Tomorrows children

INTRODUCTION
The story is set in 2013 in the UK after freak weather storms have ravaged the earth causing wanton destruction and the near end of human existence. Only a few hundred people remain in the UK. This weather phenomenon caused by global warming, brings five children together. It centres on the friendship of these five unlikely friends and the discovery of an alien spacecraft brought down by the storm. What they find on board the spacecraft and the importance of these five roles in the fate of humanity is still to be determined. Only these five children stand in the way of human extinction (they just don`t know it yet)…...
 
CHAPTER ONE
TWOS COMPANY

The year is 2013.  The world has  almost been destroyed by atmospheric storms caused by global warming. 
Hi, my name is Sam. I am fourteen years old. The day starts out like any normal typical day. I get up and eat breakfast then get ready for school.
The school bus arrives promptly at 8.30am.
 I give my mum a kiss followed by a bear hug and say goodbye.
 I get on the bus and walk all the way to the back being pushed, shoved (children can be so cruel) until i find my seat right at the very back where i always sit.
 You can tell i am a bit of a loner because  i do not have many friends.
 You see I find it better to keep myself to myself which in turn makes my life better because I have none one else to please other than my mum and teacher and various other teachers. Oh I think you know were I’m coming from don’t you? If you don’t tuff.
 Look being a loner is fine I really don’t mind my own company but it does have its drawbacks as well, namely bullies because I may as well walk around with a target on my back. Boy do I stick out like a sore thumb. 
The bus arrives at school and everybody departs.
 It`s like a buffalo stampede as everyone rushes to the front trying to get off the bus.
 I have never seen so many kids eager to get into school.
 In the frenzied rush, a girl is knocked over, lands on the floor, and is almost trampled.
“Can I help you?” I say putting my hand out to help her.
 “Thank you” she says as she graciously takes my hand.
 I pull her to her feet.
“My name is Jenny but my friends call me Jenna.”
She is a small girl with long blond hair, blue eyes and wears ridiculously big glasses, she is in the same class as me but i have never really noticed her.
“Hi, i’m Sam, pleased to meet you” i reply.
“I’ve noticed you always sit on your own. Tell you what you can sit with me on the way home if you like,” she says.”
“Yeah… maybe, i will let you know later” I reply.
”Well, don`t do me any favours, I’m trying to be nice” she replies.
God, why are girls are so touchy? i think to myself.
I eventually arrive at my first class, its maths, i hate maths it is my worst subject.
As i enter the classroom, I’m greeted with “late again are we Sam?”
It’s Mr Hardy the maths teacher.
 “Sorry sir” i reply.
 “Sit down Sam! And for future reference school starts at 9am sharp and not at 9.05am; do i make myself clear?”
“Yeah, I suppose so” I reply smugly.
“Do you think i really want to be here teaching snivelling kids? I could be at home doing the repairs from the last storm?” he continues
“Can you all get out you text books and turn to page thirty three?” He continues further.
I get my book out and turn to page thirty-three.
I look down at the pages thinking, “Oh my god this just does not make any sense. I am not thick but maths really stresses me out.
I hear the screech of the blackboard and glance up from my book to see Mr Hardy scribbling away on the blackboard. “Who knows what this equation means?” he yells
I glance around the class and everybody `s hands are up apart from mine. I know what’s coming next and quietly pray that he doesn’t choose me because frankly I haven’t got a clue. 
 Sam! What about you? Do you know the answer?” Mr Hardy says as my nightmare becomes a reality.
 I pause. My minds awash with empty thoughts, so i just stare with a vacant expression.
“Come on Sam! It’s not that hard. This is basic maths and we have been over this time and time again” he bellows.
 “I’m thinking sir” I reply.
 “Oh, I get it. Class, seems we have a smart arse in our midst” he says launching a piece of chalk my way.
I watch as if in slow motion as the chalk flies through the air and quickly evade its grasp by ducking to the right and it whizzes past my ear which makes the class break out into hysterics. 
Quiet! “Class” Mr Hardy bellows.
 Suddenly! as if my magic everything goes quiet. You could have heard a pin drop and even the birds seemed to stop chirping.
All of a sudden, the siren starts to wail and breaks the deathly silence.
Ok kids! you know what to do, quickly children to your places” he bellows.
 You see every day at 10am the storm returns. It’s something to do with the earth’s rotation if i remember rightly.
 Ok! “Quite children I’m going to lower the shields. Now after three heave. 1, 2, 3, heave” Mr Hardy says.
We all get to our positions and lower the shields down into position.
 The shields mainly consist of thick sheets of steel which are attached to a pulley system and when lowered they provide adequate protection from the elements outside.
“Nearly there” Mr Hardy says as the chains rasp away in unison.
Bang!  The shields come down and grind to a halt. The  almighty bang startles me and makes me jump. I don`t not know why it did because i should be used to it by now.
Ok! “Very good children. Wonderful job, the shields are down so could you all retake your seats children?” Mr Hardy says.
 I sit down. I look around the room and everyone else takes theirs too. I listen as the wind batters the building from the outside as the storm reaches it’s peak.
 Bang! Bang! Follows as debris batters the shields. The wind howls and whistles its ghostly song  as it searches for any small crevice to get inside.
 Suddenly! the static from the radio breaks my concentration and the next thing i hear is the loud speaker. “The storm today is more severe than normal winds are measuring at over 320mph” a voice says over the intercom.
 My eyes snap to Mr Hardy for reassurance but he looks more worried than i am.
Eventually Mr Hardy composes himself and carries on his interrogation of me. “Come on Sam! you have had time to think.  Now what’s the answer?” He bellows
 I open my mouth to speak. Bang! My eyes shoot to the ceiling. My eyes widen to the size of a dinner plate as the roof is ripped from its seams by the ferocious winds.
Instinct takes over and before my brain has had the chance to process what’s going on around me I find my arms above my head in a defensive manner.
 Bits of debris start to fall and everybody puts their hands over their heads. It’s  as if the whole class is partaking in a game of Simon says. However, this is no game.
 My eyes begin to water as i roll my eyes skywards and squint as debris swirls around the room; it’s the dust that’s making them water.
I gasp loudly and through the tears i witness a swirling vortex of pure destruction.
