Austin felt like he’d just closed his eyes when he was shaken awake. He rolled over to see Michael standing below his bunk. “Let’s go,” he said. “Time to eat.”
“Just five more minutes.” The mornings were getting cooler, and Austin had no desire to abandon the warmth of his blanket any sooner than he had to. He rolled over again.
“We have to go,” said Michael. “I heard they ran out of food at the end of last night’s dinner. If we don’t get in line right away we might miss out.”
Austin groaned. How can they be running out of food? he wondered. “Didn’t Forrester and the other people who started this place come prepared at all?”
“Apparently a bunch of the food they brought has already spoiled,” said Michael. “I guess the food supply depends a lot on what people find while they’re out scavenging. Come on. Let’s go.”
Austin reluctantly got up from his mattress and followed Michael out the door.
While waiting in line inside the dining hall Austin spotted something he hadn’t seen the day before. Through the kitchen, in another room, was a different group of campers eating at their own tables. Some wore the all-too-familiar yellow vests, while others without vests were mixed in with them. They appeared to be eating different food from what was being handed out in the line Austin and Michael were standing in.
“Hey.” He nudged Michael. “What’s going on in there?”
“That’s the dining hall for the Yellow Jackets,” said Michael. “Haven’t you noticed they don’t eat with us?”
The two of them shuffled a few steps closer to the serving counter. “They’re eating bagels and fruit,” said Austin.
“Yep,” said Michael. “I hear they even get canned meat.”
“That’s not fair,” said Austin.
“They’re the Yellow Jackets,” said Michael. “They think they deserve it.”
Austin frowned. “They’re keeping the best food for themselves. But we’re the ones doing all the hard work around here.”
“Hey, I get it,” Michael said. “But Forrester and the Yellow Jackets say they’re offering us protection from the Visitors. It’s hard to argue with that, even if it feels sketchy. And that’s how they’re able to do whatever they want.” As Austin and Michael continued to move ahead in line, he kept his eyes on the Yellow Jackets. Most of them seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying their food.
Suddenly he spotted a familiar face among the group—Darsha. She was eating with the Yellow Jackets. She looked at Austin, then quickly rose from her chair and rushed across the kitchen toward them.
“How’s your mom?” she asked.
“Not sure,” said Austin. “I’m going to visit her after breakfast.”
Michael looked at Austin. “You know this Yellow Jacket?”
“I’m not a Yellow Jacket,” snapped Darsha.
“Could’ve fooled me,” said Michael. He and Austin grabbed protein bars from the table.
“Darsha!” A woman from the other room was calling to her. “Come back and eat.” She gave them a tight smile.
“I don’t think your mom likes you talking to us,” said Austin.
“It’s fine,” said Darsha.
“Darsha, honey!” her mom called again.
“We’re not good enough for her family,” said Michael. “Or the other Yellow Jackets.”
Darsha frowned. “That’s not true.” She looked at Austin. “But I’d better go.” She left for the other dining room.
Austin and Michael had just sat down to eat when Darsha reappeared.
“Take these,” she said, sitting down with the boys. She slipped them both something under the table. Austin reached down and felt an apple in his hand.
“Where did you get these?” Austin asked.
“There’s a cellar,” she said. “There aren’t a lot left, but you guys deserve them just as much as we do.”
“Thanks,” said Austin.
Michael looked at her sideways. “I might have to rethink my opinion of you.”
“Just make sure to eat them in private,” Darsha said as she glanced over her shoulder. “There are tight rules about . . . you know, rationing.”
Michael snorted.
“I should go,” she said.
“What,” Michael said, “you can’t stay and sit with us commoners?”
Darsha glared at him. “It doesn’t seem like you’re enjoying my company.”
She stood up and rushed back to the other side of the dining hall.
Austin watched her leave, then grinned as he rolled the apple in his hand. This would be the best breakfast he’d had in days.