Hey, everyone. I'm so sorry this is so late. I had a lot of stuff going on and I don't have much time. As usual to all my reviewers thank you for the support and I'm so glad you help me! i listen to everything you say. You wanted action, so here it is. I hope you guys stuck with me! Also to those of you who are my new followers/reviewers/readers. Thank you!

Chapter Seven

I adjusted my sitting position on the floor. My knees were beginning to ache from the crouching and I was getting annoyed with all the people around me. They were bunched up against the walls, sweating, and complaining under their breath. I could hear and smell everything and t was beginning to give me a headache.

"How much longer is this lock down gonna last?" someone asked.

The teacher frowned, shrugging. "This isn't a drill. Please, hush."

I'd had a bad feeling all day and something about this lock down had me wondering. I couldn't hear anything or see anything outside the closed windows or doors, even with my advanced senses. Something was wrong, I just couldn't figure out what.

Chloe was in the corner, clutching her camera to her chest, Simon was sitting casually with Liz, smiling at each other, and Victoria –or Tori as she liked to be called- was glaring at Simon, jealousy showing in her eyes. I was next to Simon, studying the exits, and making sure there was a way out. Everyone was tense and frustrated, tired of being locked up for an hour and a half without even knowing why. I had a good idea of what the reason might be.

I was just leaning over to tell Simon my theory when it sounded. The fire alarm began to blare, the deafening siren piercing my ears. Cringing, I stood up automatically, wondering momentarily what to do.

The teacher stood as well, motioning for the kids to rise up. "Hold on." He went over to the door, opening it, and peering into the hallway. Though the other kids in the room were not able to, I heard him utter, "Oh, my God." With that, he turned, "Hurry, everyone. You know what to do. Quickly and smoothly."

Everyone filed out, but I fell back in line with Simon, Tori, Liz, and Chloe. When we began to enter the hall, we were met with a thick veil of smoke and the spinning lights of the fire alarm. Chloe was first in line, so it was her that was met with the slamming door. The door to the classroom slammed shut, trapping us in and coming a mere inch from hitting her face.

"Eep!" she squealed, latching on to the person closest to her, which happened to be me.

I looked down at her, unsure as to what to do.

Looking up, she met my eyes for a moment before blushing and letting go, moving back.

"What do we do?" Tori asked, reaching for Simons hand.

Simon frowned, pulling his hand free. "Are we locked in?"

I reached for the doorknob, but yanked my hand back quickly, grunting. "It's hot."

"What do you mean, 'it's hot'?" Tori snapped, moving to touch the knob herself. When her fingertips brushed against it, she cried out.

"I'll break it down." I said, backing up to give myself room. I was planning on throwing myself against it, shoulder first, but was interrupted by Simon.

"Hold on. I've got a better idea." he said.

All eyes landed on him, but he was only looking at Liz. He moved close, cupping her hands in his. "Okay, do you trust me?"

"No." she replied.

He grinned. "That's too bad. I still have to ask you this; can you open it with your mind?"

She looked offended. "What are you talking about?"

For a moment I didn't know what he was talking about either until it hit me. She was a telepathic. I recalled Simon telling me about her pen accident. She could control things with her mind, and, using that ability, she should be able to turn the knob, and swing the door open

"I know you can move stuff without touching it. Please try?" he asked, his voice calm despite the situation.

"This is crazy." Mumbled Tori. "I'm gonna die because of a bunch of crazy people. Thanks Liz."

"You can do it." Simon murmured.

"I can't. I can't do it. I can barely make a pen move." she muttered, looking at the floor.

"I know you can do it. I believe you can." Simon countered.

As Simon continued to try to coax her, I looked around the room for an alternative way out. We were on the second floor, so it was too far to jump for the others. Though I could make it, I'd have no way of coming back in to save them, if the drop itself didn't draw attention from people outside. If Liz didn't get herself together anytime soon, I would have to step in. Turning, I faced the group, getting anxious, and feeling hot. I wasn't sure whether it was because of the fire outside the room or my usual moments of unbearable sweat.

"Okay, I'll try." Liz stated, stepping shyly towards the door. The room was beginning to fill with smoke and the deep breath she took caused her to cough. Simon squeezed her hand tightly before stepping back to give her room.

I'm not completely clear on what happened the next few moments, but it happened something like this: Liz concentrated hard, her cheeks turning red, vein popping out slightly in her neck, sweat breaking out on her skin, and I could hear her heart beat speeding up. To my amazement, the doorknob turned and the door swung open, letting in a cloud of smoke. Liz smiled, letting out a pained laugh.

"Oh, Liz! That's-" Simon began. He had no time to finish before Liz collapsed falling towards the floor. To more of my surprise, Simon lunged forward, catching her before her head could hit the ground.

Moving forward, I knelt down, scooping her up in my arms, and standing back up. "Let's go." I ordered.

"Ugh, I can't believe you're touching her. Just...gross." Tori mumbled.

Ignoring Tori, everyone filed out, keeping low under the smoke.

It was hard to see. The smoke stung my eyes, the sirens killed my ears, the scents of burning wax, wood, mold, metals, and everything else on fire were nauseating me. My head was beginning to spin and I could barely walk down the stairs.

Even through the deafening siren, I heard the shrill laugh and nasally voice, "Wow, I didn't think you mutts would make it out of that room. Gotta say it's a nice surprise. Now we get to have a little fun."

Instantly, I searched for the threat, scanned everyone, looked for exits, planned a strategy. I could see a figure in the smoke, a feminine silhouette that was approaching.

"Who is th-th-that?" Chloe asked, stuttering.

Anger flared up within me as I thought about all the people I had to protect. I couldn't let them get hurt.

I know, I know. I hate me too. It's a big cliff hanger, but if I don't post something now, It'll be another month or so. This will motivate me! PLEASE REVIEW!