Alyss: Chapter 1

Alyss had to get back. The old warehouse would be closing anytime now and she didn't want to worry her sister. The last time that she had missed closing time she had to sleep outside in the Cold and had gotten more than an earful from her sister the next day. She stuffed the slim box she had in her hand into her jacket pocket.

Alyss jogged a few blocks. She stepped around the corner of the warehouse to see a tall dark figure step out onto the sidewalk. He was soon followed by a small plump figure who shouted to the tall one,

"I'll see you tomorrow, Leroy!" His back was turned on the door.

This was her chance. She ran towards the door, as quiet as a mouse (without all of the squeaking). She dove inside just as the owner turned to lock the door. Whew, too close for comfort.

She jogged up the stairs and opened the trapdoor in the ceiling. Lifting herself into the opening she yelled out, "Marian, I'm home!" Not much of a home but it's all we've got. She looked around clapping her hands together. "Marian?" She yelled again.

Just then a tall figure entered the room. It was Marian. She was wearing an oversized grey sweater, black skinny jeans and her old brown combat boots. Her Blonde hair was in an extremely messy bun.

"Where have you been?" she asked Alyss in a harsh tone, "it's late."

"I got caught up in something." She said hurriedly.

"What?"

"Some stranger, we were both running in opposite directions and ran into each other."

"Why were you running?"

"Who are you, the police?" Alyss said, throwing her hands up.

"No, I'm your sister and I have a right to know." She said calmly crossing her arms.

Alyss growled at her sister and then stomped towards the open window to her left, climbing through it and up onto the roof. She sat there alone for awhile, breathing. Inhale. Exhale. This calmed her down a bit.

This was her favorite place to be. She was free here. She wanted to shout from the rooftop but stopped herself from doing so. She pulled the box out of her pocket and opened it.

Inhale. Exhale.