Cars with people trapped still fastened in with their seatbelts are screaming for help.
Bits of houses shattered  to pieces by the ferocious winds spin in an endless cyclone.  
Moooo! Even a cow spins uncontrollably kicking his legs in a desperate bid to escape its fate and  moo’s as if to say “help me” is swirling around in there too.
Hailstones follow and now pelt down like little frozen meteorites.
Oh! And just to give you a sizable image when i say hailstone i mean the size of golf balls and are coming down with such ferocity that on impact are shattering things around me.
“Quickly children, get under your tables,” Mr Hardy bellows.
I dive under my table seeking shelter from the onslaught of hail and sit shaking as the hail batters the table above me and shatters everything it`s path.
It’s like a scene from a film i once watched were a gunman opens fire spraying bullets every were shattering objects just as the hail is doing.
I sit here shaking and await my fate.
All of a sudden, someone catches my eye. It’s Carlos. He edges out from under his table as if he is contemplating making a break for the open door.
Then it happens! My Adams apple rolls in my throat as I watch with horror as he makes a break for the door.
Carlos! Nooooooo…. I told you to stay under your desk,” Mr Hardy bellows
But it`s too late a piece of hail hits him on the head and knocks him unconscious and he now lays helpless on the cold tiled floor.
Tears flow down my cheeks as I relive the moment I saw the mist of red as the hail struck him.
I sit staring out across at his unconscious body and will him to get up and continue to run to safety but it’s no use and no matter how hard I willed him to move he doesn’t and the hail shows no mercy as it pummels his body.
 Everybody starts screaming as they look on in horror as Carlos’s tiny body is torn to shreds.
The hail dies down and just a few pieces still fall leaving Carlos’s blood stained body.
 He looks  as if he has been sprayed with machine gun fire and large icy shards which have broken his skin have embedded themselves in his body. 
Oh my god! “Doesn’t anybody listen to me?” Mr Hardy shouts in frustration.
Listen up children!  “Everybody stay under your bloody desks now. Listen for Christ sakes unless you want to meet the same fate as Carlos?” he continues.
 I sit here hoping and praying that i would not be next. I do not want to die like that. No, no, way.
I glance across at Mr Hardy who is now cowering under his desk and is rocking backwards and forwards, muttering something like. “How am i going to explain this to his parents?” 
Suddenly! my jaw drops as Mr Hardy and his desk are ripped from the room and he’s dragged up into the swirling twister. 
One minute he was there the next gone. It happened so fast and there was nothing he could have done to prevent his demise and if I had to describe what I saw. Well imagine sitting at the amusement park in one of those big plastic balls that fire you skywards at high velocity and that will give you some idea. All I heard was a scream and by the time my eyes had followed him up it was over and I watched in horror, as his body was torn limb from limb. It was as if he had been put through a human grinder. 
I will never forget the look on his face. he must have been terrified. 
I look around the room and see terrified faces in every direction.
 Piercing screams fill the air begging for help as they cling to their desks, but no help is coming.
I close my eyes tight and wish with all my might for the storm to pass but no matter how hard I wish it remains and grows more and more deadly by the second.
Suddenly! a child is ripped from its desk followed by another and another. I place my hands over my ears to block out the piercing screams as they are lifted to their deaths but no matter how hard I press against them I can still hear them; not even the sound of the ravaging winds drown them out and if anything amplifies them in a ghostly song.
I look over to the adjacent desk and throw martin a reassuring smile. He smiles back but only for a brief second because as I look on his face turns that of fear as he is lifted still clinging to his desk. It was over in a matter of seconds.
Suddenly the wind changes direction and heads towards my safe haven. I glance to my left to see 
Jenna,  she’s crying holding onto her desk.
I beckon to her to come to me.
“Quickly, Jenna come under here with me” I say.
At first she hesitates however a moment later she plucks the courage up and  makes her move and starts to crawl towards me as hail falls in abundance all around her and explodes on impact like miniature ice bombs.
 My eyes lock with her terrified face which is now void from colour as she continues to crawl towards me.
Suddenly I hear an almighty SWOOOOSH!  And the table she was under before is pulled into the air.
Jenna stops in her tracks and looks back at the empty space behind her.
“Crawl Jenna! Crawl” I scream in the hope I can shake her from her shocked state.
Her head lifts as she hears my calls and our eyes meet. I hold my hands out to her and cringe as a piece of hail hits the back of my hand and instantly withdraw them. The pain is excruciating and I blow my hand seeking comfort from my warm breath.
Suddenly! a huge hail hits the floor besides Jenna and sends her scuttling along the floor faster than ever. She is literally within my reach in seconds. I reach out once again but this time I grab hold of her arms and with a quick jolt I pull her into my safe haven.  
You’re probably thinking wow he’ strong but you’d be wrong. Hmm, I’d say I’m nicely rounded if I had to describe myself. Hey! I can’t help it if I like my food now can I?
We both lay cowering under the table terrified and await  our fate. 
Suddenly! Bang! there`s an almighty crash behind us as a car comes crashing through the rear wall and creates a cloud of dust and debris. It rolls several times before coming  to rest were Mr hardy once sat.
The dust starts to settle and as it does i catch a my first glimpse of daylight and without thinking I pull Jenna to follow me. I don’t even give it a second thought to what’s on the other side of the wall, all I know is we have to leave and leave now.
I continue to pull her arm. At first she resists. Well she does until I look deep into her eyes and say. Jenna! “trust me please.” she nods then we make a break for it and seconds later we are met with what I only can describe as a scene from a war film I once watched.
We look out onto the battlefield then run for our life’s. Hailstones fall  all around us and explode on impact sending deadly shards of ice in all directions.
 We continue to run and zigzag narrowly missing the incoming missiles as they penetrate the ground around us leaving indentations and if that isn’t bad enough the unforgiving wind isn’t helping either because with every two steps forwards it pulls us back.  It’s like having a parachute strapped to our backs making our bid for freedom rather frustrating. 
“We are not going to make it” Jenna shout`s. 
My eyes instantly snap to hers and I smile in the bid of offering her some reassurance.
Then I see it. It could be our salvation. In the distance amidst  the dust and rubble I see an old storm drain and reply, “everything’s going to be alright.”
