Mall Rats Return

Mall Rats Return
359

Ryan

“I can’t help it” I said to Alice with a smile and shrugging my shoulders a little, while it was true. Something never did change and one of those things was my love for food.

I was not far behind when Alice barged in through the door calling out for Ellie, we were met by a guy and a girl I didn’t recognize but neither of them confirmed that Ellie was there and the girl seemed to know who Ellie was. I blinked looking at Alice and then at the others. “Wait…Ellie’s not here?”* No… she has to be. I look around and then more people join and I then see Cloe. “Cloe?” I look at the now young woman staring at us, I also thought I saw a glimpse of Salene… no was it really her?

I was happy to see Cloe, she looked so grown up but I could also feel that awkward feeling of seeing people from my past again.

360

Cloe

Seeing Salene, Dee and Mouse and of course Danni had already brought things back, but seeing now Alice, Ryan, Lex and KC was just making it all boil over for me in emotions. ”I cant belivie it… I thought i was never gonna see you guys again”

Everyone looked the same but also so different though the biggest changes were ryan as he felt taller to me and KC looking grown up. ”KC? Thats you?”* of course when he asked about food a sense of familiarty washed over me, Yup Thats KC alright.

361

Salene

Dee releases me, I back against the wall and slide down to a sitting position, feeling suddenly drained, Dee comes over and sits beside me, the flickering candle the only light in this dark room…

“I want to go home” I say quietly “I shouldn’t have come here”

“But why?” Dee asks

She doesn’t know mine and Ryan’s history… He was gone long before she and Patch joined the Mall Rats

“This was a big mistake” My voice shakes

“Talk to me, Sal” Dee says softly

“All I wanted was to be loved and needed, I had the hugest crush on Bray, he was with Trudy so I thought at the time, he was just her brother in law, then he was with Amber, I was a mess, I started to binge eat and throw up”

“The bulimia, you told me about that” Dee smiles softly

“Ryan, he was the one who pulled me through that” I sigh “He had the biggest crush on Zandra, she was crazy about Lex, we both had the feeling of not being enough and being rejected and we just sort of fell into a relationship, I ran away, thats when I found out I was pregnant, I only agreed to marry Ryan because of the baby, then when the chosen took over I joined them, I thought it was the only way to keep the baby safe especially with the lack of food and heavy work parties, Trudy promised I’d be safe, then the guardian told us the baby would have no other father but Zoot blah blah, Ryan was taken away but not before I had betrayed him and joined them…”

“Oh Sal” Dee sighs

“He was hurt, so bad, I did that to him, I upset and hurt him so much that he tried to kill the guardian the was taken away, I lost the baby soon after from a fall” I say “Luke said he would get word to Ryan but I refused and made Luke promise not to say anything”

“Do you think he knows about the baby?” Dee asks

“I don’t know, Alice was there, she knew I lost it but I don’t know if she would tell him” I sigh wiping my face

“Sal it was a long time ago” Dee offers “Alot’s changed since then”

“I know, but I still betrayed him and joined the Chosen after he begged me not too”

“I think he may have a few more surprises coming” Dee grins “You said he had a crush on Zandra?”

“Yeah”

“Did he know she… died?” Dee asks making air quotes

“Oh god” I say looking towards the door “Neither Lex or Ryan would know Zandra is alive”

I remember my own surprise when I first saw Amber after being told she was dead and then seeing Zandra today… They are in for a shock…

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362

CALLAN

Making my way down the stairs I look at the newcomers for a moment before making a decision, ’we’ve had a lot of new faces here today, introductions have been sketchy,’ I tell the red head before she starts yelling again, ’not sure we’ve met an Ellie, but could be wrong.’

I look at the rest of the newcomers ’I’m Callan, one of the people who currently lives in the mall, and no, we aren’t responsible for the letter.’ my stomach tells me it must be past lunch time, and food does make for better conversation, ’why don’t we all make our way to the cafe, we can have some food and have a chat about the situation. Several of your mall rat friends have already claimed shops to make their own during this… process.’ I was trying to be as polite as possible, didn’t want to rile anyone up. ’Two from our tribe are out gathering supplies, but I’m sure there’s enough food for everyone to have a snack in the mean time.’

