A Time To Fight And A Time To Run

Part 1- Hazel

Hazel was wandering through the house. She was bored, and for her, that was the worst thing a person could ever feel. There's so much to do, so much to experience, and yet, she couldn't do any of it.

She had always been an adventurer. Wanting to explore, to experience new things, whether it meant climbing a tree, going into a forest, sneaking out at night, trying to catch a bus to Europe, hiding in her dad's car when he was leaving, and much more.

Her dad would always catch her before any of her schemes got too far. "I gave you too much of my DNA," he said. "You've got a thirst for adventure, just like me."

Hazel's dad actually didn't look too much like her. He had brown hair, now streaked with grey, and blue eyes, whereas Hazel had blonde hair and hazel eyes (hence the name Hazel) He had a square jaw and, no matter what, always had a beard, even if it was just a little stubble. Hazel had a very round jaw and high cheekbones (and no facial hair). Last, his hair was curly, and hers was very straight. They really looked nothing alike. The only reason that Hazel knew for sure that they were both related was their love for adventure and traveling.

Hazel was nineteen now, and just graduated from high school last year. She was taking a year off to decide what she was going to do. She didn't think that she would ever be able to settle down somewhere without wanting to leave.

"Yeah, yeah... I know, Adam, but... what did you say? Meet at the parking lot next to the abandoned warehouse? Don't tell me to keep my voice down, no one else is here... yeah, I'll meet you there at five o'clock."

What is he talking about?, Hazel wondered as she listened behind the doorway to the kitchen. This doesn't sound like something a traveling businessman would talk about... if that even is his real job.

Hugh Runclaff had told his daughter time and time again that only reason he traveled so much was because it was part of his job, as a traveling businessman. But she had never believed him. Hazel didn't know why, but something had always seemed off about it, and she had never had a chance to investigate. Margaret, her babysitter until she was thirteen, never let her get away with any of her stunts.

He hung up the phone, and Hazel stepped into the kitchen. "Who were you talking to, dad?", she asked casually.

"Oh! Hazel! I thought you were at Mal's," he said, clearly not expecting her to be there.

"I was, but she had to go to her dance class early."

"Oh... well, that was just my boss. He wants me on a trip last minute to represent him at a meeting", Hazel's dad replied.

"I see. Well, have a fun time," she said, staring at him through narrowed eyes.

"I've told you a million times, nothing is going on besides work." He kissed her forehead. "I need to go pack."

Hazel watched him walk up the stairs. Something is going on. And this time, I'm going to find out what.

She hurried up the steps and into her bedroom. She pulled out her backpack and packed in some clothes for warm and cold weather, and a toothbrush and hairbrush. She saw her water bottle sitting on her desk, and put it in the side pocket (after filling it up with water from the sink).

Hazel pulled out a knife that her father had given her when she turned fifteen. Just in case, he had said.

She tied her long dusty blonde hair into a ponytail, then zipped up her suitcase. She tucked her phone in her pocket. 

"Honey, I'm leaving!," her father called.

Hazel ran down the stairs quickly. "Love you dad, be back as soon as possible," she said.

"I will. Love you too." They hugged, and he stepped outside, waving at her one last time before going into his car.

Hazel flew up back the stairs and into her room. She grabbed her backpack and her car keys, ran back downstairs, then outside and to her car. (locking the door behind her)

The parking lot next to the abandoned warehouse...

She knew exactly where it was. Once, when she was in fourth grade, a bunch of stories were going around about why it closed and that it was haunted, so she wanted to prove them wrong. She snuck over to the warehouse, and was about to go inside when Margaret caught her.

Hazel parked along the road, then slung her backpack over her shoulder and jogged around the corner to where the parking lot was. She saw a group of men there, one of which was her father. What's going on?

She hid behind a parked car, then listened.

"He's onto us," said the tallest one. "He's been sending spies over here to listen and find out our plans."

"This is why we're going now," said her father. "Before things get worse. And he won't expect it."

"How can you know that he won't expect it?", asked a man with dark, long hair. "His spies are very well trained. They know how sneak around without us knowing. They could've easily been listening at some point."

"Very true Adam, but what you guys don't realize is that while he's got the numbers and the strength, we've got the brains, and sometimes that outweighs both of those factors," replied her father.

Who's "he"?

"Look, our ride is here," Adam said, pointing to the sky.

A large helicopter landed in the parking lot, causing Hazel to shut her eyes and duck down even further behind the car.

Is that even legal?

"I need Sam, Xavier, Josh, and Ky to stay here while Adam, Liam, Ian, and I go. Keep an eye out for any spies and keep in contact with me or Adam. Got it?"

The group that was staying nodded.

Hazel's father went into the helicopter along with the other three men that he was going with.

The rest of the men began to leave, moving towards their cars.

Uh oh. Hazel quickly snuck over to the closest car, then ran behind the helicopter when no one was looking in that direction.

Her heart was beating fast. She snuck in one of the already opened doors and went to the back, where no was sitting. There were a bunch of crates, probably filled with supplies and possibly weapons. Hazel hid behind them and sat down.

She heard the doors shut, and felt the helicopter suddenly start going up into the air, which made her stomach drop. Instead of focusing on that, she tried to listen in on what the men in the front were saying.

"... once we get there?"

"... into his base... find out plans."

"... long is this ride?"

"... twelve hours."

"... great."

Twelve hours?, thought Hazel. What will I do for that long of a time? I didn't pack anything to do, and I shouldn't waste all of my phone life on this- wait! I brought my portable charger! I am so smart.

She took out her phone and was only on it for five minutes when she turned it off. Ugh, I can't do this for twelve hours. But what else is there to do? I can't move around, otherwise they would see me. Maybe I'll just take a nap...

Hazel slowly drifted off to sleep, even though it was only a quarter to six, and her mind was racing with ideas of what adventures held once they landed.