Surviving

Chapter 3

The hardest part about leading is settling disputes. Especially the stupid ones.

"We need to stay put!" Ingrid, a sixteen year old, exclaimed. "We need to protect everyone here."

"No, we need to explore and make sure everything is safe. Then we can get extra supplies, maybe find other civilization, even adults," Travis argued.

"We don't need any other supplies," Ingrid protested. "Plus, it might not be safe."

"That's why we'll be checking it out and make sure we're well armed," Roland said, holding up a machete that came from who knows where.

"I do think that we should get more supplies. We need more clothes and medical stuff. There are some other things that might be nice, too," I suggested.

"And who would go?" Ingrid placed her hands on her hips with this challenge.

"Well, I would, and anyone else who volunteers," I said, and folded my arms up in defiance.

"I'll go. Somebody has to protect the princess while she's out getting supplies for charity," Travis said. I rolled my eyes.

"Well we happen to need clothes and medical supplies. In case you haven't noticed, many of our clothes are beginning to become tattered," I pointed out.

"I'll go, too," Roland said. "Somebody has to keep these too from killing each other." Roland was six months younger than me and hated conflict, despite the fact that he always seemed to have weapons on him.

"Alrighty then, it's settled. The three of us will go. We will draw less attention to ourselves in a smaller group, but should still have enlightened people to get everything we need if we carry lots of stuff." I looked defiantly at Ingrid, whose mouth was slightly agape. "I just need to say goodbye to my brother."

"Of course," Travis groaned. "Always looking after your little brother."

"I'm all he has and want to make sure he knows I love him. But you wouldn't understand that," I said, and walked away.

                                 •••

I found Billy playing outside with the rest of the kids.

"Adira!" he exclaimed, and ran up to me. I kneeled down so I was eye level with him.

"Hey Billy. I'm going on a little trip. We need some supplies, and I'm going to help get some. I don't think I'll be gone too long." I smiled, looking into his haze eyes.

"Do you have to go?" he whined. Billy always hated it when I left.

"I'm afraid so. Can you make sure everyone gets along while I'm gone?" I asked. He usually felt better when I gave him a job.

"Yes ma'am." He gave me a little salute. I gave him a hug and rose to my feet, ruffling his sandy blond hair.

"See ya later." I waved as he ran off. It was always hard leaving my brother, especially with the forever looming possibility of never seeing each other again.