Gah! *gasps as if coming up from a thousand-meter dive* I haven't been on in almost a month in this area!
I'm working on Elf Girl as fast as possible...which isn't very fast, I'll admit. Never fear, I'll get there! But to tide everyone over, I'll post more Pack!
(and the silver-mines are very, very dangerous...look up Hecate if you're curious to find out why..)
Ben wakes me in the morning.
He flies into the room, jumps onto my bed, and bounces up and down while hollering at the top of his lungs, “GET UP GET UP GET UP!”
I jerk awake, eyes flying open and hands landing on his neck. I could strangle him, but I don't want to hurt him. Instead I tickle him until he falls off the bed, laughing and shrieking with delight.
“Play time! You promised!” he shouts. He rolls away from my clutches and runs wildly around the room, making as much noise and damage as he can.
“Yeah, I know, but I'm not dressed for that!” I tug the blankets up to my chin. “I need to get dressed. Clear out, please!”
He scampers out, his feet swishing through my clothes from last night.
“I was going to wear those, you know!” I yell. But I'm laughing, too. I don't care if my clothes are messy or not.
I jump up and shut the door, then rush through my morning preparations. Outside, Allie and Ben are singing and jumping over the furniture in the main room. They want breakfast, and they're letting me know it.
“Okay, okay, I'm coming!” I yank the door open. They pause, halfway over the couch, and flash mischievous grins at me.
“I thought you were going to let us starve,” Ben says too innocently.
“Not today, little man.” I run my fingers through my hair, shake it down, and head for the kitchen.
“Come on, we need to hurry. Did we oversleep again?” I glance at the clock on the wall.
“Nope, you did,” Allie says sweetly. She plops into her chair and plants her elbows on the table. “You look beautiful, Tanni.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, giving her a question-mark look as I pull cups from the cupboard.
“Your hair,” she points. “I like it out. It's a nice color.”
“Wild red baboon,” I laugh. “That's what Shane said last night.”
“Tanni, when can we visit Shane and Sloane again?” Ben asks. “I wanna play with the big boys.”
“Not today,” I smile at him, apologetically. “I have work, you have school, and they have—work, too.”
I set the bowls and milk jug on the table. Allie and Ben dig in with spoons, mismatching ones, I note with a smile.
We eat quickly, one eye on the clock, the other on the door. Unba patrols come by and knock on every door, making sure everyone's out and about by 9 o'clock in the morning. Speaking of which, it's 5 minutes to 9.
“Time to clean up.” I jump up, grab the dishes, and plunk them into the sink. “Grab your stuff, we're heading out the door now.”
They bolt back to their rooms. I wipe off the table with a wet rag, drape it over the side of the sink, and then notice my reflection in the shiny surface. My hair is lovely, I'll admit. I run my fingers through it, wondering if Jonas notices, then let it fall back onto my shoulders.
I run to my room, grab my jacket and knapsack, and a rubber band, then tear into the living room. Allie and Ben are waiting for me, coats on and backpacks slung over their shoulders.
“Ready?” I ask, pulling my jacket on.
“Ready,” they answer in unison. How cute, I smile to myself.
Just then, I remember the lunches in the kitchen. I made them last night before I went onto the roof. I grab them out of the fridge, give two to my siblings, and tuck the other two into my knapsack. Then I go into the living room.
I open the main door, which is right next to the kitchen door. This is the door we're supposed to use, but rarely do except in the mornings. A chill of fear sweeps through me when I see the Unba patrols ascending the stairs, knocking on doors and calling for people.
“Come on, kids, let's go.” I quickly usher them out, shutting the door behind me. We rattle down the metal steps, easing past the patrols. Only the one at the end stops me.
“On your way out?” he asks.
“Yes, sir.” I look at the ground, my heart beating a little faster than usual. My siblings crowd behind me.
“What are your names?” He pulls out an electronic data-pad to check me.
“Tannith, Benjamin, and Allison Drifess.”
“Yup, checks out. You're clear to go.” He waves us on, and I gladly move away. Allie creeps up behind me and takes my hand.
“Weren't you scared?” she asks, her voice a mere whisper.
