How much do you really know?

two

I was absorbed in my novel, very nearly able to forget the pains of my life, but I was pulled from the fictional world by red lights flashing and a loud noise blaring through the loudspeakers; the alarm. We had practiced what to do if it did happen to go off, but I'd never actually heard the alarm, and of course, in the heat of the moment, I'd forgotten every single drill we did in school. Panic seeped through my veins and I bolted upright. A female voice came through the speakers. It wasn't a robotic voice, but it didn't sound at all panicked.
"This is not a drill. All students please go to your dorms. We need all soldiers at the boys school immediately." That all happened in a matter of seconds and I finally got my wits back. It all came back to me, all those drills we had over the years. Get back to your room as fast as you can without running or causing chaos and panic. A guard will quickly come around in two minutes and lock your doors. This is because our doors do not lock from the inside. The guards must be able to come into our room anytime they would like. A total invasion of our privacy, I know. However, when I was able to focus again, I realize that in all the chaos happening outside, there might be an opportunity. An opportunity to escape, an opportunity at freedom.
I closed my book, slipped my legs over the edge of the bed and touched them to the cold stone floor. It sent a chill through my body. I slipped my hand underneath the bed and felt for my small bag. I felt my hand brush the cotton and grabbed the bag. Inside were some clothes and food. I had always been ready for an escape, even though the chances were slim, almost nothing. But how could I let go of hope? I slipped the straps over my shoulders. Now that I had a chance, a real chance, I was second guessing myself. Could I really pull this off? I felt my throat clench. No, I needed to do this. I pushed aside the fear and let determination take its place. I had to do this, for me. I couldn't stay in this prison any longer. I realized I'd rather die trying to escape than spend another year here. I didn't let myself think about what they might do if they caught me but didn't kill me. So, with all this in mind, I pushed myself off the bed. I forced my feet to slip into my flats. I only had one minute before a guard came to lock the door. I willed my legs to move toward the door and when I came upon it, I rested my hand  upon the cool metal of the doorknob.
I heard frantic footsteps outside. Doors opening and slamming shut. Guards yelling at girls to get in their rooms immediately. You can do this. Open the door. Walk out. Leave this prison. I told this to myself over and over until my shaking hand turned the doorknob and pushed open the door.
The scene outside was chaotic. People running up and down the halls to their rooms. No one noticed me. They were too scared and nervous to notice one girl standing in her doorway. The voice started to speak and made me jump.
"40 seconds left until guards come lock your door. Please proceed to your rooms immediately." My knees felt as if they were going to give out beneath me. Only 40 seconds Leto get out of this building. Only 40 seconds until they realize I am not going to my room, rather away from my room, away from this base. I walked out of the doorway and shut the door behind me. A girl walking by turned to look at me. She gave me a glare then flipped her long hair and walked away. She was probably too nervous to care about another girl leaving her room instead of going into it, even if she didn't show it. The red lights were still flashing on the ceiling. Every other light was out, leaving only the red lights to lead the way.
    The halls were starting to get less crowded as girls arrived at their dorms. If I was going to go, I had to do it now.
    "30 seconds left. Please get to your dorms. The guard will come around soon If you are found out of your dorm when the guards come, there will be great consequences." I could only imagine what those consequences might be. I walked down the hall towards the entertainment features. As I got farther down the hall, I stepped up my pace to maker it look as if I was rushing to my dorm. My hands were fidgeting at my side. Hopefully I wasn't too noticeable. There weren't too many guards, probably because many were called to the boys base. Until now, I hadn't realized there was another base, but it only made sense. There were only girls at my school, so obviously there would be one for boys too. Girls can't be the only ones that pose threats. I continued walking tp the corner of the hall. Every time the lights flashed I glimpsed faces looking out from the cracked doors of the dorms. Their eyes followed me, like a predator hunting its prey. Shivers went down my spine and I walked faster, each step sounding like thunder in the quiet hallway. It felt like forever until I reached the corner. If I had thought walking down that hallway was hard, I was in for a challenge. I had no idea where this base was or what surrounded it. All I knew was that it was in Alaska. For all I knew, I could be on my own in the wild for months. From now on, anyone I passed would know I wasn't going to my dorm.
    "15 seconds left."
    My heart was pounding so hard I thought it would thump out of my chest. I was rubbing my clammy hands against my leggings. My body was becoming too hot for my sweatshirt.
    "10 seconds left."
    I took a shaking step forward.
    "9"
    Another step.
    "8"
    I took one more steps, then broke into a run. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed to find a place fast. I ran down the hall, past the movie theater, the library, and the swimming pool. I pumped my arms as my lungs screamed for air. I looked out for any glowing signs reading exit.
    "5"
    5 seconds left. 5 seconds to find an exit and get out. 5 seconds until freedom. That is, if I found an exit in time, which was looking less and less likely. My muscles and lungs screamed at me to just give up, stop running, you won't escape anyway. But my hearty was saying the exact opposite. Keep going. I know you can make it. Even if you do get caught, they can't do anything worse to you than what you've already experienced. I decided to listen to my heart.
    Then, piercing through the darkness, I saw something glowing green. My heart jumped with glee and I pushed my muscles harder than I believed they ever could be pushed. I stopped in front of the door and pulled in a huge breath. I leaned over and put my hands on my knees. Pain spread through all parts of my body and sweat beaded on my forehead. I wasn't used to this type of exercise. I hadn't run very far, but then again, I never ran at all.
    "2."
    My head jolted up. I had to leave now. I was surprised there wasn't a guard there. Every time I came down this hallway there were two guard standing by it, but, less trouble for me. With a smile on my face, I reached out and grabbed the handle.
    "1"
    I began to turn it.
    "Hey! What do you think you're doing!"