Red Spider Lilies [TPN]

Chapter 6

"Emma! You have to get the kids in the attic, now!" Mom comes running in the house with Snow White sheets, she shoves then in my arms and goes to lick the door.

"Wait, what's going on!" I yell, but I know. "What about you!?"

Mom stops before looking at me dead in the eyes. "I have to prepare things... now go!"

I nod as I run down the hallways, it's 7 am and most kids are still getting ready.

"Come on, everyone! Wake up we have to move!" I shout.

Quickly, most of the kids follow my orders and come out of their rooms. I quickly stop Gilda and Don.

"I need you two to help me get the little ones awake and upstairs. Please."

"We got it." Gilda says but holds me to stay. "But, Emma, what are you going to do?"

"It isn't something you should think about, go! Please!"

They look at each other quickly before running off. Now I have to do my thing.

"I have to find those 2 idiots." I groan and sprint down the hallway.

"Kids, it is never appropriate to run down the hallways."

Mom's words ring in my head, every time I run down the hallway I think about them. So much for rules I suppose.

I slide as I make the corner and leave out the screen door. The town is quiet, most people are hiding, especially the boys. When they first did this they told us they would take any healthy, able bodied, young person but would take the boys first if given the option.

"Ray. Norman." I say not too loudly as I make it down the street, soldiers still haven't made it here.

I look around, down the alleyways and the inside of stores. They aren't here.

"Hey, kid!"

I jump and turn around. A soldier.

I smile at him. "Oh, hello... how is your day, sir?"

"Well it's drafting day. And I have good news for you." He smiles. "You have been chosen to defend your country. Isn't that exciting, girly?"

I look down and play with the hem of my shirt. It's a red flannel pattern that my adopter bought me yesterday. Will I see him again?

I open my mouth to say something, but I'm interrupted by a rather idiotic boy.

"Wouldn't you rather take me?"

It's Norman.

I feel panic surge through my body as I whip my head around. But he doesn't look the same, but rather calm instead. Where's Ray?

"Really, kid!? Oh, you're going to love it. Thank you for joining our cause to protect the country. Follow me please."

Now he looks a bit panicked. We look at each other quickly.

"Oh, I'll wait. You can say by to your...?"

Norman smiles at me. "My friend."

I take a deep breath and walk to him. As soon as I get close to him I hug him, I hug him so tight that I think that I can hold on to him for forever. Maybe if I try hard enough.

"Ray is in the dumpster. Make sure he doesn't do anything dumb while I'm away. Okay?"

I nod and as he leaves with the soldier, I feel so weak that it's almost like the soldier is taking my strength with him.