Sentimental in the Wasteland

Chapter 2: The Attack

The next morning I woke up early. I had to get ready for school soon. I sat up, still in yesterday's clothes, rubbing my eyes and turning my phone on.

Marie: Hey I heard there's a party tonight! Anyone wanna go?

Sarah: Sure! Lauren you in?

Me: IDK guys. My mom is stressed and my dad isn't in a good state.

Marie: Sorry to hear that but maybe the party will get your mind off things.

Me: Really?

Sarah: Yea! Come on.

Me: Fine. Brb gonna ask mom.

I sighed and set my phone in my pocket as I exited my room. I walked down stairs only to find my mom and my semi sober father arguing again.

"Where the hell were you?!" My mom shouted.

"I went to the bar with the guys. What else do you want me to say?" My dad responded calmly. He seemed to laid back.

"You know what! I'm done! I've been with another man since last year! He treats me better than you! He is better than you in every way!" My mom shouted. My dad looked distraught. He seemed lost, his purpose was gone.

My dad sighed and walked out the front door. I watched as he just gave up. I turned the corner fired up and angry.

"The hell was that shit! He loves you with everything he has and you just threw it away!" I shouted. My mom looked pissed.

"Don't take that tone with me young lady! Your father is lazy and doesn't treat me right at all! Don't talk about what you don't know!" She shouted back. I recoiled and backed away slowly.

"Bryan treats me better than that asshole." She mumbled before entering the kitchen and finishing breakfast.

I grumbled and went back upstairs to change clothes. I couldn't help but think about my dad. He seems so depressed all the time. Maybe he knew the truth all along? My mom isn't too good at keeping secrets.

"Lauren! Breakfast!" Mother called. I sighed and headed back downstairs. Sitting in silence the two of us ate.

"I have to work late tonight. Finish packing your stuff and be home by five." My mom told me in a monotone voice. I nodded and decided to keep the party to myself.

Me: Yea I can go.

Marie: Awesome!

Sarah: Alright!

I finished breakfast, grabbed my bag, and began walking to my bus stop. It was a cloudy day. A lot of clouds, small breeze, and some light rain.

"Hey Lauren!" I heard my friends call out. I caught up to them and waved. "Hey guys." I returned their greeting.
We engaged in a long conversation until the bus arrived. Everyone was talking about the party.

"Yo Sarah! You headed to that party tonight!" Sarah's boyfriend David called. "Of course. How about you?" David nodded and began chatting with his girlfriend.

The bus pulled into the school and everyone hopped off.

"Attention students and staff. A lock down drill will be held today at noon. Please comply in a calm and orderly fashion." The principles voice echoed over the intercom.

"While the outbreak rages we sit inside and await our fate." Marie sighed. "I heard a kid at another school got infected and went on a killing spree." David commented as we walked through the cafeteria.

Everyone was on edge except the principal surprisingly. The district probably keeps the school open for money even though it won't matter eventually.

[Time: 12:00PM]

The lock down drill was going on and so far everything seemed fine. According to my Chemistry teacher some of the hall monitors were walking around and checking doors.

It was completely silent. Some whispering between students was the only sound. I didn't have any friends in Chemistry so I was doodling in my sketchbook.

I heard footsteps down the hall and assumed it was a teacher, until it picked up the pace. Walking turned to running, quick footsteps were silenced by loud screaming, screaming turned into terrified shouts from staff members.

Something got in. My Chemistry teacher quickly started barricading the door. The small window on the door was smashed open and a pale hand reached out towards the teacher.

"Kids get away from the door now!" My teacher shouted. Everyone ran to the opposite side of the room and hid behind desks and their belongings.

The creature grabbed the teacher by his collar and slammed him face first into the doorframe. He was barely conscious but tried to fight back. He kept getting slammed into the doorframe until he eventually fell unconscious.

The beast tried its best to get into the room until it found a new target.

"What was that!" Someone shouted. "Shut up it might come back!" David shouted. Everyone waited until the creature wasn't heard anymore before panicking again.

No one left the room until a police officer came by and evacuated us out. My mom was already outside ready to take me home.

Today could have gone a lot worse.