With Friends Like These

Chapter Four

I made it back underground at 12:57. Later than I thought. The stealing and cop chase probably slowed me down. I sat on the couch with my feet dangling off the edge. Maybe I should find a way to tell Grace, Gage, or Kaylee about the second hatch. I look at the clock. It now read 2:35. Highly doubt they were awake. Besides I had already risked being captured. I did not want to do it so soon. I look at my bags. They were untouched and laid next to me. I kept glancing at the TV seeing if anything new was on. Same boring news. I don't know why I wouldn't just change it to something else. I guess I was waiting for something, I don't know what, just anything. I sit up and swing my legs over the side of the couch. Grabbing my bag and pulling it in front of me, I begin to go through it. I pull out more clothes, blankets, some stuff I've had through all my life. The last thing I pull out is a white picture frame with purple flowers. An image of me and my day was placed in it. I smiled and flip it over. Taking the picture out a small note falls out too. I pick it up and read it. My eyes begin to fill with tears and I close my eyes. If only I had found this earlier. I put the picture back and set it on the coffee table in front of me. I look back at my stuff and towards the bedroom. I hated messy things. The fact that everything wasn't in the right spot also annoyed me. I stand up and grab the stuff I just got. Walking into the room, I threw it on the bed. I started folding and putting things away. By the time I was done the place looked so much better. The first aid stuff sat in the bag on the floor. I looked at it and shrugged. The running wore me out. I plopped on the bed and got under the covers. I look at the door as the living room lights go off. The last thing I think of before closing my eyes was the note. The one I found with my dad's picture.


I jumped awake and look around. My mind started to freak out. Where am I? How did I get here? Why do I feel like I've been running all night long? Then I remember. I shake my head and stand up. It was 11:35. Early for me to wake up. Nothing wrong with that. I could always find a way to get someone here. Walking out of the bedroom I wander into the empty room. I had left my mask on the table int here last night. Grabbing it I fix it on my face and pull up my hood. It was day so it was a little harder for me to not get seen. If I did this right, though, I might be able to go a few blocks with no one being suspicious. I climb out of the second hatch and look around. I couldn't see anyone so I got up and shut it. Keeping my head down I began to walk. I knew where Grace and Gage lived. Both close to the school. Kaylee lived in the country so I couldn't get there. I look up making sure I'm on the right block. Father up I spot Grace's house. I stop and make a plan in my head. I can't knock on the door. That would be a little awkward and I would get caught. I couldn't climb up to her window. It was to high up and no trees around. I couldn't call her. No phone. I think of something and keep walking. Stopping once below her window.

"Grace?" I yell. Not loud enough to gat anyone's attention from outside but not to quite. I look on the ground and shrug. Grabbing some rocks I throw them at her window. They clink on and land on the ground. Just when I was about to give up the curtains part. Grace looked out the window and tilted her head when she saw me. I raise my hand and usher her to come down. She stared for awhile before walking away. After a bit I hear a door open and I automatically jump for cover. Grace came out of her house and looked around. I slowly get out from behind the house and walk over. Pulling my mask off slightly. 

"Alea? What are you doing here? How did you get out?" She asked confused. I smiled and explain about the second hatch and the new room. With a bit of luck I persuaded her to come there with me. We walked down the street at a fast pace. More and more people started to get out on the streets. More and more people were likely to see me. once we reach the new hatch I open it up and let her go down first. Once inside she looked around in awe. 

"How did we not know this was here before?" She asked. I smiled.

"The room was empty. We never really went in there before or looked around. Being stuck here for the weekend, alone, got me to explore every tiny space. So I found this." I say. Taking my mask off I set it on the table again. Grace watched me and frowned.

"That was really stupid. Coming to my house and trying to get me outside. What if I wasn't home? What if my parents looked out the window? What if someone saw you?" She asked. God, I hated it when people were right. It was stupid. I could have been seen or someone could have noticed me and called the police. I just couldn't stand being here alone for any longer. I walk out of the new room and back into the living room.

"I was gonna make food. You want something?" I ask. Grace sat on the couch and looked at me.

"I'm good. Thanks though." I smile and nod. Walking into the kitchen and turning on the stove. I pulled out a carton of eggs from the fridge and started to make them. I hear the TV going in the living room. The news. Like always. I always left it on no matter what time it was. Made me feel like I wasn't truly alone. When my eggs were done and gone I walked out into the living room. grace sat on the couch and turned her head when I approached. 

"What the hell?" She yelled. I throw my hand up in defense and step back.

"What?" I ask. I had no honestly had no clue what she was mad about. Grace scowled and rewinded the TV. It showed an image from a store. A person in a hood ran out carrying a bag. I tilted my head confused then widened my eyes.

"Thats you isn't it? It's the same mask. What the hell were you doing back by your house." She yelled. I frown and put my hands in my pockets.

"I left some stuff over there that I wanted back. My mom woke up before I could get food and first aid so I robbed a store." It felt so weird to say that. I had always joked about robbing a place or other stuff but I never thought I'd actually do it so young. A small smile appeared on my lips which made Grace even more mad. 

"It's not funny. You could have been caught or shot. You could have gone to jail or back home." She yelled throwing down the remote. I look back at the TV. It was true. Again another stupid thing I did. But it felt so good. The adrenaline rush, the excitement, the chase. It was enough to keep me content for days. I looked at her and shrugged. 

"God, Alea. You can't just go out and do stuff like that. How did you get there? Walking?" I nodded and a look crossed her face. She took a deep breath and sat back down. Flipping the TV over to another channel. I stood behind the couch and blink in confusion. I turn around and walk back to the bedroom. Maybe I shouldn't do stuff like that anymore. But then again. I had never felt more alive or free.