Goran Trails *DISCONTINUED*

Chapter 6

     I opened my eyes, and everything was blurry and dark. I saw a red light that was calling my name in Hailey's voice. She sounded like she needed me. I rubbed my eyes and tried to see cleary, but to no avail. I walked towards the red glow slowly. The closer I got, the louder Hailey's voice was, and the more vision was a burr. I reached my hand out to touch the red light, and felt a hand grab my wrist. Then, from the light, what looked like to be Connie popped out. I knew it had to be Connie because her hair was up in pigtails. Her eyes were pure white and her mouth was moving. Then she pushed me away and I watched Connie scream "GET OUT OF HERE!" and she was sucked into the red light. I blinked rapidly, frightened and shocked. Was Connie in trouble? Or was she dead?

     As I blinked, the darkness and the red light faded in and out with the scenery of my room. When I was in my room, I sat up. I was in my bed. I stared at my hands. Blood covered them. I shook my head and looked again. They were no longer covered in blood.

Am I losing my mind? I had to be. This can't be dreams of a sane person! I covered my face in my hands. I really am going crazy. I grabbed my phone and checked the time. 6:21. I got out of bed and walked to my closet to grab my uniform when my mother walked in.

     "Oh Emily! You're already awake? Wonderful, here is your uniform. I'll see you in the kitchen." My mother put my clothes on my bed and walked away. I got dressed, brushed my hair, and walked to the kitchen with my backpack and phone. I set my backpack on the ground and joined my ma for some coffee.

"Em," My mother's voice sparked up. "Are you feeling well?"

"What do you mean?" I questioned her question. She sighed.

"Never mind, get ready, we're leaving in five." My mother's voice as sad, for some reason. She was worried about me but I knew she and my dad wouldn't believe me if I told them the truth.

I grabbed my backpack and told my ma I'd wait for her outside. I didn't forget what I told Charlotte. I walked outside, feeling the cold wind. It felt nice. I turned and tried to see if I could find Charlotte, and I did! She was in a large, soft looking jacket that was definitely not hers. She looked freezing! My gut was telling me to go get her, but to be quick about it. I motioned for her to come to me, and she obeyed. She shook with each step. I decided to grab her myself. I ran over to the small child, picked her up, and ran to my car. The car honked, telling me my mother and unlocked the vehicle. Perfect timing! I opened the backseat and placed her in.

"Stay here, okay?" I told her, she nodded. I turned around and saw my ma.

"Ready to go, Em?" My mother asked. I nodded. I climbed into the backseat and took a glance at my mother. I could tell she thought I was acting strange.

     The drive was shorter than usual. Charlotte was falling asleep, resting on my shoulders. I hope she didn't stay up all night. The car stopped and we were at school. I got out the car and made sure to cover Charlotte so my ma didn't see her.

"Bye hun, I'll pick-"

"Actually, I'm staying for book club and there's a bus so you don't have to." I smiled. My mother only sighed and waved. Then she drove off. I looked at Charlotte. She held my hand, she was still shaking. I picked her up and walked to the library.

There are snacks there, I'll be able to feed her something.

After a three minute walk, we were finally at the spot. She was so light, I knew she hadn't eaten in awhile. I set Charlotte down and pulled out my phone. 6:35. I had about an hour to feed and care for Charlotte. Then, a thought clicked in my head. I just kidnapped a child!! I walked to the corner of the library where the fake wall was. Okay, now how to find a way to get in. I pressed my hand around and tried to remember what Connie did. The book! I looked around for a book called "The Passage." Aha! There it is! I pulled out the book and, as I expected, there was a peephole.

"Password?" A boys voice whispered.

"Red." I replied. I heard a click. I walked to the fake bookshelf and a passage had opened up.

     Charlotte and I crawled inside. When we finally made it to the actual hideout, I made sure Charlotte was seated and gave some snacks that laid at a table. I sighed. She'll be safe here, but with the others be okay with it? It didn't take long before Connie and Hailey showed up, along with other kids here and there. I'll be honest, I didn't expect everyone to be okay with Charlotte's stay, but what mattered is that they were. Now, about Mr. B. I approached Hailey and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hmm, Mr B, and you said he was a bus driver?" Hailey asked me. I nodded. She stood still, with her hand on her chin in a thinking position. Then her eyes grew...

"Mr. B...?" She asked herself. "No, it can't be." Sh continued talking to herself. "Emily, this is important..." She stared intensely at me. "Was he missing an eye?"

I didn't know the answer to that...