Wanted

Chapter 15

     Ella's P.O.V
     The sun wakes me up. At first, I forget that I am on the run. I forget that I am all alone. Then, I open my eyes and am reminded that I am on the run and that I am all alone. I stand up and let out a yawn. How did it come to this?

I zip up my backpack and head towards the doors. I step outside and decide to keep following the cement road. I look back the way I came and sigh when I see the Facility barely in sight. I turn my head back and continue my trek to-- hopefully-- somewhere safe.

There are scattered, broken-down buildings all around. It's the same thing everywhere I turn. Dust, gravel, cement, repeat. I guess that's what you can expect in Oklahoma.

Sam's P.O.V
     I finally come across a building. It's a gas station. I crash through the doors.

"Ella! Hello? Ella?" I search everywhere. Where is she.

Not here I guess.

I reach the back of the store and find a yoga mat laid out on the ground. My eyes trail to the side of the mat. A beef jerky wrapper. She's been here. Why did she leave! If she would have stayed, I would be here with her right now.

I exit the gas station and start up jogging again down the cement road.

     She had to have gone this way, right?

     There is no sign of human life. Just a few trees and a whole lot of old buildings.

     "Ella! Ella!" No answer. Where is she!

     It feels like I've been walking for hours. Oklahoma's summer heat is not helping.

     "Peterson?" I quickly turn my head around at the sound of my last name. It's Crawford.

     "Hey! Nice ta see ya buddy!" Crawford laughs and pats me on the back.

     "Ya. Nice to see you too." I'm in no mood for a reunion. Ella is my main priority right now.

     "Whatcha doin out here, eh?"

     I decide to be honest with this annoying bastard. "Looking for someone."

     "May I ask who?"

     "You may not."

     "Come on, Peterson! I don't bite!" I roll my eyes.

     "Fine. Her names Ella."

     His eyes go wide. "Ella? Ella Glorian?"

     "No. Ella..." c'mon Sam, think of something. "Peterson. Ella Peterson. My sister."

     "Man, I thought you were an only child! Guess I thought wrong!" He laughs. The most irritating laugh ever. How does he know Ella?

     I decide to change the topic. "What brings you out here, Crawford?"

     "Actually, I'm out here lookin for the Ella girl. The kids at the Facility told me she was no where to be found. One girl also told me that a Guard saved her. She said he had dark brown hair, muscles, and a freckle beneath his lip..." Crawford looks me up and down. His jaw drops. "You saved her? You did, didn't you! Oh no, Peterson, this isn't good. I have to tell Rod--"

     "No, Crawford. You will not tell Rodger anything." I pull out my gun and aim it at him.

He backs up and raises his hands. "Woah, woah there Peterson, no need to get defensive." He let's out a shaken laugh.

"Okay. Listen, Crawford. Either you help me find her, or I'll shoot you. Got it?"

"Why isn't leaving an option?" Crawford slowly keeps backing away from me.

"Because I can't risk you going back and telling Rodger."

"Man, Peterson, you're cruel!" He stops for a second and shrugs. "But I guess I'll help you find her."