Read Forsaken World (Book 1): Innocence Lost for Free Online Page A

through the net. “This from the person who hacked the school computer and had nine hundred numbers call all the teachers wanting dirty talk.”
    “Hey, I got all my computer merit badges a year before that,” Lance said, catching the ball, and he dribbled out then stopped and looked around. With the exception of a few adults working on lawns, the neighborhood was empty. “Where is everybody?”
    Ian looked around and had to admit it was weird that kids weren’t running around and riding bikes along the road. Mr. Oliver convinced the HOA to ban bikes from riding on the sidewalk or on grass even if it was your own. “Yeah, maybe everyone is in town since it is a three-day weekend for us,” Ian offered, but even he didn’t believe it.
    Shaking his head, Lance took a shot and said, “Let’s go play Call of Duty.”
    Ian caught the ball as it sailed through the net. “Okay, but let’s play with our headsets off. If Ms. Penny hears us cussing, I’m scared now of what she’ll do,” he said, dribbling the ball as he walked over to Lance.
    “That’s a good idea,” Lance said. “It just makes me mad when some newb comes in acting like a turd.”
    “Not going to argue that,” Ian laughed as they ran inside.
    Seeing the sweat-soaked boys running to the back of the house toward the den, Ms. Penny shouted, “Boys!” They both skidded to a stop and turned around. “Go shower before you two pile up on the sofa.”
    “Yes ma’am,” they said and took off upstairs. They saw Jason talking on his phone in his room as they ran down the hall. After they showered and dressed, they both ran back to the den and found a plate of cut up fruits and vegetables and glasses of tea sitting on the coffee table.
    “That woman is a saint,” Lance said, sitting down.
    Turning on the X-box, Ian turned around to see Lance stuffing his face. “She is, and you better save me some,” he said, stepping over the coffee table.
    They played till their parents called and talked to them. Their parents told them the airline called and postponed their flight for twenty-four hours because of riots on Oahu and in Los Angeles. The boys said they were okay, and Jason confirmed it. When they hung up, Ian and Lance continued playing until Ms. Penny came in carrying her purse.
    “Boys, can you stop for a second?” she asked, digging in her purse. It never crossed either of their minds to tell her they couldn’t pause online gaming, so they just left the game.
    “Yes ma’am,” Lance said, grabbing a handful of baby carrots and shoving them in his mouth.
    “My daughter just got called into work at the hospital, and I have to leave to watch her kids. Jason is upstairs, and Allie will be home from next door in one hour. If you need me, call, and I’ll come. Understand?”
    “Why did she get called in now?” Ian said, looking at his watch. “She works nights, and it’s only three.”
    “They are bringing some of the people injured from riots in Nashville out, and they are short-staffed,” Ms. Penny said, pulling out her keys.
    “Is it that bad in Nashville?” Ian asked, getting worried.
    “No,” Ms. Penny said, shaking her head. “My sister lives there, and it’s only the bad parts of town. She said all the stores are still open, and people are going about their lives.”
    Feeling relieved, Ian got up to hug her and said, “You be careful, Ms. Penny.”
    “I will, and you two listen to Jason. I’ll see you in the morning,” she said, kissing Ian’s cheek as Lance came over and hugged her. After kissing his cheek, she walked to the front door, and they followed. “Supper is on the stove. Just clean your plates off, and put them in the dishwasher, and I’ll get the rest tomorrow.”
    “Yes ma’am,” Lance said, opening the door for her. “If you need us, call, okay?”
    “Oh, boys, I’ll be fine. I’ve watched those kids longer than I have you while Ellen worked.” She smiled. “If Lawrence gives you anymore problems,