Two to Teleport

Riley- 5

The photo is of what Audrey decided to put on the google doc we're using to write. Don't ask.

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"Morning sleepyhead." I say as Allegra walks into the kitchen.

"Morning." She yawns.

"I was thinking we could go for a hike today. I've never been here before and it would be better than just sitting around all day doing nothing."

"Okay. You know... I think I know an easy trail right around this area. Just give me a few minutes to eat and get ready."

"Sure."

As Allegra is getting dressed I grab my backpack and toss in the pack of donuts and the almost empty bag of cereal for a snack. I've made a habit of not unpacking my bag. Just in case we have to leave suddenly. Call me scared, or panicky, or whatever, but better safe than sorry, right?

"Oooookaaay."

Allegra has on a fresh t-shirt and jeans. It's been really handy to have a washer and dryer at the cabin, since we both only have so many clothes. I shoulder my backpack while Allegra grabs hers and we walk outside. I breath in the fresh air. I've been cooped up in that cabin so long. Well, only a day and a half, but still.

"Trail's this way," Allegra says, pointing to the right. The road ends abruptly a few yards away, and turns into pine forest. We walk into the wilderness.

---

"It's so beautiful here."

The light shines through the branches of the trees, lighting the dark green leaves up from behind. Our feet crunch on the dry, dead pine needles on the ground. California is in a drought, after all.

"Yeah." Allegra says and we are left to relax and walk in the peaceful silence.

All the sudden the silence is not so peaceful. In fact, it's not silent anymore.

"What the...?" I look up.

"Is that a helicopter?" Allegra asks, shielding the sunlight from her eyes with her hand. "Why is it flying so low?" She turns to look at me.

"Are you okay Riley? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"That helicopter is looking for us."

"What?"

"Look." I say pointing at the side of the helicopter. "The seal of the United States."

"We have to go," she says immediately.

After a moment of understanding passes between us, Allegra and I both start sprinting towards the cabin. The thud of our footsteps is turned into a crackling noise by the pine needles.

We're almost there when Allegra stops suddenly and I almost run into her.

"What are-- "

"Shh." She cuts me off. She crouches down and slowly approaches the edge of the forest. We hide behind a thick bush. I follow and see what made her stop.

The cabin is crawling with government officials in black suits, and standing on the porch, on his phone, is my dad. Before I know what's happening, Allegra snatches my

hand and we are whisked away with a whoosh.

---

"AHHHH!"

I hear Allegra's scream and open my eyes.

We are plummeting towards the earth in a blur.

I don't have enough time to scream. We forcefully hit the ground and land in a scraggle bush. We flatten it on impact. My arms immediately start stinging from cuts from the bush. My vision is blurry. I can make out Allegra, laying on the ground, rubbing her head. I see red on her hand, and realize is coming from a small gash on her forehead. I try to move, but the quick movements make my head spin. We sit, or, lie, here for a few moments, unmoving, until my vision unfogs.