Hide and Go Seek

13. Jacob

I hope I'm ready. I don't think traps would work well on whatever the thing is, but I have a machete that someone taught me how to use pretty well. I just pray that whatever happens, it happens quickly. I don't want Alan and Max to suffer with having to take down Grim.

It's been two weeks since I sent my location; two painfully long weeks. I'm on edge everywhere I go, looking over my shoulder, feeling eyes on me. I think I might be losing it, psyching myself out. It would be really crappy if I snapped before I got to take care of Grim.

At the moment I am sitting at home, a machete across my lap. I am planning on getting groceries soon, I have to eventually and my cupboards are about as empty as they can get. I groan. I would rather sit here and wait, but all that would accomplish is having me starve or dehydrate.

I heave myself off the couch, sheath my machete, and lock up the house.

Shopping done. I stand by my front door and listen; a new habit of mine. Normally I don't hear anything out of the ordinary, but this time...

Crap

It's really happening...

Crap, crap, crap...

How should I do this? I have three options... Rush in, blade swinging, sneak in and try to attack a little more strategically, or three, run like a little girl. And I have to be honest, option three is sounding a whole heck a lot better than the other two.

But the twins... I have to stop Grim.

I chose option one. Might as well get it over with.

I put my hand on the door knob and threw it open. I scream as I run into the small apartment, eyes scanning for threats quickly. The scream dies in my throat before it can even begin.

Max.

She is sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her face. There are bags under her eyes and her hair is greasy.

She looks at me with fear in her eyes.

"Alan," she says with a sob, "It got Alan."