Chapter Four
Previously:
He couldn't breathe all he could focus on was the boy across the kitchen floor who was already dead and as the air grew impossibly thick Lee knew that may be his fate too...
Cameron had never considered Lee the heroic type, most of their lives he'd been slightly undisciplined and easily distracted by something or someone. That had always been his character. Cameron wouldn't say that his friend since childhood was lazy though even with his easy going feel to almost everything Lee was never one to sit around and let time pass him by. Lee had always been the leader of their little duo though, whenever Lee had come up with a new quick scheme to get money or figure out a way to do something they shouldn't have been it came from Lee. Cameron was just always the willing participant in the schemes, as the years went on more people joined his group but Cameron knew that in the end he and Lee would remain. He wouldn't get all sentimental and girly and say they were BFF's or anything but if anyone was going to be best friends forever he knew they stood a great chance in that. That was why when he'd seen his best friend storm into the burning building he'd not needed to think he'd gone straight in behind him because that was his friend and they always stuck together. Even when the world seemed to be falling out of the plan that it had always followed before.
"Cover your mouth and nose" Sienna had called out to Cameron, her attempt to warn off Lee had been null and void he couldn't help the smile at his friend as he brushed her off when his mind was set it took a hell of a lot to turn him away from it. Or Louise, Cameron thought and right now the one person who usually kept Lee from running in head first wasn't around just like the adults weren't around to prevent the fire in the first place.
Cameron had pulled up the neck of his shirt in a way to cover his mouth and nose but honestly doubted how much it would help as he entered into the thickly filled smoke fast food joint. He'd barely seen Lee right in front of him as he'd grabbed his friend to try and pull him back out before he got himself or the both of them killed. Lee wasn't about to be reasoned with or stopped though when he moved further into what they'd both know as McDonalds. When Lee had placed the body in Cameron's arms though he'd felt completely out of his depth now because he understood that it was truly inspiring that this side of his friend was coming through but this wasn't them, it wasn't supposed to be their job. In a normal world where everyone over the age of fourteen hadn't disappeared Lee would have made morbid jokes about the fire and Cameron would have laughed all while trying to protest the comment and disagree. He'd woken up this morning your typical teenager and in a matter of hours he'd turned into someone who hid food for emergencies and now was answering the calls of a fire like a fireman. Cameron didn't argue this time though even if he wanted to be who he had when he woke up this morning right now he needed to be responsible and mature. So he turned and ran back out following the movement of the thick toxic fumes that clouded around him until he was coughing and gasping for breath once he was out in the open.
"Come on lay her down" Cameron was shocked when he was shook as he'd stood there frozen while taking in greedy pulls of the fresh air, he placed the girl down on the ground as Sienna and the smaller girl beside her splashed bottled water over the girls face.
"Is she going to be okay?" Cameron asked then finally speaking feeling he was in control enough of his breathing he felt jittery and full of energy, he knew it was probably the adrenaline working in his system. Sienna looked up from her kneeled position over the girl and gave him a look that he would have guessed slightly condescending and it annoyed him as he turned back to the smoke "I should head back in" he said even though he had no idea why he needed to tell this girl that he barely even knew her but he'd realised quickly it had been her who had put Kale and some of the guys to the task of getting hoses as they now stood spraying the walls on either side of the McDonalds so that the fire wouldn't spread. It was an attempt at least to stop it from possibly spreading.
"I don't think that's such a good idea you're lucky you got in and out with her" Sienna said like there was even a chance that he would leave Lee inside there, he felt in his gut like he needed to go back in even if his mind was screaming at him that he shouldn't. That was Lee though, the guy he'd learnt to ride his bike with, who he'd smoked his first cigarette with who he'd shared his first stolen beer with from his dad's stash during the Christmas party when they were ten. There wasn't a bone in Cameron that could leave Lee behind when there was a chance he'd need Cameron's help so Sienna warning him away was pointless he doubted she'd understand that though.
"He's my best friend" Cameron said simply with a sheepish grin and shrugged his shoulders before turning and running straight into the thick black smoke to drag out his friend this time.
