5 Million Years

Chapter 10: New

I wake up before most people in the cave. I stand up and walk to the cave entrance, the jungle is filled with light.

Despite the blue color of the sun and the purple of the sky, the light looks normal.

The trees in front of me are huge; they must be 100 feet tall at least and a good 10 feet wide, and that's the small ones.

Everything looks so green and fresh, so different from the dust and rocks of Earth.
I know at one time, hundreds... well now millions, of years ago earth was once this lush and beautiful. But humans ruined it.

This planet is so... new.

I step back into the cave and walk back to where Trey sleeps.

I wonder how he feels, I met him before freezing, but he was wearing such a mask that I couldn't tell. I wonder what it's like for him to leave behind fame and money and become just like the rest of us.

I hear movement near the cave entrance and freeze.

After hearing it again I slowly turn around to look, my heart pounding in my chest.

I breathe a sigh a relief when j see what it is; James is waking up.

He sits up and after running his eyes sees me staring. I turn away awkwardly.

"You," he says. "You're that girl from yesterday."

Gee I'm glad I made an impression.

I nod.

"C'mere," he says, beckoning with his finger. I walk hesitantly over to him.

From the outside he seems kind and wise for a leadership position, but talking one on one.... I don't know. It feels off. I don't think I should trust him.

"What's your name?" He asks as I get within an arms reach.

"Evelyn," I says shortly.

He looks expectant for me to go on.

"What?" I say. "Last names don't even matter here!"

He shrugs. "Doesn't matter, if like to know. I want to start a census."

It seems like an innocent thing, but the way he asks makes me suspicious. And why is he singling me out? Me of all people.

"Davis," I say. "Evelyn Davis."

"Thank you, Evelyn." He says, giving me a cold stare. I notice he doesn't write anything down.

His eyes study my face for several long seconds.

He finally breaks his gaze. "Well I'm going to go exploring. I'll be back shortly."

And then he leaves. Just like that he grabs a bag with food and water and walks out of the cave full of sleeping people.

I watch the spot he disappeared into the jungle for a long time. People have started waking up.

I'm unsettled. That was weird. I don't trust this guy.

"Hey," a voice says to my left. A hand lands on my shoulder. I jump. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry," I say, turning to face Trey. "You startled me."

He studies my face with concern. "Are you sure? You look, I don't know, freaked."

"I kinda am," I say simply.

He gives me a questioning look.

"James, the leader guy, was talking to me. I don't know why, but it felt wrong. I don't know what he's up to, but I don't like it. He scared me."

Saying that aloud lifted a huge weight from my chest. Just letting someone know makes me feel less alone.

Trey looks at me with sympathy.

"It's okay. We'll figure it out," he says and I look up into his big blue eyes. "Together."

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Well.

Sorry it's short.

Tell me what you thing and don't forget to vote!

Love
Emma