RUN - Mars Express

Chapter 4

Anabelle opened one of the hospital doors. It squeaked loudly before being fully opened. Serafina walked outside and felt a breeze against her body. As she looked around, everything felt so nostalgic. She saw the park close to the hospital where she and her brother would play. While walking with all the other kids, she saw the coffee shop she and her friends went to after school. Serafina saw the nail salon she would often visit with her mother, and the mini-mall her dad would take her to when she needed new clothes. Tears started welling up in her eyes and she couldn't hold it in any longer. Serafina burst into tears, falling onto the ground, sobbing. Everyone quickly surrounded her, asking her what was wrong. Anabelle was trying to console her, but nothing was working. Serafina had tried to push her feelings down until they were no more than quiet sentiments, but she couldn't hold it in anymore. This breakdown wasn't like any other breakdown she'd had; this was the most horrible feeling she'd ever experienced. Then, London nudged Anabelle to the side and took Serafina's hands. "Hey, it's going to be OK," whispered London. "You're going to be fine. Can I hug you?" They asked. Serafina nodded. She didn't feel like talking, but she really needed a hug. After she calmed down, Serafina finally spoke. "I'm sorry. I just miss my family a lot, and it's even worse not knowing where they could be". "You don't need to apologize, it's not your fault," said Gaten. "Yeah, we all miss those little turds!" Joked Thomas. Everyone laughed and everything felt a little bit better for all of them. 

When the group arrived at a small supermarket, Gaten told them to move back. He was going to have to throw the ax at the windows of the supermarket to get in, and the glass could fall everywhere. The group moved back and Gaten threw the ax at the window like a frisbee. He ran back as quickly as possible and a window smashed open. "Is everyone alright?" Asked Anabelle. Everyone nodded. "Holy fuck we almost died!" Exclaimed Thomas. "It wasn't that bad," muttered London. "Ok, this place is gigantic, so we need to split up. Anabelle comes with me. Gaten's on his own cause he has the ax. London and Serafina, you guys check out the back part of the store," commanded Thomas. London and Serafina headed to the back of the store together, with London walking in front of Serafina. "Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, holy shit," thought Serafina. She could feel butterflies in her stomach just by thinking about being alone with London. When they got to the back of the store, Serafina started grabbing stuff from the shelves. She pulled down a box of Lucky Charms and opened it. She took out a few of the marshmallows, which were her favorite part of the cereal, and popped them in her mouth. Her brother loved everything that was sugary, and Serafina never forgot about all the times when they visited candy shops for hours, only to have him decide he wanted some Lucky Charms from the supermarket instead. Serafina, unlike other teenagers she knew, got along quite well with her brother Javier. Yes, they did fight, but who doesn't? And, no matter how much they fought, Serafina never stopped caring for him. 

Serafina proceeded to grab another box of cereal from the shelf. This time it was Cheerios. She started opening this box as well when London interrupted her snack time. "You're not going to eat all of the cereal here, right?" London asked jokingly. "If I could, then I would, but I can't, so I shan't," she answered. "Holy shit, we've got ourselves a poet!" Exclaimed London. "Well, my sincerest apologies, your Royal Highness," London continued. They took a Cheerio out of the box and put it up to their eye, pretending it was a monocle. Serafina chuckled, taking the cereal bag out of the box and putting the box on her head as if it were a crown.  London bowed before her, and Serafina waved, imitating Queen Elizabeth. They both laughed until they felt like they couldn't laugh anymore. They quieted down once again, and Serafina proceeded with her cereal box opening and tasting, bringing box after box down from the shelves, but only opening the one that appealed to her the most. She took the Lucky Charms, Cheerios, and, the new addition, Froot Loops, and put them all in a cart they had picked up while entering the shop.  At that moment, London started talking. "Hey, I'm sorry if this kills the vibe or bums you out but, about what happened outside the hospital," London said. "Are you sure you're OK?". Serafina felt happy about London caring for her. "Yeah, just felt a bit overwhelmed with everything that's going on. It's a lot of stuff in very little time, and I couldn't really keep it in me anymore, but I'm alright, thanks," responded Serafina. "Well," London turned to look at Serafina. "If you ever feel like you need to talk to someone, just know I'm here". At that moment, Serafina couldn't control it anymore. Her feelings took over and she quickly leaned forward and kissed London, who instantly pulled away. They were blushing, but their face was telling a different story."Listen, I don't know if I gave you the wrong idea, but that-," London sighed. "That's not how I feel about you". Serafina felt a pit in her stomach starting to form. A knot was starting to ravel in her throat and she felt as if she was going to cry. As tears started forming in her eyes once again, Anabelle called out to them. "Guys, I think something's alive here!". 

They all ran to the sound of Anabelle's voice. A shelf had been pushed back, concealing what was behind it, and a quick breathing sound was coming from it. Gaten pulled the shelf back, only to find something none of them were expecting. 

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Wow! Two chapters in one day? How shocking! 

No, but really, thanks for reading!