The Wild Side of Us

Chapter 7 - Welcome to My New Home

After a while, the government abandoned my trailer for now. They left crime scene tape surrounding my area, and two guards ready to pass out. It looked like they went through all of my stuff, for my clothes were sticking out and sprawled out on the ground. I had no idea what they were planning if I came back, but I didn't want to find out.

The darkness of the night took over the sky, but the gentle light of the streetlamps combated against it. The light was enough to guide Axel along with me, even though I hung onto his arm and lead the way. We stalked in and around the buildings and kept watch for any police or government officials on the loose. Although the fake monkey tail attached to him was a problem in tight areas. Still, we kept low profiles. Who knows what'll happen to me if I was caught helping a wanted man escape.

"Where are we going," Axel whispered to me. I didn't answer back. He didn't ask again.

Over time, we arrived in another urban outskirt that was across from where I lived. In reality, it was more of the city since it was a bunch of apartment buildings and a store, but since so little people lived here, it was considered an outskirt. It was a bit nicer over here. Mostly omnivores and herbivores live here, but carnivores fortunate enough chose to live here than anywhere else. Everyone was kind to each other here. Almost makes me jealous.

We walked up to one of the apartment buildings. It was one of the shorter ones, but was still built out of strong concrete and iron. Ahead of us were the main entrance doors. Inside was the main lobby, which was nothing more than a giant open space with a circular desk in the middle. Each floor was made out of maple wood, somehow kept clean and unrotten. Normally, they were open to allow people to purchase space, but they were closed in the middle of the night. However, guests were allowed anytime, as long as they were invited in and didn't disturb anyone else.

I walked up to the buzzer next to the door, and entered the code 7B. I pressed the buzz number, which loudly rang.

"She might not be up," I muttered to myself.

Axel walked up next to me, asking, "Who is 'she'?"

"'She' is going to be the person taking care of us until this is all sorted out. It might be for a couple days, maybe the rest of our lives. Since you're wanted by the government, I'm pretty sure it's going to be for the rest of our lives. I wouldn't be surprised if the FBI occupy this town and bug everyone about you in the next minute."

"I hope it's big enough for the three of us. I kinda developed a phobia of small spaces because they kept me in a prison cell." He looked at the ground shamefully. His cheeks turned red, and tears started to form in his eyes. Even talking about his past for a second brought him a fear only dementia could get rid of.

I hated to admit it, but I felt bad for Axel. To be a servant and forced to please the government, that was something I couldn't imagine. Just by looking at this kid, anyone could tell he hasn't had much experience with others. Let alone, how to survive on his own. I doubt he built much strength throughout his life. And with minimal knowledge of the outside world, he wouldn't make it without the help of someone who knew West Ferry at the back of their hand. 

"You can tell us all about it once we're inside," I told him, continuing to press the buzzer. "Or don't. It don't matter much to me; I was always a sucker when it came to emotions."

Axel glanced back up at me. He mumbled a "yeah" and refused to look at me again.

A few more seconds later, and a groggy "hello" answered through the other end. I spoke into the buzzer, ready to explain who I was and why I was here. But, my friend beat me to it, and she excitedly told me she would be down in a minute.