Terror By Night

Chapter 6

Zoe and I quickly snatch up our things. We gather our bags, bedrolls and drinks and turn to go. Kendra's crying, surrounded by her lackeys, holding center court. I ignore her drama until she loudly cries out, "Poor Trevor! He's lost without me. Stuck over there with the seniors. We've been texting this whole time and he says everybody is flipping out."

The girls all make obligatory remarks of remorse. I shake my head, ready to move away when suddenly I hear my name called. "Hey Layken. You going after Nolan? Too good for us?"

I don't know why Kendra needed to single me out. Maybe her desire to constantly have everyone's attention at all times forced her to call out those who aren't waiting with bated breath for her next words. Why pull me in though? I've tried hard for three years to keep my head down and stay in my bubble of three. I don't need to be popular or famous among the elite of 11th graders. That isn't an achievement I need to feel good about myself. Usually, Kendra's group pretends like we don't exist. Her and Xavier both taking an interest in us in the same space of time is slightly suspicious. Coincidence? I don't believe in them. Why are we suddenly interesting?

I have no desire to waste time giving it more thought. Zoe decides to speak up, always my defender. "No Kendra. Our ears needed a time-out from the hysterics. They were starting to bleed from the screeching."

Kendra makes an ugly face and would've replied with her usual stimulating intellect, but her phone buzzes. "It's Trevor. He misses me so much!"

We head off in search of Nolan and Xavier. They've managed to snag a spot close to the back door like Principal Mooreland suggested. Almost at the locker rooms. Not the most aromatic, but desperate times and all that. I would be in shock at seeing Xavier still hanging around, but I'm fairly certain that quota's been filled to overflowing already today. He has his bedroll flattened and is stretched across as though he doesn't have a care in the world. In fact, he appears to be napping. Nolan is sitting on his roll with his well-worn notebook in hand, scribbling.

Zoe places her stuff at the end of Nolan's which leaves me little choice but to go next to her, at the feet of Xavier. He lifts his arm to take a look. "Bring snacks?"

I snort. "I wish. I have a bag of trail mix in my bag, but I don't think it's going to go far."

"Are they planning on feeding us today? I'm starving. Missed breakfast," adds Zoe with a small whine.

Just when I think there are no more surprises for today. I can't believe what I've just heard. Zoe has always been a stickler for getting up early enough to have a decent meal. She buys completely into breakfast being the most important meal of the day. Her not eating is so unlike her. Now I know I'm in the middle of an apocalypse. I turn to her. "What?! Why? You hate skipping breakfast."

"I know," she groans. "But I was up really late studying and I slept through my alarm. If I had known aliens were coming today and I'd be stuck in here, I would've blown off studying and gotten up early for a morning feast."

I remember then how I had bailed on her yesterday because of Nolan's bad vibes. "I'm sorry Zo. Guess that's my fault. But you make a good point. No tests for us this week."

I think back to yesterday and how Nolan had seemed so extreme. As it turns out, he'd been right, and we could've skipped the studying anyways. I don't see any English tests in our near future. Unless they're planning to keep us at these shelters long-term and doing school there. I can't begin to think what that might entail. I hate the idea that three years of studying and stressing over grades has been for nothing.

I dismiss the thought. Right now, no one has any idea what's happening on the outside or how it's all going to affect our futures. I'm still struggling to hold to the belief that we'll still have a future.