Unknown Normal

Chapter Three

We drive through the city limts, only to be stopped a traffic grid of cars and vans. "What the hell is going on up there?" Raegan asks. I take out my phone and call Anthony.

"Anthony, can you see anything ahead?"

"No, I can't, but I don't see how we'll get to the cabin by late afternoon. Can you think of any other way to get there? I canpicture our family's large wood cabin sitting in the middle of British Columbian forest, and the private road leading to it, the strong, black iron gates and fence surrounding the property. Only two hours away from where we are

"We might be able to take some back roads on the other side of the city, but that means it would take.." I hear gunfire on Anthony's end. "Anthony?"

"There are soldiers shooting people. They're just shooting them!" I hear the gunfire now, and people are screaming and running. "Damn it, I don't care how long it takes, we are taking those back roads! I'll follow you Chloe, just get us the fuck out of here!" I put the van into reverse, and I drive backwards as fast as I can, slamming my fist into the horn, warning people to get off of the road. As soon as I can make a U-turn, I swing the van around and drive, ignoring the cries of the people outside, begging us to let them into the van. Raegan looks out of the passenger window, tears falling down her face.

By the time we reach the cabin, it's almost midnight. we had to stop several times so that the kids could eat something and go to the bathroom. Every single one of them is dead asleep. While Anthony goes to unlock the cabin, Aiden, Raegan and I start unloading the van. Once it's all inside, we wake up Stella and Nicholas so that they can help us carry the younger guys inside. We distribute them among the rooms, and Stella and Nicholas go to bed, we all sit down in the large family room. I watch Anthony and Aiden try to find a station on the radio that is broadcasting from Vancouver. Once they find one, Aiden sits down next to me on the couch. "We need a game plan." Anthony states. "We need to make sure that the property is secure. Chloe, do you and Aiden want to do that?"

"Sure. I also think that next week, some of us should go back to the city for more supplies, and see if the Halo virus is still as bad as it is."

"Okay, and we need to come up with a daily routine." Anthony replies, and for the next three hours, we come up with a routine, and decide that Aiden, Raegan and I are going to take the motorbikes we keep in the shed and ride up to Vancouver in five days.

My last thought before my eyes become to heavy from sleep for me to keep open is that this is it. This is going to be my new normal for, who knows how long?