lyla should be with me to talk to carter, so killing time might be the best course of action. Grabbing my food from the line, I finally step out into the open area of the cafeteria. A voice calls out to me.

“James! Over here!” I see Kellie again, sitting at a secluded table, with a book, and her food. She waves her hand, gesturing me to come over. Lyla and I told her we weren’t going to sit with her, but now with Lyla gone, I guess I’m going back on that. I walk up to the table and sit down.

“Changed your mind huh? She looks around, “Where’s that Lyla girl?” Kellie says, setting her book down.

“She’s being taken to the office of that Thorn guy from the assembly, he’s the current psychologist, remember?” I respond. “Oh yeah, I think I’ve only talked to him once or twice.” Kellie says. “He seems like a decent guy, a little strange though don’t you think?”

I nod, “Yeah, he’s kinda weird, but I guess I haven’t really talked to many psychologists.”

“Well, what’d he wanna see Lyla for?” Kellie asks, leaning forward on the table, it’s obvious she’s being nosy.

“Mandatory evaluation, one of the people in the polos said that since she dodged it for two days, he’s asking for her.” I respond.

“Oh yeah I remember having to do that, feels like so long ago, it’s only been a few weeks hasn’t it?” Kellie says. “Strange how time has gone by so slowly since this all happened.”

“It’s definitely strange,” I respond. “I guess we’ve all kinda lost track of time. What’re you reading?” I ask, shifting the conversation.

“Oh this?” Kellie says, gesturing to her book. “It’s called…” She peers at the cover, seemingly trying to decipher the title on the front page. “Alfonso Rivières: The Man Who Stole My Heart. It’s a book about a Spanish noblewoman who falls in love with a vigilante thief who takes from the rich and gives to the poor, and how the woman starts to hate her rich upbringing. Instead, wanting to go on daring adventures with Alfonso. Sounds neat, but I’m more in it for the parts where Alfonso swings his sword around and cuts up the bad guys, it’s just more my style you know what I mean?” Kellie exclaims swinging her arm around like a sword, certainly energetic.

“Sounds neat maybe I’ll” I go to finish my sentence, but Kellie interrupts. “I really hope I didn’t make Lyla angry, she’s not mad at me is she? I would hate myself if I said something that made her upset.”

“I think you just caught her off guard, she’s only been awake for a couple days, she’s still getting used to this whole situation.” I respond.

“Oh so she was like what? In a coma?” Kellie asks, tilting her head.

“I mean, I guess you could say that, one of the guards, Carter, said something about her having changed confusion.” I respond.

“Oh! I know Carter! He’s that kinda tall guy who wakes you up right? I think we are in the same hall, it was weird seeing someone else get us today, is he okay? Do you know?” Kellie says.

“Slow down, yeah, I think we are in the same hall, he used to wake me up too.” I respond.

“You think he was a part of that whole escape thing Dr. Thorn was talking about this morning?” she asks.

“Well I don’t know about that.” I respond. “I was only there for a short bit.”

“Well we should find him and ask him, he’s always been nice.” Kellie says. “Maybe he’ll give us some insider info!” Kellie mimics the sound of a spy movie soundtrack.

“I don’t know if he’d be willing to tell us something about the escape, everyone’s still kinda on edge about it.” I respond. “I should go look for him after I’m done here though. Lyla said something about talking to him after she got out of the office.”

“We should go find him together then, I wanna know what happened outside!” Kellie replies with a big grin on her face.

“I don’t know…” I respond.

“Well I’m not one for secrets, we gotta find out all the juicy details! I’m itching for some excitement.” Kellie says. “I’m coming.”

“I was just going to go when Lyla gets back.” I respond.

“We can tell her all about it after she’s done, what if we miss Carter?!” Kellie says, starting to dig into her plate of food.

“I don’t know about that.” I say. This girl is pushy.

“You’ll be fine!” Kellie responds, finishing her food in record time. “Lets go!”

“I’m not done yet.” I say.

“Well, I’m going to look for him, with or without you!” Kellie flashes a sly grin, grabbing her book, and heading out the door.

She’s leaving without me?! Crap! I try to each as much food as I can while walking out the door, throwing my leftovers in the trash. I didn’t eat a lot, but I did manage to eat enough. By the time I got out of the door Kellie was already walking down the hallway a good 30 feet ahead of me.

“Wait up!” I call out trying to catch up to her.