Off Planet (Asterism Chronicles Volume One)

Chapter 8

I left the house in the cool night. Very few lights were on in Eskran. But as I neared the Jewel District more and more places were lit up. My house is small and off to the side of the district. It was meant to be in the Vine District but was ten feet too close to Jewel.

As I walked through the different districts I looked at the contrasting surroundings. Each district was meant for a certain class of people. The richer, the more parks and police stations. The poorer, your lucky to have a police station. The Vine District is closer to being poor than being rich, you can tell by the small houses, only two parks, and one police station.

I walked for three hours before I reached my house. My first thought was that Jack will be awake when I get back. My next thought was how to get in. Then I remembered that one time my dad got locked out and climbed through the back window. I hope the lock is off again.

I went to the back and checked the window. Not locked. As I crawled in I made sure not to turn on any lights except for my flashlight. As not to attract attention to the house. Immediately I went to my bedroom. As I walked in I looked around with the flashlight at the familiar walls. Posters and photos stuck up. A piece of paper covering the spot I decided to draw a unicorn when I was little. As I looked at my old stuff I pulled out things to sell. Antique toys that should be worth a lot, an old compass that isn't made anymore, new looking shoes that have been out of production for almost twenty years, and my old camera. It was big and bulky compared to the ones that are made now. As I put the things in my bag I went to the living room and found paper. I wrote a note and left it on the table.

Dad, I won't be home for a while. Don't worry about me, I'll be back soon to see you. I know you may be gone for a long time, so maybe I will be back at the same time as you. Any way, I love you and will see you when I get back.

-Rae

I climbed through the window and started down the street for another three hour walk back. I got a couple blocks away when someone spoke behind me.

"Turn around slowly." The deep voice said.

I did as I was told to see a police officer standing down the street. I stood there frozen with fear. It was my house, its my stuff. But if I tell him that he will arrest me and take me back to jail. Instead I just let him walk closer, his gun pointed at me.

"Rae!" I heard a shout as someone pushed the cop.

A shot was fired, a groan was heard, and a wounded body fell to the floor. The man who pushed the cop stood over his unconscious body and threw the gun. He ran over to me as I clutched my side. I looked at my hands covered in blood.

"Rae, I'm sorry." He said as I looked up. It was Jack. "I followed you to keep you safe. But I ended up hurting you."

I moaned, tears going down my cheeks, as I stood up. "It just... scrapped me."

Jack grabbed my arm and pulled it over his shoulder and helped me walk towards Eskran again.

"What were you thinking?" He said as we walked.

"I wanted to get something ...to sell so Erin could have a ...ticket too." Each word painful as I grew faint.

"I don't know where she is. We can't wait for her and risk being jailed again!"

" I thought I would be able to get enough for... another one." The pain in my side throbbed with every step I took. My view was blurred by tears.

"You're too kind." He said as he clutched me so I wouldn't fall.

I smiled through the pain but said nothing. This pain was unlike anything I've felt. After we walked for what seemed like hours I looked down to my clothes. They had blood going all the way down my side and leg.

"I'm sorry." I whispered, my voice weak.

"For what?" he said stopping at the weakness of my voice. "It's not your fault."

"Your clothes." I said in a whisper, too weak to talk. I looked at Jack, who's side had blood on it too.

"It's okay," he said as I swayed in his arms. He grabbed me tighter as my knees buckled. "Rae, hold on, we only have a little while to go. Please!"

As he pleaded for me to stand I sank to the ground. Jack ripped up his shirt and wrapped my side up. The pain receded to a dull thud as my eyes closed. I sank into unconsciousness as his voice pleaded for me to answer.