In Hate, We Love

16. Locked Out

Although i am quite short for time, i make sure to walk slowly through the Arks hallways, keeping quiet.

"Miss, Curfew is almost in place, its not safe for you to be out now." A guard says as i turn the corner.

"Have you seen Counciller Abby Griffin?" I ask him politely.

"No, i am sure she is somewhere safe, miss go home, Clarke is it?" He says and i nod.

"But where would she be? I have to find her!" I exclaim but the guard isnt listening.

"Clarke let me escort you home-"

I jump away from his extending hand and start off at a run down the corridor.

I search everywhere, aware of the time quickly ticking away.

I turn into a hall and am shocked to see three people all stood there in a huddle.

They turn to me and seem to shrink away.

"Whats wrong?" I say to them, a man, a woman and a little girl.

"Oh thank god are you here to help us? We told a guard our predicament and he said he would do something but he left and hasnt come back!" The woman cries, desperately clutching her childs hand.

"Whats happened?" I ask.

"Our door wont open! Its jammed or locked...we have never had this problem before!"

"Can't any of your neighbours let you in?" I ask, confused by their situation.

"Oh well we dont want to trouble any of them-"

"I thought i heard voices Dave, look!" Someone- a woman- exclaimes, turning into the corridor, followed by a man.

"Whats going on here?" The man exclaims, walking towards us.

"Oh we are locked out! What are you doing out? Its..." the mother checks her watch "oh god help us, its 1 minute to 7!" She shrieks, her little girl trembling slightly.

"We heard y'all from inside, you can stay with us, we have another couple staying with us too, same problem as y'all actually" The man- Dave- says happily.

"Oh..oh thank you!" The mother cries, looking like she might faint. She tugs her daughters arm and starts walking towards Dave and the Woman, her husband following.

I look at all 5 of them and Dave says "Are you coming? Your welcome to come, there is space"

I shake my head "thank you but i have to find my mum, go home and get them safe" i insist, looking at the little girl.

"Okay if you want, our door number is 1145 and we have friends at 1122 who are happy to take some people in aswell!" Dave sighs, before herding the family away.

I am alone again and i continue walking down through the maze that is the Ark, more confused and on edge than before.

It isnt long before i come accross another group, larger this time, all adults.

"Are you locked out?" I ask and they all nod, surprised to see me.

Where are all the guards? I havent seen one at all in this section.

"We have knocked on so many doors but no one will answer, and those that do say they dont have room, we wouldnt even mind splitting up!" One of the older ladies says.

"I know someone who will take you in, go back down the corridors, taking rights until you get to either 1145 or 1122, they are happy to take some people in" i say. The group turns to oneanother and starts murmuring.

"Are you sure?" A younger lad asks suspiciously.

"Yes you need to go, now!" I say, looking around anxiously. We are making too much noise.

"We should go!" I hear a man say.

"Are you ridiculous we dont know these people!" A woman shrieks.

"Everyone be quiet, you will let the whole Ark know you are here, unless you want the murderer to come right here!" I snap and the group falls silent.

"How can we trust you?" Someone shouts and within seconds the group are arguing again.

I sigh when a hand grabs my wrist. Another hand covers my mouth and i am gently pulled around the corner and pushed up against the wall.

I look up to see Bellamy. He gently lets me go and puts a finger to his lips.

"Bellamy what are you-"

"Shh, i was on duty when the announcement was made, i could hear them from 3 corridors down, thought i would check it out and then i saw you! What are you doing all the way over here, and with people that loud? You will get yourself killed" Bellamy exclaimes quietly.

"Im looking for my mum so please let me go!" I sigh, not able to look him in the eyes.

He looks conflicted "no, Clarke you have to go home! i will take you, staying here is bad, there is a murderer-"

"Exactly! Thats why i need to make sure my mum isnt trapped somewhere"

Bellamy groans, "Fine I will help you look for her!" Bellamy says, taking my wrist. I pull it away.

"I dont need your help!"

The sounds of the group get louder and i realise they are coming this way.

Bellamy takes me by the wrist and pulls me after him as he starts running.

We head to the other side of the station, walking slowly now, our heavy breaths echoing around us.

"Bellamy you dont have to help." I say, as we walk down a hallway with the lights flickering.

"Does it not confuse you, how few guards there have been" Bellamy says, sounding worried, ignoring me.

"All of this confuses me! Why are people getting locked out of their own houses?" I say back.

Bellamy stops and stretches his arm out in front of my chest, blocking my way. I stop walking and turn to Bellamy who is looking seriously at the end of the hall.

I watch aswell and think i hear the faint sounds of footsteps...as if someone were dragging their feet heavily and walking slowly.

A shadow appears on the wall and my breath catches in my throat.

"Someone's coming"