The Forbidden Children

15: Everything is Going to Change

March 6th, 8019

Ralph POV

Time seemed to slow down as I sat with the other forbidden children. Everybody was laughing, smiling, and even throwing their plastic cups in the air to cheers us all being united again. Even with all this joy, relief, and random strangers contributing to keeping us alive and saving our families, I couldn't help but feel utterly and completely alone.

Maybe it's because deep down I knew that moments like these don't come without consequences.

One day I won't be able to hug Fiona and complain about a bumpy helicopter ride.

One day I won't be able to mock Tate and laugh at his offended facial expressions.

One day I won't be able to be the mediator for Jack and Jaanai's arguments.

One day I won't be able to cry in Dylan's arms and not feel any judgment.

One day I won't be able to admire the way Alex and Hunter interact with each other.

One day I won't be able to see how much Kadyn has changed for the better.

One day I'll be dead ... and so will my friends. All because of me.

"Ralph, buddy, Carpe Diem!" I briefly heard Dylan's voice over the others as I peered up from my sloppy mashed potatoes and cold chicken.

"What?" I went to reply but my scratchy throat made it sound more aggressive then intended.

"It means seize the moment. I'm sure you are thinking about how we may not get any more of them, it took a lot of willpower for me to push that thought out of my head too. Laugh with us Ralph, let's just allow ourselves to have fun, even if it's our last night." He smiled sadly at me as he raised his cup to clink it against mine.

"Yeah...I'm going to go talk to my grandpa for a second, save my food?" I ignored his request and got up before I could get a reply, speed walking towards Grandpa Harold and the older lady who was speaking to him.

"Hey gramps can I talk to you?" I interrupted them without one thought of consideration receiving nasty daggers from the woman in a purple outfit.

"Go ahead my boy..." He patted my back as his smokers laugh appeared sounding raspier then ever.

"But Harold, we were in the middle of something quite important." The lady shot daggers at him this time as he chose to sit at an empty cafeteria bench.

"Alone please." I eyed her dangerously as I sat next to the one family member I was positive I still had.

She crossed her arms in an annoyed manner and huffed off, exiting through a different door we came through.

"What was that all about?" I voiced my concerns as soon as she was out of ear shot.

"All this mumbo jumbo about their plans for getting to the New York Base. She was getting quite fired up that I kept telling her to ask you kids. I don't know shit about this kind of stuff." He chuckled once again as he went searching through his pockets.

"So? Is she going to ask us? When are we leaving? What's the plan? Will she even tell us?" I bombarded him with the endless amounts of thoughts that kept flying through my head.

"DAMNIT I forgot that woman took my pipe because it could potentially blow this place up, as if. Hmph. Son she didn't get to make any plans, that's why she was annoyed you interrupted her. They are going to hold a meeting tomorrow where all you kids can say your piece." He snarled and grunted as he got up and went to walk away, probably to blow off some steam.