Blackout • NH

Chapter 17

I cannot believe my eyes right now.

I see shadows. But just not any shadows. They're shadows of people. They're hazy. Almost as if you were to look at a person from a few miles away in the desert. Their figure is blurred. Except their figures are dark, almost black and their eyes are missing. Like they were gouged out. They have long tentacle like fingers about 3 feet long and they seem to be wearing clothes of all sorts. Like what you would see anyone wear.

"Jodie, come on!" Niall shouts. Grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the group.

I snap out of it and begin running, following the group and Ben.

We began running up a hill and climbing up rocks as the forest got thicker and full of brush.

We get to the top of the rocks and get on a path. We continue following Ben until we reach a 2-story cabin.

"This is it." Ben said. Catching his breath.

He runs up to the door and knocks, using a secret rhythm as a type of password. The door opens and we follow him inside. The door is shut and locked.

"Ben, who are these people?" An older woman, about in her early 30s said. There were 3 other people behind her, pointing guns at us. A man about her age and two younger boys in their early twenties. One with curly hair and the other with a fringe.

"They're are group of survivors. They were crossing the bridge when I met them." He said.

"What did I say about bringing strangers in here! How do you know they won't kill us in our sleep and steal our supplies." She yells.

"Calm down! They agreed to give us a helping hand in return for a meal and shelter." He said.

The woman goes silent and ponders for a moment.

"Is it true? Will you agree to help us?" She asked.

"Yes, we all agreed that we would help out with whatever you needed." Ellen said to her in a gentle voice.

She looks at her. Here eyes are slightly glossy. Then looks at us.

"Fine, you guys can stay and help out. But if anyone tries to pull anything. You will be shot and thrown out to the Glazers." She said sternly. She marched off back to the open lounge. The group put their guns down.

"I apologize for my wife." The 30 year old man spoke up.

"She's just a little on edge from all the stuff we have been through. I'm Aiden, you just met Marion. And these two boys behind me are Harry and Louis." He said in a friendly voice.

"What are your names?" Harry asked.

"I'm Jodie. This is my sister Ellen and my two best friends Niall and Liam." I said with a smile.

"You consider us best friends?" Liam spoke up, excited.

"Yes you dumbass." I said, laughing.  Niall stood quiet.

"Well just make yourselves at home." Aiden said.

"Harry is about to start dinner. Liam, want to help me out with getting some fire wood for the fireplace? It gets very cold up in these mountains at night." Louis asked.

"I'll take your bag Liam. We'll put it wherever." I said. Liam follows Louis.

"Oh no need, we have plenty of room in this cabin." Louis said.

"I can show you to your rooms if you like!" Aiden said.

"Thank you." I say.

"We actually don't have spare rooms but we have plenty of beds and bunks to sleep in." Aiden explains.