Cameron didn't call out to Lee knowing to do that would just be risking inhaling more smoke and he could tell from the acidic smell even with his shirt covering his nose that plastic was burning and a lot of it. So he wouldn't yell out to Lee because it would risk himself and he knew Lee would answer back so he thought he was doing them both a favour. The deeper he moved into the normally packed McDonalds the thicker the smoke grew and the harder it seemed to be to remember the set up of the tables. He'd been in the place more times than he could count on his hands but he couldn't for the life of him remember how the tables and counters were set up. He was just used to seeing masses of groups anywhere between four to sometimes large parties of teenagers crowded around small square tables or booths. There were no people though now to use to direct him, fortunately the overhead menu was still a light the smoke was clinging to the roof a lot worse further back and it gave an eerie appearance as he read off the prices and the special deal on the new McFlury. It was a thanksgiving one that had some sort of pumpkin pie flavouring added to it, he'd told himself he was going to try it but he doubted he'd be tasting it any time soon now. Cameron moved around the counter the opening already raised as he stepped down and entered around the employee area now.
It was when he rounded the corner into the main area of the kitchen that he felt the wave of heat, it reminded of when he'd been in Florida for spring break with his parents at universal studios. Cameron had been buckled in for the Return of the Mummy ride and when the flames ignited overhead you could feel the heat over your body even though you were safe. This was the real thing though now as the wave hit him full forces making him feel the damp sweat build on his forehead instantly, he hoped Lee was close because he truly didn't want to be up close with the fire. That long standing brotherhood though kept him moving forward, he rounded around the large flat grill tops when the flames that were hugging the walls and roofing following an odd pattern. Cameron had taken one look and knew it was an electrical fire, he'd seen something on a documentary once during the summers when he was bored and just laying around on the sofa watching nothing. Cameron stopped though when through the gap of the shelving he could see a boy standing in the corner close to the fire, Cameron rubbed at his raw eyes not believing the strange glow that seemed to shimmer around his fingers. The boys face was scared but his small hand was outstretched not directing at Cameron but someone else. It was Lee.
Cameron watched in panic as Lee seemed to be jerking, no not jerking his left arm was jolting around like he'd been struck by a taser, the sickening hiss as Lee braced himself against the metal top that was scorching hot from the fire. Cameron felt his throat close up he had no idea what was happening no understanding at all what to do either but he felt completely frozen in his spot watching from behind the safety of the shelving and counter. It was the look on Lee's face though, Cameron knew he'd never forget it he'd never seen his friends face like this before he'd always been happy go lucky go with the flow Lee. The look on Lee's face though was the strangest mixture of complete fear and yet it morphed slowly while he raised his other hand directing it towards the smaller boy into something daring, challenging. Cameron had seen his best friend high, upset, angry, joyful but he'd never seen him like this, like there was a part of him Cameron had never known existed inside of Lee.
"No don't" Lee yelled.
Then Cameron watched in fascination as a spark seemed to leap from the boys hand towards Lee, it was completely outshined though when a white light ripped across the room. Cameron had never seen anything like it before in his life, the white substance seemed to shoot from Lee's hand and arched across the space dripping as if it was a liquid. Cameron never took his eyes away from its path though as it slapped against the wall with a wet sound and then crackled and burned like a fire, it wasn't liquid fire and it wasn't acid but it was just as lethal as if it were. More lethal than anything he'd ever seen or even heard off. Lee hadn't even directly hit the boy but some of the white beam had dripped and sprayed down as it went overhead and then Cameron could watch no more. It worked like acid and fire too, melted it but also scorched and turned it black the boy was dead the second it had caught him Cameron knew that before it he had heard the thud. Cameron stood then not even moving everything had stopped to exist in that moment because suddenly a town full of adults disappearing wasn't all that disturbing when compared to the battle he'd just watched take place in a burning down McDonalds.
"Move ya ass outta the way Carmen" Kale shoved passed the hose spraying from the nozzle that he held tightly it seemed someone had finally been daring enough to face the fire "All this smoke and people are saying it's hard to breath" he laughed but it was muffled his shirt was off and drenched in water and wrapped around the bottom half of his face "you wanna see a smoke room y'all should see what I can do with a few joints and my basement" Cameron couldn't find it in him to laugh though as Kale moved around the corner stumbled across Lee's prone body on the floor gasping and panting for air, Cameron saw the odd look Kale gave him as if questioning why he wasn't helping his friend.
