Reagan Campbell
October 1, 2012
Alien
Prompt
The
only reason I got out of bed this morning was because I could smell my favorite
chocolate chip muffins freshly taken out of the oven.
“Riley,
time to get up! Let’s go! You’re going to be late!” Next thing I knew I was
blinded by the light shining in my eyes when my Mom came in and opened all my
shutters.
“Mom
can I stay home today? I have 2 quizzes and you know how bad I am in Spanish.”
I secretly crossed my fingers underneath my covers, waiting for Mom to respond.
“No,
Riley. How many times did I tell you? You may not skip school whenever you
would like. I pay big bucks for you to attend this private school and you need
those grades to get into college.”
“What
if I don’t want to go to college Mom? I am sick of hearing about it. I can’t
sit for 30 minutes without hearing the words: GPA, college, or SAT. I hate it!”
“Oh
stop your complaining. Get up. I made you some muffins!”
I
took my time brushing my teeth, and decided to wear my pink pearl earrings to
give my uniform some color, since I have to wear maroon every day.
When
I got in the car, I noticed it was very foggy outside, and there was an unusual
amount of traffic for 7:23 in the morning. I prepared for the road rage building
up inside my Mom, because she is probably the most impatient person I have ever
met in my entire life.
Shockingly,
I made it to school on time. Having history class first period is such a drag.
I can’t stand it! It’s like everything I learn in that class goes in one ear
and out the other. That might explain my B- in that class. As usual, as soon as
the bell rang, Mrs. Sill began her lesson for the day. I got out my favorite
pink pen and realized I left my jacket at home. I could already tell today was going
to be a bad day. For Irvine, California
the weather was pretty chilly for the end of September. Did I ever mention, I hate
cold weather.
The
day went on, and just as I predicted, it was terrible. I should have guessed I
would have a pop quiz in Chemistry! I heard an announcement on the intercom, or
at least what was supposed to be an announcement on the intercom, but being
that the hallways are so packed and crowded, it was nearly impossible to hear
what someone is saying to you, even if you are standing 3 feet apart!
I
had a strange vibe as I walked into fourth period. I wondered why everyone was
so quiet and why everyone looked so depressed and confused? I mean, it is only
a Tuesday! Mr. P. told me to sit down in my seat, as he repeated what he has
just told the rest of the class.
“Now
everyone, I don’t want you to be scared. We are all in this together. “
I
leaned over to my best friend Brooklyn, “Brooke, what is he rambling on about
today?”
“I
don’t know Riley, but by the way everyone is acting, I have a strange feeling
this isn’t good.”
“I
need you all to stay in your seats and wait until I get further instructions.”
What
was going on? A fire drill?
“I
have received news that aliens are attacking and there is a large possibility
we will all die in the next 24 hours.” Exclaimed Mr. P.
Silence
filled the room. Jayden let out a gasp and started to cry hysterically. Sophie
had a blank stare on her face, and just about everyone else showed no emotion.
“Is
this a joke? Aliens? Are there a such thing?” I knew before even turning around
that Aiden was the one who asked that question.
“Aiden
please be quiet. This is no time for questions or nonsense.”
The
first thing that came to mind was; I need to find Ellis. Ellis, my 11-year-old
brother is a 6th grader this year. I guess it is somewhat confusing
because my little brother is not so little. He has towered over me for the past
2 years.
“Excuse
me, Mr.P.? If this is real, I need to go find my brother Ellis and tell him
what is going on!”
“Riley,
I think he is fine. His teacher should have informed him, I promise he is in
good hands.”
At
this point, all I could think about was if I was going to survive or not, and
from the sound of it, we are all going to die. I sprung up from my seat and
dashed down the hall, counting the room numbers, searching for Ellis’
classroom! Room 8? 17? 12? All the numbers started to blend as I ran in a panic
down the halls.
“Where
do you think you’re going young lady?”
I
ignored the Janitor because I had no time to answer questions right now.
I saw Ellis in the
Biology lab and rushed in.
“Ellis!
Ellis! Are you O.K.?!”
“Riley,
I’m fine. Don’t embarrass me in front of my friends.”
“Ellis,
do you know what’s going on? Come with me.”
“You
can’t just take me out of class Riley!”
“I
can’t? Watch me!”
“Pardon
me, Mrs. Ray, I need Ellis, it is an emergency!”
I
grabbed his arm so tight his skin turned white. I gripped his arm when I rushed
him down the hallway.
“Ellis,
I know this may sound weird, but I need you to listen to me. Loud and clear.
Aliens are coming for us, and my teacher said only three hundred twenty-five
people will be saved. There is barely any chance you or I will be chosen, so
regardless, I need you to stay with me until they reveal the list on www.app.gov in about an hour or so. You got
that?”
Ellis
stared at me like I had 3 heads. I gave him a minute to let the news sink in,
knowing he was probably extremely confused and scared.
Since
this was so confusing for everyone, they cancelled class for the remainder of
the day, and we sat and waited for the announcements to be made. It seemed to
be the longest sixty minutes of my entire lifetime. Ellis and I wasted time by
playing Sudoku on the floor of Mr. P’s room. Then all the sudden Mr. P stood
up.
“Students
I need your attention. Look at the television in the corner of the room.”
I
waited in silence. Gripping his hand so tightly my fingers went numb, Ellis and
I stared at the TV waiting to hear whose name would get pulled. Those 325 lucky
people were the only ones saved from this mess. I took a second to remember
this moment; when all I heard was the breathe of all my pupils, all I saw was
the fall leaves outside the window, and all I felt was the warmth radiating
from Ellis’ body.
