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-Chapter 14: Pheobe-

April 29, 2024
Outside McCullum high school
Pheobe's POV

I turned back around to my parents after the shooting stopped. Mom hugged me again. "I'm sorry you had to go through this."

I didn't say anything, I just hugged my mom back. I was trying to fight back the tears from flowing. I let go of my mother and turned to the school again. Police were starting to go inside the school. More Sirens could be heard coming and I looked to the source of the sound.

Two Swat vehicles came into view, the Vehicles were coming towards us fast. They turned so the left and the back doors opened and more police came out, guns up, they quickly went to the police command center that was up.

A Police officer started to talk to one of them. Maybe seeing what was going on? Maybe telling them that they are going in.

A looked towards the news crews who were starting to make their way towards the crowd of people. Pushing there was through, though it wasn't as crowded anymore, some kids were being taken home. I don't really think they can do that just yet.

A news lady came up to my parents and I. "Hi, I am Evelyn with news channel 7, Were you inside the school today?" I nodded. "Do you mind if I interview you?"

I can do that interview. I looked to my parents, seeing if they would let me or not. My Dad nodded then my Mom. I turned back to the News Lady. "Sure."

She asked if I could stand in front of the school. She stood by me as a cameraman, Who was wearing headphones with a mic,  backed up and started counting down. "We are live in Three, Two, One." He pointed at the News Lady.

"I live in front of McCullum High School where tragedy had struck, a school shooter was in the building. I was joined by a student who was in the building." She turned to me. "Can you tell me where you were in the building?"

"I was in my History class down the freshmen hall." I reply, telling what I said into the microphone.

"What Happened?" The News Reporter asked

"We went into lockdown, and we could hear the shooter coming closer. They ended up coming to our classroom and started firing." I replied

"Is that why you have blood on your shirt and parts of your face?"

"Yes that is why. I was shielded by another body of a classmate, I watched one of my classmates die, I held his hand." A tear started to come down my face, I wiped it.

"How did you get out?"

"I ended up in a senior classroom and we walked out the main entrance with another class, then people ran out, the police came by us and helped us behind this police line." I summarized

"Do you know who the shooter is?"

"No, I don't know who it is, I think it might be a Junior or a Senior though, He was tall." I replied

The News Reporter, Evelyn then asked me more questions about what happened. Then they thanked me for the interview. It ended and they started to walk back to where the other news reporters were at. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out. There was a news article already about what was happening. I just ignored it and slid my phone back into my pocket.

I looked back up at the school. I saw Swat making their way towards the school ready to go in. They need to hurry. "Hey." I turned to see one of my other friends. Olivia.

"Oh My God, Olivia." I gave her a big hug.

Olivia was a little on the chubby side. Short boyish hair, brown eyes. Always wore Jeans or sweatpants. She was kind and caring. She loved musicals. She was in theater, in band, and in college prep classes. She was super smart.

"You're not hurt are you?" She asked, pulling away from the hug.

"No, no this isn't my blood..It's somewhere else. Where were you inside the school?"

"I was actually in the bathroom, I hid in the stall then moved to a closet, and after a while made my way out of school to safety." Olivia explained. "Where is Quinn?"

"She is still inside and she went to get more people out. She's an idiot for that. Why couldn't she just get out?" I asked her.

We talked about the shooter, if we saw any teachers were recognized. I told her I was led out by Mr DeNoh. But we talked for a little more.   My parents turned to talk to another parent. I looked at the school and saw Swat quickly starting to go in, guns up. I sighed "Good" I thought.

Olivia soon said goodbye to me as she went back to where her grandparents were. They were still waiting as the police told her don't go anywhere for now.

I looked around, some police were standing up looking at the school. Others were looking at the police equipment or talking on radios.I looked around, people were looking at the school or talking with people.

They were waiting for something or students and teachers to come out. To hear that the shooter was in custody or was dead. I just hope they hurry and get the shooter under control quickly.

Word count: 916