Our Generation

Chapter 3

Connor was the first to wake, his back and leg aching. He winced at the soft light hitting his eyes through the branches of the trees. He opened them, blinking a few times and trying to remember where he was. He looked around at his sleeping friends, the realisation of what happened hitting him hard. He grimaced, closing his eyes and sighing. He'd thought it was just a dream. Sadly, it wasn't.

He adjusted his position on the grass, something twitching beside him as he did so. He turned his attention to the something, brow creased. It softened as he realised who that something was. Grace. Her eyes were closed, a look of confusion on her sleeping face. Her nose twitched as she shifted, her grip on his hand tightening.

Connor grinned as he noticed their hands, a blush forming on his cheeks. He heard a quiet yawn and he turned his attention to MJ. She had her head on Felix's chest, trying to force her eyes open. Felix had his mouth open, his chest rising and falling in a slow and steady beat. MJ grinned, licking her dry lips. Her eyes were open now, looking around to see who else was awake.

Connor gave her a smile when her gaze landed on him. She motioned for him to be quiet, moving her head upwards, pointing to the sleeping Felix. Connor nodded, nudging his head towards the sleeping Grace. MJ nodded her head, understanding. She wiggled her eyebrows when she noticed how they were holding hands. Connor rolled his eyes, mouthing shut up. MJ laughed softly, closing her eyes and stretching. Felix twitched, and she stopped, freezing her limbs as not to wake him. Soon, he fell back into his deep sleep, MJ relaxing.

The early light of dawn was settling over the old park, the green leaves reflecting in the sun, turning gold. The grass bent to the soft breeze, the imprints of the group sleeping looking out of place in such a natural setting. They were far away from the playpark now, trees the only thing for miles. Yet that brought no comfort. They were alone, cold and completely terrified.

Felix muttered something in his sleep, his grip on MJ tightening. It would seem he was waking up. He blinked a few times, his eyes glazed over. MJ sat up, giving him space to stretch. He yawned in a happy way, cracking his joints as he did so. He already missed his bed.

"Morning" he muttered, sleepily, MJ pressing her hand over his mouth quickly so he made no more noise. Connor knocked his head in the direction of Grace, showing Felix she was still asleep. He nodded his head and the hand was removed.

MJ got up, sitting down next to Connor to check his leg. He winced slightly when she removed the bandage.

"Well doc, will I live another day?" He whispered, only half joking.

MJ chuckled quietly, wrapping it back up for him after applying some cream.

"You're fine, drama queen. Just be careful" she patted his shoulder before going to wake up Ana.

MJ bent down to her sleeping friend. Ana's hair was slightly messy, one of the plaits having completely fallen out and her face was covered in dirt and soot. Both her mouth and eyes were closed as she puffed out breaths from her nose.

MJ moved her hand to touch her shoulder. Seconds before she touched her, Ana held in her breath, indicating she was actually awake.

"Touch me, I dare you" she muttered, not opening her eyes. MJ moved away quickly as Ana pushed herself to her feet. She grumbled some curses as she cracked her back. Trees didn't make nice beds.

"Sorry, it's just, we need to get moving" MJ cowered back slightly, all to aware how grumpy Ana got in the mornings.

"Want me to wake sleeping beauty?" she nudged her head in Dylan's direction. He was completely out of it, head thrown back, drool dribbling out of his mouth.