Kids Just Want To Survive

Chapter Eight

Rachel

"Uncle Eric, Auntie Joslyn you have no idea how good it is to see you. Everything that's been going on is so crazy. It all happened so fast," Lee spoke with my parents while I was busy stitching up Matthew.

"Look at how the tables have turned," I whispered to him and I was relieved to get a small, weak smile in return. I took it gratefully. Before the world changed forever he was always the one fixing me. I was proud of him when he completed all his first aid training. Thankfully he taught me a few things along the way. 

As I continued to close up Matthew's wounds Lee kept on talking. It was comforting to hear him again after what felt like so long. After I thought I would never see him again.

"Matthew and I got separated from our parents. Last time we saw them they were fine but when we came back to the house...they uh...they were uhm gone," said Lee while his voice was cracking. He was keeping himself together. I think it was so that he could be strong for Matthew. Matthew is lucky to have a brother like him.

"I'm sorry Lee," my father says sadly. I know my father has always had a soft spot for him. When we were little it was always Lee who would sit with my dad and talk. Lee always said that my father gives great advice. I agree.

"Maybe they're out there somewhere," he replies.

Suddenly he catches my eye. And he looks at me for a moment too long before I break away from his spellbinding gaze.

I look around and realize the sun is about to set. The beautiful colors are painted on the canvas of the sky. At least the evening sky hasn't changed. My father's deep voice interrupts the tranquility of my thoughts.

"It's getting late so we'll stay over at the station. Lee. Matthew. You're staying with us and that's not a request. We're gonna sleep in the shop and Bob and I will park the cars in front of the store to make it a little safer. By eight-thirty everyone's inside," says my father.

He hasn't lost his edge. After all those years he spent in the army I'm positive he could be ready for anything. Right now it's seven so there's a bit of time before we have to head inside. A bit of time to breathe.

I walk away from the bus after Matthew fell asleep in the seat of the bus. He needed some time to rest after the hell he's been through. I don't get far when I hear Lee's footsteps behind me and him calling out to me.

"Rachel!" he says once he finally arrives at my side walking with me.

"Shane! Long time no see!" I joke and get a laugh in return.

"Too long if you ask me," he says.

"Agreed," I say. "Hows Matthew?"

"He's sleeping, thanks for helping him out. I appreciate it. The past few days haven't been easy on him," he says with a serious tone.

I nod and smile. I'm not sure what to say.

"It's funny I remember him patching you up most of the time," he says lightheartedly.

"Aint that the truth. Every other day I got a new scar," I answer him feeling a bit more relaxed at last.

"You were such a clutz Rachel," he says while brushing my arm.