Sudden Bloodshed

Chapter 23

Brooke's POV
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I felt my whole world sway underneath me. I began to feel cold and that's when everything went black.
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I opened my eyes. I was still in the room. America was holding me in her arms and not too many kids were in the room. A headache was pounding my head.
America had her back leaned against the wall and her legs were sprawled out in front of us. I was curled up to her with my knees bent into my chest.

I looked up at her. She was asleep. Slowly, I unfolded myself out from her lap and sat down next to her.

I made a guess that it was nighttime; people were sleeping.
I curled up next to America and began to cry.

Everything just seemed to be falling apart and I had no control over it.

The cuts on my arm and shoulder were healing but they ached. I didn't dare check them though. I wanted to keep the bandages on.

Moments went by and I closed my eyes. A few more tears made their way down my cheek before I began to fall asleep.
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I didn't know where I was or how I got there, but I was in the middle of a forest. The dirt was a red brown color while the trees beamed a bright green.

It was very quiet. No sounds of birds or animals. I walked around for a bit but found nothing. Just trees.

It was actually very relaxing and I enjoyed the peaceful and quiet environment.

I was so happy that I began to smile and even laugh. I started running and spinning around in circles, screaming at the top of my lungs.

I was just so happy, but I didn't know why.
I charged blindly through the forest, crying tears of joy and laughing like a total maniac.

I threw myself into a thick patch of ferns and moss. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

This is where I want to be, forever and beyond.
I thought to myself.
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I was awoken by a loud thud. America was still next to me but she was awake. She looked exhausted. I was clutching her arm. Unwrapping myself from her arm, I yawned and she let me go without saying a word. Glancing around the room, I noticed that a lot of the kids were still sleeping.

I looked at America.
She was staring straight ahead, as if she was trying to not look back at me. I couldn't blame her though. So much was happening all at once and it wouldn't surprise me if she just wanted to be by herself.

I stood up and stretched my legs, raising my arms in the air.

Another thud shook the room and I quickly crouched onto the floor to keep my balance.

Then, once again, another thud caused the room to shake.

"What's going on?" A girl from a bed spoke. Her voice was extremely croaky.

No one answered. The kids that were awake just looked at each other and shrugged. I crawled back over to America and hugged her arm, not knowing what else to do. Closing my eyes, I leaned onto her shoulder.

I suddenly remembered Emery.
Why? Why did this have to happen? A tear slowly rolled down my cheek. After that, I couldn't hold them back. Tons and tons of tears streamed down my face as I began to sob. Breathing started to become a challenge, causing me to make loud gasping sounds. I let go of America's arm and dug my hands into my hair.

By now, I was practically screaming and a few of the other girls had come over to help calm me down. But no matter how hard they tried, I just couldn't stop. I couldn't stop thinking about Emery and about how it was my fault that he was now dead.

Guilt was crawling up my spine and it wasn't helping my current state. My hands, arms, back, and legs began to shake uncontrollably and this made my sob even harder.

Another thud made me lose my balance and I spread my shaking arms out to keep me sitting up.

America grabbed my shoulder and I leaned onto hers.

"They-they killed Emery!" I babbled. My face was soaking with tears and snot.

America didn't say anything but to be honest, I didn't care.

The room rocked once more as another thud was heard.

Kids began waking up and the girls that were comforting me left to go to the door. Others joined them. I managed to stop myself from screaming anymore as a spark of curiosity and fear filled me. Tears continued to fall but I stopped shaking, thanks to America rubbing my back.

They were listening to something, pressing their ears against the wooden door.

I could tell the America wanted to join them as well but she never moved from my side.

Suddenly the thudding stopped and we were all silent, waiting to see what would happen next.

That's when we heard yelling and stomping down the hallway.
It became louder as the sounds passed by our door but then faded as it continued down the hall.

A door was slammed shut and that's when it became silent again.

"What do you think that was?" A boy asked, sitting on one of the beds.

Again, none of us answered. Now everyone was awake. No one moved though.

America stood up and stretched.
"Well," she began, walking to the door, "I guess there's only one way to find out."