When Everything Falls Apart {BEING EDITED}

"The Gingerbread Man"

Brooke's P●O●V

If he- as in the delicious, Christmas time- cookie snack, and probably the Olympic champion of holiday treats: the Gingerbread Man- was giving lessons on becoming the fastest, dessert alive- then she knew she'd need it. Hopping over fences and jumping through bushes- Janella raced even more than she had previously- about twenty minutes before. She couldn't believe what she had seen and heard.

 How could they have found me? This isn't good! This isn't good at all! I've got to run! Wait no . . . I've got to hide. She thought to herself as she continued her way through the backyards of random neighbors. Finally she reached her house. Exhausted, Janella pulled up enough strength to climb a tree in her back yard. When she reached the top- she couldn't believe the view that one tree could give her- but her thoughts were broken. A car door had shut in her driveway- and she knew it wasn't her dad.

Did I leave the gate open last time I came through? No, that couldn't be! I don't even have the key- only my dad does. But, he's in the hospital . . . How could this b- 

She heard the voices again- and instantly had questions racing through her head. She had to find a way to get into her house without going out front and getting discovered. Looking around her, Janella processed her thoughts- trying to get any form of imagination to save her before they found her. Then it hit her.

 The branches.

There was exactly enough room for her to climb a few higher branches and make it onto her balcony. Knowing she didn't have any more options- she began to climb. Higher and higher she went. Reaching the last branch, she began to feel frightened.

Um  . . . Janella this is a little high and crazy. Maybe you shouldn't do this!

NO JANELLA. You must do this now- or else they will get you . . .

The last voice in her mind had a point- so Janella began to make her way out on the thin sturdy branch. Inching her way forward, she squinted her eyes shut in fear- but knew she must carry on.She continued her way forward- but with each time she looked up- she began to feel like she wasn't getting any farther. She had about three feet to go- and she was in the middle of the branch! What was she going to do?! She can't stand up and jump! Janella continued to think of her options- but suddenly an extra pair of voices broke her thoughts.

I didn't know he was in London . . . or she?  "Hey guys! I found her!" the man's voice called. Janella fell frozen. No! I got to get inside! I'm almost th-   "JANELLA STOP!" The voice raged- causing Janella to lose focus on her only priority- to get inside.

Too distracted by her fears, Janella stood up to jump. Screaming began to break through the tension- until there was small noise. No one moved.

The world- was silent.

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