Infection: Dying Days

This statement caused an uproar within the gym.

Some people were shouting about how dangerous it was out there while others were looking at Big Sis with faces filled excitement. They were ready to leave.

I was the same.

"I'll answer your concerns so quiet down a bit!"

With a raise of her hand, Big Sis ordered. And almost immediately, everyone calmed down.

"Have many of you here saw the news? Raise your hands if you have."

Big Sis asked the moment things were quiet. It didn't take long for everybody here to raise their hands.

"Alright. Now who here is worried for their family? Their parents?"

Once again, hands were raised.

"Good, this makes my explanation a whole lot easier! You've seen the news! Everything outside is pure chaos! How many of you here tried to get in contact with your parents but couldn't? You don't know where they are nor do you know if they're okay. This is the reason we are leaving this gym, to look for our families!"

Big Sis then stops for a moment to let the words sink in before continuing.

"In order to do that we'll need a plan! Desmond."

Trying not to show the nervousness on my face as much as possible, I barely managed to say.

"...Yes?"

"Would you please come over here?"

"...Okay."

With a stomach full of butterflies, I reluctantly walk towards the bleachers.

While walking there...

"He's the boy who beat the crap out of those two guys earlier."

"He doesn't look like the type to do that sort of thing though."

"I agree. But what's he got to do with making a plan?"

"Beats me."

I heard people talk about me. It would've been fine if it was any other time but now it's making me nervous!

When I arrived in front of Big Sis, she walked to my side and said with a confident smile.

"Tell them about the plan we discussed earlier."

"Do I have to? I mean, wasn't this supposed to a contingency plan?"

I whispered helplessly. I seriously don't wanna do this!

"It was a contingency plan but after I walked around and talked to a few students, I decided that the best choice was to go ahead and implement it."

"When did you do that?"

"When you was fighting. I also discussed it with Mr. Braxton. He said that he was okay with it. Mr. Ackland as well."

Eh? Mr. Ackland agreed as well? Huh, maybe I was wrong about the guy.

"Do I have to do it though?"

"Yes, you're the one who formed the plan so it's only right you explain it.'"

"Since you put it that way I guess I got no choice but to do it... How many people are in here?"

"88 people are here in total. 81 of them are students, leaving me and you out. The remaining five are teachers."

"!?"

This revelation made me hold my breath in shock. This school had a population of 1,000 students and staff altogether but out of that thousand, only 83 students and five teachers made it here!

Where the hell did the rest go? Did they make it out of the school?

"Sigh, here goes nothing."

Pushing the shocking news to the back of my head, I let loose a lamentable sigh and walk directly in front of the crowd.

Hardening my expression and sharpening my gaze, I said.

"Before I explain the plan, I want every student here to get into nine groups of nine. Also, I want all the injured people in one group if possible. As for the teachers, would you please come over here?"

"..."

Once I finished what I was saying, a strange silence filled the gym. I was looked at with stupefied expressions. Like what I said was too unbelievable.

See? This is why I f*cking hate public speaking! One wrong word and you lose all your momentum! Ah, sh*t! Their stares are starting to make me self conscious and cold sweat!

"Alright, you heard him. Let's start getting in groups of nine. Come on! Chop! Chop!"

Coming to my rescue was David who clapped his hands to motivate the crowd into doing what I said. I sent a look of appreciation his way.

"Wait. I'm not supposed to be talking to him unless necessary. I need to be firm! Hmph!"

Remembering this, I gave him a glare before turning my head the other way.

David made a wry smile at my action but I didn't care. Until I get my apology, I won't willingly talk to him or Sara! Call me childish but that's the way it is!

"Boyo! We're here what do you need us to do?"

"Did you go over the plan with them?"

"I told them about it. These two ladies here is Mrs. Thompson and Ms. C.h.e.s.ter while the middle aged man here is Mr. Polinski. They're ready to follow your instructions."

"Mn. He's right. If your plan makes it possible for the students here to make it out safely then we'll gladly do what you tell us to do."

Attesting to this, Mr. Polinski proclaimed. Mrs. Thompson and Ms. C.h.e.s.ter were the same as well. If they can get the students out of here safely then they'll gladly do what I want!

"I need you guys to gather all the things in here that can be used as weapons from baseball bats to hammers to broom sticks. Can you do that?"

"Yes!"

They all agreed then left.

It was also at this moment the students finished forming their nine groups of nine.

Upon seeing these newly formed groups, one detail made me crease my brow.