Our Little Family (COMPLETED)

The Scariest Day

Oakley headed into school excited to see Cohen. It's already the middle of the school year and for the last couple months everythings been perfect. Zoe and Evan expected he would have issues with getting used to the idea of leaving everyday but he adjusted just fine.

It was a normal day of the ABC's and counting to 10 when an emergency announcement came across the loud speaker. It said something about a lockdown. The few teachers immediately jumped into action, locking the doors, closing the window blinds and ushering the children to the back corner of the classroom.

The kids had been taught what to do but none of them really understood exactly why a safety measure like this would be taken. Oakley sat hugging his knees terrified that the room was completely silent and the adults in the room were nervous.

Cohen had tears falling from his eyes as he silently sat next to Oakley in the corner. The other children seemed either terrified or completely confused. Both of which were justified emotions for this situation.

Suddenly loud yells could be heard from down the hallways. No one could make out exactly what was being said but whoever it was didn't sound happy. The shouts of anger grew closer and closer until it was right outside of our classroom door.

"Come out little shits"! The voice boomed

Normally the toddlers would gasp at the use of a "bad word" but now everyone in that room knew they were in danger. The person started pounding on the door, louder and louder.

Oakley covered his ears and started to wish he had his parents with him. Someone to make the scary person go away. He suddenly started to think about everything he wished he would've told people.

ZOE'S POV
The office is quiet today, which is a nice change. I can get some work done in peace without a worry. I had my phone sitting on my desk suddenly a notification popped up on my screen. A local police report, I skimed over the report until I realized what was going on.

Local school is currently in lockdown due to an active shooter. We ask that no parent or legal guardian enters the school grouds until situation is resloved. Showing up during this time would be putting yourself in danger and vehicles could block entrance for emergency vehicles.

My eyes started to water as Oakley popped into my head immediately. My body completely locked up from fear. I can't even go get him until the situation is resolved. I knew I better call Evan.

"Hello"? He awnsered

"Evan, have you seen the news"?! I asked frantically

"No, why? What's going on"?

"The school is under lockdown because of an active shooter. Oakley's in danger". I broke down

"Oh my... Zo, I'm on my way to you. Stay calm". Evan hung up and I just sat frozen in my office chair bawling.

Alana came running to my desk crying as well.

"Zoe, did you hear about the school"? She asked

I just nodded as tears fell from my eyes.

"Abby's in that classroom too... isn't she"? I asked Alana remembering her daughter is in the same class as Oakley

We sat together waiting for Evan to arrive. When he eventually did he had dark circles under his eyes from crying. He wrapped me in a hug as soon as he saw me. I set his head gently onto mine, gently kissing it.

"He'll be okay, Zo... I know he will". Evan whispered to me

Alana's husband ran to her and acted the same way. All four of us turned on the TV in my office and sat watching the poice report.

OAKLEYS POV
The pounding grew louder and louder as we sat there. I didn't know what to do, there wasn't really anything I could do. I started to wish I had said certain things to certain people.

Finally the pounding stopped and there was more loud yelling.

"Stop! Right there"!

A loud shot echoed through the halls. Small sounds of fear escaped from the other kids in the room. Is it over? We all looked to the teacher hoping for some sort of guidance. She stood frozen until she gave us a clue to stay put until police released us.

"That was really scary". Cohen said

I looked through the rest of my classmates to see Maple shaking from fear. I felt awful for her, yes everyone is scared but I still feel bad about the first day of school. We sat there for what seemed like hours until finally a police woman opened our door.

Many kids shrieked at the sudden movement but calmed down as soon as they saw the lady there. She was a young cop with long blonde hair. In her hands she held a clip board.

"Hello kids, I know you're all very scared right now. My name is Officer Wendy and I have a list of the attendance for this class, when I call youre name please raise your hand and saw here".

Our teacher joined the officer as they called names.

"Jaky Thomas"?

"Here"!

"Ashley Smith"?

"Here"!

"Cohen Liken"?

"Here"!

"Maple Calienter"?

"Here"!

"Oakley Hansen"?

"Here"! I awnsered

Eventually they made it to the end of the list.

"Okay, that's everyone. We're now going to take you outside to your families. Please get in a single file line and follow me". Officer Wendy told us

I got in line behind Cohen. Walking through the hallways felt almost scary now. I didn't want to think about what would happen if I had needed to see another teacher or go to the bathroom.

We walked out the front doors. The sun burned my eyes. We've been sitting in that dark classroom with the window blinds closed for hours. I did feel relieved being outside away from the large network of corridors the school is made from.

Cohen saw his Dad immediately. He pushed through the rest of the groups to run to him. The embrace was something from a movie. It was sweet.

I looked frantically around for anyone I knew. The walked around trying to see over people. Then I saw them, Mommy and Daddy. Daddy pushed gently through the large amass of people to get to me.

"Oakley? Oakley?! Oh Evan, where is he"?! I heard Mommy cry

"Mommy, Daddy"! I yelled running into Mom's arms

"Oh baby! I'm so sorry... Mommy is so sorry". She kept whispering over and over again. I wasn't exactly sure why but I didn't feel like questioning

I just wanted to go home.