Today
is April 21st. The day aliens came to take over this magnificent
place I have grown to call: Earth. Little did I know this morning today would
be this awful? I mean a pop quiz and waking up early was bad enough! I probably
would have stayed in bed if I knew Aliens were coming to attack and there was a
large possibility I might die!
“Just
stay calm. Breathe Riley, just breathe.” Ellis comforted me, as the time came
closer to the drawing. I felt embarrassed when a single, warm tear ran down my
face and onto my light pink sweater. I looked around me, and although there was
a classroom full of people with all the same thoughts and feelings as I, I felt
alone, scared, but most of all, vulnerable.
“What
happens if it’s you, Ellis?” I said in a shaky voice, trying to hide the fact I
was trembling and terrified at the thought that I might die, or be chosen out
of hundreds of people to survive this mess. Am I worth it? A butterfly flew
past the window and landed on the leaf beside the windowsill. I took it as a
symbol of hope during this dark, confusing time.
“Riley,
I think it is time. Let’s close our eyes.”
“It’ll be over before we know it! Just know
that I’ll never forget all the times we had together. You’re the best little brother
I could ever ask for, Ellis.”
I
chose to show no emotion. I gave Ellis a look, just a look, and I knew he knew
exactly what I meant. I positioned myself to the right, facing the television, because
the names were about to be revealed. Three hundred twenty-five. Three hundred
twenty-five lucky, yet unfortunate people who get to board that plane tomorrow
at 3 o’clock sharp. All they can take is one tiny, brown, suitcase and one
other human being.
The
screen went black and I heard a gasp among my classmates. I had never felt so
scared. All of the sudden, a message appeared on the screen.
It read: “This is
the Alien Protection Program (APP). In a moment, names will come to your
screen. Everyone needs to stay calm, gather up all your family members, and
seek shelter immediately after the names are called. You will have 4 hours to
do so. Further instructions are to come. ”
Twelve people at a
time, the names were revealed. I touched my rosary necklace praying to God that
I would not get chosen. Ellis and my Mom were all I had. Three years ago, two
days before my 13th birthday, my dad was killed in a plane crash. I
have refused to ride on a plane since. My dad was my best friend, and I miss
him dearly. Twelve more names appeared on the screen, and I scanned through
them quickly, in fear. Fifteen minutes passed and I am starting to feel better,
only three-dozen names were left. Ellis turned to me.
“I guess you were
right. I thought you were crazy, but in reality, this whole situation is
crazy.”
The last twelve
names were revealed. I was terrified and quaking with fear. One eye at a time I
looked up at the screen, scanning through the final list of names. I had to do
a double take.
My name was on the
screen.
I felt the beaming
eyes of every person in that room staring at me. My emotions were both elated
and guilty.
I was chosen.
“Oh my god. Riley,
that’s your name. Riley Rouke.”
“Best of luck to
you Riley. Class is dismissed. It has been a pleasure being your teacher, my
children.” Those were the last words I ever heard from Mr. P.
The next thing I
knew I was sitting on my couch. I stared at the wall infront of me. My smart
phone buzzed.
“Riley Rouke, you
have been chosen by the APP to be saved. You may take one other human being
with you, under the age of twenty-one. Between the two of you, you may take on
suitcase. We will arrive at your home in two hours and forty-six minutes. Only
bring what is necessary.”
The first thing
that came to mind was; where am I going and whom will I bring? I thought to
myself, was it worth dragging Ellis into this, is this what he wishes to do? The
clock was ticking. I told my mom what was going on and she told me not to
worry. I rushed upstairs and grabbed the biggest suitcase I could find. This
was easy considering we go on vacation all the time.
“Ellis, come here
I need to speak to you!” I exclaimed.
“What?”
“I decided I am
bringing you along with me. If I were to have anyone go through this mess with
me, I would want you to be by my side. Help me pack! We have a little less than
two hours!”
We packed only the
things I needed to get by. It was hard packing for a place you didn’t know you
were going to. The sky was getting darker as the day went on and a green glow
filled the sky. I took a moment and sat by the window in my room, and collected
myself. With barely any time left, I scurried downstairs and gave my mom a kiss
and told her how much I loved her.
“Riley, Ellis, I
need you two to stick together through all of this. Stay strong, and know that
whatever happens I love you two and your father would be very proud of you.”
Just on time, I
head a knock on the door.
“Coming!” I
yelled.
Ellis standing by
my side, I grabbed the suitcase, and headed out the door.
“Mom, we love
you!!!!” We shouted so loud.
Although we were
close with our father, our Mom has been there for us through everything.
“Get in the car
kids, it is going to be a long ride to New Mexico.”
“New Mexico? Why
are they taking us there?” Ellis asked.
“I don’t know,
just stay quiet. Take a nap.”
The back of the
stretch hummer limo wasn’t too shabby. We decided to rest, since the tall man
in the suit said it would be a long ride.
A few hours later
I woke up to the voice of the driver telling Ellis and I to grab our
belongings. We have arrived. I guess we were both so drained from the craziness
of the past twenty-four hours that we had slept longer than expected. As the
sun blinded us as we stepped out of the vehicle, I saw a sign that read: Area
51- Roswell, New Mexico.
“Welcome to
Pullman Ranch kids. The National Guard Center is straight ahead.”
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