@Trudy @Zandra @everyone

363

Luc

I nod in agreement with Callan, and not just about he food but getting everyone in the cafe and sat down will help them manage the amount of people that are now in the Mall “We’ll also find out which rooms are still available for any of you’s decide to stay here” I called.

I didn’t want these lot walking around wherever in the mall and was hoping we could keep the split with the Mallrats being downstairs leaving us to our privacy but as more people turned up it was casting a doubt if there would be enough space down here.
I turned and headed into the cafe, hopefully they will follow.

364

Andy

I scatter the spiders from Lottie’s room where I had put the others, next to Bert and Ernie.

I return to the Mall and loiter behind Alice and co as the Serpents speak. The temptation to slap Alice’s butt did cross my mind. But then I thought about my face… An upper cut from Alice would ruin my face and turn me into a hideous beast like dead Ned. :rofl: I decide to not say hi just yet, I guess we can all get our kumbaya’s out once we settle in the cafeteria. I lean up against the shop front of our chosen room, cross my arms and wait to follow. My eyes then fall on KC and I can’t help but stare… Woah, that little green haired squirt has become quite the sexy beefcake. How I would love to smack that rump, mmm mmm mmm.

Eciov

I listen to the Serpent boys and then head into Sal’s and Dee’s room to find Sal slumbered up against the wall and Dee crouching down at her side. I hurry over. “One of those that just came in, it’s him isn’t it?” I place my hand on her shoulder. The Serpents want us all to head into the cafe…"

@Salene

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365

Salene

I look up as footsteps approach, Ecoiv walks in and looks at me and Dee, She comes over and crouches infront of me…

"One of those that just came in, it’s him isn’t it?” Ecoiv asks her hand on my shoulder.

“Ryan” Dee sighs at Ecoiv

“The Serpents want us all to head into the cafe…” Ecoiv says softly

“I can’t” I shake my head “What will I say to him, how can… What if he…”

“You start with a Hello” Dee whispers to me “Then go from there, your not alone, I’m here, so is Mouse”

“I can get Dawn and Will down from the roof too” Ecoiv smiles “They are not Mall Rats I know, but if every one knows every thing we won’t have to repeat it all”

I nod, Ecoiv smiles, she stands holding her hand out to me she helps me to my feet with Dee’s help… My mouth is dry, my heart pounds and my body is in a cold sweat and shaking… Dee smiles softly taking my hand… I breathe deeply a couple of times, as I tell myself I can do this…

@Jack

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366

KC

“Alright Cloe” I say giving her a small nod before turning and looking around at all the other faces around here, this was mental.
I shifted to listen to what the guys were saying, going into the cafe sounded like a good idea to me “Come on Ryan, let’s go get some food” I tell him with a grin as I headed towards the cafe. Standing in the hall wasn’t going to get us sorted.

367

Lex

As we get inside the Mall, Alice yells for Ellie… instead one of the new occupants comes and introduces himself as Callan, he tells us he is one of the current mall occupants then goes on to tell us that he hasn’t met anyone called Ellie and that all the Mall Rats that are here should head to the cafe, a few ‘Mall Rats’ stand infront of us, KC and Ryan immediately recognise Cloe… Wow the brat’s all woman sized now but still off limits due to her age, and the fact I’m not remotely interested… There’s a few people standing outside a shop, I stare at them, one I am sure is Dee, one another young woman, younger than Cloe, I cant place then a woman with red hair that matches Alice and she has a baby… Next to Dee is another woman, I recognise her, why… Her hair is long and light brown, could be blond in this light… Who the hell is she, she looks at us and disappears back into the room, I see Ryan looking over then KC interrups the thoughts in my head as he tells Ryan it’s time to find food… I remember I never got to eat my fish I caught at breakfast, my stomach give out an audible groan… People look at me and smile… As we walk to the relocated Cafe, I look around, memories flooding my head and chest, Zandra, Taisan, both married me, Zan and my unborn child killed in an explosion, Tiasan missing with the technos…

“Why am I here” I groan under my breath

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368

Eciov

I dash quickly to the fountain and grab some bedding. Dawn, Will and I had sleeping bags etc but an extra sheet or two would be useful. I had a feeling Lex couldn’t place me so I decide to play on that a little and poke my tongue out at him as I make my way up to the roof. It’s fun to be silly sometimes…

Reaching the roof, Dawn and Will had made quite the camp. Our stove, lanterns, sleeping arrangements, everything all placed out perfectly and secure. "Nice one Whiz (nickname for Dawn) and Flex. (nickname for Will). You’ve done well. I brought up something to keep us a bit warmer, courtesy of The Serpents."

