The Society

five

Krosin wasn't kidding when he said the road was jarring; every five seconds the car makes a large dip, followed by Aspen sighing.

"Are we almost there?" I hear her ask, for the third time.

"Once again, no." Our driver says, laughing.

"How much longer?" She groans.

"What's your name by the way?" I question him as I look at him in the mirror.

"Louis." He says, and winks at my reflection. I roll my eyes before focusing my attention on the scenery outside. I see mostly trees, but every now and then we pass a small pond or a deer. There used to be more animals, but ever since the infection started, followed by the forthcoming of them most of the animals gradually died out. I've always wanted a horse, but it seems unlikely to ever happen.

"Are we almost-" Aspen starts.

"Yes actually. We are." He interrupts, laughing.

"Thank the God above, I have been about to throw myself out of the car." I announce as I quickly jump up and step out. Surveying the area, I identify a towering and almost unstable building, tucked right into a dense cluster of trees. The building seems to sway in time with the trees, creating a dreary and uneasy feeling in my stomach.

"This is where we are staying?" Aspen asks wearily. At that moment Harry steps out of the driver side of a nearby vehicle and walks towards our group.

"Home sweet home, right?" He announces, grinning.

"It looks like it should be a mental institution." I respond.

"I'm not sure about its history, but you will probably be crazy in no time, so don't worry. " He chuckles.

"So hilarious." I mumble.

"Krosin informed me there are only about 10 rooms so everyone will have a roommate. You can review the sleeping chart I created to find your room assignment." Harry declares.

"Well this shit just keeps getting better and better doesn't it?" I sarcastically question. I begin to scan the sheet searching for my name. I'd prefer to be in a room with Aspen, since she's the only person i'm familiar with. After searching the sheet for a minute or two I began to get frustrated since I can't find my name.

"Harry my names not on here." I say.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to inform you, you will be rooming with me, we'll be working on some strategies until late on some nights so I figured it would be easier if we're just sharing a room. That's okay, right?" He asks oblivious to my shocked expression.

"Oh that is great Lissa you guys will have so much fun-" Aspen starts before I elbow her in the side.

"That is fine." I say through my teeth.

"Awesome! We'll be staying in 321E. Its on the fifth story so we'll have to take the stairs." He laughs.

"Awesome!" I mimic his cheerful attitude. His face falters for a second before he shrugs it off. I turn and walk back to the jeep to get my bag, I grab Aspen's while I'm there and start heading towards our insane asylum-- I mean refugee camp. Thanks to years of physical training I stride up the steps with no problem, whereas Aspen huffs and puffs. Finally, we make it to the third floor where her room is located.

"So, who are you roomed with?" I ask, reaching for the doorknob to her room.

"Daniella Foster, she seems....nice." She hesitates. Unfortunately for her, I understand her hesitation as a gothic chick comes up the stairwell, slams her stuff down, and sticks her hand out in Aspen's direction.

"Hi. I'm Daniella." She says in the most country accent I've ever heard.

Chuckling, I ask, "Where are you from again?"

"Georgia. I lived in a small camp for a few years before they took over the area." She says, still smiling.

"Well, nice to meet you then." Aspen and I say at the same time.

"Wait, are y'all sisters or something?" She asks grinning.

"Pretty much," I say laughing, "We've been best friends since birth. Wouldn't consider her anything less than a sister. I've got to get going though, so you guys enjoy yourselves." I say, before turning and heading back up the stairs.

"We will!" Aspen yells, before adding, "Oh, and I'm sure you will too. Behave yourself!" I give an eye roll before continuing up the steps. When I'm almost to the next flight I hear her add, "Use protection!"

"I won't!" I counter, before closing the door to the current flight and heading up my last couple of steps. Finally on the fifth flight, I let out a sigh and look for the room number Harry told me. After a few seconds, I finally spot it and grab the handle just as the door opens.

"Hey sorry, I was just heading back down to grab a few more things, the room on the left is yours." He says nicely.

"Oh, um, thanks." I say, giving a half smile. I turn into the small room and sit my stuff down on what looks like a bed from the 1800s. It's metal frame is bent in from who knows what, and only has a small flat pillow and a white sheet on it. This just keeps getting better and better, I think to myself. What's next? An electric chair in the bathroom? I shove the thought out of my mind and plop down on the bed.

"Ouch!" I yell, when I feel something hard underneath the frame. I lean down and pull out a small brown journal that's worn and looks old. I open it and begin to flip the pages. All of them are filled with small cramped writing, almost too small to read. I make out a few words at the bottom of one of the pages, and it reads, "I predicted it long before my leader told me, any fool could have guessed they were responsible. That kind of stuff doesn't just miraculously happen." I give a shrug before throwing the book on the top of my stuff and laying down. It's been a long day, and sleep envelops me before I realize it.