Cameron got back to his senses then as he moved to Lee leaning down to grab him by the arm and hissed pulling back his hand as he felt the electric shock when they touched. His eyes turning back to the boy across the open area of the kitchen, someone would have to deal with that a dead kid. Adults had been gone more than a couple of hours and a kid was already dead, Cameron couldn't even think of a positive to pull from today not even as his stoner buddy did more work then he'd ever done in his life to put out a fire he couldn't be proud. Cameron gripped hold of Lee then and used the wall to try and position him so Lee as slightly slumped into his side and pulled him out of the way. Kale continued hosing down the fire but they'd need more than one garden hose to put it out so Kale moved to Cameron and helped him with Lee dragging him out of there quickly. Neither Kale nor Cameron mentioned the dead boy in the corner of that kitchen once as they pulled Lee out, not even when a girl had sobbed and cried asking about her brother Kyle they'd only shared one look. Kale didn't know what Cameron knew though.
Kale didn't know that Lee had done something in there. That Kyle the boy had also done something in there, two unbelievable things the two boys were capable of but Lee had been the more deadly and dangerous of the two. He wouldn't argue that he'd seen the boy aim and harm Lee first, you could argue it had been self defence but no one would listen to that no one would believe that.
Cameron was left with Lee then as he dragged his body off to the side and let him down gently onto the curb sitting beside his best friend covering his welled up eyes. No one approached Lee or Cameron though a sense of dread hovering around them thick and palpable almost like the smoke that was still leaving the open doors of the McDonalds. Cameron was thankful when Kale and a few other males rushed back into the McDonalds now to claps and applause for being so brave to do what some adults wouldn't even dare do. Cameron could only look at his friend as he lay there unconscious remembering all the fun times they'd had while being kids, right now Cameron didn't feel like much of a kid anymore. Like that one moment had aged him decades. Cameron remembered learning to swim in the ocean with his dad and Lee, even remembered when Lee had called him after his and Louise first date, even more recently with his worries about his parents possible splitting up. They had always told each other everything no matter what it was.
Until now.
"When did you start keeping secrets from me man" Cameron wiped the lone tear off his cheek because it was suddenly all too much to try and be the big tough guy that didn't cry. He'd just seen his best friend do something he didn't think him capable of. Cameron had just witnessed someone's murder.
**~~**ABSENT**~~**
Kale felt worshipped. Well it wasn't just him it seemed that he and his little band of fire fighter's were basking in the glow of praise and endearment of the other's around the plaza. Stoner Kale had become Fire fighter Kale. He felt like running around and yelling insults at people though because he didn't like it, were these kids idiots did they not see that it had been Cameron and Lee who had ran into that building not caring about themselves. Even now as Kale nonchalantly forced smiles and thanks to those who actually came forward to say anything he couldn't wrap his head around why he'd agreed to do what that mousy girl had said. He'd had retorts a miles long to snidely reply to her when she'd asked him but it been like his mouth had cut off his brain and answered in a way he'd have never done so usually. There he'd been then with his usual bored and sarcastic attitude trying to stop a fire spreading, other's helped because...well it was pretty simple if Kale Mason could be bothered to help then there was no excuse for anyone else. The McDonalds continued to smoke though even though now the fire was out, not much truly bothered Kale seeing Lee on the ground in his own vomit with burns and black soot clinging to him had though. Kale respected Lee he was the only person in the school who had balls enough to do what he wanted not matter who judged him. If he wanted to go to school in a ballerina leotard he'd do it and anyone that said anything about it didn't matter, that was cool by his books. Lee was also one of the few people that gave back just as hard when Kale insulted or mocked them.
Kale coughed roughly hocked back phlegm and then spat it to the ground wiping his lips he could still taste the smoke "Attractive" Kale heard said sarcastically as he looked to Sienna standing with her arms crossed unsure over her chest
"Well you know what they say some of us are just naturally blessed" Kale smirked then reaching into his pocket for his pack of cigarettes then stopping he'd probably inhaled more than enough smoke for the day and patted his pant pocket leaving them there.
