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Chapter 30, The Mall Reunion (Ep. 7: The Bite)
Dustin insisted on naming the group Scoops Troop, which meant it was a definite title impossible to argue against.
Just as soon as the reprimands were given, they peeked their heads out through the crack of the door. The movie was finished, so it was just a matter of blending in with the hopes those armed guards wouldn't notice them.
The once silent floor had been replaced by loud chatters. The movie goers walked in a giant swarm, discussing the film and giving their opinions. Gwen tried tuning them out to avoid any spoilers, but there was always someone who spoke too loudly and ruined everything. Now she regretted having left the cinema in search of a milkshake, which was useless since the food court had been closed.
Dustin glanced back at them, but focused more on the runners, "Whatever you do, don't bring attention to yourselves."
And just like that, they calmly walked out and pretended they weren't panicking on the inside.
The group joined the crowd successfully, which was something strangely easy. Their plans never went accordingly, so it left Gwen wondering if misfortunes would head their way. It seemed that ever since Dustin brought the code to them, their summer had been going down faster than a rollercoaster.
"Gwen!"
Everyone halted.
Slowly, she turned around to learn who called out to her. To her surprise, she found no other than Chrissy approaching her. Not too far behind, Jason and his friends stood. It was then when she considered running away and burying herself in a hole.
"Umm, hi," she awkwardly said.
Chrissy gave her a friendly smile, but then turned serious, "I know you don't talk to her much, but I'm at a loss. I've been looking everywhere, calling her, and there's no sign of her-"
"Wait, hold on," Gwen interrupted. "Looking for who?"
"Natalia," she said, her hands interlocking together. "She went to work at the pool and said she'd meet me after, but she never did and it's been days. Have you seen her?"
"She hasn't," Dustin held her by the forearm, hastily dragging her away. "But good luck!"
"I'm so sorry, but I haven't seen her!" Gwen quickly told her, and then gave Dustin a look. "What the hell? That was unnecessarily rude!"
"You're bringing attention to yourself," Dustin handed her over to Steve, who quickly locked his hand with hers. "Don't forget we're being searched by Russians and she might be-"
"She's not an undercover Russian," Gwen sighed in irritation, already wishing to get home and take a long shower. "She's actually really nice, so thank you for making me look like an asshole."
