TF2 The Borrower

Part 2

Why am I doing this again? Jeremy asked himself as he followed Jennifer carrying as many of the dishes as he could. Jennifer was carrying the rest. Oh yeah. I’m helping her… But for what? Cause she helped you stupid! But is that really worth risking getting caught again? Jeremy contemplated this as they walked through the dark corridors of the walls, led by Jennifer’s lamp. Jeremy was amazed. Apparently, she had made all these tunnels by herself connecting to places of importance: The Medical Bay, Engineer’s workshop, the kitchen, and Spy’s smoking room… for whatever reason. For someone of this size that could be miles of walking, so Jenifer had created a pulley system out of a small plastic bowl and some wire. Probably from Engineer. How she got it up and running or into the walls in the first place was beyond Jeremy. Of course the lift didn’t go to all locations. The kitchen was apparently the closest to Jennifer’s house, so the lift wasn’t needed. The pathways they had walked on had been cut through the insulation, with wooden planks to protect from the fiberglass. Now the lift was in a small gap near the Hvac system.
Jeremy was riding the ski lift like pulley system to Spy’s smoking room, which was on the way to the Medical-bay and Engineer’s workshop. Jennifer was in the front of the lift holding onto a lever that would serve as a brake, waiting for the right moment to pull it back. Jeremy was impressed. This little Borrower was a mini Spy, Scout, and Engineer all in one. Then again she’d have to be if she was to survive.  Jeremy wondered why Jennifer had not used the air vents for all of this.
The lift slowed to a stop next to a small door. They exit the bowl. “Alright, from here on out no talking whatsoever.” Jennifer said as she untied the thread from the nail in the wall that kept the door closed.
“What if I see Spy?” Jeremy asked.
“If that’s the bean’s name it’s weird.” Jennifer remarked. “Run for cover, I’ll do the same.” She pushed the door open to Spy’s smoking room. They were on top of the dresser Scout had been on before. Looking around Jeremy saw the herbs that Spy grew and realized why Jennifer would want her own. The distance and time being out in the open to just get to the plants on the windowsill was immense. Then, Jeremy spotted the box that was marked Victorian collection. It was sitting on the ground next to the coffee table not far from the fireplace. 
Jeremy pointed at it and Jennifer nodded. She took out the fishhook and thread and slid it into a gap on the dresser. She made sure it would stay and she began to slide down the line of thread. Once at the bottom she beckoned Jeremy to climb down. He went down quickly. As soon as he let go of the line, Jennifer swung her arm causing the hook to come free and fall. She caught it with ease. With that, they ran as fast as they could over to the box and into the small hole on the corner of said box. Once inside, Jennifer opened her backpack and carefully emptied it of the dishes. Jeremy did the same. Only he fumbled and dropped his knapsack creating a small clicking noise that caused them both to freeze and listen in fear. When no one came, Jennifer glared at Jeremy as she quickly finished up putting down the dishes. She then helped Jeremy put his dishes down as well.
With all of that out of the way, they rush back to the dresser. Jennifer quickly ran under it. In slight confusion, Jeremy followed. On the back of one of the legs there was a line of nails heading upward, and Jennifer was climbing it like a ladder. Now understanding, Jeremy climbed up with confidence and speed. They reenter the door and Jennifer closed it, tying the thread back up so the door wouldn't open. They both sigh.
“I have never been so stressed out in my life.” Jeremy whispered unsure if he could speak up or not.
“Yeah. Let’s head back.” Jennifer agreed. They reboard the lift and Jennifer started it up.

Back at Jennifer’s house the tiny duo cheered. “I may have fewer dishes now, but I am grateful to lose that burden!” Jennifer said to Jeremy as they snacked on some more grape slices. “Maybe I’ll actually be able to get some broccoli next time I go borrowing after all.”
“Where’d that come from?” Jeremy asked laughing at Jennifer’s new boost in confidence.
“Sorry, just thinking out loud.” Jennifer blushed in embarrassment.
“No, you’re fine. I just felt it was a little out of the blue to be talking about what you’re taking next.”
“Borrow, remember? We’re not thieves.”
“Sure. Whatever you say. So do you sleep? It’s getting pretty late.” Jeremy nodded at the old wrist watch hung on the wall. It read 11:30 PM. Jennifer looked at it and sighed.
“I do sleep, but I get horrible nightmares at times. I’ll show you to your room, but please don’t be surprised if you hear me wake up screaming.” Jeremy cocked his head.
“What kind of nightmares?”
“No. I don’t think I’m ready to tell you yet.”
“It will help if you talk about it.”
“Fine... “ Jennifer took a deep breath before responding. “It’s about what happened to my family and friends when I was living in the other base. Why I had to move… Seven years ago…”