H.O.M.E

Chapter 10

We have been walking almost all night and still haven’t found any signs of life aside from the trees and bugs. Sadie thought that it would be a good idea to follow the roadways but to stay out of sight in case people from H.O.M.E try to come after us. After walking for what feels like hours we finally make it to a clearing and laid out in front of us is a town. Walking on the sidewalks we end up seeing the first people since leaving H.O.M.E and they are all staring at us. Every person that passes us either stops what they are doing to look at us or are pointing at us and whispering. “Why the hell is everyone staring at us?” Buddy says getting agitated from all the unwanted attention.

            “It’s probably because we are still in our uniforms, we should probably find a place to change” Sadie says patting her bag. We look around and find an ally that we all duck into and change into our regular clothes. When we emerge people are still giving us glances but not quite as many as before.

            Walking another couple blocks I can feel a pain in my stomach and I know that I need to get some food in me. “Hey guys do you think we can stop somewhere to get breakfast?”

            Buddy stops dead in his tracks and looks at me square in the eyes,” yes! I am so hungry; we definitely need to find some food.” We both turn and look to Sadie who gives us an unsure look on her face.

            “I’m not sure guys, I mean we still aren’t that far away from the compound. I would like to put some more space between us before we stop.”

            “That makes good sense but let me tell you what I am thinking. If Gizmo and I don’t get some food in us soon we are going to become very weak and tired. Then you are going to have to drag us both around which will in turn make you tired and very easy for Mom to catch. But if you let us get food now we will have more than enough strength to get as far away as you want us to.”

            Sadie couldn’t help but smile at the convincing speech that Buddy just made and she starts to shake her head,” fine boys lets go find a place to eat but we can’t stat long.”

            Buddy wraps his big arms around Sadie’s waist and lifts her high off the ground,” thank you I actually saw a diner back that way a little.” Buddy puts Sadie back down to the ground and dashes off across the street not even looking back to see if we were following him.

            When we catch up to him he is already walking through the door of the diner with enthusiasm. Despite it being what I can guess is early in the day the diner is surprisingly full but we find an open booth. Buddy and Sadie sit on one side and I sit across from them. As soon as we get settled a waitress that somewhat resembles Mom but with more wrinkles and darker hair come to our table. “Hello dears, my name is Jackie and I’ll be taking care of you this morning.” She hands us all menus and pulls out a small pad of paper and pen,” Okay can I start you off with something to drink?” she says with a kind smile.

            “I’ll just have a cup a tea please” Sadie says to her returning the smile.

            The waitress jots down the order on the pad and looks over to me, waiting. “Um, I’ll have a glass of milk please”

            “Good choice you are a growing boy after all” she says laughing at her own comment. She then looks over to Buddy who has his face buried in the menu.

            “And how about you hon?”

            Buddy slowly puts down the menu and stares at it blankly,” I …I don’t know. I can’t pick from the pancakes, waffles, French toast or eggs. And then there is the bacon, ham, sausage, hash browns and home fries. Is there any way that I can just get a big plate with a little bit of it all on it?”