“How can you say that? How can you know for sure?” she replies.
I put my arm around her neck and reply, “look!  Can you see it?”
“What am I supposed to be looking for?” she retorts with a confused tone.
“Out there, beyond the dust and rubble there is a storm drain and if we can make it there we will be fine” I reply pointing my finger into the distance.
Jenna’s eyes follow my finger then roll of the end and off into the distance.
Oh yeah! “I see it now” she retorts.    
Suddenly the heavens open and more icy bombs start to fall in rapid abundance. 
I grab Jenna’s arm and scream, “Now run Jenna.” And we make a desperate dash for the drain and seconds later we arrive at the mouth of the drain and quickly get in and shuffle down until the elements outside are no longer a threat and wait for storm to end its reign of destruction.
“What time is it Sam?” Jenna asks.
  I look down at my watch and reply, “it’s 12 o clock why?”
 “Oh, it’s nothing really. I was just wondering that’s all.” 
the storm has been raging for two hours now and there’s  no sign of it letting up anytime soon so we settle in for the day.
My eyes glance to the storm thinking “what , destruction.”
 “Sam, i’m cold” Jenna says breaking my train of thought.
 “I’m cold too” I reply shivering.
 You see in all the confusion neither of us had even thought of grabbing our coats on our way out  and it’s freezing outside so I say the only logical thing to say.
“You can cuddle up to me Jenna if you want?”
 “No you’re alright, i know your game”  she jokes.
No, Jenna! “Seriously. I  watched it in a film once and if we cuddle up we can use each other’s  body heat to stay warm” I reply with a huge grin on my face. 
 Sam! I don’t know. It just doesn’t feel right” she replies shivering.
Fine! “have it your way” i reply curling into a ball to try and preserve my body heat.
Suddenly I feel her hand on my shoulder. I turn to face her and she says, “Ok! “fine but don’t get any ideas, this is purely to keep warm ok?”
Ok! Ok! “Fine”  reply as I quietly smirk to myself knowing that I knew the cold would get the better of her.  
Jenna and I huddle up close and I can instantly feel her body heat radiating from her and suddenly I feel content and my eyes start to close and so do hers.
Suddenly! my eyes snap open. I look down at watch and it’s now 2pm. Jenna and I must have fallen asleep because another two hours have passed and by the sounds of it the storm seems to be dissipating.
I`m certain if we had not huddled together and shared our body heat that my eyes wouldn’t have opened again because we would have died from hyperthermia.
Sam! “has the hailstones stopped yet?” Jenna says with her eyes still closed
“I’m not sure, i will have a have a look see” I reply wiping her drool of my face.
 Slowly and cautiously i crawl to the mouth of the drain and edge out. “Whoa … that was close” I say as a large hailstone skims my nose.
” Err, i don’t think so Jenna” I reply darting backwards like a rabbit down a hole.
 “I`m hungry” Jenna says as her belly grumbles.
 “Me too” I reply as my belly replies in kind echoing her rumbles.
It`s now 2.30pm and it seems to have quietened down outside and  I can no longer hear the hail anymore, or the wind for that matter.
“I`m going to take a look outside Jenna.  You wait here, i will be back shortly” I say as I shuffle back up the pipe.
 “Be careful Sam” she replies.
 Once again, i crawl to the exit and peer out.
The wind and hail have stopped; it is so quiet not even the birds are chirping. It’s what i would call a deadly silence.
 I shuffle out of the hole and stand on terra firma for the first time in hours.
 I look around spinning 360 degrees.  Nothing but empty wastelands and wanton destruction greets me.
 what was once houses, shops and schools has now been replaced with twisted metal and piles of rubble.
It doesn’t matter where I look it all resembles the same,  mangled buildings and cars  lay overturned grace my eyes in all directions. Some of the cars are still ablaze and through the black smoke I can see charred bodies still strapped into their seats.  
 Suddenly my thoughts turn to my mother.
 ” I hope she`s still alive” I think to myself 
 You see she’s all I have got. My dad the waste of space can only be described as my sperm donor because he ran off with some younger floozy when mum got pregnant with me. 
“Jenna you can come out. now It`s all over” i shout feeling that it is safe to do so.
 “Coming Sam” she replies as she pops her head out the hole.
 “Pull me out Sam, please” she asks.
 “Give me your hands then” I reply.
Jenna raises he hands above her head and I pull her free from the drain and we both now stand amidst all of this destruction and look around at nothing but wasteland and no matter how hard we tried we could not see any signs of life; not even birds in the sky.  It’s as if we were are last two people alive.
“I’m going to find my mum. Jenna, are you coming?” I say as a sense of doom rolls over me.
At first she  doesn’t reply and continues to stare out into barren landscape with a vacant expression on her face so  i start to walk in the direction i think my house is but  it’s hard to get my bearings because all the familiar places i used to use to find my way home are gone and reduced to rubble.
 “Hang on Sam wait for me” Jenna shouts as she catches up and grabs my arm.
 We walk for what seems to be forever until i notice a street sign, “dover close, this is my street.” I say jumping up and down excitedly.
“Come on Jenna, i live just up here” I say pulling on her arm for her to follow.
 I get to what used to be my home and sigh when I see all that`s left  is rubble and twisted metal.
 I walk through what used to be the doorway with a heavy heart looking for any signs of my mum but find nothing.
I start to call out her name as tears fill my eyes in the hope of a reply, “mum, mum, mum, where are you? can you hear me?” I shout. but the only reply I get is my own voice as its carried back on the wind.
 I look around some more and there sticking out of the rubble are the shoes my mum was wearing this morning.
My heart starts to race as i imagine my mum trapped under all that rubble.
 Jenna! “Come quick! I think my mum is under the rubble” I say as tears stream down my chubby cheeks.
 Suddenly I turn myself in a human jcb and bricks and mortar fly through the air behind me as i frantically dig with my hands but my efforts are in vain because all I find is nothing but bricks and mortar. 
I drop to my knees amongst the rubble and start to sob into my now filthy hands sobbing “where are you mum? Where are you?” 
  “Hey, Sam, Please don’t cry.  It will be ok and I’m sure we will find your mother” Jenna says as she places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“How can anything be ok anymore?  she`s gone Jenna. The storm took her” i reply as tears start to fill my eyes once again.
