The Unexpected *SPORADIC UPDATES*

Chapter Two: Devising a Plan

DATE: July 10, 3035

LOCATION: New York City, New York

The next morning, I slowly open my eyes to the sight of numerous trees looming over me. Frantic, I sit up quickly, wondering where I am. It isn't until I see my short, dark brown hair barely falling over my shoulder that yesterday's exciting events come back to me. Jackson is still fast asleep, just a few feet to my right. Looking to the east, I see why; the sun is just beginning to rise. I'm used to getting up at dawn, however, so this doesn't phase me. I always awake at sunrise so I can keep an eye out on my surroundings, should anyone discover my identity, as they did yesterday. At this point, I'm usually walking around New York, doing whatever I can to entertain myself, but obviously, there's nothing much to do in the woods. So, I do the only thing I can think to do; I begin to pace. This is the only time I've had to myself in quite awhile, and I'm not exactly sure what else to do.

I must have been pacing for longer than I imagined, because the next thing I know, Jackson is groaning as he sits up and stretches.

"Okay, sleeping on a forest floor is new to me. It's a lot more uncomfortable than I thought it would be," he says, running his fingers through his hair, which only messes it up more.

"I found it extremely comfortable," I counter.

"How?"

"Try sleeping in an alley for six years. Sleeping here feels like a memory foam mattress."

"Oh," he mumbles, staring down at his hands, "How long have you been awake?" he asks, finally standing up and growing to his full height, which is at least six inches taller than me.

"Since dawn," I answer, shrugging my shoulders.

"You've been up since dawn?!"

"Yeah," I sigh, "I'm used to it."

He whistles. "Man, that's something. You are just full of surprises, Lacey Bennett."

"So it seems," I say smugly, a smirk curling its way onto my lips. Jackson just looks at me, shoving his hands into his pockets as he shakes his head and chuckles softly to himself.

"So how do you suppose we take down the government?" I question.

"Okay," Jackson starts, "So I figured that the best place to start is by making Them think you're dead."

"And how do we do that?"

"I know a guy-"

"Here we go," I groan.

"What?" Jackson asks in a tone that shows offense.

"Every time someone says they know a guy, everything usually goes awry and nothing works out the way you plan it."

"I see where you're coming from," Jackson acknowledges, "But just hear me out."

I let out a long, forced sigh. "Sure," I shrug, "Go for it."

"Alright," he sighs in relief, "I know a guy that had a son who was blonde. He makes wigs and does makeup for stage productions, movies, stuff like that. He could give you a blonde wig and do some makeup on you that makes it look like something happened and you bled to death. So, what do you say?"

"Where does this guy live?"

"California."

My eyes widen and my jaw drops to the ground. "California?! Are you out of your mind?! That's all the way across the country! We don't even have the money to get there!"

Jackson laughs. "You're cute when you're mad, you know." I only glare at him. "Okay, okay, lay off on the death glare!" he says, holding his hands up in surrender.