"I told the boys sister" Sienna said with the both exchanging a grim look between each other, Sienna had rushed to Kale as him and the other's had gone to carry the boy out. In reality he'd been thankful she'd stopped him because no one wanted to see a badly burnt kid, especially not the sister who had been in hysterics since she realised her brother was nowhere to be found. Kale had found out the kid had been called Kyle, all he knew was that his face was badly burnt in a horrible sickening way that he would very much be okay with never having to think about for the rest of his life. "Don't you think it was weird?" Sienna asked then pulling back Kale's attention to her
"What was weird? Going to be honest Perdido seems to have weird slapped right on the welcoming sign along with Fallout Alley" Kale scrubbed his hand over his face sighing then fixed his eyes back onto Sienna as she seemed to be struggling with something that was on her mind, he doubted he'd honestly care what it was.
"The boy" Sienna said Kale raising his hand to stop her "No listen. I know it's gross and it's messed up but I need to say something because it's" she waved her hand around her head frantically and Kale laughed shaking his head at her, surely there was someone more suited for this poor chick to listen to her maybe Cameron he thought "The boy Kyle. He was burnt we know that but... it wasn't normal" she whispered moving to sit beside Kale but ensuring to keep a distance, he knew she didn't like him tolerated him maybe because he'd listened when it been important "Skin doesn't melt like that when burnt. You could see his cheekbone and even that wasn't normal it..." she took a deep breath and looked physically sick as she tried to get it all out, maybe she was coping like Kale was but where he'd rather just brush it aside bury it deep with the other bad memories she seemed to want to blurt it out get it out of her somehow.
"What are you trying to say? I'm not expecting on burn victims or even fires unless it's my lighter I can do some nifty little tricks with a lighter. Even blow smoke rings when I'm smoking up" he continued he wasn't that guy or type of person even to look deeper into things he took things at face value, he wasn't asking why the adults were gone he accepted that for right now they were and he'd deal just like everyone else would have too. Moaning and crying about it wasn't going to change anything, he knew that from experience.
"What I'm trying to say is that I don't think the fire was what killed that little boy" Sienna said firmly then her eyes casting over to where Cameron sat still shaken from what had happened Lee still out cold beside him, no one would be rushing the two for what had happened inside. The way Sienna was looking at Cameron though was accusing and it wasn't just Cameron it was Lee too she seemed to be giving him this vibe like she was in for them. "Something happened in there. I want to know what happened once the smoke clears I'll look around the kitchen area see how the fire started. I don't think he died from the fire which means he died by something else" Sienna finally turned her gaze back to Kale but he was already on his feet and moving away from her as she hopped back up to try and keep up with him.
"Okay listen here copper-top" Kale span back around to face Sienna sneering almost as he moved closed enough to whisper "I see the way you're looking at my boys over there but your wrong. They went in there to help and you're going to start some witch hunt because your little head can't figure out why the kid's face burned off. You ain't no doctor you're a dumb ass kid like all of us" Kale growled snapping his teeth audibly "You go after them all accusing but they stepped up where were you sweetheart while I was collecting equipment with the guys and Cameron and Lee were running into a burning building to save lives. Oh yeah right you stood around doing nothing but try and dictate orders" Kale then stepped back then looking over Sienna's shocked face and stormed off pulling the cigarette pack from his pocket and placing one between his lips.
"Wait Kale" Sienna growled behind him in evident frustration as she moved quickly to be in front of him walking backwards as she tried to keep him where he was "I get it those two are your weed buddies or whatever"
"Lee is my weed buddy Cameron isn't as into the bong hitting" Kale interrupted her as he blew out smoke not caring if it went in her face as she waved it away.
"Just stop jackass" Sienna then stopped her foot pushing at his chest then but Kale stopped at her words as she demanded "One of the kids they said something about Kyle said he was doing something. He said that Kyle had sparks shooting out of his hands that's... I don't even know what that's supposed to mean. It does though Kale I can feel it something happened in there that wasn't just some run of the mill fire" Kale listened to her though because a memory of a flash of light in the dark had happened while he'd been trying to guide his way through the smoke in the McDonalds he'd brushed it aside thinking it must have been a burst of flame but what else could it have possibly been.
"So some kid is hallucinating because of the smoke and suddenly you think this kid could start a fire with his hands" Kale shook his head skeptical "you been smoking my stuff Sienna because I'm telling you right now copper-top your tripping big time" Kale laughed flicking the ash off his cigarette folding it between his fingers as she looked at him angrily
"Believe what you have too but I think Cameron is acting weird" This time Kale cut her off with a scoff and stepped away from her.