 “I did not even get the chance to tell her i love her this morning, and i am never going to get the chance again now” I say as I continue to sob.
 “It will be ok Sam” Jenna says as she pulls a funny face at me.
Suddenly my tears dry and my frown turns on its head and I start to laugh hysterically. Sorry  I can`t help but laugh because she looks ridiculous while she is pulling that face and those huge glasses she wears aren’t helping either and suddenly I’m joined by an encore from Jenna and we    both start giggling. However the giggling is soon silenced by the sound of cries for help.

 
CHAPTER 2
THREE`S A CROWD
“shhh, Jenna can you hear that? I think it`s coming from the house across the
 Street” I say pointing towards where I think the cries are coming from.
Suddenly a cloud of dust blows towards my face  and when it settles I can see Jenna knelt down removing  rubble. So I quickly jump to my feet and join her in her plight.
 “Help me please, can anybody hear me?” a voice says from below the rubble.
Suddenly Jenna gasps loudly and says, “Look! “Sam there is a hand In the rubble. I think it’s a hand of a child.
Again the voice sounds, Hello! “who’s there? I have been stuck down here for hours.” 
 Jenna acts on instinct and grabs hold of his hand in a bid to reassure him that everything will be ok.
 “It`s ok, we will get you out. What’s your name?” she asks.
 “I’m Danny “a voice replies.
“How old are you?” Jenna asks.
 “I’m thirteen” Danny,” replies.
 Sam! “try removing some of the rubble around him. Maybe you can free Danny enough to pull him free” she says pointing to some loose bricks 
 I get to work removing the rubble until more and more of Danny’s body is exposed.
“Ok that’s enough. Let’s try pulling him out,” I suggest.
We both grab one hand each and start to pull. We pull with all our might and with one last final pull Danny’s body slides from the rubble.
“He smiles and says, “About time; i have been stuck in there for hours. I thought i was a goner for sure.”
Jenny and I watch as he brushes himself down until he resembles something more human.
“Are you ok Danny?” Jenna asks.
Yeah! I’m fine apart from a few grazes” he replies.
Danny is a tall kid with a thin build he looks a bit geeky to be honest.
 I stand staring at him. Suddenly a cold shiver runs down my spine as I realise who I have just saved.  It’s only the bully that has been making my life hell ever since i have lived here.
 Jenna! “Come on our job is done,” i say tugging on her arm.
“What about Danny?” she replies.
I pull Jenna to one side and tell her all about my ordeal with this lad.
She listens intently then says,  “we should stick together. You never know we might need his help.”
 I sigh and realising I have lost yet another battle I reluctantly agree and we set off in search of Jenna`s house with my nemesis in tow.
“What happened to your mum Danny?” Jenna asks.
Danny’s eyes start to well up, “well I was off sick.”
Jenna’s eyes widen as if to say are you telling fibs.
 Ok! Ok! “I was  pretending. i was going to play my games console when mum went to work but  when the  storm hit the walls came crashing in and i found myself trapped under the rubble.”
“Did your mum get trapped under the rubble too? She asks.
“No, my mum was outside in the garden and when she heard my screams she came rushing to help me. Tears start to roll down his cheeks.  I saw her running towards me then up she went i could hear her screams as she went up like a rocket. Mum,  I will never forget that scream, it will haunt me forever,” he says  wiping a tear from his eye.
I almost felt sorry for him. I did say almost didn’t I?  you see i couldn’t see past the years of torment he had put me through.
Eventually Danny composes himself and we set off towards Jenna’s house.
As we near Jenna’s street we notice something unusual and in the corner one house still remains fully intact. It even has its roof still on which is quiet weird because all the other buildings around it lie in rubble. 
“That’s my house. I can`t believe it. Mum, mum” she shouts as she flings open the door.
 Jenna darts frantically searching the rooms shouting “mum, mum” but no reply comes. Just an empty silence returns and after endless searching she finally realises that her mum isn`t home and both Danny and I watch with dismay as her she slumps into a chair heartbroken. 
“What’s that over there on the table?” I ask as I notice something catching the light.
I quickly jump to my feet and walk over to the table. Well when I say quickly I mean as fast as I can get my rolls of fat to move.
  “Who`s is this?” i say picking up the mobile phone off the table.
“That’s my phone but I can only use it in emergencies my mum said” Jenna replies.
 “Well I’m not being funny but don’t think this is one of them times Jenna?” Danny says smiling.
 “I guess so,” Jenna replies picking up the phone.
 She looks at the phone as if studying the screen then presses a button.
“You have one new voicemail,” the phone says.
“I can`t listen. Can you listen Danny?”
 “Oh give it here” Danny replies and proceeds to snatch the phone from her hand.
 Danny dials the number and listens to the message.
The message goes like this, “hi Jenna, it`s mum i might not be home when you get in from school as i have popped to the dentist my tooth has been killing me all day.”
Next, all you hear is static followed by muffled  screams, then a faint Jenna i love you but it’s as if it is getting further and further away.  Suddenly the penny drops the storm has took Jenna’s mum as well.
Danny hangs up.
”Well, what did it say Danny?” Jenna asks.
“Are you sure you want to know? he replies.
“Yes, I’m sure, now tell me please,” she says as curiosity consumes her.
Danny composes himself, he takes one last deep breath then says, “Your mum’s dead.”
“Way to go Danny, very tactful” i think to myself.
 Jenna’s eyes fill with tears. Suddenly she loses it and goes crazy lashing out hitting Danny.
 “you take that back Danny, it`s not funny” she cries.”
 “Stop it Jenna. Just calm down. Chill ya beans and listen to the message yourself. Seriously i wouldn’t joke about something like this.” He replies as he restrains her hands with his.
 Jenna pulls free from his grip then takes the phone into the other room and listens to the message.
 She returns five minutes later somewhat puffy eyed and it is plain to see she had been crying. 
Well! “What did it say?” I ask.
 “Well, i have listened to the message and there is nothing to suggest that my mum is dead,” she says.
 “Are you being serious? Can`t you hear the message getting fainter as the wind carries her off?” Danny replies.
“Way to go Danny, twice in five minutes you insensitive arse” i think to myself.
