Chapter Thirteen: iFigure It Out

Sam Puckett could not be any happier at the moment. She was kissing her beloved and caring boyfriend Freddie Benson in a city park in the warm sunlight. They were alone and could enjoy their "couple time" as Spencer jokingly called it. They pulled apart and Freddie grinned at her "You have to admit, I'm a good kisser." She rolled her eyes "Pfft! Yeah right in your dreams nub." She said jokingly. He knew she was joking from her tone of voice and pouted playfully "Oh come on Sam!" He thought for a moment and his "thoughtful" expression nearly made her double up with laughter "I'm if not a good kisser why do you kiss me so often?"

"Hmm let's see because Brad is with Carly. He loves her and is deeply devoted to her. He would never even look at me as more than a friend even if he split up with Carly. Secondly, Gibby's a good guy and a great friend but I AM NOT kissing that shirtless potato. End of. Spencer is much older than me so it's not happening, Guppy is like 10 years old and kissing him would feel like kissing Frothy. And apart from them there are no other guys around. I mean hello? Look around" She said gesturing around her at the empty and crumbling city. Only the desolate cries of the hawks answered her. Even the wild dogs and wolves had fallen silent.

Freddie nodded as he accepted defeat. Their little "debate" was over. "All right Samantha you win." Smirking, she hugged him then her stomach growled again. "Man where is Brad? I'm starving!" "I know I'm also getting hungry." Freddie agreed. Sam looked around but could see no sign of their friend. Suddenly Freddie felt the ground trembling. Puzzled, he looked down and his eyes widened. The ground under their feet and all across the park was shaking ominously

"Sam…." He said quietly. Just then trumpeting rang out and the noise caught Sam's attention "Okay sounds like an elephant heading this way. Just ignore it Fredhead." ""Uh Sam, I don't think there's just one." Freddie said fearfully. Sam rolled her eyes "Okay then it'll be 2 or 3 now keep looking out for Brad with my lunch." She replied sarcastically

Then from one end of the street, an elephant emerged out into the park. Freddie stared at it whilst Sam cast it a quick glance then continued looking out for Brad. Two calves followed the giant. Then two more elephants lumbered after the leader. A male followed and alongside it, walked two other fully grown elephants. By now, both Sam and Freddie were staring. Two other juveniles followed and by now more than ten elephants were plodding and stomping across the park. The adults trumpeted and the young elephants also joined in with their shrill trumpets. "Cheese and rice..." Freddie muttered "How many are there?" Sam asked but Freddie shook his head "I don't know."

At last, the final stragglers wandered through the park. In total, thirty elephants had gone through the park and not one had noticed the pair. "Wow! That was a lot of elephants!" Freddie cried, looking ruffled "Yeah no chizz!" Sam exclaimed. The pair glanced at one another "We should go back and tell the others." Freddie decided and Sam nodded. Grabbing her hand, Freddie pulled her along as they headed back towards the apartment.

As they jogged, they suddenly passed wild dogs gnawing the bleached bones of a rotting carcass. They quickly sped up. There was a lean, vicious greyhound and a powerful Australian cattle dog. The cattle-herding dog snarled before giving chase and the greyhound instantly followed. A moving target was far more interesting than a pile of dried bones.

Suddenly, the run became a race for survival rather than a simple jog. They passed two grazing deer and upon spotting the deer, the dogs lost interest in them and changed direction. The dogs growled and swiftly took off after the fleeing deer. The pair exchanged a relieved glance.

They reached the complex and quickly headed up to Freddie's apartment. Freddie knocked on the door and Mrs. Benson opened it "Oh Freddie it's good to see you!" She exclaimed and hugged him. "Hi there mom." He said, quickly hugging her back. "Listen mom have you seen Spencer?" Freddie asked. She frowned "Yes I have. Is something wrong?" He shook his head "No it's good mom." He turned to leave when his mother grabbed his arm "Freddie, talk to me. I know something's wrong. Tell me."

He sighed but relented "We need to talk to Brad. The elephants are leaving the city." She frowned "How do you know?" "We know because we just saw them!" Sam exclaimed. Mrs. Benson frowned again "You saw elephants?" Sam nodded "Yes we did. We saw loads of elephants and they were fleeing the city but we don't know why. We need to know how this will affect us." Mrs. Benson sighed "Great. More change." She muttered. Then she said "If you're looking for Spencer he's in his apartment watching TV." Sam nodded "Thanks Mrs. Benson." She nodded "You're welcome Samantha." "It's Sam!" She insisted. " SAM, come on!" Freddie hollered and reluctantly she followed.

