Mad World

Chapter 7

After all the long hours of flying we were about to land in England. Andrew had fallen asleep next to me, but I don't really know how he managed to because these seats are small and uncomfortable.

I try to close my eyes and just think of happy thoughts... I mean we're about to go to war. If that's not somewhat pressurizing/nerve-racking then I really don't know what is. My brain is racing with questions and the worst possible outcomes. God I hate my mind sometimes...

I start hear Andrew's body start shifting and then there's a sudden thud on my shoulder. My eyes pop open as I jump from getting startled. I then look at my right shoulder and see Andrew's head. "Alright then..." I whisper to myself as I start to poke him.

He wakes up and lifts his head up off my shoulder. "Oh... Hey... We there yet...?" He asks in a sleepy tone and I respond, "Not quite, but we're close." He nods and then yawns and I feel a small little smile form across my lips. I stop myself and we hear the captain speak, "Alright everyone we're just about to land. Please hang tight."

I feel a sudden rush of adrenaline flow through my veins. I'm terrified. I know I've trained for this, but am I really ready to see my friends die before me? What if I die too? No... No... Don't think about that... Happy thoughts... Happy thoughts... I got this. I can do this. We'll win this war.

Although I'm trying to think positive... It doesn't work. I'm starting to shake and I want to cry, but I can't. I have to put on a pokerface. I don't get how he can do it, but Andrew senses my anxiety. It's like he can feel positive and negative energy as if it's radiating off people. He puts a hand on my shoulder and gives me a faint smile. I turn to him and look him in his eyes. "We'll be okay..." he whispered and I gave him a quick nod. I try to breathe in and out slowly to ease the nerves.

We've landed. It's time to get out and go to our camp. Can't wait to see how this ends... We grab our bags and head out. I try to find my friends in the sea of camouflage.

"Ash!" my friend Julianna grabbed my arm and I spun around. "Oh hey!" I gave her a smile, but to be completely honest... I didn't feel happiness... I felt numb and scared.

Abby came up behind Julianna and looked at us both, "You guys ready for this?" Julianna shook her head and muttered, "Hell no..." and I just stood there silently, shaking my head slowly. I feel afraid more than anything, but I can't let it show. I need to act tough. Fear is a sign of weakness, but... I don't want to die and I sure as hell don't want my friends to die.