The Next World Box Set [Books 1-3]
Page 56
“Mom, something weird is happening.”
“What’s going on?”
“All the teachers and staff were called to an emergency meeting and they haven’t been back to the classrooms. It’s been almost an hour now.”
“Where are you?” April said.
“I walked out into the gym because the rest of the school is too loud. The other students are kind of just running around the halls. Mom, some of my friends are saying that there is a war that was started.”
“Justin, I think they’re just trying to scare you.”
“Well, what IS going on? Why are all the teachers gone? Why haven’t they come back?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing. Just go back to the—”
“Mom they’re coming back, I gotta go.”
April set the phone down and leaned back against the counter. She wanted Justin home and had to talk herself out of walking across the street to get him. She knew it would embarrass him and probably her as well.
April decided she would head back to the bedroom and sit at the window and watch, that way she could ease her mind and at the same time she would be ready to move if anything changed.
Even before she reached the window, April could see both parking lots start to fill with cars. Knowing there were no performances going on at the middle school today, she knew what was happening.
These parents were just as alarmed at the events of the day as she was; they were just less concerned with what the other parents thought of them.
“Screw it.” Deciding she didn’t care either, she dialed Mason again to let him know she was headed to the school to bring Justin home. She figured he could help her pack a few things and as soon as Mason arrived she would try to convince him that her father had some insight and they should heed his warning and head out of town.
Mason’s phone went to voicemail once again. April typically would have just hung up, although she wanted him to know where she was if he got here before she got back.
“Mason, it’s me, there is some weird stuff going on over at the school. I’m going over to bring Justin home. If you get here before I get back, the front door will be unlocked…Please hurry.”
Before heading out, April grabbed the television remote and powered it up. She promised herself earlier that she would not watch any more coverage; however, she wanted to be sure there wasn’t any new information.
Most of the network stations were now off the air. April flipped through the last of the local stations and came upon a disturbing feed that was playing on a loop showing a crowd of deranged people stampeding two middle aged women trying to get into the grocery store. She had to turn away and instantly hit the off button before she witnessed another second.
“What in the world is happening?”
Continue with the story here…
About the Author
Jeff Olah is the author and creator of the best-selling series The Dead Years, The Last Outbreak, and The Next World. He writes for all those readers who love good post-apocalyptic, supernatural horror, and dystopian/science fiction.
His thirst for detailed story lines and shocking plot twists has been fueled over the years by stories from Cormac McCarthy, Ray Bradbury, and Stephen King. He also has a difficult time tearing himself away from character-driven dramas like The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and LOST.
Jeff is addicted to reading, writing, and lifting weights. He lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and seven-year-old Chihuahua.
Connect with Jeff:
JeffOlah.com
Facebook.com/JeffOlah
JeffOlah.com/Newsletter