Did I Ever Mention

Chapter 10

The next day was torture. Actually, was Acclie even sure it was "day" out? There was no way of telling.

Acclie had woken up on her own, looking over to see Red hovered over something she was working on. "What's that?" Acclie had asked.

"You're up? Thanks for not telling me." Red then stuffed whatever it was back into her backpack. "Come on. We need to go. The sooner we get outta here, the better. I'm starting to get a little stir-crazy." Red glanced at Acclie's hospital gown. "You want my sweatshirt?"

Acclie had given a small laugh. "Thanks, but no. It's too hot and humid down here."

"All right." Red slung her backpack over her shoulder.

Red had said something about hoping they could pass 3 or 4 lights, if they paced themselves. Acclie was starting to think Red was about as crazy as everyone else said Acclie was.

"So, Red. How old are you?" Acclie asked a simple question to maybe spark a conversation.

"Oh I dunno..." Red started counting on her fingers. After a few minutes, Red put them back at her sides. "Probably about 17."

"17!?" Acclie was shocked. Red seemed much older.

"Yeah. What of it?" Red gave Acclie a side-long glance.

"Nothing," Acclie responded. She decide to change the subject. "Why do they call you 'Red'?"

"Didn't you listen to me yesterday?" Red seemed angry. She picked up her pace. "I don't like answering questions."

"I'm sorry. I forgot. I was just trying to keep my mind off things. You know, like maybe get a conversation going so this experience can be less miserable." Acclie tried, but Red wouldn't slow down again.

"I shouldn't have to tell someone twice. I don't like answering questions."

"Sorry, Red." Acclie said.

Red finally slowed down. "Yeah. I get it. Just don't ask a question unless I give you the answer."

There was a silence between them. Acclie hugged herself as they kept walking.

Surely there would be a search-party looking for her by now. Acclie was sure of it. How well was this tunnel hidden? Were there other secret passages in the roof of the tunnel? Did anyone else know about the tunnel besides Tamika?

Acclie collapsed suddenly. Her insides were squeezing and wrenching in-side-out. Acclie groaned. She knew right away it was from no food or water. "Red!" Acclie called.

Red looked over her shoulder. "Oh God!" Red trotted back to where Acclie was doubled over. "Don't worry, Acclie. You're okay. I had one of these a few days ago, before I found you. It'll pass in a few minutes. Just stay calm." Red ran her hand over Acclie's back.

After 5 or 10 minutes, Acclie was okay again. Red helped her to her feet.

"Thanks Red. Let's go."

They resumed their search for the end of the tunnel.