With Friends Like These

Chapter One

Lunch was silent. No one said a word to each other. Grace had told Gage and Kaylee about what happened to Alea before they left their last class. Gage cast glances at Grace as she sat in the seat. Pushing her food around her plate with a fork. She closed her eyes before taking a deep breath and getting up. Taking her tray to the trash she dumped it and ushered Gage and Kaylee to do the same. After eating, they did.
"I don't feel like sitting around and doing nothing. Come on. Going down there is better than staying here." She whispered and began walking towards their school hideout. Gage and Kaylee followed without a word. When they reached the hatch Gage began to break the silence.
"You ever wonder who built this or why?" He asked. His eyes wandering to the dark corners. The room seemed to empty. To quite. Grace looked around to. A shiver ran up her spine. Why do I feel like something bad is about to happen? She thought. Shaking her head she turned back to Gage.
"I don't know and I don't care," She said climbing down the ladder. "It gives me a place to hide from the bullshit that is happing already." Her feet landed on the floor. Gage soon followed. When Grace turned to the living room her eyes widened in shock. Kaylee stared and Gage let out a disbelieving laugh. On the couch, watching T.V., was Alea.

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I look over from the news to the ladder. A smile crossed my face and I stood up. Without warning Grace ran over from her spot and jumped on me. Pushing me back until I fell on the couch. She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a big hug. I smiled and went to hug her back but she pushed away and got up.
"What the hell were you thinking? Do you have any clue how worried we were. Why didn't you tell us you went to school?" She yelled a few tears going down her face. I frown and look at the ground. Damn it, I think to myself, I didn't want her to be upset. I thought they would be happy. I let out a sigh, my smile fading from my face.
"Grace I didn't go to school. Yesterday, instead of leaving, I thought it would be nice to stay down here. I still ran away just ran away to this place. It's a perfect hiding place. No one knows about it, except for you guys, and theirs already everything I need to live." I say trying to make things better. Grace looked me up and down, gritting her teeth. Her fist shot up and punched me in the face. I stumble back and fall back, again, agents the couch. I rub the spot where she punched me and looked up.
"What the hell was that for?" I yell. My face was red with pain and embarrassment. Gage and Kaylee had snuck away to the kitchen awhile ago. I was alone in the living room with Grace. She looked down on me before turning away and walking into the kitchen. I stay on the couch, my eyes wide in shock. Why couldn't anything go normal for once? After a bit I stand up and follow. Gage and Grace were sitting at the table while Kaylee sat on a counter. Her legs dangled off the edge. She jumped down when I entered. I look towards Grace and Gage.
"So...Scenic I can't be seen for awhile can you guys bring stuff down regularly? Please." I ask not meeting anyones eyes. I look at the black and white tiles floor.
"So your really serious then? Wow, I thought you were joking." Gage spoke, breaking the silence. We all turned to him making him fall silent. I smile a little and look at Grace.
"At least I'm not out starving and running from everyone. I'm here where you can always see me." I say trying to make things better. Grace gave a sight and met my eyes. A small smile appeared on her face.
"I guess your right," She said, "but if you leave and get caught or you have to go I'm going to kill you." She stated with a smile and laughed. A loud buzzing rang out through the kitchen. Gage grabbed his phone from his pocket and shut off the buzzing. Standing up he walked to the door way.
"We should probably go now." He said looking back at us. Kaylee walked towards him and turned. Grace looked at me and sighed. She looked at Gage and Kaylee and started walking towards them. When she reached the doorway she looked back at me.

"I'll be back after school. OK?" I smile and nod. Sitting in one of the chairs I watched them walk away and go back to school. The life they know and the one I left. I tilt my head back and look at the ceiling. I listen as they climb up the ladder and shut the hatch.






(Note: Sorry it takes awhile for me to put these out. Thanks for reading.)