Danny stops for a minute as if thinking of a way to redeem himself then says, “Look on the bright side; she might have had a soft landing so maybe she could still be alive somewhere.” He smiles.
“Danny if i had a spade i would give it you because you are so good at digging holes” i joke.
 I look at Danny and shake my head.
“What! What have i done?! he asks.
“If you don`t know, i am not telling you but arse springs to mind” I reply in a mocking tone.
“What do you know anyway?” He replies scowling.
A few hours pass. Everybody calms down and the tension lifts.
It`s 18.30pm now and we are starving. I could literally eat a horse and i wouldn’t be surprised if the others could too.
“What have you got to eat Jenna?” I ask as my belly rumbles.
 “Not sure Sam. Why don’t you have a look and if you see anything you like just help yourself,” She replies.
“Ok, thanks, Jenna.”
That’s all i needed to hear and with the band in my stomach playing I’m off to the kitchen on a foraging mission followed closely by nemesis.
I quickly open the cupboards.  Rows of tinned meats, luncheon meat and corned beef are stacked in tidy stacks.
“Anyone for tinned meat?” I shout as I throw one in Danny’s direction.
“Cheers mate” he replies as it hits him in the chest.
“Butterfingers” i say laughing to myself.
We sit at the table and after some fiddling we finally get the lids off and reveal the tasty morsels which have been caged up inside. You see this to me is a rescue mission and I must say its mission accomplished and now the meat is free from its prison and safe in my belly. 
 Jenna enters the kitchen and says, “looks nice that lads however  you should of looked in the fridge.”
As soon as she says look in the fridge my brain goes into over drive and i run to the fridge. I had to know what delights are inside.
I open the door and look inside. Wow!   my eyes light up like a Christmas tree.
There is cheese cake, half a chicken and many more delights, far to many to mention to take in all at once and  i am literally salivating at the thought of what i am about to consume.
I waste no time and feed the screaming voice in my belly however unbeknown to me Jenna is stood behind me watching as I scoop handfuls of cheesecake and shovel it into my mouth.
” I know why they call you chunk now,” she says giggling.
 I slowly turn around to face her and smile with my cheese-caked mouth and it was not long before her giggling is echoed by my own cries of laughter.
Five minutes pass and the laughing subsides to the odd giggle.
 We all make ourselves comfortable at the table and tuck into our massive feast, for a moment at least our worries seem to drift away and we laughed and ate our way into the night.  
After we had eaten until we burst Jenna says “we better stay here tonight and as soon as the storm passes tomorrow we should go in search of others.”
“Why leave? We have food and water and a roof over our heads so why leave” I ask.
 “we can`t stay  Sam!  Look at the food.  How long do you think it will last with you around?” she giggles.
“Oh I see, it’s like that is it?  Pick on the fat kid” I reply in a resentful tone.
Oh! “And to answer your question, I’d say a couple of days at max.”
Danny giggles and replies, Yeah! “Whatever, more like one with you around. Chunk a lunch.
Ok! That’s enough you two. Shall we put it to a vote? All those in favour say I” Jenna says as she forces her hand.
 We put her idea to a vote and agree that her plan is the best way forward and then we settle in for the night.
I pull the curtains aside and look out into the dark abyss.
“Jenna….. it`s getting dark.”
“And your point is?” she replies.
 “Oh it’s nothing really and you’re probably going to think I’m a wuss.”
“Just spit it out Sam” she says as she loses her patience.
Ok! “Fine, I’m scared of the dark. Satisfied now?”
“Ha, ha, ha. Sorry you’re being serious aren’t you? I honestly thought you were joking sam.”  
Nope! “Afraid not” I reply.
She smiles and replies “don’t worry Sam.  I know were my mum keeps the candles. Come on then don’t just stand there.  Come and help me Sam.”
We head to where the candles are kept and it is not long before we find them.  We light them and place them around the house and replace darkness with light.
After we have finished we settle down for the night.
“Night Sam, night Danny” Jenna says.
We both reply simultaneously, “night Jenna.” 
It is about 2:30am, i wake up needing the toilet. It’s very dark and there is only a slight shimmer from the one candle that remains lit so I lay still staring into the black abyss that lie beyond the candle light.
Suddenly my stomach starts to hurt as the pressure builds in my bladder and I give into to the overwhelming need to pee and make a quick dash for the bathroom.
Bang! Clash…… I’m only halfway across the landing when I hear the commotion. I  freeze to the spot and forget about my need to pee and listen.
I creep towards the banister and hang my head over. Bang clash…. I jump and a cold shiver runs down my spine. “There it goes again” i think as another crashing sound comes from downstairs.
My hearts starts to beat faster as a shadow passes below me.  I’m convinced somebody is in the house. My hearts racing; its beating so fast i can hear it echoing in my head.
My legs have turned to stone, bolted to the floor where i stand. Move! “Stupid legs” i say as i will them to move and a few seconds later, I burst into the room where Jenna and Danny are sleeping.
“Wake, up wake up,” i shout shaking them side to side.
Jenna pushes me away and then opens one eye briefly to shun me and replies, “I think your dreaming Sam. Go back to sleep.”
 “CRASH!  “See there it goes again,” i reply shaking them again.
Jenna’s and  Danny`s eyes snap wide open they seem frozen in a moment of terror as they both sit up in bed like  startled rabbits caught in the headlights of a car.
Ok! Sam. we both heard it this time didn’t we Danny?” she replies startled.
 Yes! I heard it too” he replies shuffling his feet to the edge of his bed.
We continue to listen carefully. Neither one of us dare go and see who or what the intruder is.
Bang! Clash…. Breaks the silence once more .
Sam! “go and look who’s down there?” danny says shoving my shoulder. 
“Yeah, rite. I don’t think so. why don’t you go Danny?” I reply as I return his gesture.
Jenna sighs then says god! You two you’re like a pair of girls. I’ll go.” She starts to edge of her bed but Danny grabs her arm and replies, “hang on, we will all go.”
“Thanks for that Danny” I think as the choice is taken out of my hands.   
I look around the room in the hopes of finding something to use as a weapon but find nothing so instead I stuff a small pillow up my jumper in the hopes it will protect me if somebody tries to stab me.  The only thing is I now look about 4 months pregnant.
