Whatever It Takes: Mutations

Chapter Thirteen

A New Hope

October 1st, 2:47 pm 

Current Location: Baltimore, MD

(Jeremy's POV)

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"Jeremy? You're alive?"

I just stood there in the middle of the room with my mouth hanging wide open. Bryan is alive. He's actually alive. My mind suddenly began to race, trying to find words to say. 

"Yeah, I'm alive. How have you been doing? Where are you at?" 

"I've been...better," he said. "I'm currently in a camp located in Memphis. Where are you?" 

"Near an Air Force base in Baltimore," I replied. "What's this camp you're speaking of?" 

"It's like a refugee camp run by the government, and it's really nice man," Bryan explained. "There's basketball courts, a pool, a baseball field, and more." 

"And you said it was in Memphis?" I asked. Dad came into the room to listen, and I nodded. 

"Yeah. Do you think you could find a way to get here? I know it's a long way away, and the plane we have is going under some pretty major repairs, but I'd really like to see you again, dude. What do you think?" 

I turned to Dad, who shrugged. "I'll talk to Jordan about it." 

"My dad said he'll talk to one of our other guys. I'll get back to you, okay?" 

Bryan paused for a second, and I could hear him talking to somebody. "Alright man, I'll keep my ringer on for you. Nice to know that you're okay!" 

I smiled. "You too, man. Once we get over there, we have a lot to catch up on." 

He chuckled, but I could hear a twinge of sadness in it. "You are correct about that." 

"Talk to you later, bye." 

"Later, man," he said, and I hung up. 

I took a few seconds to process what just happened. My best friend, after months of pain, fear, and mostly suffering is alive. Looking at Dad, he smiled. "Bryan's okay?" 

"Yes, he is. Thank God," I said, sighing in relief. "Let's go drop the news to the rest of the family and see what they think." 

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A few hours later, Navarez and I decided to hit the weight room since we chose to sleep in that morning. We were getting set for bench press when he suddenly turned to me. 

"Jeremy, you do realize that Memphis is hours away, right?" 

I sat on the bench and frowned. "I'm pretty aware. Why do you ask?" 

He motioned me to lay down, and I did. Getting my hands set, he spoke up again as I lifted the heavy bar into the air. "I don't know. It just makes me nervous, now that Tyler's gone. We still have the truck we used to help Hunter with the Gouls, but it's close to 875 miles to even get there." 

I pressed out five reps, then Navarez helped me rack it. I stood up and put his desired weight on there. As he laid on the bench, I breathed in deeply. "Trust me, I understand that, but think about it. This could be our chance to get to safety. According to Bryan, the camp is run by the government. They have food, water, shelter, and even fun things to do." 

Navarez pressed out his five reps, and I helped him rack it. When he stood up, I noticed a look of sadness on his face. "Jeremy." 

"W-What is it?" I asked, becoming nervous.