Broken Worlds

Chapter 2 - Old Friends

        When I walked into the conference room Savannah, Lexi, Rose, Lindsey, and Holli were all asking why I have so many tattoos, why I cut my hair and dyed it. Justin, Trevor, and Will were too stunned to react. Only Zack seemed unaffected by my change because he knows he is the reason and I can see the expression of regret on his face.

           "We all thought you were killed in the Western gang bombing two years ago." Savannah was clearly pissed off about all my lies to them. "Then you all deserve an explanation for all this," I said gesturing to myself. I must admit that I do feel a little guilty for lying to them for such a long time even if it was for their own protection.

           "As you all know 4 years ago there was a massive hack that shut down all communications, transportation, and all power. Which lead to many wars after. When the started the government started drafting teens some of us ran away to the mountains, but some of us were called home. When we finally came home we came home to nothing.

             I had to cut my hair and dye it, also I got some more piercings and tattoos to hide my identity. I had to fake my own death to keep you guys safe. Then I started a camp for teens much like ourselves, who had lost their families during the Hack and War. You may not know this but Zack came to help about a year ago with the Camp." I could clearly see that none of them knew anything about it. Lexi especially looked pissed of at him. When we left to run away they had been together.

            I guess that they may have made it. How the heck did that happen? No one can make that guy stay more than a year or two. But to have kept him for three years I have to give the girl some credit even if I hate her guts, and her boyfriend. Talk about a low, lying cheater. He just told me he loved me last night.

              "I'm sorry about your family......" Justin's voice trailed off. "It is fine I got over a long time ago. Crying and grieving them won't bring they back. I have a great family right here any way." I was about to cry but I was able to get my emotions in check before and tears rolled down my cheek.

            "I'll give you guys a tour around the Camp then." I said trying to change the subject. Then we all left the room and entered the courtyard. "So this is our training area over there and our weapons area is over there. You guys will have to go through training and I will personally make sure you guys a clearance card for the weapons area." I said particularly looking at Justin whose eyes got big at the thought of all those weapons. He and I used to do shooting and marksmanship contests every time we had a chance.

            When we got to the Cafe we went in through the door. "Well they are just serving breakfast right now. You guys can go get something to eat." I said. When they all walked toward the line of people standing by the buffet I noticed the Northern gang symbol on Justin's neck. The only person I knew who had one was Zack. "Justin, Zack I want to see you after you are done eating in the Conference Room." I left without another word. He is in big trouble now.