The Gorge Chapter 3

Suddenly the vision ended, and after catching his breath, Alex opened his eyes. There, standing in front of him and looking puzzled, was Devin Black, the quiet boy who had been chosen to be a part of Alex’s squadron earlier. “Alex, do you need to see the nurse?” he asked with a concerned look. Alex looked into his eyes, and saw nothing but sincerity in them. “I’m fine, it was nothing.” He tried to hard to work up a smile and succeeded. “Alright then, whatever you say” replied Devin, as they exited the restrooms and proceeded down the hall. “You missed breakfast” added Devin with a grin. “I’m not really hungry anyway….” mumbled Alex.



He still couldn't get the picture of his father out of his head, and had trouble concentrating all day. It wasn't until 2nd period that he was forced to snap out of it. As Alex was again traversing the hall to attend his basic weapons training class, he heard “C'mon baby, just a little kiss, it wont hurt!” around the corner. Stopping abruptly, he decided to listen. “No Brock, leave me alone” replied a girl. Working up some courage, Alex walked around the corner, and saw a very big guy, and the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. “Hey, what are you doin?” queried the bully. “Leave her alone” managed Alex, trying to keep the quake out of his voice.



“Why, are YOU gonna try and make me?” fired back Brock. “Yes, if that is what it takes” said Alex. “Why you little….” Brock got no further than that because as soon as he moved an inch, Alex pulled a strange object out of his pocket and pushed a button. “Ow! What is that?!” wailed Brock. Alex flashed a grin and replied, “This? Oh it’s a temporal stunner, made it myself!” He then turned to the girl and said, “C'mon lets get out of here.” They raced down the hall, and made it in time for class with 20 seconds to spare.



“Thank you for helping me; I’m Sophie by the way. That was really brave you know? Standing up to Brock like that, weren't you afraid?” whispered the girl. Alex blushed and replied “Shaking in my boots, but I knew I had to do something.” There was an awkward silence, until Sophie asked, “That stunner thing, you said you made it? It’s really cool.” Alex looked down at the floor and managed, “Yeah, my dad helped me make it before he died” Alex’s voice became choked, and he turned away to get a hold of himself.



“Oh I’m sorry, I didn't know” tried Sophie. “It’s okay” replied Alex, as he tried to muster up a smile. The rest of the day flew by, and soon it was lights out in the dormitories. Alex fell asleep thinking of his father, and of Sophie, oblivious to the incoming danger.