Run Away

Chapter 2

"Tara, we rescued four other people besides you. You all are around the same age and we want you to meet each other." The man said. "-if you want to, that is." He added. I thought to myself for a second before giving him a small nod. "Okay, you can follow me."

We made our way out of the room and down the hall. As we walked, thoughts ran wild in my head. Why would they want me to meet these other four people? Maybe to keep a sanity check? To have company after the events of today? The other four had probably gone through the same experience I had.

We made our way into a room that had the words 'Conference Hall' written in white, to the right of the doorway. In the center of the room, a large, oval table sat with fancy, green chairs around it. The beige walls were plastered with maps and white boards. At the table sat three guys and a girl. The girl had light skin, hazel eyes, and wavy, brown hair with caramel highlights in it. Sitting next to her was a boy with black hair, brown eyes, and a more mixed skin tone. Next to him was a guy who had a light skin tone, brown eyes, and brown hair that was combed back. Finally, my eyes landed on a boy who had a mixed skin tone, brown eyes, and black hair. I knew him. We had both gone to the same high school. Realization hit as the fog that filled my brain, due to the events of the day, cleared to reveal his name - Reece Buckingham.

From what I knew of Reece, he was smart and athletic. Prior to our graduation, he had played on the varsity soccer team. I knew him due to the fact that we had been in the same science class for all of high school. We never spoke, except for a few instances where only short phrases were exchanged. The most prominent characteristic that I remembered of Reece is that he always smiled at me as we passed each other in the halls. The defining trait he held was kindness.

"Tara, this is Claire, Max, Charlie, and Reece." The man said, naming everyone by the order they sat. "Hi." I croaked out. "This is our leader?" Charlie asked. "What? Leader for what?" I asked, looking at the man. We both shared the same expression, confused.

"Your mother didn't tell you?" He asked me. I shook my head in response. The man sighed before speaking. "This outbreak of zombies, also known as Walkers, has to be dealt with in a different manner than just deploying troupes. We need to create a special team. A specific panel viewed over every graduate's record, from the last five years, in Virginia. They were looking for people who had physical capability, strong intellect, and profound character. You five were the one's chosen for the mission."

"How do you expect us to defeat the zombies? Also, why was I chosen to be the leader?" I asked, even more confused than before. Everything was moving so fast. I still could not believe that the words that were coming from his mouth were real. I felt like I was in a movie.

"You all will be trained like our soldiers. We will get you into shape and teach you how to fight." He said. He then turned to look at me. "Your record spoke for itself. You had one of the highest GPA's in the state, you participated in multiple physically bearing activities, and your references presented you in a great light. You were the perfect candidate to be leader."

I thought over his reasoning and gave a slow nod in response. I was still unsure of this decision. I'm sure the other four people at the table were all of honest and profound character. What made me a better choice than them? Was I really deserving of this position?

"Alright, I will leave you all to get to know each other." He said, turning to leave. "Wait." I started. He stopped and turned around to look at me. "Who are you?" I asked.

"My name is Kyle. I'm the General here. For safety reasons my last name is classified, so you all may refer to me as General Kyle ." He said. With that, he left. I turned around to the others.

It remained silent until Max spoke up. "How about everybody say their full name, age, and the high school they went to?" He asked. The rest of us nodded. I took my seat and then we began.

The introductions started with Charlie. "Alright, I'm Charlie Markus Alcussco, 20 years old, and I attended Salem Lakes High School." He said. It continued on to Claire. "I'm Claire Morgan Hartford, 19 years old, Mollen's Academy." It then continued to Max. "Max Lee Drew, 21, Carlisle High School." Then it was my turn.

"Tara Grace Norman, 19 years old, Kingsport High School." Finally, it was Reece's turn. "Reece Anthony Buckingham, 20 years old, Kingsport High School." He said.

The room fell silent again, none of us knowing exactly what to say. What could really be said? I attempted to think of something, feeling that it was my duty as the newly appointed leader. However, my mind continued to wander back to the devastation of today.

"So, did you guys play any sports? Or participate in any activities at school?" Claire spoke up.

"Football and baseball. I was also a part of student council" Charlie answered.

"Lacrosse and basketball. I also was in the Drama Club." Max chimed in.

"You were in the Drama club?" Morgan excitedly questioned, to which Max nodded in response. "That's cool. Well, I played volleyball, I was on student council, and I was a part of the French club."

"C'est magnifique." Max replied. Charlie and Claire burst into laughter at Max's terrible French accent, to which he then started to laugh.

"What about the Kingsport duo?" Charlie asked as their laughs died down. The three of them looked at Reece and I, waiting for a response.

"Uh, I played soccer and was a part of the robotics club. I also played on a travel hockey team, outside of school." Reece responded first.

"Alright, alright, what about you, Tara?"

I gave a small smile, masking the waves of emotions I felt, and opened my mouth to speak. "I was a part of the French club, like Claire. I also played tennis and was a part of the marching band."

"Oh, sweet! Were you one of the one's with the flags?" Max questioned.

I let out a small laugh at his question, my smile growing. "No, I was in the drumline, actually."

"Ah, we got ourselves a drummer girl." He replied, causing us all to laugh.

For the first time today, I felt happy and at ease. I felt like things would be okay and that I could possibly get through this horrible experience. It was like a weight had been lifted off of me as we continued to talk and laugh with each other. This peace would only be short lived, though, it wearing off as General Kyle re-entered the room.

"Alright-"

Taylor Lautner as Reece Buckingham

*08/06/2021 - This is the new, revised version of Chapter 2