Will takes the sheets from me and says, “All getting along then?”. I smile. “Yes. Swimmingly. Callan, who must be their leader has invited us all into the cafe for some grub.” Dawn takes the sheets from Will and puts them inside the tent and says, “That’s awfully kind of them. Profiteroles, chicken livers, marmite sandwiches…” I roll my eyes. "You looney tune, if only! Come on let’s get downstairs or there will be nothing left to feed your brain, (I tap Dawn’s head) and your muscles." (I squeeze Will’s biceps). We all smile widely and hug.

Muffled in Will’s chest I say, “I miss Goldie!” (nickname for Nate). Dawn jumps out of the hug and dives into my bag and pulls out the talking device and says, “We should tell him we are here safe and sound.” I take the talking device from her and fiddle with it. As I tune in Will speaks up, “Maybe tell him tonight we will let off a flare, so to keep an eye out for it.” I nod. Who knows how far we were from Nate, the chances of him seeing it were slim but the thought was there.

crackle crackle

“Come on, work,” I exclaim. “Dorothy is that you?” Yes, Dawn’s talking devices were a success! “GOLDIE! Yes yes it is I. We are all safe.” “Hi,” say Dawn and Will in unison. “Glad to hear,” replies Nate. “We have arrived at the Mall. It’s so strange being back.” “We are sleeping under the stars on the roof,” screams Dawn. I smile. “We miss you buddy!” Will pulls me into his shoulder and says to Nate, “Yeah, I could really do with you here. These two had one of their laughing fits earlier. And you know how they get… HELP ME.” We all laugh and I then ask, “Is everything okay with you at Salene’s cottage?” There is then silence. “Nate?” He then laughs and responds, “I was trying to be suspenseful. It’s very tranquil here. I am keeping busy and have sent air-mail to Raven. How is Salene coping?” "Fantastic news. It’s not the same without you. Well, whilst you are living in her tranquil life, she has had some douchebag hit on her and just came face to face with her husband. (Will and Dawn both pull a face.) So I think it is fair to say she is absolutely dandy, NOT! But us three and a few other ex Mall Rats will look out for her. Ditzy Dee from when I was a Mall Rat and two radiant redheads Andy and Tally that came before me have already reconnected with her. She will be fine." Nate sighs and finishes with a, “She is in good hands. Give her a big warm cosy hug from me and her home. Big hug for you guys too. I’ve got to go, the kettle’s whistling.” Simultaneously, we all joyfully respond, “Big hug right back at ya.” I then finish by saying, “Look out for us in the sky tonight!” The line then cuts.

Dawn, Will and I all smile and hug once more and then make our way down from the roof back into the Mall.

@Salene

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369

Gel:
Trick and Melody came with me to the city and came with me towards the mall. "Did you bring the letter? Melody asks me, I nod my head shortly, I think I did. I bite my lower lip. “I think you did.” I say with a shrug. I hear Trick laughing. “You left them at the table, I brought them” he says holding them out. I grab them and place them into my bag.

its odd being in the city again; everything has changed so much, it feels less colorful. But we can change that! A new challenge! I think as I stop. Should I try the main entrance? Or should I go for the sewers. Seeing we are at the back the sewers is closer. I sigh hearing Melody blattering and daring me to go through the sewers to get inside.

I stop in my foot steps as I see someone near the sewers. I place my hands at my hip as I walk closer. “Are the others here yet? Ruby? Slade?” I ask the stranger. I look over my shoulder and notice that Trick and Melody has moved back some, probably heading to the place we spent the night.

