Kids in the Dark

Chapter 43

Adam's P.O.V

About 2 weeks passed the same old daily routine dragging by with little variation. I now had a decent following of around 25 of the 50 to 60 of us that called this hell hole our home. My cuts and bruises had since faded, but a slit in my right eyebrow would always be a reminder of the standoff. Jax hadn't bothered me, or anyone who associated with me for that matter; I still smile to myself each time he flinches away as I pass.

Today was exactly the same as those that had gone before it. Charlie Jace and I, along with a handful of others, were sat along the bleachers trying to soak up the weak autumn rays, the usual background noise of the busy yard filling the air. I was caught up in a heated conversation about ice cream flavors when I noticed someone tapping my shoulder. I spun around to find Ollie, a tall lean boy readying himself to tap me again.

"What can I do for you Ollie?" I asked wondering what the brown haired boy was so eager to tell me.

"So I was chatting to Jack last night," He began referring to one of the nicer guards. The poor boy seemed nervous, unable to let his blue eyes meet mine. "He told me that we're getting some new meat today, sometime after lunch I think."

"Did he mention anything more?" I asked curious to see if Jack had let any more information slip.

"Um, I believe he said there would be three of them," Ollie explained.

"Thanks for the heads up." I nodded my gratitude, allowing him to rejoin his other mates sat a little way beyond where I sat. Finally, I thought to myself Some excitement to look forward to. The arrival of new inmates, more commonly referred to as 'fresh meat' always shook up the yard dynamic. There was always heavy competition between the 3 'gangs' present in the yard. I was eager to get to the 3 newbies first and immediately began plotting, the chatter around me becoming nothing more than white noise. I was only drawn out of my scheming mind when a bell rang out through the yard, signaling lunch.

With a slight stretch I got to my feet and followed closely behind Charlie and Jace; the two had formed a stable friendship over the course of about a month. I could have easily joined in with their conversation but I remained deep in thought all through the lunch line, up until we sat down at our table.

"Earth to Adam, you with us buddy?" Charlie was waving his hand in front of my eyes trying to attract my attention. I snapped out of my daze and focused him in my sights. "You've been out of it for about an hour. What's on your mind?" As ever Charlie was tuned into my moods and behaviors.

"Ollie told me we're getting fresh meat after lunch," I said taking a bite from my warm sandwich.

"So, would I be right in assuming you have a plan?" Jace laughed leaning in.

"As much as I thought about it I guess it'll be the same as usual. We just have to get to them first." I said, and in all fairness, that was all I'd come up with. I could not try as I might come up with a better plan.

"Sound's good." Charlie smiled, cracking a charming smile before continuing to eat his food. We passed the remaining 20 minutes of out lunch with small talk, all 3 of us getting into an intense discussion about cars and which ones we'd drive if we could afford it. Once lunch was over everyone returned to the yard, a nervous itch in the air, everyone eager to meet the new kids; word had traveled fast.

My guess was that it was around two-ish when a commotion occurred just inside the yard's main entrance. Watching from afar I saw the bleached blond head of Jace move towards the three figures of the new kids. I knew we'd claimed them once the others began to move off, and I deemed it safe to move in.

I hopped down from the bleachers and began to make my way over to the entrance, a few people catcalling here and there. The three figures grew bigger and when I was around 15 feet away I recognized the tallest of them.

My heart swelled as I broke into a run, closing the distance between me and the boy I love. Closer and closer, I could not make out his feature; Green eyes, messy brown hair-notably shorter than usual- and his slightly crooked nose. I only stopped my run when I was face to face with him, his breath tickling my cheeks.

"Theo I-" I started to speak but he cut me off, grabbing me by the shoulders.

"Shut up and kiss me."

Hello everyone! I know it's been a very long time since I last updated and I know this is a short chapter but it's better than nothing right? I hope you enjoyed it all the same. Stay tuned to see what the gang get up to now that they're all back together.