The Resistance

EIGHT

Kathy's head popped out of the water, a few metres downstream. A few seconds later, Bree emerged, coughing and gasping for breath. Steven gasped as he splashed to the surface. "You all okay?" Kathy whispered. They nodded.

After swimming across to a dock and climbing out, the three had dried off. Kathy had gone for a walk and bought some comfortable clothes for the three of them and a backpack for each of them. "What are we supposed to do now?" questioned Bree. "We're going to Scotland. We still have at least half the day left. We can walk to Kings Cross Station it should only take an hour or two. There's sunglasses in my bag, put them on and they won't even recognise you. I also bought a fake moustache for you," she looked at Steven. The three exchanged glances. Bree took Kathy's bag and put the sunglasses on. Steven followed suit and they began walking to the train station.

Diana had driven around the city before returning home. They parked the van in the same place they found it and Marcia have out the orders. "I need three of you to stay here with me and help. The rest of you need to go back, gather everyone up, pack as many supplies as you can. I need everyone back here by nightfall." Diana stayed to help along with Robin and Paddy. Harvey led the rest back to the house. The four helped lower Crystals body onto the ground. Marcia took her jacket off and covered the wounds on Crystal. She was trying hard not to cry, she had to keep it together for the rest of the group. Paddy took a shovel from the back of the van and began digging a grave. Diana and Robin tied two sticks together making a cross while Marcia wrapped the body as best as she could with what she had with her. Paddy was done and they lowered Crystal into the shallow grave. Diana put a flower on top of the wraps then Paddy covered her up with dirt. As he did, a few tears escaped Marcia's eyes.

Harvey ran up to his and Marcia's room and found a few backpacks in the cupboard. He packed pictures and sentimental things and filled a bag. In another he packed it full with clothes for he and Marcia then filled the last one with food from the kitchen. The others were doing pretty much the same. Fraser packed some weapons and discovered some tents while he was in the cellar. Effy had gone upstairs to find the younger ones. Hope was laughing while Zoé chased her. Brad was reading on the bed. Effy put a smile on for hope and wiped her eyes. "Okay we're all leaving so you two go pack some clothes to take," Effy said. Zoé and Brad left after exchanging glances but did as they were told. Effy knelt beside Hope. "Hello. Were you good for Brad and Zoé today?" she teased. Hope smiled and nodded. "Where's mummy?" she grinned. Effy bit her lip, unsure on how to explain. She pulled Hope to sit on her knee then began, "well, mummy's not here anymore. She's become an angel. She lives in the sky now." Effy felt the tears coming. "Up there?" Hope pointed out the window. Effy nodded. "Why? What if I want her to live her?" she protested. "She can't anymore. She was chosen to be an angel. But it's okay because if you want to see her, all you have to do is close your eyes and she'll be there." Hope closed her eyes and held them shut. A tear rolled down Effy's cheek. "So now we have to go on an adventure. Let's pack some things to take with us," she began standing up. Effy took Crystal's backpack and showed it to Hope who smiled. She ran over to the bed and put her notebook and pencil case inside. She took a princess crown and some nail varnish. Effy was packing some clothes for Hope and extra shoes. When they were done, Effy packed her own bag.

Everyone met in the front room before leaving. They agreed they had everything then walked out. Harvey closed the door then they walked out of the woods. Effy held Hope's hand as they walked down the road. They reached the van which was clean of blood with no sign anyone had been hurt. Effy saw a patch of brown on the grassy green field. A cross stood at the top and she nodded at her best friends grave. She lifted Hope inside the van and sat with her. Harvey drove this time. As they drove away from the place that had been home to them for so long, Effy began to fall asleep. She saw Crystal and couldn't help but smile.
"Make sure Hope is safe. Don't let anything happen to her," she said. Effy nodded, "I won't let anyone hurt her as long as I live. I'm going to keep her safe for you, Crysty. I promise."