The Bad Boy Chronicles

Boy of My Dreams

"You can't do that in here," Ben said as he exited the stall to find Reece Thompson leaned against a wall puffing out smoke. They both knew with his age he technically couldn't do it anywhere.

A quirked eyebrow was Reece's only reply as Ben stood beside him to use the sink. When he pumped the soap he caught the sound of an exhale and smoke wisped around him in a manner that was entirely on purpose. Guys like Reece thrived on reactions and Ben refused to give him one. He dried his hands and left the boy to his illegal activities.

Though Ben knew his class was headed in the opposite direction and should be waiting for him near the snakes, he figured there was no harm in going the long way. He looked left and right as he walked, scanning the area for any familiar faces that might shut down his detour but found none.

Nearing the penguin exhibit, he was overcome with emotion. It hit him in a way he hadn't expected it to but should've. He'd never been in this area alone.

He felt his eyes welling but tried to force it back. The penguin exhibit had always been a happy place and it would stay that way. He was stopped in front of the enclosure holding back the tide when a child pulled at his pant leg and offered him a tissue. Through the blur of his tears, the boy seemed to be almost glowing.

Before he could comment on it or thank the stranger for his kindness, the kid pointed at the glass structure separating them from the penguins and screamed. All the scattered patrons that had been paying him no mind ran for the exits but Ben couldn't get his body to move. He stood completely paralyzed with his only point of control in his eyes that bounced back and forth tracking the small cracks that appeared in the glass. When he regained control of his body what could only be seconds later, he ran as well.

The moment he stepped onto the path outside he collided with a hard body. "You again," the voice called from above him. He looked up to find Reece's tall frame towering over him.

"Don't go in there! I was watching the penguins and I swear the glass started to crack," Ben said scrambling to his feet. His eyes roamed the space seeking a staff member or an exit; whichever he could find first.

"Same with the monkeys," Reece replied, taking several steps away from the enclosure. The two exhibits were too far apart to be affecting one another.

"Something's going on here," Ben stated, his brows furrowing.

"Yeah the animals are about to escape and I'm not sticking around to watch." That seemed all the warning Reece was willing to give as he turned to walk down the main path.

"Where are you going," Ben called after him though his attention was split. Something was not adding up. He figured there should be more people running toward the enclosures or away from them but there was no one at all. Not only was it completely barren in this section, but there weren't even the screams of those who had escaped fading off into the distance.

"I'm leaving," Reece replied. He had gotten so far away but Ben could still make out the 'duh' in his tone.

"We should stick together," Ben said jogging to catch up with him. Reece made no attempt to slow for Ben as he mumbled a whatever and turned the corner.

***

"Have you noticed we haven't passed a single person in over 10 minutes," Ben asked, his head still on a swivel.

"They're probably all hiding or they got the fuck out of here which is exactly what we're trying to do," Reece retorted, returning to the main path. The penguin exhibit shouldn't have been this far from the entrance but every trail they followed led them nowhere.

Ben grabbed Reece's arm pulling him to a stop before he could storm down another path. "That's it isn't it," he asked as he peered around a shrub on the opposite path. Through the gaps of what could only be described as a mile of foliage, he could make out the enormous sign at the zoo's entrance.