Terror By Night

Chapter 12

We take off down the track at a fast clip. I make it almost all the way around before I'm ready to collapse. After our run, we join the others on the bleachers to sit and chat while we wait. I watch the other students mill about. The other grades have been released to join with ours. Kendra has been happily reunited with her boyfriend. A rowdy football game is playing on the field. Others are running the track like Xavier and I did. It's a beautiful day. Looking around, no one would suspect the evil that lurks just beyond our sight. Where are 'they' hiding anyway? If they only come out after dark, where do they spend their days? There are so many unanswered questions, unknown factors revolving around our new visitors. I don't want to spoil my short time out here in the sun, worrying about things I have little knowledge of.

We're able to enjoy another hour of free time in the daylight when the sound of vehicles grows louder. Kids are pointing now in the direction of the parking. It looks like families are beginning to arrive. We all jump up and rush down the bleachers. Students are rushing towards the fence. Teachers attempt to control the flow but it doesn't make much difference. Parents run in and grab their kids, Some are crying, some just hold onto their child tightly. I don't run up to the fence, I don't want to be crushed in the sea of people. My friends wait with me in a clearer patch on the field. I spot the Reed's making their way through the mass of bodies.

"Look Nolan! There's your parents."

He starts waving vigorously. He takes a few steps in their direction but they are hurrying over to the group. They latch onto Nolan, pulling him for a tight embrace. My eyes well with tears. It's only been a few days, but I know how much Nolan's missed them and they've missed him. A few steps behind them come my grandparents.

I shout, "Grandma! Grandpa!" I rush over and grab the first one I come in contact with. It happens to be Grandpa Ben. The tears are flowing freely down my face unchecked. "I missed you! Are you both alright? What's going on out there?" The words gush out of my mouth.

Grandpa Ben moves out the way so Grandma Jean can claim me next. We hug tight and I don't want to let go. She pulls me to her side so we can see the others. While I've been hugging the life out of my grandparents, Zoe's parents have found her and they're doing the same as the rest of us. Nolan's parents grab me next, hugging me, saying things I don't really make out. Nolan, Zoe and I are basically getting passed around and embraced by all the adults, being loved on and told encouraging things. It's a bit of a happy jumble. I come up for air from Zoe's mom to glance around.

All across the field, parents, kids, grandparents, uncles, aunts; everyone is hugging or holding onto someone. Everyone but a tiny few. Xavier happens to be in that small minority. He stands off to the side, watching Nolan, Zoe and I as we reunite with our families. I feel so badly for him, having no one here.

I motion for him to join us. He's a part of our group now. It's only right to include him. He acts hesitant at first, not sure if he should. But I insist, waving with my hand, "Xavier, come over here!"

He walks over slowly, still unsure if he should be involved. I introduce him to my grandparents first. "This is Xavier Ross. He's been staying with Zoe, Nolan and me. He even helped me out last night," I say. I don't want to scare them with the whole story, but they should know he came to my aid.

"Oh, you're Xavier," says Mrs. Reed with recognition in her voice. "It's nice to put a face to the name." She reaches over and pulls him in for a hug. This takes Xavier by surprise but he allows her a quick hug before stepping out of her arms.

"Hi. Yeah, that's me." He takes in all the adults, most of which have stopped talking to check out the newcomer.

"Oh yes," says Mr. Porter shaking Xavier's hand. "We've heard a lot about you. It's great to meet you, son." Do all the adults know about Xavier? How is this a thing I've missed?