The Time Capsule

Chapter 4

I woke up in pain. That's all I could feel. I attempted to sit up to find I couldn't.

"Frick. Hey! Can anyone hear me?!" I yelled. I could feel my chest tightening. I was really flipping out. Not for myself but for my friends. I know what condition I'm in, but what about them?! They could be dead for all I know!

"Nice trying to run, Samuel. We told you we would be watching," a familiar voice said.

"You! Well, we managed to run for almost twenty-four hours! How could a bunch of kids manage that?! Eat it, asshole!" I yelled.

"We've talked about your language, Samuel."

"That was before you had me restrained and HURT MY FRIENDS!!!" I roared.

"We warned you of the consequences. We should have never let you bargain in the first place."

I laughed.

"Yes, you're about to take away someone's life, and they can't get anything out of the deal. That makes complete sense."

"Either way, your running is over. Now, you have a choice. You may either speak with your family or your friends one last time. Which do you choose?"

I was in a dilemma. On one hand, my parents don't know what has happened. Currently they think I'm safe at someone's house. What happens when they come home and don't see me there? Or call every single one of my friends to find I'm not there and neither are they? My sister would always wonder what happened to her big sister who is supposed to be her biggest supporter. The one who threatens boys who date her. The one who helps her with homework. The one who she can rant to about because I will understand since I was her age not too long ago. Well, at least compared to our parents.

On the other hand, my friends followed me out of one of the safest places in the world because they were worried. They knew they were putting themselves in danger the minute they decided to leave school. And what happened? We got slammed off the road. I still don't even know what they want, but whatever it is, I will most likely never see them again. Can I really live without having that closure? Can I really be left wondering if they all made it? Can I live with the guilt? I'm stuck either way with guilt, but it's between not knowing if they are alive and letting others know I'm alive. Would it be selfish to get the answers I want? Would it be wrong to leave the people who raised me wondering for the rest of their lives what happened? In the end, I guess it would be better to leave my parents wondering. They can have peace of mind a little longer. I need to know if my friends all made it.

"Let me see my friends," I said finally. I closed my eyes and wished my parents could forgive me for my choice. I heard doors slam open causing my eyes to snap open again. I saw men similar to the ones in my apartment that fateful night. All of a sudden, I was tilted backwards and moving. I guess I am attached to some kind of cart. I was surprised I wasn't blindfolded or something. The switch between the darkness and the light really hurt, but it cleared up quickly. The halls were white and bland. Kind of like high school. Oh, what I'd give to be there right now. I was rolled into a dimly lit room. It seems they can't decide what kind of lighting they want. I could see multiple figures inside. The cart was set down, and the men left. Instantly, the figures attacked me...with hugs.

"Sam! Thank god! We were so worried!" Krystal shouted. One down, eight to go.

"Give me a second, Sam. I have a lock pick. I'll have you out in a minute. Luke, come help me," John said. Three down, six to go.