Nutshell

chapter 12

Amanda's POV

"So I gotta admit something.  I was just wanting to see what Robby's face was if I said I was staying with you."  I was kind of nervous telling him that it was a show.  When I saw the complete disappointment the way he tensed up his body. I had to add quickly. "See I told my mom I was staying at my new friends how Marcy's house.  I gave her the address and the phone number."  I watched him slowly relax as he smiled.  Marcy is his sister.  She is not much older than us so we could pull it off.  If my parent's call or come check up on me I will be at the house and so will Marcy.

"Your a genius Mandy.  Tonight is going to be great!"  He couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes.

School dragged on and on like it always does.  Then my sixth hour Englis Lit. class we got put in 'code red' which means we are to stay in our classrooms with the doors shut and locked.  And to stay out of sight of all windows.  Since I was taking a higher class Corey was in it with me.  Usually freshman don't take a class meant for freshman but I want to become an English teacher so I am more advanced.

Everyone got out their phones since we can't talk until we are released from code red.  I was texting with Corey when I got a text from Ashely.

Hey babe what class u n?

Eng Lit y?

2nd flr is in danger woman w/ knife man w/ gun peremitting the outside of school and woman w/ gun on second floor.

OMG okay i will stay still

The next thing I hear is a loud knock on the door.  No one moved and I think everyone held their breath.  We are not supposed to answer the door for anyone or let anyone know we are in the room.  I start tearing up and cuddle more into Corey.  I have never been so scared in my life.  I put my phone on silent and slip it in my pocket so the light and sound wouldn't break through the door.  A knock came again and it was more fierce. 

We heard a scream and a gunshot just outside of our door and then the sirens of cops outside.  It was a relief to hear the loud noises getting closer. 

"Come out with your hands up!"  Was shouted through a bull horn. "We are the FBI, don't make us come in there."  The voice was so stern I was now trying to soften my sobs like many other students in the room.

It was now five in the evening and we were still waiting in our classroom.  I had no more tears to cry, so I pulled out my phone and texted all my family members.

Love you guys will let you know if we make it when it is all done

My mom replied back, Love you all watching on news outside is surrounded and they got the two people that were circling the perimeter outside.

My dad simply said Love you kiddos

Whit Heard whats going on and all other schools are on lockdown as well stay safe and lo

That's weird my sister didn't finish her text.  She never sends a text short.

I get worried Whit? you okay?

This is Whit's teacher.  She is fine but not allowed to have her phone at this time.  She said love you.

Really that is what a teacher cares about?  Well, there goes a fun conversation for my parents.  Andy never replied back and Ah and Willy don't have phones.

Over the loud speakers we finally hear. "Students it is now safe to exit your rooms.  Please stay with your class to get a head count.  Police will be escorting you from your door."

Everyone cheered and clapped, until we all realised there was a shot and scream.  Someone still got hurt or even worse dead.  I got another text.

Don't leave your rooms kids this is a hoax police are still not able to get in. DAD

I tell everyone my text and make them all sit back down.  My teacher gets a quick glance out the door window and sees sure enough the police are not at our door.  I had forwarded that text to as many people as I could as quick as I could hoping to save people. 

"This is the police.  Students stay where you are.  The school is not secured I repeat stay where you are!"  Damn that bull horn is loud.

My class was sitting back in our same postions.  I layed accross Corey's lap and tried to relax.  Since he was the only one I knew I was okay with the not talking.  Some students whispered and it got a little loud at times, till the teacher remembered she kept a bunch of candy in her desk drawer.  That helped keep our stomachs from growling so much and keep the talking to a minimum. 

The bull horn made it's musical sound before another announcement was made.  "Students this is Deputy Windsor,  Please keep an eye on your door window.  When you see a police officer, his i.d. and badge allow the door to open.  We believe we have found the threat but don't want to be too sure.  The officer will knock on the door only three times.  He will then show his face, then his i.d. and lastly his badge.  If the i.d. looks off do not open the door."

That was all that was said.  After a long ten minutes three knocks hit our door.  Our teacher got up and another student and checked his i.d. and then badge.  The oficer was in uniorm and there were two others with him.  They all three showed their information and waited calmly as we opened our door.  The officers walked us slowly and cautiously to the front school doors.  We were the last class to be let out. 

"Thank you students for being so brave.  I know some of you heard the gunshot and scream earlier.  I am sad to say that it was a sophomore student who was not able to find a safe haven in the school.  To control further accidents such as this one we will set up a secret code for all students to learn to ensure that this will never happen again.  Please leave the premisis in a fashionable manor and get to your homes safely.  School will not proceed for the rest of the week and until further notices."

I couldn't control my fright.  I was shaking uncontrollably and could not walk.  Corey picked me up and carried me to the car like he had done when I hurt my ankle before.  He carefully placed me in the car and shut my door.  He rushed to his side and pulled out of the lot.

"Can we pick up my sister and brothers?"  My mom had asked me to since the busses were not running.

"Of course we are on our way."

Getting home took forever.  I told my parents that I was still going to Marcy's and that Corey could drop me off.

"That is fine.  You probably need your mind taken off of this.  Just let us know if you need anything."  My dad was so sweet.