"He just saw a dead body and found his best friend passed out on the ground is how is he supposed to be acting? The adults are gone for no damn reason no one has showed up and then kids are playing firemen and seeing dead bodies. Excuse me for people acting a little off" Kale sighed ran his hand through his hair and took another lengthy inhale blowing out the smoke through his nostrils "I thought you were supposed to be one of these smarts girls" Kale could see that the girl was getting upset maybe not with what he was saying but just in general and he got that, kids were upset all over the plaza right now everything was all over the place.
"I just wanted some answers" she huffed out crossing her arms over her chest with a pitiful pout on her pink lips which Kale noticed and actually found rather attractive he wasn't sure about all of her but her shiny lips looked more than inviting.
"Ever think that sometimes there isn't an answer to everything?" Kale waved his arms around to the kids that had taken up the space within the plaza hanging out amongst friends "Just relax okay we're all in the same boat and I don't think any of us are getting any answers soon" Kale then uncharacteristically reached out and gave her shoulder a squeeze "How about we go get a drink from the grocery store. It's on me" Kale winked and turned her round and pushed her slightly in the direction
"There's no one to make you pay" Sienna pointed out with a slight nervous giggle.
"Exactly. See your learning" Kale mocked playfully as the two moved towards the grocery store that had kids coming and going from with food and drink in their hands.
**~~**ABSENT**~~**
Lee felt like a heavy weight was resting on his chest while he was immersed in darkness that dreaded feeling as if he couldn't breathe he'd heard one of the worst ways to die was by drowning. Was drowning on smoke any less terrible then drowning in water though really, it certainly felt traumatic but then everything since he'd entered that kitchen had been horrible. Even now while he was still encased in some sort of restless unconsciousness his mind replied the haunting moment he'd seen the boys face. That would haunt him forever, when the adults showed up would they investigate into it of course they would but was there any scientist or law enforcement officer that could at all even consider the idea of what had really happened. He knew he wasn't dead now though. That seemed the only thing he was certain of as the weight seemed to lessen on him but the ache remained over his chest and throat like he'd spent a night drinking and smoking. How he wished that was what this was one messed up hangover dream that when he opened his eyes his mom would be standing over him holding a glass of water and some painkillers with that same old disapproving look every parent mastered for when their kids became teenagers. So he forced his eyes open and found that he wasn't looking up at the ceiling, no above him seemed to be the sky dark blue in colour with the scattering of stars overhead. His eyes stung and even as he blinked to somehow stop the irritation it didn't seem to help at all they were raw and tender no doubt from the smoke, at least he was alive. It echoed in his mind he was lucky to be alive he'd passed out that much was obvious inhaled too much smoke probably or maybe the boy his power the shocking maybe had been too much. Or maybe it was just down to being too much, he passed out because his mind couldn't handle any more it was done, it needed a break from the world that Lee was living in now.
"Here drink this" A water bottle was held over him as he hissed and pushed himself up the sting was worst around his arm and he winced shifting as he tried to take in his surroundings seeing Cameron sitting beside him holding the water "poor a little on your eyes it's what I did just need to get used to it" Cameron's voice was rougher than usual he noted but something was off about his friend the way he was avoiding looking at him directly.
"Thanks" Lee rasped out taking the water from Cameron's hand and took the cap off guzzling some of the water down then coughing harshly after it cleared out the initial dryness but it wasn't great "So I made it out?" Lee asked unsure as he leant his head forward between his legs and poured the water over his face forcing himself to keep his eyes open as the cold water made contact.
"Yeah just you were passed out. Kale helped" Cameron explained as the too stared ahead the street lights were on now casting light over the plaza now some of the kids had gone it appeared but more were still around with lawn chairs, even a few bean bags it was strange and yet comforting that they'd stuck together like this "Smoke didn't both Kale but then again he smokes so much he probably found breathing in there easier than he does out here" Cameron laughed then it was strained but Lee turned to him and grinned seeing his friend back in that comment.
"What happened?" Lee finally asked turning his arm over then and seeing the red and blistered skin, it was odd the way the second his eyes fixed on the large swells that he instantly began to sting he used the last of the water pouring it over the burn on the back of his arm and lightly brushed his fingers over it closing his eyes and hissing through the pain.