Mrs. Benson watched the pair go with a knowing smile before turning and going back into her apartment. Meanwhile, Spencer sat on the sofa in his apartment watching television. Hotel for Dogs blared on the TV but he barely even noticed the film. He stared blankly at the flat screen while his brain blocked out the noise.

Titan stood in front of the TV wagging his tail. The excited labrador barked whenever virtual dogs materialized on the screen. He felt conflict bubbling within him. He felt guilt at keeping Carly and Brad apart and the way they longed for each other's comfort but at the same time he felt pride at his actions at taking responsibility and looking out for his younger sister. But he felt sadness at how his actions had affected Carly.

At that moment, he decided it was time to make a decision. So, standing up, he turned off the television. Titan barked in protest but he paid the shaggy dog no attention. He walked up to the foot of the staircase he called out "Carly?" "Yeah Spencer, what is it?" "Come down for a sec." A few moments passed and she appeared at the top of the stairs and walked down the stairs "Yeah?" He sat on the sofa "Carly I, I decided I was being slightly harsh about you and Brad. So I changed my mind, you can go see Brad. So go. Go on. I need to go out anyway."

At this her eyes lit up and her features showed joy." Oh my god, I can really go see Brad?" She exclaimed. He nodded, a smile dancing on his lips "Go have fun little sis." She threw her arms around him in a tight embrace and he felt a lump in his throat as he hugged her. Pulling apart, he ruffled her hair affectionately "See you kiddo." She smiled "Bye big brother and thanks a lot." He smiled "No problem." He grabbed his keys off the table and exited the apartment, grinning to himself.

Feeling happiness surge through her, Carly punched the air excitedly. A great grin emerged on her face and she felt great. She threw open the door and quickly made her way to Brad's apartment feeling overjoyed for the first time in a week.

Titan padded after her up to the door. The inquisitive labrador watched her go with curious eyes before lying down beside the door for a rest. Outside, trumpeting echoed through the city as the last few elephants migrated out of the suburbs.

Brad was on his way back to the park with a bag pack crammed full of burgers, crisps, cooked chicken and a full bottle of soda. He was by now incredibly hungry from the long walk to the apartment and back and breathless after running from several wolves that had chased him. The hungry wolves eventually lost interest and instead went after a pair of zebras.

He had resisted the urge to stop and eat some of the food because he knew his friends were likely hungry as well and he really didn't wish to be on the receiving end of Sam's temper, especially when she was hungry. The stories Freddie had told him were enough to make him cringe. Secondly, he didn't want the smell of food to drawn in predators.

He finally approached the park but instead of catching sight of his friends, he saw that the bench sat empty and the birds had flown away. Instead, two elephants stood drinking at the water's edge. The great mammals sucked water into their trunks before squirting it into their mouths. He froze and carefully stepped back behind a tree. At least now, the elephants could no longer see him.

He peered around the trunk and observed the two elephants. No wonder Sam and Freddie had left! As he looked around the park, he noticed that many trees had been knocked over and plants had been trampled. The path looked as if a convoy of military tanks had rolled past. Huge footprints had been pressed into the cracked asphalt. These were elephant footprints. Many elephants had been through here recently. But why had the elephants come through here? And where were they now?

Frowning, he turned and ran back towards the apartment complex.

Carly sighed and knocked on Brad's door for the fifth timer. She was beginning to get frustrated. "Brad? Please open the door!' She called. There was no response. She had been standing outside Brad's apartment for the last ten minutes, knocking and calling but there was no response. He wouldn't even answer her. She knew he was only doing what Spencer had told him and that he wouldn't answer because he thought Spencer was with her. But if she could only get him to open the door, she could explain to him that the situation had been resolved and that they could be a couple once more.

Suddenly a voice called out behind her 'Carly!' She spun around to see Sam and Freddie standing behind her. 'Oh hey guys. What's up?' 'No time. Have you seen Gibby or Brad and where's Spencer?' Freddie demanded. She frowned 'Guys what's going on?' 'Just answer us, we'll tell you!' Freddie asked. 'Okay…Spencer's gone out and Gibby went with Guppy to the park to play with their dog and I don't know where Brad is.'

