EPISODE NINE:
Warmth flooded my system as I surfaced from unconsciousness. I was slightly aware of someone's hand on my shoulder shaking me awake. I shifted a bit and was startled when I saw Zora’s tear stained face resting on my chest. I bit my tongue and slowly placed my hand on her head and began to comfortingly stroke her hair. Twisting my head around I found that Lorie was sitting beside me. Her eyes were red from crying and her hands were crimson with old blood. I gulped and slowly scanned the room taking in the horrific sight. My breathing hitched and my body tensed up, ready to flee at any moment. I fastened my arms around Zora tighter than before drawing her closer to me so as to protect her from the sight of the bodies piled on the floor surrounded by scarlet blood.
“Evie?” Lorie said with a weak voice.
I could feel the horror and panic on my face as I turned to face her. Taking a deep breath I attempted to compose myself but it was hard. The only thing that I could think about was all the death surrounding me. My brown eyes met with her hazel ones and we both, for a moment, shared the same scared thought. ‘We're in a room filled with... dead... bloody bodies’. I opened my mouth to ask if she was hurt but before I could utter a single word panicked screamed filled the gymnasium.
“I have to get out of here! I can’t be here! I have to get out!” shrill screams came from the opposite end of the large room.
Zora stirred and then sat up, her eyes filling with anxiety within a few seconds of being open. She looked at me then Lorie and then looked around to find the source of the screaming. A young freshman girl was racing towards the door with frantic motions. She tripped once or twice but quickly scamped to her feet and resumed her running. Soon the whole room was in panic as everyone slowly realized the severity of their situation. The three of us were standing, now on shaking legs, as people began to rush out of the gym. Andrew and William had risen to their feet and joined our huddle. Everyone had a frantic look in their eyes as we moved closer together.
Zora grabbed my wrist pulling me closer to her, “We should-should… we need to go, now.” panic emanated from her.
I glanced around at our group of five. Determination began to flow through my veins. ‘I need to get them out of here.’ I thought.
“Follow me,” I said, narrowing my eyes.
I began to search for a way through the crowd, the normal door is too crowded. I looked at the fire exit and decided that that was the best route out of the gym. I locked eyes with the emergency exit sign, grabbed Lorie’s arm and, pulling both Zora and Lorie along with me, pushed through the crowd of people. Andrew and William followed closely behind. We reached to emergency exit door and I quickly threw it open before the crowd swarmed the new exit.
The five of us scampered out the door and pushed it closed behind us. We all stood staring at each other for a few moments. I vaguely remember Lorie screaming, Andrew laughing, and Zora begging and that seemed to be the root of our awkward standing. They all looked from person to person I noticed that each had a shameful expression on their faces. I cleared my throat in order to grab their attention.
“We… we need to move,” I said my voice shaky.
Zora lifted her head to look me in the eyes. She straightened her back and anchored her stance. This reminded me of when Zora was running for class president just before she had to give a speech. She took in a breath and began to speak.
“We are the senior class of Seriph High. Horrible things have happened but we are still an example for the rest of the school. We need to pull ourselves together, go out there and be an example. This isn’t going to be easy but everything is in chaos and we’re… we’re in charge now. We need to take charge and do our best to keep everyone calm even if we arn’t calm. Okay?” She ended, her voice firm.
With her words everyone began to pull together just as she had instructed. ‘She’s right. We’re the only ones left. Our fist priority is to keep everyone calm and then go from there.’ Nods of encouragement were the only response to Zora’s speech.
“Okay!?” She challenged.
“Yes!” We said, tensing up like soldiers ready for battle.
“Then lets go!” She ordered.
We began to walk towards the crowd. The five of us were in a V formation with Zora at the head walking with determination; Lorie and myself just behind her following in synchronized march; and Andrew and William behind the two of us, William behind Lorie and Andrew behind me. We parted the crowd of frantic people and made our way into the eye of the hurricane, the very center of the mass of students.
“Everyone quiet down, please!” Zora said loudly.
She repeated her self once more but the crazed chatter and occasional scream did not cease. I looked at her and saw her confidence falter. ‘How dare they! We’re trying to help!’ I felt a rush of irritation. After a quick glance around the courtyard I climbed up onto the nearest picnic table.
“EVERYONE SHUT UP!” I yelled projecting my voice as far as possible.
The crowd turned to look at me and a crisp silence fell onto them. I smirked slightly and then reached my hand out to Zora to help her onto the table.
“Thank you,” She whispered.
“Anything for you,” I answered confidently while taking a step down off the table.
I regrettably had to release her hand but I stood close in case I was needed. Zora looked around her eyes had panic in them but it was quickly replaced with the cold stare of precision.
“Horrible things had happened.” She began, “However, that is no reason to run around like chickens with no heads. You have the right and reason to be scared or angry or sad. But, we need to keep it together because we’re not going to get out of here if we don’t work together. Please, listen to me. I want to help. We need to come together and figure this out together. I can help you so please let me.” She ended with her arm outstretched towards the crowd with an offer of help and safety.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as they looked back and forth between each other. A flicker of desperation crossed Zora’s face but only a flicker. Then all the heads turned to stare at her expecting to hear her plan. ‘Does she even have a plan?’ I wondered, ‘Of course she does, she always does.’ I stood with confidence next to Zora, practically challenging the crowd to doubt her. Zora smiled as the whole crowd turned their attention to her. She opened her mouth ready to speak but before she could someone interrupted her.
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A/N
1234 words
A feud is imminent.
- love from QueenCobra <3 -
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