"Kale found you on the ground he was trying to use the garden hose to put out the fire but it wasn't doing much on his own. The both of us carried you out here, Kyle he died" Cameron said and then that name it sat on Lee's shoulders like someone had physically put a boulder on his shoulders to carry because he would he would carry Kyle on him guilt ridden with what had happened. His ultimate secret and act of evil. Even if he hadn't meant to harm him even if he'd told the boy not to he'd fired back, he'd aimed and fired and he'd won. It was a hollow victory though because that hadn't been the point of him entering, he'd proven he wasn't the only one but with that answer there was then more question that needed answers.
Was there anyone else out there?
What else could they do?
Was someone more deadly and lethal then he had been?
Should he tell anyone?
Would they believe it was an accident that he hadn't meant too?
Kids without adults was bad enough but kids who could shoot things out of their hands more dangerous than guns that was insane, it was something Lee didn't want a part in "a few of us older kids we told everyone to just stick together. Either go to their homes or stay in the plaza but not to be alone. The older kids with younger siblings are all helping take care of the littler children in the day care for now until we get a system" Cameron said he'd not been unaware of how he hadn't said "until the adults show up" it was responsible though to do it that way because it was clearly evening and no one had come, other's would know by now and the fact that no one had shown made Lee doubted anyone would be coming at all.
"What's happening with Kyle?" Lee had to ask even though he struggled around his name, he couldn't imagine them just leaving his body in that kitchen it seemed so wrong.
"His sister Beth she wanted to bury him. Sienna said we shouldn't decide that yet in case ya'know. Beth wanted to bury him in the plaza it's near the church..." he paused unsure what else to say Lee nodded though Beth should be allowed to bury her little brother wherever she wanted that wasn't Sienna's decision.
"I'll help her tomorrow. We'll bury him here" Lee whispered his mind made up, he'd show his respects to Kyle he'd do this for him out of duty and shame that it had been his hand to end his life "You make sure Beth knows that I'll help that tomorrow we can do a service for Kyle" Lee croaked out and covered his face with his hands his shoulders shaking slightly as he tried to stop himself it all becoming too overwhelming "oh god man he was just a kid" Lee felt comforted when Cameron reached out and wrapped his arm around his shoulders while Lee tried to find some control of it all he didn't deserve to shed tears.
"It's okay man we'll both help Beth anything she wants for him. It's okay Lee I understand" Lee turned to look at Cameron and felt like he was trying to tell him something but how could Cameron understand at all the guilt and shame that was ruining his control. No one in this plaza could know the guilt of taking a life, no one would know the shame of lying so that they'd never look at you differently because Lee knew that everyone would hate him if they knew. "Come on we've got some work to do" Cameron stood up pulling at Lee's arm as the two stood looking around Lee's gaze avoiding the plaza completely "I need to get our stash up to Clifftop remember, man you should see how careless people are being with the food in the stores around here it's just stupid and well" Cameron blew out a breathe "I'll just say it if adults don't show we'll need the food okay and if we aren't smart with it now it'll run out" Lee nodded understanding, it may not be a worry for them for a long time considering all the houses full of food too but it was a valid concern to have. Clifftop was also somewhere that was mainly for adults the Clifftop resort was like a hotel country club and the both of them had decided there were few kids that would even bother heading up there.
"No it's cool we'll do it now might as well do something to keep my head occupied on something productive" Lee nodded and the two walked then through the town plaza Lee wasn't oblivious to the stares and pointed glances from people as they whispered about Cameron and him as they exited the plaza. They walked towards Cameron's father's shop some of the houses were all alight with some kids in, Lee assumed they'd gone home with friends probably. More houses remained with the lights off though then on which looked odd for this time of the night, usually all of the houses were bright with light it made Perdido a lot darker than usual he was thankful for the street lights over head.