“Of course I am.” I smile, my lips trembling. “Don't worry, Allie, your sister is always brave when it comes to the soldiers.”
She sighs contentedly and walks closer to me. Ben is trying to puff up and look brave, but I know he's as scared as I am. I don't like the patrols, it's obvious. But I ignore them, and they ignore me, pretty much. Only people like the Parker twins and Jonas get attention.
Speaking of attention—
“Hey, Tanni!”
I groan inwardly at the voice. It's one I know all too well, the voice of Lloyd Bannister, the tall, handsome, dark-haired guy from my building who makes every girl swoon. He always picks on me on the way to work. I'd say he likes me, if I didn't know him well enough to know that he doesn't like me because my dad is a Revolutionary. It's not common knowledge, so don't ask how he knows. All I know is that he does, and my hope is that he won't tell.
“You're early today,” he smirks, planting himself in front of me. We've reached the bottom of the stairs, but he won't let me off.
“I know, Lloyd,” I sigh. I look over his shoulder and try to communicate my disinterest.
He doesn't take it. “You know, I was thinking we could talk sometime today. We have so much to catch up on.”
“You know, you live right above me,” I point out. “You talk to me everyday—right here! So hurry and say it. I have to go.”
“Okay, fine.” He crosses his arms and grins. I know he won't move until he's said it, and I need him to move if I'm going to get off the stairs. So I sigh inwardly and hope it won't take long.
“I heard about your dad, you know.”
I quirk an eyebrow. “I know. You remind me of it everyday.”
“No, you don't understand.” His eyes shift around, and he leans closer. “I heard that the patrols picked him up on his way in last night.”
My breath catches. “What do you mean, on his way in?”
“He was coming to see you. But somehow the patrols got word of who he was, after he passed the checkpoint, so they ran him down—and that's the last anyone's seen of him.”
I recoil back against the metal railing, shock overtaking my sense. My siblings crowd close to me, afraid. Lloyd looks more serious than I've ever seen him.
“We need to move,” he whispers, taking my arm and pulling me into the street. “The patrols can't find us together.”
“What do you mean, together?” I ask numbly.
“They know I saw what happened. I risked my safety coming to tell you. Quick, into this alley, all three of you. We have to keep quiet.”
We scuttle into the darkness, fear hammering in our hearts. I'm slowly coming back together, pulling myself up. I need to remain calm. I'm surprised Lloyd is helping me, but you never know people until it comes right down to it, I guess. He looks very serious now. I get the feeling he's in danger and he knows it.
“Okay, I have it from some good friends that since I'm in danger, you probably are, too. Tanni, you gotta be careful today, at work, in the street, at home. Hide whenever you can, don't look anyone in the eye, keep a low profile.”
“Does Jonas know what's going on?” I ask, my breath coming a little faster.
“Not yet.” Lloyd glances out the alleyway. “I'm still looking for him—oh, quick, here come's a patrol! You two, scram!” He waves my siblings away, then jerks me up against the wall.
“Lloyd, what are you doing?!”
“Quick, we gotta make it look like we're dating.”
“Yuck! Okay.” We lean against the brick wall and wrap our arms around each other, and I lay my head on his shoulder. We're hoping the patrol won't notice anything unusual about two teens in a dark alleyway.
“Hey, you two, get a move on it!” The lead man spots us and jerks Lloyd out of the alley. I stumble behind him, losing my balance and falling down.
“Oh, Beth, I'm sorry!” Lloyd quickly picks me up as the patrol marches off.
“Beth?” I query, my eyebrow raised. “They're not going to fall for that. The guy who yanked us out is the one who checked me coming down.”
“Oh, no! They'll know I was bluffing!” Lloyd lowers his voice. “You go on to work. I'll tell Jonas and the others, and make sure your siblings make it to school.”
“Thanks, but...” I look at him, my heart still beating fast from fear. “Lloyd, why are you helping me? I thought...you know...you didn't like my father.”
“I don't,” he says seriously. “I don't like him in prison.” Then he smiles, pats my shoulder, and takes off into the alley.
I shrug, a little uncertain, but hopeful. Now I really need to get to work. I join the rest of the citizens moving through the streets, hoping to blend in. Naomi joins me as I pass her apartment. We both smile and nod, but say nothing. It's not safe to. We don't know who's listening in the street.
