Terror By Night

Chapter 15

I awake with start. Today's moving day. I bolt upright. The room is still dim. I'm not sure what time it actually is, but I know it's still very early morning. I won't be able to go back to sleep. I just grab my things and head into the locker room to get ready for the day. The bright spot to getting up so early is there's no line for the shower. I can take my time while relishing the hot water.

By the time I slip out of the locker room fresh and ready to tackle the day, the first early teachers are arriving to begin breakfast set-up. Zoe is still asleep. Now that I know who she is, I glance to Sarah's still occupied spot. Most everyone around is still knocked out. Don't they know today is a big day? I check the boys' spot. Only one. Of course, it's Nolan. Someone may have to drag him, sleeping bag and all, into the shower if we want him conscious any time soon.

I lean over Zoe, giving her shoulder a soft shake. "Hey Zo. Time to get up."

"Ugh. Go away," she mumbles and lightly pushes my hand away.

"I will. Right after you get up and make yourself gorgeous for our road trip today." I nudge her again.

"Ok, ok. I'm awake." Zoe sits up and glares at me. "No one should be awake this early. Even the sun knows it's too early to be up. What's wrong with you?"

I plop down on the bedroll beside her and bump her with my shoulder. "I'm overcoming my anxiety with enthusiasm. Today's a milestone. We're leaving Two Egg, Zo. We're actually leaving. We may not be back for a while." I leave out the part of us maybe never coming back. She's probably already thinking it, but I shouldn't voice such negative thoughts. "I'm still wrapping my head around it, you know?"

She puts her arm around me. I lean in close to her warmth. "I know Layken. It's weird and strange and kind of scary, but thanks to those crazy aliens, we're getting out of here," she half jokes. "We're going to college and we didn't even have to pass high school. Fast tracked. I like it."

I poke her with my elbow. "I had high hopes for graduation."

"I know. But you'll be the smartest high school drop in history."

I drop my head into my heads and moan. "Not helping Zoe."

She croaks out a small laugh. "I'm sorry. You know I'm teasing you. This whole thing could blow over in a couple months and everything goes back to normal. My dreams of owning my own fashion line resumes. This seasons' look: Alien Refugee. What'd ya think?"

I shake my head but can't help but laugh. "I'm glad we're doing this together Zoe. I'd be lost in camo and flannel without you."

"That's what I'm here for. Now move it Prescott and get to packing. I have to shower." She gives me a playful shove towards my bedroll.

"Yes ma'am," I say with a mock salute.

She takes off to changes while I repack. Sarah has woken up and is packing her things next to me. "Good morning," I tell her.

"Oh, hey. Yeah, you too. Today's it huh?" She keeps folding and packing while she talks. I think she's keeping her hands busy. There's a slight tremor in her voice. Poor girl. She's as skittish as a deer in the meadow.

"It's going to be fine, Sarah. Remember to keep an eye out for me and my friends. I meant it. We'll look out for you."

"I know, and thanks. I will." She gets up and heads off to the lockers. I'll have to try to explain her presence to the others. I'm sure they'll understand.

With all my gear packed and ready, I stand and look around the gym. There's plenty of commotion now. Lights are starting to flicker on across the ceiling. I can tell the moment when clarity hits that today's a big deal. Kids go from lazily coming awake to instantly alert. Most of them are hopping up and scrambling with their things. A few take the Xavier Ross approach and appear as nonplussed as if it's just another day. Speaking of Xavier, my glance darts around the edge of the gym. Sure enough, he's chatting with a teacher while he carries a box of what I assume is food inside. He's getting to be very predictable. I don't go over to join him. The agreement was we would gather here with all our things as a group and stay together.