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370

Zane

I look at Gel “I’m assuming you’re a Mallrat?” I say and raise my eyebrow questioningly “I do need to see your letter before letting you in I’m afraid” I pause to give her a chance to get it out “There are alot of Mallrats in there but I’ve no idea of their names but it is mostly girls if that helps” I add with a shrug.
They all kept asking me names of Mallrats but I had no idea who they were.

“I’m not a Mallrat, I’m a Serpent and the mall is our home, you all coming back is an unexpected surprise” I add not wanting to come of as a dick.

371

Alice

For a moment I am overcome and confused. Ellie isn’t here? But the letter… and the guy said that there was someone that looked a bit like me, with a baby…

Then I see her, Tally, no longer a little girl but a grown woman now, and I realize who the guy may have meant.

“Tally!” I say as I I move over to give her a hug. “I didn’t think I would ever see you again! How are you?”

I see more familiar faces, and hear Ryan mention Cloe and smile, knowing she had been like a daughter to him once.

Of all the things I expected when we traveled here, I had never thought it would be one big reunion. And who knows… at this rate, maybe my real sister would still arrive at some point.

As I look around I notice a face near a doorframe, but no, I’m seeing things. It can’t be… She’s dead… right…

But… she can’t be a ghost…

“Danni?!” I say barely audible, my gaze on her.

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372

DANNI

Alice recognises me and I can see confusion clear on her features, ’hello Alice,’ I reply after a moment, I’m not sure it’s the warmest greeting but it’s all the emotion I’ve got energy for.

The serpents suggest we head to the cafe and I watch as Luc heads in that direction, maybe congregating was a good idea, would give everyone the change to say their ‘hellos’.

Rather than give Alice the opportunity to ask me questions I move away from the doorframe and after doing a quick scan of the people head to the shop next to mine, tapping on the doorframe I wait for a moment ’Zandra, it’s Danni…’ I wasn’t sure who she was not keen on seeing but after our chat earlier I had a feeling that this reunion was going to be as fun for her as it was for me.

@Trudy @Zandra

373

Zan

I can hear voices in the hall, including Callan’s who said to go into the cafe, I bet they were already regretting the decision to let us all stay now.

I pause as I hear the tapping on the door followed by my name, I’m pretty sure that it was Danni’s voice.
Walking over to the door I opened it “Hey” I smile at her and leaned against the door frame “Wanting somewhere to hide from the new arrivals?” I asked though I had a feeling she was going to say we should go together to see the others.

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374

Gel:
I look at the man and nod my head. “Or I was, before everyone went their own ways” I shrug my shoulder. He wants to see my letter. I look at him. “the first or the second? I kind of ignored the first one, but when I got the second one I thought maybe someone really wanted to get me back here” I say and take up the two red envelopes.

Mostly girls at the mall. “Serpent that’s a pretty cool name, please don’t say that there are any alive snakes in there?” I ask worriedly

@Zandra

375

Zane

As I listened to her speak, well ramble, I shook my head lightly “No, there aren’t any snakes in the Mall, and as long as you’ve got one letter you’re all good to go. Just head straight through the sewers and you’ll see or more than likely hear everyone before you see them”
I had been more planning on this being, you have a letter go on threw rather than having to answer questions.

376

DANNI

Zandra asks if I’m looking for somewhere to hide and I laugh quietly, ’as tempting as that is, we probably should go to the cafe… otherwise we won’t be able to go and get that drink we both so desperately need!’ Hiding from the others did sound super tempting but once this was over… we could move on, hopefully. Maybe one of them had an idea of what was going on and why we were all here.

@Zandra

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377

Gel:
I let out a sigh of relif as he confirms there are no snakes in the mall. I give him a smile. "thank you, I say glancing at the entrance to the sewers. Eww, Im going to get dirty! I really do not want to go down there. “Is the grill open?” I ask, maybe I can go there instead I think to myself.

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378

Tally

I let Alice hug me and pat her shoulder a little “Glad to see you too… Andy is here somewhere too. He was hunting spiders. I… We are fine as we can be…”

I stop myself from showing her Leo as she looks a little like she has seen a ghost. She talks to that Danni girl. So they know each other?

But Danni doesn’t seem as thrilled and moves away.

“Maybe we better go into the Cafe…” I say, feeling rather uneasy with the tension that fills the air.

@Trudy @people around

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