𝑊𝐴𝐿𝐾𝑀𝐴𝑁 | 𝐴𝐿𝐼𝐸𝑁 𝐼𝑁𝑉𝐴𝑆𝐼𝑂𝑁 ✔︎

The Hospital

Highway to Emerald Hills
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The Camaro full of teens can barely drive anymore before something beside the other car steps out in front of Marcus's vehicle. The athlete slams on the breaks with a gasp before everyone sees a man holding out his arms in front of the car.

"Marcus, lock the doors." Jett breathes. Marcus gives a concerned look before clicking the locks on the vehicle. The man in front of the Camaro walks over to the driver's side, obviously out of breath.

Marcus rolls down his window the slightest bit. "Hey there. C-Can we help you?" He mumbles.

Now that the man was closer, his features were more noticeable. He was pretty old, maybe mid fifties. He wore glasses and a white button up shirt paired with blue jeans. His hair was thin and turning gray, but still visible.

The man adjusts his glasses before nodding. "Yes.. well, no. Actually, I think I can help you."

All the teens glance at each other questionably. "What do you mean?" Marcus asks. The man nods. "You missed the deadline like me. Only difference between us is that I'm prepared for this invasion. And considering that you're all kids, I feel a tad bit obliged to help you out."

"How would you do that?" The athlete questions. "I work as a surgeon at Sunnyvale Hospital. Or... I did before all of this broke out. I was formally a scientist and changed career paths but- oh that doesn't matter. I'm the only one left there, but there are a few rooms that aren't completely destroyed. You're welcome to come back with me."

Marcus was a bit suspicious about this whole thing for a few different reasons. "Why... why are you out here anyway? And with no headlights?"

"You kidding? Why would I have them on? You kids are making yourselves a target by having them on. Who needs vision when you can avoid being eaten alive."

"They... eat people?" Margot huffs. The man nods. "Yeah. You're lucky these trees are pretty much covering the road. If one of those ships were to fly over, we'd be done for. I've been staying in the hospital's basement just in case they try and search the main rooms. And, I'm out on the road tonight because I've been trying to flag down people like you all. I'm just trying to help. Oh and I'm Jerry Marshal, by the way."

Marcus blinks before sighing. "Can you... give us a moment to talk this out?"

The man nods before Marcus rolls up his window. "Guys... maybe we should take this chance. I mean, we can't drive forever."

Brooke nods. "I was thinking the same thing."

Jett plays with his hands again before Marcus turns to him. "Hey, Jett. What do you think?"

"What?" The curly haired boy seems to snap out of a trance.

Marcus blinks in confusion before repeating himself. "The guy. The hospital. Should we go?"

Jett just nods instantly. "Oh, yeah. It's not like we can drive forever." Bell laughs. "Yeah, Marcus just said that." The curly haired boy just blinks. "Oh... right."

The car is silent before Marcus clears his throat. "Okay."

And with that, the teens explain to Jerry that they're all in. As they all load into his vehicle, Marcus can't help but wonder why Jett's out of it all the time.

[Short time skip to hospital.]

The drive to Sunnyvale Hospital wasn't all that long after all. The group pulls up to the building tiredly before the car is parked and they all hop out.

"So... this is not creepy at all." Margot huffs while the group walks through the abandoned hospital's doors. "Tell me about it." Brooke gawks.

"I'll get you guys to your rooms. There aren't many rooms still intact but I'm sure I can find you something." Jerry huffs as the group walks over to the elevators. "We'll use the third floor. I think there were a few nice rooms up there."

A weight limit sign on the elevator doors gives Marcus an idea. "Hey, what's the capacity for the elevator?"

Jerry just raises an eyebrow. "Uh... well usually four but just this once we can-"

"Jett and I will hang back." The athlete says while stepping back a bit. Jerry and the girls just nod with confused expressions. As the doors close, Marcus turns to Jett.

The curly haired boy just gives a confused glance. "Uh.. what's going on?"

"I could ask you the same thing. Ever since the campsite you've been acting weird." Marcus crosses his arms. Jett just plays with his hands again before pushing the elevator button. "I... it's nothing."

"Bullshit it's nothing. I feel like I'm the only one noticing it. You can't lie to anyone anymore. We're a team. You have to be honest or we're-"

Before Marcus can say anything else, the elevator dings and the doors open. Jett immediately trots in without another word and the athlete scoffs while entering as well. I'll get this out of him. He thinks.

Once the group is all back together, Jerry gives room assignments. "I have five rooms all in good condition. I'll obviously be staying in the basement as I said before. Is there anything else you guys need?"

All of the teens glance at each other before shaking their heads. "Nope, all good." Bell smiles. Jerry just says his good nights before heading down the elevator, leaving the tired group to their rest.

Everyone picks a room and they all say their goodnights while standing in front of their doors. Marcus glances at Jett with worry for the last time of the night before groaning and entering his room.

As he settles into bed, he can't help but worry for his new friend. What the fuck is going on?
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I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! Stay tuned😋