Discontinued

Chapter 2

(Extension)

The voice floats across the diner causing most of us to jump out of our seats. Grace grabs my hand as we all turn to face the door.

Watching

Waiting

The people in the front rush into action mostly men, pushing tables and chairs – anything they can get their hands on infront of the doors. Trying to keep the outside out. The fear and tension sits heavy in the air. Once done they join us pushing us far back towards the wall. All of us huddled together.

Waiting

Silence

Barely a breath is heard.

Waiting

Our fear spikes as the doors burst open bringing in a gush of wind and a few stray leaves.

Glasses breaking

Schattering

Chairs and tables move on their own, schreecing across the floor. I hate that sound, I always have.

None of us move.

Too afraid.

Scared of the unknown.

Scared of the outside world.

A figure appears in the doorway, my heart stops.

It's a boy, no a man. A very tall huge man, glowing dark bronze skin, well built. A part of his head shaven clean marked with tattoos. The rest skillfully braided falling onto his back. He is bare chested tatoos covering his chest arms and shoulders. He is wearing a piece of cloth to shield us from his nudity.

He looks magical. Out of place but magical.

He stands in the doorway looking at us.

We must look pathetic I think to myself.

He walks in .. Slow , sure , cofidant steps without making a sound. The broken glass, schattered chairs and tables don't seem to bother him. Three other men follow him inside. All buildt the same and dressed in the same cloth hanging between their legs. Only the tatoos on their bodies and braids vary.

He nods to the two on his left causing them to jump into action. They rush forward one grabbing a woman infront forcing the toddler out of her hands before dragging her towards the exit.

Yells fill the diner, the children start to scream and cry.

She yells

“No, Please.”

She begs

“Please let go of me.”

She cries

“Please.”

But still he does not let her go.

“Let go of my fucking wife, you fucking bastard!”

The child cries louder. More women are grabbed and dragged towards the exit. Their pleas falling onto deaf ears.

They don't stop.

They don't hesitate.

Mel grabs my hand, Grace still clinging to my other one. “ We stick together, no matter what.” Everything turns to slow motion, I can hear the buzzing in my ears, my knees knock together as I struggle to keep my self upright. “A, look at me.” Mel pulls on my arm trying to get my attention. “ Look at me Athena.” I turn to face her, our eyes lock. Mine filled with fear, hers with determination. “ We stick together. No matter what. Ok?” She asks again her voice a mere whisper giving my hand a soft squeeze.