Or who's watching. Like those eyes. I can't see them, but it's daytime, after all. And Naomi seems to make them disappear. I smile, shake my head, and forget the eyes. I can worry about them later.
We arrive at the doors of the factory and go into the break room. I hang up my jacket and knapsack on a hook, take down my uniform, and put it on. My hands are still a little shaky from the morning's activities. I look over at Naomi, who's braiding her hair back. I'd like to tell her what happened, but I'm afraid. Afraid for her, for Lloyd, for myself and my siblings. I don't know what's going to happen if I tell, so I keep quiet.
I head to the loading dock, where the trucks are already pulled up. I'm still thinking about how Jonas will react to the news. I hope he'll think up a good plan to protect my remaining family members. I don't mind myself in danger, but I hate to put my siblings through it. And there's old Mrs. Buecre to think about. Who's going to take care of her if I go? I remember suddenly that I forgot to check her this morning. Oh, well. I have work off at 4. I'll see her then.
My thoughts are so occupied I don't even notice where I'm going. Umph! I ram into my boss, both of us staggering from the impact.
“Whoa! Sorry, Mr. Satchthel,” I say, backing up and turning red.
“Watch yourself, Tanni,” he says gruffly. But then he smiles, and I know all's forgiven.
I hurry on to my dock, paying more attention to my surroundings. My loading partner, Mason, is already hard at work, checking labels on the boxes that are carried by conveyer belt out to the dock.
“Hey, Tanni, this one goes to truck 9#, there at the end,” he tells me, pushing the box toward me.
“Thanks.” I hoist it up, steady my balance, then move off toward the end of the row. Mason and I load trucks 9# and 10#. Usually I do the loading, since I'm taller and stronger. Mason's only 13, after all. He's a little young for this kind of work, but he doesn't have a choice. His parents are dead and his aunt takes care of him. She can't afford to send him to school, so he got a job here. I look after him a lot, though he's not as close a friend as Naomi and the others.
I hand off my load to one of the placers on the truck and go back for another box. I will admit, this job gets a little boring at times. Something with a little more bounce to it, like Jonas' job of running errands for the bank, would be more fun. But this job is stable, simple, yet requires a strong back and sturdy legs. Perfect for me.
Halfway through the morning, Mr. Satchthel comes out with a message that someone's on the phone for me. I tell Mason I'll be right back and then hurry into the office.
I pick up the phone from the desk. “Hello?”
“Tanni, it's me!” Lloyd's voice sounds desperate. “I don't have much time, I think they're on to me. Look, I told Jonas; we'll meet you at the east gate at 4 this afternoon. Be there!” He hangs up before I can reply. My hands shake as I put the phone down. This is getting much more serious than I could imagine.
“Tanni? Everything all right?” Mr. Satchthel is standing in the door.
“Oh, yes, everything's fine,” I say. I smile brightly. “That was my boyfriend.” I walk out, knowing that I didn't lie to him. Lloyd is my boyfriend—in that unromantic sense, anyway. I didn't even like talking to him until today. But sometimes, life changes in a single moment.
I go back to the dock. Mason is still there, as usual, the trucks are still being loaded, and everything looks normal. Yet, I feel different inside. Something's happening to me, changing me. I already feel older than I did this morning, waking up. I'm getting dull now, I guess.
Oh, forget it. Those eyes will be back soon. I don't want them to see me as I am now.
I grab up the next box and hustle it to the truck, hoping these thoughts will leave my mind.
“So, Tanni, who was that on the phone?” Mason asks when I come back.
“Oh...my boyfriend.”
“You're dating?” He gives me a funny look.
“Not really...” I try to make sound like I don't want to talk about it. “I mean...we just met this morning...he wanted to check on me.”
“Oh.” Mason looks confused, but doesn't say anything. I lug off the next box, hoping my heart will stop beating so rapidly and my cheeks won't burn red. Then Mason will know something is up.
When I come back, I look around to make sure we can't be overheard. “Look, I have to leave early today...can you cover for me?” I lean in close. “I'm gonna meet up with him, and it has to be at 4.”
“Sure, I can do it,” he agrees.
