Diary of a Dead Girl ~ Book 1 (being edited)

2) Smaller Fish to fry

Two coffees and unburnt toast later. I'd packed up some groceries from the local shop, along with some toiletries and headed out to see David and Sophie. I'd given the tv a miss this morning, yesterdays news had unsettled me and I had too much on my plate, to worry about the rest of the world.

It took me over an hour to reach the gym where Sophie told me they'd be. A lot of the roads were cordoned off, Why would they do that when where Sophie lives, it's a three mile drive, Strange . I thought. Maybe  it was for the emergency services? Looking out the window, I began to see men and women in army uniform directing traffic.

Finally I arrived at the gym, it was almost unrecognisable. Army personnel were dotted around everywhere, there where people queuing to get inside by the looks of things, and a guy wearing army fatigues seemed to be checking over details. I headed over in his direction and qued up like everyone else. Ten miuntes passed before it was my turn.

"Name".... He didn't even look up. Charming.

"Elise Witton, I'm here to see David Ashton and Sophie Tyler. They were evacuated here"...

"Oh, ok. Let me just check those details." He motioned for another officer to approach.

A whispered conversation ensued, in which the other officer shook his head. And walked away.

"I'm sorry Miss...." finally he looked up at me. He tried to look reassuring, but he wouldn't look me in the eyes.

"Witton" I said. Shit, I felt my stomach drop. Please let them be ok, Please Please Please. I silently begged.

"Miss Witton, I'm afraid that Mr Ashton and Miss Tyler have been moved, we are arranging emergency housing for all those affected by the accident. Unfortunately, more civillians have been affected than we anticipated, so they volunteered to go to our larger facility."

"I'm sorry, but she wouldn't have gone without at least ringing me and telling me first." This guy had to be kidding. Sophie wouldn't have gone without informing me at least.

"Unfortunately it was quickly, due to the shear numbers we've had to accomodate. But I think they have left some of their belongings in the rush to make the last truck heading ou"t. He looked down at the clipboard, not meeting my eyes once. "If you like, you can take what they've left, if you'll leave your details with us. We'll inform them that you've picked their belongings up and have them contact you as soon as they've settled." He tried to smile, but it was more of a grimace. It must have been serious for them to have rushed off like that if they've left stuff behind.

"Sure", I said. This was more than unusual, it began to unsettle me.

"If you would fill in the forms here Miss, and just head on through those double doors. A gentleman on reception will hand over their belongings.

He handed me a form which I quickly filled in and headed through where the officer had directed me. As he said, a man at reception greeted me.

"I'm here to pick up some things my friends left behind, Mr David Ashton and Miss Sophie Tyler?" I enquired.

"Ah yes, I take it you've left your details where we can contact you, with the officer outside?"

"Yes I have."

"Good, I think these are theirs. Wouldn't want people to start taking what doesn't belong to them" He handed over a plastic bag. I began to open it.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed, "Not here!" He whispered. ....Quickly looking around to see if anyone was near. The panic must have shown in my face, as he let go. "Please don't open it here, go somewhere where you wont be seen. And for gods sake, do not go home." He stressed.