 We creep stealthily like little ninjas down the stairs and make our way towards the commotion.

 
 
CHAPTER THREE
FOUR`S TO MANY

 Crasssssh! Shush! “Listen” Jenna, says as she leads the way forward holding the dying light of the one remaining candle.
We continue down in single file but as we near the bottom of the stairs the last step creaks which scares our would be intruder.
“Shush, there’s someone in the kitchen,” i whisper.
“No shit Sherlock,” Danny replies smugly. 
I shrug and give him the evils, he doesn’t seemed bothered though too be honest but I thought I would give it my best shot.
We continue to make our way to the kitchen. Jenna pushes the now shimmering candle into the darkness of the kitchen and in the corner, we can make out a dim figure sat in the corner against the fridge.
“Don`t hurt me. i… I  just wanted some food i was so…. hungry,” a meek voice whimpers.
We all kneel down so we are at eye level with the voice.
Jenna pushes the candle forward; the now diminishing light illuminates what i can only describe as a human cheesecake.
He is a small kid a little smaller than myself and roughly the same build and his face is covered literally from corner to corner in cheesecake. I think he must have dived face first into it.
“Don`t be scared. I’m Jenna, this is Danny and this is chunk; I mean Sam. Sorry Sam,” Jenna says. “My name is Carl. Can i stay here tonight? He asks.
“Shush Carl while Jenna’s talking. Don’t you have manners were you come from?” Danny says. 
 Carl doesn’t answer and instead he just sits staring at us through the candle light. 
“How old are you? Where are your parents?” Danny asks.
“I am ten years old and I don’t know where my parents are,” he replies.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” I ask
“We were on our way to a doctor’s appointment when my dad lost control of the car and crashed into a tree, so we ended up stuck when the storm hit.”
Carl’s eyes start to well then a lone tear leaves his right eye and trickles down his cheek.
Jenna sees that he is upset and says, “In your own time carl. There’s no rush.” 
Carl wipes his nose on his sleeve leaving a slimy green snail in his wake then continues.
“I was in the car with my mum and dad when the storm hit. I remember a feeling of weightlessness as the wind lifted the car into the air then I remember the thud as I hit the hard concrete below as my dad pushed me out the window. His last words were, “run son, keep running until you find shelter,  so that’s what I did. I hid underneath an oil tanker, and watched in horror as they disappeared into the sky.  My Dad hung on the longest and abseiled in mid-air with his seat belt until another car crashed into his and made him lose his grip. I will never forget his expression as he let go. It was kind of a smile mixed with a sheer look of terror. I bet he knew he was about to die” he says wiping a tear from his eye on his sleeve. “I waited for the storm to pass and then found this place. 
“I’m so sorry I didn’t mean any harm I just saw all the food on the table as I peered in and couldn’t help myself. I was just so… hungry” he continues. 
 “So…. Then, your parents are dead then just like ours?” Danny asks.
“Nice one Danny, Mr insensitive strikes again,” i thought nudging him.
 Jenna elbows Danny in the ribs too.
 What! “What have i said now?” He says oblivious to his motor mouth.
 All three of us just scowl at him.
“Oh, I’ve had enough of this; I’m going back to bed” he says as he storms up the stairs.
Yes! Good idea, best idea you have had so far, come on we all need to get some rest” Jenna replies. And With that said, we all retire to our beds and get some much-needed rest.
 The Next day starts with us all overlaying it’s now 9.55am and the storm is already heading towards us.
  Crash! the back wall goes through as a car  comes hurtling through the house and in its wake it takes the back wall out and continues straight through the front one as well.
Quickly! “Into the cellar” Jenna,” screams.
We all clamber down the cellar as the house starts to collapse  all around us.”
“Quickly,  lock the door” Jenna shouts.
Danny locks the door then joins us on the cold cellar floor and we sit in silence listening as the wind above us reduces the house to a powdery dust. 
I look over to Carl. He is shaking. “We should be safe down here, right Jenna,” I say in a bid to ease his nerves.
“Yeah I should think so. It withstood a hurricane a few years back. So yeah, I think we will be ok.”
  Jenna’s words seem to sooth Carls nerves and he throws her a cheeky smile. 
I look down at my wrist it’s 10:55 an hour ago we were sleeping soundly in our beds and now we’re all cowering in the cellar.
Shush! “Listen guys” I say placing a finger over my mouth.
“Listen to what?” Danny replies.
“Exactly” I reply.
“Do you think the storm has passed?” Jenna asks.
I sigh and reply, “There’s only one way to find out.”
“What’s that then smart arse?” Danny replies smugly.
“Err, open the door and look” I reply in a mocking tone.
“Yeah rite, you can open it if you want. I’m not being sucked up like our parents were.” He replies.
Fine! “I’ll do it. Just be ready to help me close the hatch if I’m wrong.” I reply while sliding the bolt from the lock. 
At first, I open it just ajar so that my eyes could peek through the crack that I’d created.
Guys! “It’s fine, the storms over” I say as I fling back the door.
I open the door to a scene of pure devastation; the house is almost destroyed apart from one wall that is still erect.
“Well, we can’t stay here now,” Danny, says.
 “No shit Sherlock,” i reply getting one back on him from earlier.
“Think we need to gather supplies, food, and water, warm cloths stuff like that,” Danny says.
“Well done Danny, first thing you have said constructive in ages” i thought to myself.
We all found bags and filled them with whatever we could carry. 
I filled mine with food, Danny filled his with warm clothes, Jenna had the water, and Carl carried a mixture of everything including candles and matches.
Once we were all packed, we gather round to decide our next move.
“I think i should be in charge being as i’m the oldest,” Jenna says.
“Ok, what’s the plan?” We reply looking to Jenna.
Well, well…. I’m open to suggestions as well,” Jenna, replies.
“Oh, no that’s not how it works Jenna, if you want to be in charge you make decisions and we follow you, that’s how it should work,” i reply grinning.
“Oh, i don’t want to be in charge, you do it if you think your better? She replies.
 “No i don’t want it either, why don’t we just decide together? I reply putting it to a vote.
 Agreed, everyone says, that was easier  than i thought it would be i think to myself.
