Okay, there is a HUGE shock at the end of this chapter – I didn't mean for it to happen, but it did!
Once again, I do NOT own GONE or any of the characters. So here it is, Chapter 3!
"Come on L.P." Astrid whispered, tugging gently on her little brother's arm, guiding him. She looked at Diana. They followed Drake nervously, even L.P. seemed aware of the danger. Suddenly, Astrid felt a small handslip into hers, squeeze it tightly and then withdraw as quickly has it had arrived in her hand. Astrid looked down, shock etched onto her face. L.P. was as engrossed in his game as usual, you would honestly think that nothing had just passed between him and Astrid. She knelt down on the ground and put an arm out in front of her to stop L.P. He didn't react, in fact, if it was possible, he seemed to concentrate even more on his game. "L.P." Astrid whispered softly, hope building up inside her. Nothing. Astrid felt all the hope bubbling inside her go down like a deflated balloon. She started to stand up when the unexpected happened – L.P. LOOKED at her! She gasped once then gasped again when she saw recognition flash through his eyes. "Perhaps this is a sign that he's getting better," Astrid thought, suppressing a smile. "He's hungry," L.P. whispered. "Hungry in the dark."
L.P. started to scream. Astrid followed his gaze and saw Drake, his face contorted in pain, aiming his gun at...L.P. Astrid paled. "Drake, NO!" Astrid and Diana cried simultaneously. It was too late. Astrid tried to pull her brother out of the way, but she was frozen in fear. She closed her eyes and could only sit there, helpless, as her brother screamed. Then…silence. Astrid opened her eyes and saw the tiny body of L.P. lying motionless on the ground, his gameboy lying beside him. She sensed someone behind her. It was Diana. Diana extended her hand to the crying Astrid and helped her up. "Déjà vu or what?" Diana whispered softly, hugging Astrid. Astrid broke away and turned to face Drake. He was sitting on the ground, head in his hands. The gun was lying discarded in front of him. Astrid walked over to Drake and picked up the gun. She put the barrel of the gun to his forehead.
Drake looked up at Astrid. At first, he looked scared – almost like L.P. had before the gun had been fired – but the moment passed so quickly, Astrid wasn't even sure it had happened because he was back to his usual self: cocky and arrogant. "Go on then, Astrid. Pull the trigger." Drake said to her, grinning. Astrid glared at him. Diana watched from the sideline, a look of horror on her face. "Put the gun down Astrid! He's baiting you!" Diana's words fell on deaf ears. Drake looked at Astrid and smiled cruelly at her. "Kill me, like I killed your retarded brother." He said to her. Astrid flinched as though someone had slapped her. She dropped Drake's gun, and then stood there, just staring into space.
Drake snatched his gun and stood up. He grabbed the front of Astrid's blouse and dragged her closer to him. "If you threaten me again, I swear, gun or no gun, I WILL kill you. Understand?" he spat. Astrid nodded meekly, tears running down her face. "I said: UNDERSTAND?" he yelled, jerking her even closer to him. "Yes." Astrid whispered. Drake smiled and let her go. "Good. Now, let's go – I want to reach Coates before nightfall."
Diana laughed. "Why? You scared, Drake?" she asked.
"No," Drake snapped at her, sending a menacing glare at her. "But you should be. Let's go!" Smirking, Drake led them down the street and towards the hill that led to Coates Academy. Astrid took one last look at her brother's body before running to catch up with Drake and Diana, who were already far ahead. The body of Little Pete Ellison was left on the ground, blood still seeping from the bullet wound in his head. He was only 4, but he knew too much – that's why the Darkness forced Drake to shoot him.
See, I said there would be something shocking happening! I know Astrid and L.P. were kind of out of character, but never mind! Review please!