Death At Dusk

Camping Out With Strangers

Sooooooooooooo last night I went to the bowling ally with my sister. My mom just got a job there and she invited us to go bowl because there were a few teens there.

As soon as I got there my mom was like "Anna come meet my coworker (who is my age - 16) I think you'll like him." She was trying to hook me up with him!!!!! Uggggghhhhhh. I was so embarrassed!

But I must say...he was cute too! And holy crap he smelled great! He walked past me and his cologne... Uggghhhhhhh.

I just ended my recent relationship two weeks ago 😢 I can't get into another one!

I'm so done with love... Oh well.

Fact of the Day: Up top is my favorite song! ❤

What's up guys? How are all doing? I hope good! Please remind me if I screw up and make any mistakes.

Thank you! Xoxo

-Anna

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"It seems we have visitors, Chery." The man behind me called to some woman who responded back with a laugh.

"I've got one too! It looks like they have a truck with a couple other people in it as well."

"So Little Missy, what do you think you are doing in my shop, huh? Trying to take my food or somethin'?"

"I'm sorry. We were only trying to find a place to stay for the night. We didn't know anyone was here. We could leave if you want." I really want to get out of here.

I slowly turned around to find a beer bellied man with a matted grey beard. He held a 9mm gun to my head and he scoffed. "I don't think so, darlin'. How can we trust y'all? We've had many folks come in here tryin' to snatch up our stuff."

"Listen, I have two younger siblings to look after." I hope some reasoning can help. I can see the woman, Chery, behind the man with Matt. She had fiery red hair with a few grey stripes. She was probably in her forties. Matt had his hands up because Chery seemed to have a shotgun in her hands, threatening Matt. I need to think fast before something crazy happens.

I hope my acting skills are still in check. Forcing tears to fall, I cried, "Please don't hurt us! I would hate to leave my siblings to fend for themselves! I can't leave them alone! You must understand!"

I tried to hide a giggle as the man lowered his gun and put his hands up. "Its okay, its okay. I'm sure we can figure something out. How 'bout we start with introductions, eh? My name is Ben and this is my wife Chery. I have a daughter in the back of my store. Her names' Hannah."

I quickly dried my tears and for show, stuttered, "My..my name is..is Sam and my Fri...friend is Matt." I love acting. As Ben turned around to look at his wife, I threw a wink at Matt. He grinned.

"We'll be out of here by the morning if that's okay. We just need a place to stay for the night."

Ben sighed. "Alright. Just the night. Then I want y'all out by dawn."

"Got it." I picked up my stuff and went back outside to get Angel and Kaden. "Come on in guys. Keep your guards up though. Those guys seem a bit trigger happy."

We walked back inside to find Matt, Chery, Ben and some young girl sat on the floor eating chips. That girl must be Hannah. She looked about my age.

I sat next to Matt snatching the chip he was about to eat. His jaw clenched and I snickered. He hates when people eat his food!

"That was MINE Sam!" He shoved me and I laughed.

"Geesh you can get so butthurt!"

Ben cleared his throat. "So how bad is it? We don't really have much of a connection to the city."

"Well that's-"

"Its destroyed." Angel interrupted. "If you go there, you'll die. Its too dangerous."

The family gaped at Angel. Angel had a habit of being straightforward...

"Y'all are kiddin' right?" Hannah asked.

Angel shook her head.

"Maybe we should board up the windows and doors?" Kaden asked. Sighing, I stood up and looked around. A clerks desk stood in a corner and rows of snacks flowed throughout the room. I can't really see anything that would really work to block the windows from breaking.

"Ben, do you have any boards or wood that we could use?"

"Only a few. Its in my office. I'll go grab them."

"Matt and Kaden, I want you to go with him and get nails and a hammer." I ordered.

It didn't take us long to set things up. It isn't too bad. The three windows were blocked off quite well. It should hold for a couple days. I don't plan to stay here long anyways. I got to meet Hannah and she's a really sweet country girl. Pigtails, shorts, and a flannel shirt fits the whole country package for her. Her mother doesn't see as friendly though. She seems to have a bit of trust issues. Which is understandable. Considering we broke into her gas station.

We all laid down forming a big circle with our bags as pillows. The store held a few sleeping bags which Ben let us have.

"Can we go with y'all when you leave?" I heard Hannah ask.

"I'm not sure Hannah. Maybe." Replied Ben.

I thought about it for a bit. "We can't all fit in Matt's truck, but maybe you can follow us?"

I looked up at Ben who was scratching at his beard deep in thought. "I'll think about it tonight. Now how 'bout y'all get some rest?"