Terror By Night

Chapter 4

We get bumped and shoved out of the way as other students file into the gym. I realize we're blocking the doorway with all our gaping. The shock of the scene playing out is too surreal to take in. I have no idea what to do or what to think. I dislike the idea of being separated from Nolan. I know he's abhorring it. He's probably already experiencing a mild coronary at the prospect.

My suspicions are confirmed when he grumbles in a low voice, "I don't like this."

I spot a teacher to the right of the door and head that way. Zoe and Nolan follow close behind. "Excuse me," I say. The teacher turns with a clipboard in her hand containing a list of names, some with check marks already next to them.

"Name?" she asks. I don't recognize her. She must be a 12th grade teacher.

"Um, it's Layken Prescott, but I have a question," I tell her.

"Save all questions. There'll be more announcements once everyone is settled. Get a bed roll and find a place to sit." She finds my name on her list and checks me off. Having dismissed me already, she looks to Nolan and Zoe, ready to go through the same process.

"But why are we being separated? Why can't we stay together? Layken is my cousin," Nolan starts to say but the no name teacher interrupts.

"Just please get your roll and take a seat. Boys on the left, girls on the right. Those are the rules for the time being."

Clearly, we aren't going to get any answers from her. I move closer to Nolan, ready to reassure him and see the look on his face. He's totally freaking out. He looks like he's ready to bolt with us in tow. I take a deep breath. I lay my hand on his arm. I need him to focus on me and not the panic rising up within. "Nolan, it's fine. We'll still be in the same room. Nothing's going to happen. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this," I say, while gesturing to the mild chaos playing out in the gym.

"Yeah Nolan," Zoe chimes in. "You can keep an eye on things from your side. Maybe someone over there has heard something. Use your mojo and get the 411. Layken and I'll girl talk and be fine."

He still looks uneasy. But after taking a moment to compose himself, he nods. "Fine. But stay together. If they let us leave or take a break or something, text me and I'll meet you right here."

We agree and go our separate ways. Zoe and I find a spot next to the bleachers that are pushed in to make room for the crowd. It's nice to have a backrest. I have a feeling we're going to be here awhile. I'm just as clueless as everyone else as to why. I think of Nolan and hope he's met up with Xavier. Somehow, the guy seems to have the inside track on what's going down. It'd be a good idea for Nolan to stay close to him for the time being.

Without much to do, Zoe and I chat about the mundane. Things like what she wants to buy at the mall on Saturday, what the Reeds have planned for Sunday dinner. We try to keep from talking about the obvious, what in the world we're doing stuck in the gym with a bedroll. So far, everyone is taking this as a break from schoolwork. People may be curious, but they don't appear worried. After an hour of mindless chatter, we see Principal Mooreland make her way across the floor. Silence descends in a wave, as students notice who's come in. We all turn in her direction with anticipation.

She stops in the middle of the room and tuns in a circle, taking all of us in at once. Her hair is impeccable in a tight bun on the back of her head. She appears professional and capable. But I look closer and see the slight tremor to her hands. Principal Mooreland has never been anything but steady. Now, I'm worried.

Someone runs up and hands her a microphone. After clearing her throat, she begins. "Thank you all for being patient. I know you're all wondering what's going on. Let's get right to the point. What I can tell you as of this moment is this: there's been an invasion." Principal Mooreland lets the microphone drop to her side. She knows the immediate reaction that's bound to follow such a statement.