The Zoo's Stowaway

The Zoo's Stowaway

Chapter One

I clenched my teeth as I stuffed clothes into my backpack.

I was tired of them. They always tried to make things worse for me. They hated me.

Well they can throw a party now, 'cause I'm leaving.

I snatched up my toothbrush and stuff and shoved it into the backpack.

I was trembling with rage. They had done it. They had taken the last straw. They had decided to send me to military school.

Of course, I would have been free of them, but why military school? I have no idea whatever a .45 rifle (even if that doesn't exist).

As if beating and shunning me from society wasn't enough.

Into the backpack went the hairbrush.

I mean, what had I done to them? Was my presence that horrible to bare? God, they were such idiots.

In went the cash.

Seriously. All I did to them was come and live with them, it wasn't even my fault that my parents can't stand the sight of me?

I stuffed in the blowup pillow.

I refuse to have anything to do with these people. Or any people.

In went several fleece blankets.

I had filled up my backpack, but had more stuff to bring!

Out from under my "bed" I pulled out another bag.

In went my pencils, pens and notebooks. In went my zoology book, the first two Harry Potter books, a flashlight, and a pocket knife.

Thank God I had worked over the summer.

I checked my stuff over once more. Yep, everything was there. I was ready.

I clicked off my light and silently opened the door.

I crept down the stairs, skipping the third to last one -it creaks- and once downstairs, I tiptoed to the kitchen and grabbed the cooler full of food I had hidden earlier.

This was so exciting!

After that, I grinned to myself, and slipped outside.

It was four in the morning, all was quiet. I walked to the bus stop and waited.

When the right bus came, I handed the driver the correct amount of money and found a seat in the back.

I switched buses. I switched again. And again, and again. And once I got to the city I wanted (Seattle) I took another bus to a part of the city called Ballard. I had studied the Seattle map many times, and knew where I was going.

When the bus stopped, I walked. I walked the full twelve or so blocks to Woodland Park Zoo.

It had just opened for the day. I studied its hours for a moment, and then walked up and paid for entry.

The zoo guy raised his eyebrows at my backpack and book bag.

"Going to Ballard High," I said, "decided to skip this period. Only homeroom!"

The guy rolled his eyes and let me in.

I looked around me. This is where I was going to be staying for a long time.

Not that I minded.

I loved animals. I didn't know why. Maybe it was the fact that they couldn't call me names. Whatever.