Destination 1974

Chapter 26

| Sometimes taking a step back can set one free. |

~***~

How we got in so easy will always be a mystery to me. Getting out is a whole other story, however. There aren't enough words in the world to describe this camp. As we pass through the thick willowwacks, we pull up to a line of buildings. They're all made of cement, and they only seem to be one level each.

Each building punches into my gut, and every robotic child drains me until I'm filled with nothing but cool sap in my veins. The children are all standing at attention, staring almost lifelessly at us as we drive by. I squeeze Clyde's hand even harder, but it feels empty and unhelpful now that he's practically a stranger to me all over again. He's a stranger that I have to work with in order to survive.

We pass a building that has two floors, and the front entrance is set up like an upside-down V. Everything here feels like it's highly contrasted to hide its darkness within the air. This building, along with the others, looks like someone pulled them from the future. Has the government always had this amount of technology, but only put it to secret organizations like this place? This building looks like the mother bird of the nest. It's what probably runs this place, and it's probably what holds all of its secrets. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time to answer all of the questions if we want to put a stop to my parents.

I stare at the large power grid behind the beautiful, but eerie, building. This place could provide power to all of Florida with that kind of equipment. It must because I feel this grid is too dangerous for just this property alone.

The jeep stops in front of the second tallest building, which appears to be a giant schoolhouse or church. The roof is arched, and it has a - maybe ten-foot diameter - clock on it. This building stands out from the others because it's made with dark stones instead of cement. The soldiers open the back of the jeep for us, and we step out with ducked heads. I raise my arm over my head to block the sunlight, and I see a seemingly endless amount of kids, all various ages, lined up and standing at attention. Clyde is lead to the lineup of adults, probably recruiters like my parents, and I'm gently lead into the schoolhouse.

The gentle hand on my shoulder scares me more than any rough hand ever would. If you're going to be sinister, I'd prefer you to be upfront about it. There's this heavy vibe of false hope scattered all over the place. I can see it in the kids' eyes of the front row. However, they look too pleased to be here. Why do they want to be here?

The doors open, and the staring eyes don't go away since the crowd of kids in this room are all staring at me now, completely silent. The soldier's hand suddenly slips away from me, and I quickly turn around to see them closing the doors behind me. I stare at Clyde as his posture is strained, and the doors close him away. What if I don't get to see him again? We seem to have this problem with under-planning everything.

I turn around again, and can't even force a smile as I stare at the seated crowd. I politely fold my hands in front of me and stand tall, walking towards the chairs with my chin high. My eyes are squinting, and I feel beads of sweat trickling down my forehead. Is it hot in here? I rub my forehead and sit in the only empty spot. It's like they were expecting me to show up. The chair screeches as it slides with me, skidding against the hardwood floor. It's uncomfortable plastic and feels like it may break at any given moment. The kids look away from me, whispering amongst themselves while others continue to stay silent. I straighten out my dress and move my legs around, not really knowing how to sit. I never liked skirts or dresses.

"Psst!" I look over to my right and raise an eyebrow at the boy beside me. His skin is incredibly pale like he's never even been outside in his life. His eyes are dark with specks of crimson with curly raven hair. I have to look down at him ever so slightly while sitting, so he must be somewhere under my height while standing. "What's your name?" he asks with an arched brow. His voice is so deep and raspy, to say it surprised me would be an understatement.