Welcome to Nuke Town

Chapter 3: Future Unknown

 April 27, 2024

     We came up with a plan to free the other mutants and myself. However, it's going to take time. I have to blend in and pretend not to be dangerous. Right now I'm sitting in the cafeteria with mutants and civilians alike. I eat dinner silently that is until I hear the commotion. "Let me go!", wait I know that voice, "Stop! What's going on?!", I know that voice too! 

    I quickly turn around and see my two best friends, jumping up I run over to them, they see me immediately, "Angel!", they both yell in unison. "Raiya! Madilyn!", I exclaim as I pull them both into a tight hug pouring all of my emotions into it. "When did you two get here? Where are your families? Have you seen mine?!", I ask so many questions at once they seem unable to form a response. "Angel... We don't know when we got here, we haven't seen any of our families. I'm sorry, Angel.", Raiya says calmly, squeezing my hand gently. 

     "I missed you both so much. It's confusing though I'm both happy to see you and sad you're here.", I study the both of them like its the last time I will ever see them. "Angel, what's going on?", Madilyn asks. "Hey, are you two mutants?", I suddenly blurt. They both seem confused momentarily before Madilyn exclaims excitedly, "I can read minds!", Raiya smiles and shakes her head, "and I can alter my appearance and voice to match it.". Wow, both of their abilities seem so much more incredible than mine. I pull them both back in for a tight hug. Having my friends back feels so incredible. 

   After breakfast the girls and I decide to sit in the courtyard for a bit. When I spot movement out of the corner of my eye I look up to see Zedekiah and Mary walking towards us. I smile up at them, "hey, here to give me the military escort back to my room?", I joke with Zedekiah. He smiles and retorts teasingly, "yep, if I don't take you you'd be considered a danger to the facility.". I giggle getting up off the ground with his help, turning to bid my friends farewell, I see they both take in Zedekiah and I's comfort with each other. My face turns bright red and Zedekiah smirks. "By ladies!", he yells to them as we walk away. Laughter reaches my ears making my face redder.

     When we return to my room I turn to Zedekiah and Mary. "Raiya and Madilyn haven't seen my family either.. Or either of theirs. I know it's a lot to ask but.. Will you both help me find them?", I beg them with my eyes to help me. They both look at each other then back to me. "Alright, Angel, we will help you.", Mary says smiling at me. I look back and forth between the both of them. "Really?", I ask unsure. Zedekiah smiles at me, "Yes.", he says simply. I squeal and throw myself at them hugging them. They both hug me back. 

****Zedekiah's POV****

     Mary asked me to help her find anything we can on Angel's family. Mary thinks out best bet is the main office.When everyone should have retired to their rooms we sneak into the office. We slowly comb through file after file until we come across one that catches both of our attention. Written on the flap is "Dangerous". We leaf through it and find the six people who share the last name Emerson slows us. Six. Someone in her family didn't make it. Clarise, Adam, Emma, Forest Angel, and Aspen. Her father didn't survive or maybe he just hasn't been found yet. Mary gasps bringing me back down to earth. "What? What is it?", I whisper. She hands me the file to read. "No...", I sigh, "this isn't good, Mary.", "No Zed... It isn't.". 

     "Zed we can't tell Angel anything we found today. Not yet.", I give her a look she quickly recognizes, "Look, think about it if we tell her and she goes into a panic she could reveal her mutation. Then who knows what could happen to her, Zed. I want to keep her safe and in the loop just as much as you do. We can't tell her about this yet. Please, give me some time to figure out how to pass this on gently.", she pleads with me. "Alright, Mary, I won't say anything. Not yet. I won't wait too long though. Whose to say she'll accept her father's state easily. She may still go into a panic and we could still end up in the same predicament.", I state. "I know, Zed, but I want to try." 

     We quietly replace everything and ensure it looks the same as it did when we arrived. After sneaking back out we go our separate ways. I return to my room, not bothering to turn the light on, I walk over to my bed, and lay down. I sigh turning over hoping to get comfortable. This isn't going to be an easy secret to keep. I whisper a quiet prayer for everything to go as hoped. I don't know what draws me to Angel but she's intriguing. So strong willed and clearly intelligent. I roll over again closing my eyes. 

    Angel... Those beautiful green eyes that observe so much. I groan moving to lay on my back. "Jesus, Zedekiah, get your shit together.", I mumble to myself, "Get your head on straight." I sigh, folding my arms behind my head, and staring up into the darkness. What is happening to me? My mind drifts off to my mother and father. I wonder where they are. Would they be proud of the man I have become? Times like this make me wish I had kept better contact with them. Maybe I should reach out to them. I wonder if they'd answer. I doubt it. Groaning, I roll to my left side, and begin glaring into the dark. Tomorrow is a new day. Why must the future be so unknown?