Chapter 20- Losing Oneself

Shane felt the warm caress of fresh tears flowing down her cheeks as she scanned the ghost-filled streets. She recalled her past life; the horror, always scared, always hungry. Better yet, it had started to rain. Not just spit either, but pour-one of those rain falls where if you were in Macy’s, you’d hear like a stampede on the roof. She’d been looking for her for nearly two hours now.

Alex shivered, being drenched to the bone by the pouring rain. Her sweater felt heavy now, but she kept it clung to her, hoping for some kind of warmth to leak out. She looked down the alley she was sitting in, half-way shielded from the rain by the open lid of the big green garbage bin. She closed her eyes and rested her head in her knees that were huddled beneath her sweater and to her chest. Then, she made the smartest move all day as she let herself drift off to sleep.

Carmen was in front of the window, the fireplace in full roar behind her. She sipped her Hot Cocoa while she looked out at the downpour of rain, a tear fell as she worried for all three of the people she loved that were caught in the storm. Suddenly, she saw headlights pull into the driveway, then a drenched figure climbed out and ran to the door. Carmen got up and answered it as the bell rang.

As she flung open the door, surprise washed over her. There stood the skinny blonde, looking like a drowning puppy with tears streaming down her face, letting out desperate whimpers. Carmen quickly whipped the tear she shed earlier off her cheek.

Carmen: Alice, what’s going on?

Alice tried talking, but it came up as one big jumble through the tears and sobs.

Carmen: Ok, ok I can’t understand a word you’re saying, just come in. We’ll get you warm.

Alice nodded as Carmen stepped aside, letting her friend in. Alice stepped in and Carmen took her coat before guiding her into the bathroom.

Carmen: Why don’t you shower, it’ll warm you up. I’ll umm set up some clothes for you outside the door. You can use Alex’s housecoat.