finding panama

Monday

I walk into the school and study everyone's expressions. Some seemed natural, others had looked as if they had the same expression as me. Maybe they hadn't gotten to everyone in time.
I walk over to my friend Tyler. Her hair was twisted down into a tight braid, laying flat on her navy blue sunflower dress that she had paired with simple white ballet flats.
"Why is everyone so shaken up?" She asks, taking a sip of her cotton candy Starbucks coffee.
I shrugged. "This guy... He was at my house and told me some pretty far out stuff. My mom didn't come home either." I shook my head sadly.
"It's okay girly. She'll be fine. And I'm sure it was just-"
"Kenny? I texted him earlier. He has nothing to do with it. This isn't his type of prank."
"That's what he wants you to think." She raises her eyebrows taking another sip.
"Say what you think is right, I know what I witnessed. The guy pulled a real gun on me."
Tyler pursed her lips. "I'm sorry, Laskie. I dunno."
Kenny walked over to us. "I swear it wasn't me. People are trying to say I drew guns at them! I'm not that extreme."
I yawned. "I know Ken. But trust me, that's the least of your worries." Kenny was tall and muscular. It's easy to fall for someone like him.
I went to first hour with Tyler and Kenny, which was history. Pretty sure the test is going to be canceled which I don't mind.
"Hello kids. That's the last time I'll be able to say that," Everyone shuffled uncomfortably in their seats. "You're all going to have to be adults. Yes, every class is getting this talk. This is your only class for the day." Nobody applauded. We all knew why.
"I hear most of you had a strange man come to your house last night. Ask for your name. Warn you to disobey us? To follow the law. Most of you must have also heard about governments crashing all around the world. Maybe rumors about World War Three. Well, the rumors are true.
"That's why tomorrow we are leaving here. As much as I love the state of Washington, it's too dangerous. It's dangerous to even be telling you guys these dangers.
"Where are we going, you may ask. We are going to Panama City in Panama. If you don't show up tomorrow, or try to sabotage, we can't help you. You will be left to fend for yourself.
"You're allowed to take one family member with you. You're not allowed to expose our location to anybody else. It's also too dangerous. Panama'a government swears to stay strong, as to why we chose this location.
"The people promise to take care of us, and help our school. We were one of ten schools chosen to come, only 20 colleges, and two hundred families were chosen from around the world to come here. We are very lucky. Any questions?"
"Why aren't they attacking Panama?" Tyler asks.
"Honestly, it isn't an enemy of any country really. They don't want to fall, so they're not going to let anyone kick them."
"What happens when this all ends?" Xander asks.
"We only go back if it's safe. Otherwise we stay stationed."
For the next hour we studied Panama, its government, its location, and its history.
"Now, we are to get into small groups and discuss what we should take with on our trip to Panama. Write a list of everything you'll need. Also, you have a limit of one bag or suitcase. Same as your guest."
I got in a group with Kenny, Tyler, and this one girl named Olivia who was really popular and nice.
"Well let's start with basics. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash." I said.
"I agree. Then, money should be something you need." Olivia said.
"Clothes, but ones that fit Panama's climate." Tyler said.
A few minutes later Mr. Jones called it good. He told us to be prepared tomorrow, and to be comfy. We would be traveling through hell.
Can't wait.