What About Us?

Chapter 16

Charlie

I felt like crap. I hate to say it but Teddy was right. I over worked myself and in turn, I got sick. I was feeling a bit better after eating a bit yesterday . . . but it all made a reappearance throughout the day. I felt so terrible I fell asleep on the bathroom floor. On top of that, my delirious mind continuously cooked up nightmares which made me feel worse mentally.

"Charlie you awake?" Teddy asked through the door

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." I called

I slowly pried myself off the floor and immediately felt dizzy. I grabbed my pillow and blanket (did I bring a blanket with me last night?) and stumbled out. I shuffled past Teddy and collapsed on my bed.

"Feeling better?" Teddy asked

"No." I said pulling the blankets over my head.

"Ok, I've got some classes today. Do you want me to get you something?"

"Do we have aspirin, I have a raging headache."

"I can grab some. I'll see you later ok?"

"Ok."

He left quietly and I rolled around trying to get comfortable. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

<*>

I had been wandering the streets for days. I managed to scrounge money from random places, and slept on park benches. I was wondering the rough side of Chicago when I ran into a gang. When I say ran into, I mean I ran face first into the leader of the gang.

"What the Hell you doing here preppy?" The big guy asked. I took notice of the gun duck taped to his pants.

"I, um, got lost. I'm looking for the highway." I was shaking like a leaf

"Get outa here preppy!" He growled

I started to back up when a motorcycle revved behind me.

"Well, well, well, look what Rat brought us, a fresh snack."

I slowly turned around and was met by the scariest guy I had ever seen. He was big and muscular with piercings EVERYWHERE on his body. I could see a knife taped to his leg, a gun, and teeth like a shark. If he couldn't kill me with his weapons he could ripe my throat open with his teeth.

He hopped off his motorcycle and advanced toward me. I backed up and ran into (Who I guess is Rat) again. He grabbed my shirt collar and lifted me off the ground.

"Leave 'em alone Snake Bite. He's not yours." Rat said. I was mortally terrified. Nobody would be looking for me, I could die here and my body might never be recovered.

"If you don't give him to us, we'll just have to fight for him!" Snake Bite yelled "He'll make a great toy!"

Rat dropped me and drew his gun, which I thought was impossible because of the massive amounts of duck tape.

Two of Rat's guys took me into an alley way and I watched as Rat and SB shot at each other. I figured it would only take one shot to kill one another but they were skilled. They dodged bullets and both gangs cheered. I heard sirens in the background and they got louder and louder.

A minute later I was running with the rest of Rat's gang away. I wasn't sure where but we weaved through streets and alleys. I heard more gun shots but didn't look back. Eventually we came out near a big road.

"Where ya going kid?" A guy covered in tattoos asked

"West, as far as possible!" I panted

"Take this road go left. There's a few rest stops on the way. Stay left, it'll take you to Washington. I'm sure you can find something there. GO! Before the cops come around!" He pushed me and I took off, I went left. I jogged down the road until I came to a rest stop. I bought a 2 dollar sandwich and forged on.

It was early fall, and in Chicago that means cold weather. All I had was a thin wind breaker, 2 tee-shirts, the jeans I was wearing, basketball shorts, the socks on my feet, and my running shoes. I walked on, cold, hungry, home sick, holding onto the little hope of finding a better life.

I continued walking when I heard a soft

"Charlie."

I looked around, but nobody was there.

"Charlie! Wake up!" Someone commanded

<*>

I opened my eyes and say Teddy hovering over me.

"You ok? I got back a little bit ago and heard you whimpering. I figured I should let you sleep through it but you started shivering and . . . you freaked me out!" He said sitting down on my bed.

"I'm fine, just a dream. Did you get the aspirin?" I asked rolling over

"Yeah, I got some Dayquil and Nightquil because we ran out." He handed me three boxes.

"Thanks."

"Feeling better?"

"Actually yes, I am."

I took some of the medication and instantly fell into a dreamless sleep.

<*>

I got better over the rest of the week and part of the next. I hadn't missed much in class, mostly because I made Teddy get me my homework. I went back to working at the infirmary but Teddy made sure to drag me out at a normal time.