Foolish Heart //Danger Days//

31. The Mysterious Ticking Noise

       It seemed as though everyone in the Zones came to visit me the morning after I came back. People who I didn't even recognize were congratulating me. I didn't understand why I was being praised. I hadn't accomplished anything. I was still very sick, and a little bit delusional, so I was confined to my old bed in the basement. Every time I would venture upstairs for some water, there were strangers outside.

"Atomic! Are you doing okay?" A girl called. I gave her a small smile. The four Killjoys were waiting by the door, permitting anyone from entering. Only when a friend of mine came by would Kobra step down from his body-guard position.

"Jeez, what's going on?" Neon asked me, hurrying away from the door. Him and Ghost stayed behind at the church when the rest of their group came to visit. The two boys wanted to help me out, but they couldn't have too many people.

"It's weird." I peered behind the door.

I didn't know what to think about the attention.

"Hey, at least we get to best friends with a celebrity." Ghost teased, giving me a one-armed hug.

"Hey, city girl."

Sugar was allowed access into the diner. I hadn't seen her since my first week in the Zones, and I was very relieved to know that she was okay.

"Where have you been?" I asked, hugging the tall girl.

"Oh, you know, around." She shrugged, hugging me back.

I let go of Sugar. Her hair was silver now, and a bit longer. Her outfit had the same usual pink, and it looked more intense. Her neon coloured crop-top was replaced by a tight leather jacket, a pink stripe lining the side of the black sleeve. She wore black spandex pants, and thick heeled boots.

She looked extra bad ass.

"I love the hair, by the way. Big improvement." She commented.

"Thanks. Nice outfit change." I smirked.

"Well, what can I say? The cutesy look wasn't working for me."

"These are my friends, by the way." I motioned to the two boys behind me.

"I knew them from before the fire, back in my city."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Neon Blast." Neon stuck out his hand.

"Sugar Bomb." She shook it firmly.

Ghost's jaw was on the floor.

"Nice to meet you, too." Sugar teased.

"Y-yeah." Ghost stammered, fixing his hair.

'He has no chill.'

"Anyways, I'd stick around longer, but money calls." Sugar smirked.

"They just can't seem to get enough of me." She placed her hand on her hip and walked back out into the sea of people.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I tilted my head, turning to face Neon and Ghost.

"Oh, hon..." Neon patted my head.

"What? What was she talking about!" I demanded.

I never did get my answer.

---

     Dylan and Missile returned home that evening. I had never been happier to see my brother.

"Atomic!" He screeched, bolting towards me. Missile followed behind him, and both children tackled me with hugs.

"I'm so sorry I was gone." I hugged them both, tighter than ever.