Always Running

Chapter One

"Jenessa, you still haven't told me who you like."

"Is that, like, all that's ever on your mind?"

"Practically."

"Alright, fine, I like Dallas. But you can never tell anyone."

"I cross my heart and hope to die."

"Good."

Caitlin had been bothering me about who I liked for over a month. For my health, I figured I should tell her. "I could totally see you guys together."

"Yeah. But he can't. He never even talks to me."

"Maybe he's shy?"

"Yeah. Sure he is." As I said that, I see Dallas walking to the lockers. He's in the same class as me and Kaitlyn. 8th grade. "Hey Jenessa."

"Hey Dallas!"

"Alright. I gotta make this quick. You live in Viper, right?"

"Yeah."

"Look at this." He showed me the weather on his phone. It said there was a massive thunderstorm heading for Viper, including tornadoes. "Ok. What's so special about that? Those things happen almost everyday in Viper, Kentucky."

"I did some research on it, cause I was bored and I like to take things to the next level. Anyways, 300 years ago, in 1716, there was a massive thunderstorm here along with 3 tornadoes. The storm lasted until 1718, and it spread all the way to California. It did so much damage, it took people 150 years to fix everything. It killed over 300,000 people. Ok, what I'm saying is, we have to start running from it. Now. I suggest calling your mom to meet us somewhere. Like, at the church on the other side of town. Ok?"

"Ok. Thanks Dallas."

"I'm coming with you. My family's already in Canada. They started driving last night."

"Ok. So what you're saying is, you're helping me and we're gonna meet up with your family once we get enough cars?"

"Yeah. I got my learner's permit and a truck outside. There's enough room for 5 people."

"Ok. I'm gonna go call my mom. And then I'll meet you in the parking lot?"

"Sounds perfect."