 “I think we should look for shelter and maybe more supplies and hopefully find more survivors unless anybody else has any bright ideas,” i suggest throwing a few ideas out there.
“No, sounds like a plan,” they reply.
 We gather our things and off we go not actually knowing where we are actually going, we kind of picked a direction and walked towards it.
We start walking just as the heavens open up soaking us to the skin. 
“Quickly coats on everybody,” Jenna says rummaging through the bags.
We quickly put our coats on then press on with our journey.
 I would say we are all soaked to the skin within 20 minutes and walking is getting harder by the second.
I’m so wet  that my clothes are sticking to my skin, rubbing making me sore, I’m probably carrying a extra stone in weight and they are getting heavier by the second as the rain relentlessly pounds us.
 We must have been walking for about an hour when out the corner of my eye i spot a shopping centre, amazingly it`s still fully intact with the storm shields still down.
“Let’s head over there, looks like a good place to spend the night and i need to get out of these clothes,  i’m soaked” i whinge.
”Ooooh, i’m all wet, what am i going to do? Danny says mocking me.
“Stop your whinging ya big girls blouse, we are all wet you know not just you,” he continues.
Wish i was stronger than him, i would put him on his ass, i would love to wipe that smug look off his face,”i think as i clench and unclench my fist.
As we near the colossal building, we look for a means of entry into the building.
“Over here guys, i have found a way in,” Carl shouts sounding all excited.
 We follow Carl to what looks like an outhouse just at the back of the building.
“In here, look there`s a hole there, i think it leads into the main building,” he says pointing to the hole.
“Ok, you go first Danny you’re the skinniest,” Jenna, says taking his backpack.
Danny lies on his belly and crawls through.
“I am in the main building, it’s very dark though can’t see much,” he says trying to adjust his vision to the dark void that lies before him.
“Here, Danny maybe this will help?” Jenna says lighting one of the candles and hands it to him.
“That’s great, just the job, thanks Jenna, anyway guys i’m off to explore see you later’s losers” he says as he disappears out of sight.   
We all watch as the candles light gets further and further away before diminishing leaving a black void in its wake. 
We all sit waiting, hoping Danny will return with some good news.
Half an hour passes, were just about to give up hope when a familiar voice says, “how`s it going losers?”
“Where have you been?” I snap.
“Oh, here and there, brace yourselves think you’re going to like this guys” he says chuckling to himself.
“Please stand back, system rebooting” is the next voice we hear followed by a horrible screeching noise.
We all stand up and rush outside to see what all the commotion is about.
As we step out of our dark abode were we we’re sat for the last couple of hours we are hit with a blinding light as the sun’s rays reflect of the shiny steel of the storm shields.
The light moves in a horizontal pattern as they lift exposing shiny glass panes.
After a few seconds, our eyes adjust to the light so we continue to the shops main entrance.
As we arrive, the last shield is lifting, revealing a smug looking Danny stood proud with his arms folded. 
 “Ok, i will give you that one, how did you know how to do that then?” i ask.
“Just pressed the button that said in an emergency press, so i guessed this was an emergency and pressed it and hey presto the doors opened, you don’t have to thank me all at once,” he says.”
“Get a life Danny,” I snarl, god he really winds me up.
“Hey guys theirs a clothes shop over there we can get out these wet clothes,” Jenna says.
“Now that is something i would love to see” Danny replies.
 “In your dreams and only in your dreams,” Jenna snaps back throwing him the evil eyes for good measure.
We make our way into the store and pick some new clothes and take them to the fitting rooms and get changed.
Ahh, it felt good to be out them clothes and into something nice and dry.
“Is everybody dressed? I think we should explore the building and stock up on more supplies?”  “Agreed” they reply and we precede out the shop.
We make our way along the concourse and up to the next level where we can see a sports shop. “I want to go in there, i need some new trainers,” Danny says running off ahead of us.
 We all needed better footwear as the rain has wrecked the ones we are wearing, so we all go inside.
 We look were the trainers are and suddenly i feel like a kid in a sweet shop, there are so many to choose from.
 Suddenly! we hear a piercing scream that echoes through the building, we all freeze and listen, ahhhhh there it goes again, we exit the shop in single file and make our way towards the screams.
“What, you got there Danny?” I ask.
 “I’m not taking any chances,” he replies.
 Danny has picked up a canoe paddle and brandishing it like a light sabre.
“Very fetching Danny,” Jenna says giggling.
 “Oh, get a room you two,” I suggest.
 They both giggle.
We continue to head towards the screams; it’s not long until the source is revealed.
We can see someone on the ground; an Alsatian dog keeps attacking then retreating, as if playing with its food.
 “We have to do something,” Danny says.
 “I’ve an idea,” he says  rushing back into the sport shop, he emerges five  minutes later with full cricket gear on including full face guard and proceeds towards the dog.
 “Danny are you mad?” Jenna shouts.
 “It will be fine i saw this on a police dog training video i know what I’m doing, well i think i do.”
Danny makes his way towards the dog. He crouches low and uses the wall as cover because he does not want to spook the dog.
He pops his head over the wall just for a second but that’s all it took for the dog to get his scent.
The Alsatian stops his attack on the downed man and sniffs the air. Saliva runs down its blood soaked chin and you can see its breath as it breathes heavily.
Suddenly! the dog’s head snaps in Danny’s direction. 
The dog eyes lock with Danny’s caged eyes and gives chase. Danny sees the dog racing towards him and decides it was a bad idea after all, so quickly turns on his heels and begins to run but with all the extra gear he is carrying the dog soon catches up.
Suddenly! the dog leaps into the air and knocks him to the ground.
Danny is now pinned to the floor by the dogs’ front paws and we can clearly see its sharp teeth snapping at Danny’s facemask.
All of a sudden, a piercing scream rocks the whole complex.
You see what happened was, when Danny fell the canoe paddle snapped and part of it had lodged itself in his arm
“owww…. My arm, “he shouts.
 Danny` arm is bleeding now.  The ravaging beast gets the fresh scent of blood and increases its frenzied attack. More blood pumps from his wound. The smell of fresh blood is driving the frantic.
  “Get up Danny,” we all shout.
Danny tries to get back to his feet, but the dog has him pinned by its huge front paws.