Sam and Freddie exchanged glances 'Well we have to get them back here!' Sam said. 'Why?' she asked. 'It's not safe. The elephants are migrating out of the city. They're roaming the streets in herds looking for food and water. We don't know why they're leaving but it's not safe to be outside now.' Carly's eyes widened 'Oh my god! Spencer!' Just then the sound of a car horn sounded outside. The trio turned 'hat sounded like his car.' Sam said. Suddenly they heard the door open followed by the sound of feet running up stairs.

Just then, Spencer came into view with Brad following. Both were clearly struggling to catch their breath. 'Guys get into the apartment! There are elephants outside!' Spencer wheezed. Sam nodded and grabbed Freddie's hand 'Let's go get our call your mom we'll talk about this ion Carly's apartment.' Carly and Spencer nodded.

'But wait what about Gibby and Guppy? We can't leave them out there?" Brad said. Everyone paused as they realized the teenager was right. Just then they heard barking and Gibby's voice 'Guppy! Go upstairs and take SirLicksALot with you!' Just then, the sheepdog went running up the stairs and emerged on the landing. He barked excitedly at seeing so many people, wagging his long tail. Guppy followed a moment later 'Oh hi there.' He said 'GIBBY! Get up here!' Sam bellowed and everyone cringed at the intensity of her tone.

He jogged up the stairs and grinned at his friends 'Oh hey guys. What's going on? What's everyone out here for?' He asked. 'We need to talk. Come to Carly's apartment' Freddie explained. As of realizing the serious situation, his grin dropped somewhat and he nodded. Turning to his younger brother, he said 'Guppy. Go to grandpa's apartment and take the dog with you. Stay with him until I get back. Okay?' The younger boy nodded 'Okay big bro.' He waved to the others 'Happy birthday!' They all smiled and waved. Then, Guppy took the dog's leash and walked off leading SirLicksALot.

'Alruight let's go' Spencer said and they all went into Carly's apartment. Mrs. Benson was already there. She sat on the sofa, having been told by her son to meet him there. They all sat down on the chairs or the sofa. \Okay today when Sam and I were out in the park we saw an elephant walking through the streets. At first we just ignored it but then another appeared and another. There were dozens. They were all travelling together and heading in the same direction. There were adults, youngsters and calves. There had to be at least a few dozen.' Freddie explained

Brad nodded 'When I got there with lunch there were two drinking from the pond and the path had been wrecked. I knew then that many of them had gone past.' I was driving on the way back from the supermarket when I nearly hit Brad running across the road. I stopped just in time. He was rushing and said he had seen elephants in the park and that he had as theory. So I go him in the car and drove back really quickly.'

'Guppy and I saw a tiger' Gibby remarked casually. Everyone turned to him expectantly. He looked confused 'What?' 'You saw a tiger?' Freddie asked. He nodded 'I was playing fetch with SirLicksALot when he barked. I turned and saw a tiger moving through the streets. It didn't even look at me or notice me. I was just frozen with fear. I was really scared. SirLicksALot was barking. It was heading in the same direction as the elephants. Once the animal was gone, I called to Guppy and he ran over. He was really confused and kind of scared. I don't think he's seen me that serious before. I got SirLicksALot and we started running. '

Everyone looked surprised. For someone that normally acted stupid and made jokes, Gibby had really taken responsibility and taken good care of Guppy. 'I'm proud of you Gibby' Mrs. Benson said and Spencer nodded 'Good job Gib.' He nodded modestly "Thanks Spencer, Mrs. Benson'

'So what's your theory Brad?' Freddie asked 'It's been about two months since everyone disappeared. Summer was already over by the time everyone vanished and we were already in autumn. But now winter is on its way. This is the first winter since the human race ended' Sam shrugged "So what?" "Zoo animals have spent their lives in enclosures, in artificial environments created by humans. Most of them originate in regions with different climates and some can't survive cold weather."

"But we don't get cold winters in Seattle." Carly said and Brad nodded "Yes but even the slightest drop in temperature can affect big animals such as tigers and elephants. So, to survive, they're heading south to warmer regions. The elephants have sensed the small drop in temperatures and have begun heading south. Soon, most of the big zoo animals will follow; the tigers, the zebras, the rhinos and the lions." "Where will they go?" Spencer asked. He shrugged "Warmer regions like Florida?"

