Page 17 of Until We Weren't

“Over here!” Destiny yelled, running towards a small shack at the back of the property.

Faith had just about reached Destiny when she turned her head to look behind at the dogs’ progress.

Just then Destiny saw Faith’s foot land in a hole and she went tumbling to the ground.

Without a thought, Destiny ran over, grabbed Faith by the back of her shirt, and pulled them both into the shack, slamming the door just as the dogs, barking ferociously, jumped against it.

“Holy shit!” Destiny exclaimed, her chest heaving for a breath. “Are you okay?” she asked with concern in her voice.

Faith was on the floor with a dazed look on her face.

Destiny bent down and looked into her eyes. “Faith,” she said softly. “Hey, it’s okay. We’re safe.”

Faith met Destiny’s eyes and raised her eyebrows.

Destiny could see the fear in her eyes and reached to put her hands on Faith’s upper arms. She squeezed them gently. “I’ve got you.”

Faith blinked her eyes and found her voice. “What the hell was that?”

Destiny smiled as she saw the fear fade from Faith’s eyes. “I’m guessing they lock everything up and release guard dogs as security.”

“Fuck,” Faith said, her eyes wide.

“I know,” Destiny said. “Is your ankle okay?”

Faith looked down at her foot and wiggled it in a circle. “Yeah, it’s okay.”

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Destiny asked.

Faith let out a deep breath and nodded. “When I was a kid,” she began, “a dog chased me on the way home from school one day. It scared the shit out of me.” She nervously chuckled. “That’s probably why I became such a fast runner.” She shrugged. “At least it helped me get through college.”

“You never told me that,” Destiny said, still kneeling in front of Faith. “I wouldn’t have kept asking you for us to get a dog.”

Faith looked into Destiny’s eyes and smiled. “I’m not afraid of dogs. I just don’t like them chasing after me like they want to eat me!”

Destiny dropped her head and chuckled. “Yeah, I don’t like it either.” She got up and looked out of the window next to the door. One dog was sitting, staring at the door, ready to pounce when it opened. The other was pacing up and down in front of the small shack.

“You’re not having us for supper,” Destiny said, watching the dogs for a moment.

“What is this place?” Faith stood up and looked around the small building.

“It looks like something they brought in before construction started.”

“I think they store things they’ve forgotten about,” Faith said, picking up dusty tools.

“I don’t see anyone walking around out there.” Destiny peered through the dirty window. “Surely they look around before they lock the place up for the night and release the dogs.”

“Obviously not!” Faith exclaimed. “Otherwise those little fuckers wouldn’t have been chasing us!”

Destiny laughed.

“Oh, that’s funny?”

“No,” Destiny said. “I was scared, too.”

“Of course,” Faith said. “That was your nervous laugh.”

“Yeah, I don’t know why I do that.” Destiny shrugged. “Anyway, let’s call someone for help.” She reached into her pocket for her phone.

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