“Thanks, Mason!” I skip off with the next box, my body light with excitement. It'll be fun, I tell myself. It'll be just a normal meeting. Then we'll go to Naomi's house and laugh it off. I hope Lloyd will come, too. I never thought of him as being part of the pack, but he just might fit in. He'll have to hide from the patrols somewhere. Then I think of my dad—and a chill of fear dampers the excitement.
Lunch time rolls past without a stray from the norm. Naomi and I eat together, laughing and talking. I don't tell her anything; it'll come out tonight. We exchange sly glances, however, at any mention of the Unba. We have our jobs to do, and she's doing her's, I hope. I don't ask if she knows anything yet. It can wait.
I notice Mason sitting by himself at the end of the table. He does that a lot, since he usually doesn't bring a lunch. I dig into my sack and pull out a small, wrapped parcel. Then I stand and walk quietly over to him.
“Mason?”
“Yeah?” He looks up, and I can see the tears in his eyes. But he's too brave to cry. I place the parcel in front of him, and say softly, “I didn't forget this time.”
His face creases in a smile. “Thanks, Tanni.”
I smile back and pat his shoulder. Then I move back to my seat with Naomi. I feel older again, like I did this morning after Lloyd called. It's true I “mother” Mason a little. But I also take care of him in practical ways. He doesn't get much to eat, at work or at home, so I try to fill in the cracks. It's not ideal, but I do my best.
After lunch, Mason and I go back out to the loading dock. A third of the loaders are clustered around one of the trucks, examining something. Curious, we go over to take a look.
“Like I said, it's just a rumor, but it sounds plausible,” Hayden Forsenthe is saying as we walk up. He's standing inside the truck, in front of a box with strange markings on it.
“What's going on?” I ask out loud.
“Tanni,” Bethie Mills grabs my arm in a grip like a vice, “Hayden says that your dad was seen in the city last night. And that he's responsible for designing a prototype of a new bio-weapon that's sitting in that truck.” She points to the box behind Hayden.
My stomach drops out. I feel like throwing up. What does my dad have to do with this? More important, what am I going to say?
Mason squeezes my hand. He's worried, too. He knows a little about my dad, and he's a Revolutionary sympathizer. He's going to join up in four months, when he turns 14.
“I—um—don't know anything,” I stammer after a moment. I pull away from Bethie, feeling like everything is going to be blown in a minute. “I haven't seen my dad in a while.”
“He writes to you, doesn't he?” Hayden asks.
“Some,” I admit. “But I don't know anything.” I back out of the crowd, wishing I hadn't spoken up.
They're not backing down.
“C'mon, Tanni, you know something.” Marshall Hancock, the flirt of the entire factory, eases up to me. “It's not like you to hold back on us.”
“Look, guys, I really don't know anything. I just work here, after all.” Mason and I are quickly backtracking. “We can talk about this some other time, I need to work, goodbye!”
We bolt away to our dock, hearing the ripple of conversation behind us. I wipe sweat from my brow and breath a little easier.
“That was close,” Mason whispers. I nod.
“Yeah, we should get going at 4, both of us. They might try to use you to get information from me.”
Mason looks horrified. “No! They're humans, like us. Only Unba would be that mean.”
I want to believe him. I really do. But—I have the gut feeling he's wrong.
And those eyes—supposing they're Unba eyes? Watching me, waiting for when I'm alone and unaided, waiting to take me like they did my dad? Ready to sink their claws into my entire family? Or my friends? Or my coworkers?
Or maybe they already have. And that's why I have this feeling.
Maybe—one of the humans will betray me.
And I'm in a trap. Should I meet Jonas and Lloyd at the east gate? And risk them getting in trouble?
Oh, wait, Jonas is always in trouble. That narrows it down to Lloyd, my new “boyfriend”, sorta. He wants to help me. He's risking everything to do this. Can I turn that down? No.
So, my ultimate decision is yes.
Whatever happens, I need the slum cute guy and the slum crazy guy on my side.
.....*sigh* Ah, young romance. So much fun to write!
I know exactly where I'm going. The problem is finding the time to write. 
I wonder if they'll ever settle down and live happily ever after. It's not looking good at the moment. 