So you're saying all animals are going to start abandoning the cities?" Sam asked. He shook his head. "No not all of them, only the big zoo animals. Most of them will stay; the wolves, the deer, the wild dogs, the bears, the cattle, the horses, the raccoons, the cats, the mice. They'll all stay."

"Will they go and stay in those regions permanently?" Freddie asked. Yet again Brad shook his head "No just for the winter. In spring they'll return." Everyone sighed "Well at least we'll have a few months without lions or elephants roaming the streets right?" Gibby said optimistically and Brad nodded. Everyone looked a slightly more cheerful upon hearing this. Suddenly Carly shifted closer to Brad on the sofas and smiled warmly at him. He looked surprised and avoided her gaze still respectful of Spencer's decision. She shot Spencer a quick look.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Benson stood up "Well I have to go and clean the dishes. I'll keep an eye out and let you lot know if I see any more zoo animals." Everyone nodded "Thanks Mrs. Benson." Spencer said… Nodding she gave Freddie a quick hug "Be home in time for dinner and Scrabble." She said affectionately. He smirked "I will mom." She smiled before nodding at Sam and Gibby "That applies to you two as well. Be careful out there." Gibby nodded "Will do Mrs. B." He replied, saluting whilst Sam nodded "Yeah sure Mrs. Benson." Then she left.

Gibby stood up "I'm gonna go collect Guppy and take the dog out. See you guys later." They all nodded and their goofy friend exited. Sam and Freddie also stood up "Sam and I are going to go the park. See you Spencer. Bye Carly." "Bye Carls." The blonde haired teenager said to her best friend. She smiled and waved. Brad rocketed to his feet "I'll come too!" He announced. Sam and Freddie shot him puzzled looks whilst Carly looked hurt. Spencer simply sat and analyzed the situation.

"Dude you are you? Cause me and Freddie are going to be doing a lot of-""No its fine I'll come. Let's go!" Brad said, cutting her off before literally dragging the two teenagers out of the apartment and slamming the door shut behind him. Titan raised his head at the sudden noise before getting up. The labrador barked and walked over to Spencer who ruffled his fur affectionately. He then turned to his sister who looked upset by Brad's rebuffal and his quick attempt to avoid her. "Listen Carly I understand why Brad did what he did. She turned to him and blinked "Well then why did he do it?" She asked. "It's because he still thinks I want to keep you two apart. You need to get him to listen to you and then I'll explain myself."

She nodded and blinked away the tears as confidence took over "Alright. I'll find him. Thanks Spencer." He smirked "No problem Carly. Be careful ok? And I don't just mean about the predators. Guys can be easily freaked out." She nodded, smiling slightly at his joke." Alright I'll see you soon." With that, she exited the apartment. Spencer got up and went to prepare some lunch. His dog padded after him.

Outside, Carly walked down the street. She spotted several wild horses grazing in a meadow and a pair of dogs feasting on a dead stag. There was a mastiff and an American bulldog. The two dogs snarled at her as she quickly walked past. She reached the park and spotted Freddie and Sam sat on a bench entwined in a passionate embrace and lip locked. Brad had walked away from the pair and was standing under the shade of an oak tree looking upset and bored. She longed for his embrace and to comfort him. Suddenly her eyes widened with horror. Just behind, less than 7 metres away from her beloved boyfriend, several wolves were closing in.

The powerful canine predators were covered in grey fur with bushy tails. A stocky male wolf with powerful jaws full of sharp teeth let the pack. Lost in his thoughts, Brad wasn't paying attention and hadn't even noticed the dog-like animals.

She was just about to shout out a warning when out of the corner of her eye, she spotted movement. She turned and, to her horror, an alligator was trekking across the park towards her two closest friends. The reptilian creature was trying to reach the lake to use it as a new hunting spot but the bench on which her friend sat was directly between the alligator and its beloved watery habitat. When separated from the water, an alligator was just as deadly as a lion or a tiger.

The defensive alligator would lash out and using its metre long jaws, could easily kill either Sam or Freddie. The alligator's scaly tail could flick out as a defensive move. Unless she acted soon, the reptile would attack her friends but the hungry wolves were closing in on Brad.

She had a heartbreaking decision to make. One that would drive her off the edge. She had to choose between her best friends and her boyfriend…