Just a little ahead Lee noticed that two figures stood with some sort of cart in front of them he could just about make out the orange hair of that girl who had been outside the McDonald's earlier. As Lee and Cameron got closer he could make out that there was another person hunched over the cart the back of the person rising quickly, as if panting. The other person beside Sienna was Kale which was a surprise Kale wasn't one to go for company especially company like the girl Sienna but then maybe Lee didn't know Kale as well as he thought they were friends but not really that close to know each other's type. It was when the figure turned up to look at Sienna and Kale that he knew who it was, Riley Kramer she was a mess he'd not skirt around it. She looked like she'd ran a marathon through mud covered in sweat and dirt her face was even covered in a dark burgundy sheen that he knew was dried blood. Lee knew Riley for only one reason, she was hot. Lee wasn't talking just hot though the girl was scorching and he'd considered trying his luck many times when he and Louise were on breaks. She was a dancer all slender and curvy in the perfect way she had a better body then some girls three years older than her, there was one thing that everyone knew about Riley also though. She was high society, in other words people like Lee weren't even on the girls radar. She came from money and girls like Riley Kramer didn't even acknowledge guys like Kale, Lee and Cameron so they'd never even bothered just made the usual blunt and crude comments about what they wished they could do to her while keeping to girls from their own circle. It was all very high school but what did anyone expect they were high schoolers.
"What the hell do you mean I can't go into the plaza" riley sneered at Kale and Sienna like a wild animal and with the state of her appearance he wouldn't have put it past her in that moment to bite them in her rage. Lee could see now that in the cart was the guy that Riley was seen hanging out with sometimes, rumored to be her boyfriend but he was her dance partner from what Riley's friends had said. Riley was professional didn't mix business with pleasure, typical Riley.
"If the kids see him they'll freak out and I honestly don't think right now is the time for causing more panic then we already have" Sienna said back evenly Lee had to hand it to her the girl didn't even flinch under the scrutinizing glare of Riley.
"I pushed him here all the way from the highway" Riley shrieked looking a little mentally unstable in that moment "He needs help. We need help there was a crash and the adults they..." Riley moved her dirty hands from the edge of the cart and sobbed loudly wiping at her eyes, she looked like she'd gone through hell the normally perfectly put together doctors daughter was a complete mess. Lee found no pleasure in that though.
"Just let her push him on through" Lee said then making his and Cameron's presence known "you're not in charge and it's obvious she's hurt the guy too. Either move out the way or help her push the damn thing but don't stand around dictating orders...again" Lee said then firmly shaking his head not agreeing with this, turning away scared and hurt kids that wasn't how things were supposed to be.
"Dude you don't get it you know what'll happen if anyone sees him this way" Lee took another look this time and peered into the cart the towels were pushed aside and Lee visibly paled and the disturbing sight of the guys legs and then up to Riley sympathetically.
"The church it has a medical area we can enter in through the side and there should be at least a first aid kit" Cameron said but refused to move closer as Lee looked from him to the guy, a first aid kit would do him no help now.
"That's right it would be better but..." Sienna looked between them all then shaking her head and straightening her posture "maybe it's cruel to say but I'm sorry there isn't anyone around that can help him. I don't even know if a doctor would be able to work with him now, you know that better than any of us no doubt" Sienna nodded her head at Riley as she continued to cry silently but looked a little more hopeful to not be sent away.
"Here move out the way you've done enough" Lee said as Cameron and he moved around the cart to where Riley was, she covered the males legs with the towels in the car and then Cameron and Lee pushed the cart forward as Riley walked alongside them Sienna and Kale walking ahead towards the church.
"Thank you" Riley whispered to Lee as she wiped her runny nose with the sleeve of her shirt, if Louise had seen this she'd have never worried about Lee's wondering eye ever again. Lee didn't reply though because what was one good deed when he'd committed one of the most awful of sins, he wasn't about to tell Riley either that he doubted her friend lasted long without actual medical care either. The day hadn't even ended and Lee was already making a total in his head of how many lives had been claimed to this anomaly, he couldn't even guess but he knew one thing with a dread sureness. The numbers of those lost would only keep rising while there was no one to save them.
Here's another chapter I managed to get some time in to write. I'm really enjoying writing this which makes it easy to put aside a little time in my day to work on a chapter for you guys who are reading. Just like to thank all of you that are still following the story and those who are also reviewing and PMing me about what they think. Like always I'd like to thank the special few that have offered up characters for me to use at my disposal in this story MyCrazyBeautifulLife, The Lady Cloudy, ShadowDude90, Stalking dream and DeathAngel80. Hope you'll all let me know what you think and if there is anything I should improve on or maybe something you'd all like to see in the future chapters. Still looking for character's I'm afraid and it may become harder to continue writing if I don't get some more to work with, so all of you let me know what you like or maybe even predictions on where you think I'm taking it. I'm interested in all of your thoughts.