Survivors

Chapter Six: How to Survive the Apocalypse

Today in Math class, as per usual, everyone passed around notes. Today's topic: what we should do if we were ever under attack by the Communists and how we should survive. I started off.

ok so i think we should run to the closets cause i heard on the news that the bombs that are released only affect metal. our closets are made of wood. (Me)

pretty good plan except for the part where the bomb's chemicals kill us (Tyler)

yeah but the bomb's chemicals might not affect us if we're protected by the wood. we could also throw down backpacks onto the floor to prevent the chemicals from touching our feet. (Me)

but what about the chemicals on the ground outside of the closets? we cant stay in the closets forever. (Ali)

well then we're screwed aren't we? (Me)

but i think that the chemicals are supposed to dissolve into the floor or whatever it is they hit (Liora)

well then we still have a chance of getting out of here alive (Tyler)

besides the closets offer us a good amount of cover so not only are we protected from the bomb, but also by the earthquake (Me)

good point (Helayna)

what about the foot soldiers? (Ali)

we just run out of the closets just before they come into the building and just after the chemicals disssolve (Tyler)

we also can't make a sound or else they'll hear us, know we survived, and shoot us down (Me)

no fucking duh (Tyler)

just saying... (Me)

so what exactly is our plan? (Liora)

1. once the earthquake starts, we follow what the class and stay under the desks until lots of falling pieces of the ceiling come down from there, we bring the desks over to the closet using them as cover. (Me)

2. everyone will be panicking so the moved desks won't make any effect on them and we hide in the closets; two per closet (Me)

3. throw backpacks down onto the floor once in the closets (Me)

4. once the chemicals stop, i will whistle once and softly to notify you that the coast is clear and to make a run for it. (Me)

5. expect no other survivors but if by chance there are some, don't hesistate to be a hero. (Me)

6. rendevous will be the water fountain at the downstairs boy's restroom; get there as quick as possible and from there, further plans will be discussed. (Me)

Once we finished our plans, I wrote another note, this time, addressed to Tyler only. It really is amazing how Mr. Valadez never notices our passing notes.

hey, is it true that you're going out with Gigi? (Me)

yeah why? (Tyler)

oh no reason; Ali and Liora told me and I just wanted to know if they were telling the truth or not. (Me)

well yeah they were but ok. hey are you going out with david? (Tyler)

what the hell? no! i'm not dating anyone! who the fuck told you that? (Me)

jackie told me. fuck her for lying. i'm sorry about that. (Tyler)

oh, it's fine, i totally get it; it's not your fault so... (Me)

I looked him in the eyes and he stared back at me. I smiled for a second and he back at me, not an in-love smile, but a friendly smile. Suddenly, his expression changed and he gave my back a push, "Sierra," he whispered as he pointed up front to the SmartBoard where Mr. Valadez stood impatiently.

"Sierra, what's with the little love-fest between you and Tyler," Mr. Valadez said and both our ears turned red and my face contorted into an angry-questioning expression. "Or was that just an intimate staring contest?" Even at his first comment, the class broke into laughter all except Gigi who I noticed wasn't too pleased with Mr. Valadez's jest.

~~~~~

After class, when Tyler's back was turned, I quickly stuffed a recording into his binder and walked off as fast as I could toward homeroom. I didn't want to see his reaction to the recording. By the time he found the recording, I was long gone.