The Purge

Pt 11.

Weeks had passed since Sam and Alissa had discussed the Purge. Ever since then, they've been on edge, waiting for the announcement they knew was coming. Waiting for the moment that their lives would be turned upside down.

At times, Alissa caught herself wondering if this whole purge thing was real or if it was just some kind of elaborate prank by Sam. But she trusted him. She had to. Because, if it is real, they need to have each-others backs out there.

Sam was always prepared. He walked around school with a knife in his pocket, tucked safely away from sight. Every chance he had, he'd review the plans for the purge. He needed to know every detail off the top of his head. Every hideout, every escape route. He knew this town like the back of his hand. Sam took this seriously, and why wouldn't you? This could be the difference between life and death. Besides, he had some matters to attend to himself.

To avoid suspicion, Alissa and Sam rarely talked to each-other in the halls. It had been Sam's idea. "Look, there's a lot of people who hate me and will want to target me. If they knew that we're close, they could hurt you to get to me. We can't be taking that kind of risk." He'd explained, even though it had pained him to do so. Every time he saw Alissa, he wanted to run up, hug her and shield her from the world. But he couldn't. Staying away from her is what truly protects her.

So instead of skipping with Sam like she would've liked to be, Alissa sat in the back of her English class, fiddling with her rings, praying that nobody would notice the new bruise on her cheek. She let her mind wander, not listening to a single thing her teacher was saying.

Without warning, a loud blaring sound came from the speakers, causing Alissa to jump in her seat. The tv at the front of the room automatically changed to a blue screen with the USA logo. An electronic voice echoed around the room, reading the words off the screen.

"This is not a test.

This is your emergency broadcast system announcing the commencement of the Annual Purge sanctioned by the U.S. Government. Weapons of class 4 and lower have been authorized for use during the Purge. All other weapons are restricted. Government officials of ranking 10 have been granted immunity from the Purge and shall not be harmed. Commencing at the siren, any and all crime, including murder, will be legal for 30 days. Police, fire, and emergency medical services will be unavailable until the 1st of April when The Purge concludes. Blessed be our New Founding Fathers and America, a nation reborn.

May God be with you all."

The deafening sirens flooded through the streets. Alissa's heart skipped a beat and she felt all the colour drain from her face, feeling sick to her stomach. Whispers echoed around the room, everyone wondering if it was some sick attempt of a joke. But Alissa knew it wasn't.

Without even thinking, she stood up from her chair and ran out of the classroom, bag in hand. She ran down the hallway, calling Sam's name. Normally, people would be giving her weird looks but everyone else was too busy stressing over the news to care.

•••

When Sam heard the announcement he was in the middle of a lecture. As soon as the alert went off, he grabbed his bag and left the room, flipping off the teacher as he went. Sam clutched his knife tightly in his hand, prepared for anything. Now all he had to do was get to his car, collect the others, and pray Alissa would get there soon.

•••

As Alissa hurriedly walked around the school grounds, trying to find Sam, she heard a loud bang followed by several screams. She felt her heart beat at a million miles an hour and her head felt like it was spinning. She'd watched her fair share of movies to know what that sound was.