White froth drips from the dogs snarling jaws.
”Help me don’t just stand there” he screams.
We watch as the dog shakes him side to side vigorously. 
 “We have to do something, we can’t just leave him there,” Jenna says.
To be honest i was quite happy to let the dog eat him, that would wipe the smug look off his face however Jenna’s constant whinging gets the better of me, reluctantly i take a can of meat from my bag and peel the lid back then throw it as if it`s a hand grenade.
Boom! It explodes a few feet from the dog spraying meat everywhere; the dog smells the tasty morsels and leaves Danny alone while it enjoys the free snack.
“Danny, now get up while the dogs distracted,” we shout.
Danny manages to make it back to his feet and is now running towards us but little does he know the dog has lost interest in the free snack and is now running back towards him.
 “Danny, behind you,” we scream.
Danny hears our screams. He turns on the fly to see what is behind him just as the dog lunges forward and he is once again on the floor looking up at this beast that seems relentless.
The dog circles . Danny’s eyes snap to its snarling jaws. Suddenly its eyes widen and it dashes towards him, rows of sharp teeth snap tight around his facemask.  All we can do is watch in horror as the beast shakes him side to side like a rag doll.
 “Do something Sam” Jenna cries in my ear and nearly deafens me.
“Like what?” I reply.
“I don’t know, just something,” she utters.
I watch from the safety of the wall as Danny’s head is pulled viscously from side to side.  Thick white foam from its jaws now covers his face.
Danny is screaming his head off, punching wildly into the dog’s ribs trying to inflict enough pain to make the dog release its grip but his efforts seem in vain as punch after punch land but with no effect. The beast has no intension of letting go of its meal.
Suddenly a piercing scream rocks the whole complex as the beast starts to drag him across the floor with his facemask.
 “Let go of me, you bloody mutt.” He screams as he slides across the floor against his will.
 “Use the paddle,” I scream, as I decide I’d rather him live.
Danny eyes snap to my voice. Then a piercing yelp follows as he drives the broken paddle deep into the animal’s side, making the dog release its grip instantly. It now retreats to lick it wounds. Danny lies motionless on the floor.  A trail of blood from his wound marks his position.
My eyes move from Danny to the dog and it’s clear to see that the dog is injured and stands snarling, foaming at the mouth a few feet from him.
“Get up Danny” I say to myself as I watch the dog preoccupied with licking its wound. 
“Get up Danny,” we shout, but it`s too late the dog returns his attention to having had finished licking its wound. 
Danny hears our voices and scrambles to his feet. He turns to face us and we watch in horror as the beast makes one last desperate attempt to keep hold of its lunch as it lunges one again.
Yelpppppp! Cuts through the air as it pins him to the ground.
 “Get it off me, get it off me” he shouts as the dogs blood trickles down into his mouth.
We all rush over to him and gasp when we see the dog impaled on the broken canoe paddle.
 “Is it dead Danny?” I ask.
 “I don’t know, think so,” he replies.
 We all put our hands on the dog in an attempt to move it and begin to pull utilizing all our combined strength.
 Suddenly! The dog regains consciousness. We immediately let go as it snaps viciously  a few inches from his face. Blood drips from its mouth as it continues to thrash around, snapping wildly, drooling thick white foam from its powerful jaws. 
 “Do something then, i can`t hold it much longer,” he cries.
 Danny is struggling to keep the dogs jaws at bay and his arms are beginning to tire as the dogs weight overcomes him.
Suddenly a sense of courage washes over us and we all dive on top of the dog. The next sickening sound we hear is the snap of the dogs ribcage as our combined weight drives the paddle through its ribcage and out the other side of its body and as it exits it narrowly misses my face by a couple of inches, causing me to jolt my head backwards or I would have been impaled too.
However, the dog still hasn’t done and is thrashing about wildly trying to free itself from its impalement.
Me, Carl and Jenna look towards each other and say, “we can’t hold it, Danny, it’s just too strong.”
 “I’ve got this,” Danny replies.
Suddenly to our horror, he lets go of the dog’s head and it crashes down onto his facemask.
A scream of pain follows as he selflessly and painfully pulls the shard of canoe paddle from his arm and drives it into the side of the dog’s neck.
Blood pours from its open wound but it`s not stopping so he pulls it out and drives it in again, again. Blood sprays into the air in a shower of crimson red as he drives it in one last time.
 Danny’s ordeal is finally over. The dog expels one last breath then nothing and it just lies motionless with a vacant look in its eyes
 “Get it off me,” he screams as the dog body begins to slide down the paddle and comes to a stop an inch from his face.
Blood drips down the dogs face and spills into his mouth, “get it off me get it off me” he shouts.
We all rush over to him. I take its hind legs while Jenna and carl take its front and Danny takes the centre.
“Right, after three you pull and ill push. 1, 2 , 3 pull” Danny says as he moves his hands into position.
The three of us pull with all our might while Danny pushes up from below and a few minutes later he is released from his bloody prison. 
Danny gets to his feet, his face, chest is covered in blood, and his large wound on his arm bleeds endlessly onto the floor.
“Are you ok Danny?” Jenna asks.
Danny just stares. I think he might be in shock.
You’re bleeding Danny,” Carl says as he points out the obvious.
Danny looks down at his blood soaked t –shirt.
 I watch as he starts to sway back and forth, his eyes flicker  he and passes out luckily for him me and Jenna catch him and lower him gently to the floor.
“Hand me your jacket” Jenna says.
I do as asked and hand her my jacket and she places it under his head.   
I look over the wall to where the man is but he’s gone so I turn to Jenna and say, “You stay with Danny Jenna. Carl and i will see if the man is ok.”
“Ok, i will try to make him comfortable,” she replies as she strokes his head.
“You might want to try to stop the bleeding from that nasty wound on his arm while I’m gone,” I suggest.
She smiles then replies, “I will see what I can do.”
 I pull the canoe paddle from the dog’s corpse and as the pole release’s its grip, the dog seems to give one last breath as it leaves its corpse and go in search of the downed man.
Carl and I head down to where we last saw him, there’s no sign of him so we follow the blood trail  that he has kindly left us to follow. So armed with my trusty paddle in hand we press on and continue our search.