Fighting For You: a FanFiction (for my friend)

Three: Run

I loaded my small pistol as the sun went down. I didn't know if tonight was my last night, but hopefully the blended haze of orange and purple would be one of the last things I see.

No. I told myself. There will be more sunsets. 

I looked at the clock. 26 minutes until it was time. 

As I made my way to lock the front door, a knock was heard. Who could be coming here so close to Purge Night?  

I looked through the peephole and sighed in relief. I opened the door to see my dear friend Ethan Pitcher.

Remember that one sole friend in college? That's Ethan. 

He swiped away his golden blonde locks out his face, a habit he maintained through college. I watched as he walked inside, stumbling around like he always did. He never really knew how to exactly move his body.

"Ethan now is not the time... "

"Yeah, I know, but I just wanted to hang for a minute before everything locks down, you know?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. If he didn't live on the floor below me, I would've been more freaked out, but I knew he had time. 

"Smells kinda weird." He leaned again my kitchen counter, letting his hair fall into his face.

"Yeah, I just...I tried cooking something. I guess." I looked away, avoiding his eyes. I didn't want to worry him; it's not exactly calming to tell someone that you're wanted by a purge gang.

"You really fumbled the ball, huh." He chuckled. I laughed along with him until he continued. "Since when have you been the cooking type?"

My smile faded. "Since... okay buddy, I think you've had your fun, but you should get going."

"Wait, wait, wait I just got here! Give me a second to settle in, even if it smells like...is that fish?

"Uh." I swallowed my words.

"Well anyway, I didn't come here just to poke fun at your cooking. I, uh..." He sighed, letting out a short huff of air. "I'm not really sure how to say this."

"Say what."

He threw his hand behind his neck, scratching nervously. "I don't know, I feel like, well no I felt like- I mean- Last night I was thinking about you and me and life, and how... anything could happen tonight. I mean God forbid but I just... I feel like I need to say something. Just in case." 

"Okay, what is it."

His eyes moved to the floor. I knew what he was going to say. I knew what he wanted to say.

Ethan had always had a crush on me. I could see it in his eyes, the way he looked at me and talked to me. Sometimes I felt it too, like I wanted him to put his arm around me or just stay by my side. But I never mentioned it. Neither did he. 

"I...I like you. I've liked you for a really long-" His words were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"It's Cameron again! We need to talk... again!"

Ethan and I shared a look before checking the time on our phones. He was cutting it close to time.

I opened the door and let him in. He barreled straight through, plopping a cardboard box on my kitchen table.

"Look what I got."

"Cameron, this is not the time."

"Look. what. I. got."

Suddenly the stench hit me. I didn't have to check the box. 

"It's a..."

"Yeah... looks like Melissa was really pissed."

"So, what does this mean. Why are you here."

"It means you're not in this alone. We both are fucked, and I think we need to stick together tonight. Have each others' backs, you know?"

"I don't need your back, or you, or anything. Cameron, you need to go home and stay home. Lock your doors, close your windows, and just sit tight like the rest of us."

"Piper, what's going on." Ethan chimed in.

"Not right now-"

"I can't go back, Piper. Melissa has my address. By the time I get back, they'll be at my door waiting. "

"Fuck, Cameron! Fuck you!" I shouted, running my fingers through my hair, trying to catch my breath.

"Fuck me?"

"Yes! You brought of all of this to me!"

"Hey, whoa whoa whoa, you consented everything."

"Yes, but I didn't know I was fucking the boyfriend of Melissa fucking Harrington!" I screamed, my words whipping through the air. It became silent.

"You guys...." Ethan quietly muttered into the room. His voice suddenly became low, drooping down with sadness. "I gotta go."

He quickly ran out, the door swinging shut with force.

"Ethan!" I called after him, but before I could follow, Cameron grabbed my arm.

"Piper."

"Let go of me." 

"Piper. Listen."

I stopped struggling against his strength. 

A robotic woman's voice echoed through the city.

"This is not a test, this is your Emergency Broadcast System. Announcing the commencement of the annual purge sanctioned by the U.S. Government. Weapons of class four and lower have been authorized for use during the purge. All other weapons are restricted. Government officials of ranking 10 have been granted immunity and shall not be harmed. Commencing at the siren, any and all crime (including murder) will be legal for 12 continuous hours. Police, fire, and Emergency Medical Services will be unavailable until tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. When the purge concludes. Blessed be our new founding fathers and America... A nation reborn. May God be with you all." 

Sirens began to blare. I ran to the door, locking it before looking out the window, searching for Ethan. No one was out there.

"He's gone."

"Where is he?"

I closed the curtain and looked at Cameron. "I don't know maybe he got home, he only lives one floor down." 

"That's good. "

I turned back to the window. Something didn't feel right. 

Suddenly I saw a figure, cloaked in darkness, coming down the hall.

"Wait, shit he's coming back!"

"Really? Should we?" Cameron reached for the doorknob but I swatted him away.

"Hold on. He looks mad."

The figure walked with fury. Each step was pronounced, yet he was calm.

Then I noticed the AR-15 by his side. 

That wasn't Ethan.

"It's not him."

"What?"

My instincts kicked in.

"RUN."