Alone

Chapter 7

Inside, the tower was cozy, such a contrast to the gray bricks outside. The air was musty and a window desperately needed opening, but nonetheless, I could understand why this was home to them. I started walking over to a chair that sat in the corner of the room.

"Oh no you don't!" Stacy startled me when she saw me start wandering towards the chair. "You need to scrub that scum off of your body before you go sittin' on any of our furniture, and change those nasty clothes."

I wasn't too hurt by her words because I knew they were true. I don't remember the last time I cleansed myself. I kept the same clothes on for weeks and my hair up in a braid. I'm sure I didn't smell like a field of daisies either.

"The shower works, in a way. You have five minutes of lukewarm water, then another five of cold water," Jack informed me.

Stacy led me to the showers and showed me where everything was at, "Warm, cold," she told me as she turned the knob as a demonstration.

"Okay, thanks."

I didn't care how long I got in the shower, any cleaning at all was alright with me. At this, I started shucking my clothes...these should be burned, I made a side note to myself. I then unbraided my hair which now fell past mid back on me. It was naturally dark brown and wavy and used to be the only thing I liked about myself. Now it was a matted mess that I kept hidden.

The shower was amazing, even when it turned cold, it still felt good and refreshing, the warm water burned the open wounds on my feet as it cleaned the dirt and grime from them. When I got out, there was a fresh set of clean clothes waiting for me. I haven't felt this good since this disaster started. I half expected to leave the showers and see my mom making dinner for my sister and me. Of course, that wasn't going to happen.

"May I sit on your royal throne now, Stacy?" I asked sarcastically.

"Hey, you were...woah," she looked stunned at the change I undertook in ten minutes.

Jack and Luke both turned around as well to see what Stacy was gawking at. "Well, who knew a real girl existed under all that grime," Jack poked at me.

"I was beginning to question that myself," I stabbed right back.

"Well you look amazing Angie, your hair is so pretty!" She beamed at me with perfectly straight teeth.

"Now that I am worthy to be in your guys' presence, can I be pointed to a place that I can sleep?"

"Of course!" Stacy was so bubbly now that she was home. "There's eight of us in all, the rest aren't around that often, they like to stay out of the settlement for several nights at a time, so you can use one of their beds for the time being."

"Anything suits me just fine, thank you so much for this, I promise I won't stay long though."

"You're not staying?" Jack piped up.

"I don't know...I'm not used to being around other people."

"Then we'll get you used to them again!" He said excitedly. He seemed to be a little boy again in this house. Everyone seemed themselves here, they let their guards go down and they were home.

"Yeah, don't go just yet," Luke added. He still seemed guarded in a way.

"I just need some sleep, please," I slumped, defeated.

"Yes! You do. Because tomorrow we're goin' out again to do more scouting!" Stacy bounced on her heals.

As we walked to the back where the beds were, she gave me a little information about the place and the other scouts. "The settlement is running low on resources and two of our scouts have gone missing, they left two weeks ago and haven't returned since. The rest of us have been taking turns going out and searching for them, even though we fear the worst. We collect and secure the areas around here the best we can as we search. The other three scouts have been gone for three days. We aren't too worried about them, they're the three strongest fighters and can fend for themselves. Besides, they usually leave for three to five days at a time anyways. Our settlement desperately needs any help it can get."

I was speechless. Of course this place had issues, as did any other place I tried to go to find solace. Now I know why I decided to go out alone.

"Anyways," her bubbliness returned, "get some beauty rest and regain your strength. Long day ahead of us tomorrow." She placed some blankets onto a bed that I guess is supposed to be mine for the night.

"Thanks so much."

"Don't mention it, we're always happy to accept someone new," at this, she closed the door behind her.

"What have I gotten myself into?" I whispered to the ceiling as I drifted off to sleep.