Divided

Chapter 13

                                                        MAX's P.O.V.

I was practicing archery as usual when I heard someone coming behind me. I turned back and saw Cat.

"What the hell are you doing here? You are supposed to be resting!"- I was surprised.

"I can't. I'm not used to it. It's boring."- she said.

"Why don't you watch the TV?"- I asked her.

"I don't even know how to turn it on. It's all new for me."- she said.

"So, what do you want?"- I was curious.

"I want to see how you do that."- she smiled.

"You mean archery?"- I asked.

"Yeah. How do you do it?"- she asked.

"Archery is complicated."- I turned my head back at the target.

"It doesn't look complicated."- she smiled, I knew that even without looking at her.

"Are you provoking me?"- I narrowed my eyes.

"Can I give it a try?"- she asked.

"Yeah, please show me your great archery skills!"- I mocked her.

I gave her my bow and an arrow. She placed the arrow in the bow. Incorrectly. She pulled the bow, but not enough and then released it. The arrow fell in front of her and she hit herself with her own arm. I started laughing.

"Okay, that wasn't funny."- she gave me a cold look -"It really isn't Max."

I couldn't stop myself laughing.

"You did everything wrong!"- I still laughed.

"Stop laughing!"- she almost screamed.

"But.... Okay, you must admit it's hilarious!"- I couldn't stop myself.

"No, it's not."- she shook her head.

"Um... Yeah, it is."- I insisted.

"Okay, maybe archery isn't that easy as I thought."- she put down the bow dispirited.

I could see how disappointed she is. I really exaggerated. I shouldn't have done that.

"Here, I'll show you."- I said picking up the bow and arrow and giving it to her - "The end of the arrow is called nock. You see these two sides are red and one is blue. You must place the blue one facing toward you."

I stood behind her and embraced her while trying to show her how to load the bow. She did it right.

"See, you need to put it between your fingers. Now straighten your back and arm. Aim it to the target. Keep your hand on your face and slowly release the arrow."- I explained her.

She let the arrow out. She hit the target.

"Looks like you're a natural."- I smiled.

"It wasn't very complicated after you explained it."- she said.

"But if you want to be perfect, you have to practice. A lot."- I said.

"What do you use it for?"- she asked me curiously.

"Nothing, actually. It's just a hobby."- I answered.

"Can it kill?"- she asked.

"Whoa, dark thoughts! I thought you were saying you're innocent."- I was surprised with her question.

"I am. I'm just curios."- she smiled -"I've never killed someone... I've never wanted to kill someone."

"I have."- I said.

"What?!"- she was shocked.

"I mean, I didn't kill him, I just wanted to." - I looked at her while she was showing me to continue my story -"It's the man that killed my parents. He killed them when I was only nine. He... He wanted some kind of money they had. After their death they didn't know how to tell me. I was living at my aunt's. They were okay, but didn't spend much time with me. They couldn't replace my parents. When I was fourteen I found out. I wanted to kill him. I wanted too kill Bill Accard. But, too late... He's already got capital punishment. Sometimes I've thought what it would be like. To kill him. To tell him that's for my parents. Just, I've never had a chance. I started practicing archery then. That's my way to get rid of anger. Sometimes I think I'm not... I'm not mentally healthy. Thinking about killing someone, it's... It's not healthy."

"I've always thought that heroes are right when they kill villains."- she said and slightly smiled.

After that we went back home. Days passed one after one. I started to really like Cat. She is enthusiastic and curious. She brings joy to the house, which has been most of the time bleak and silent. Phillie likes her too. She became his friend, and my strength. My motivation and a reason to start every day with a smile. After a few days she felt better. It was time for her to go. She said that. So I packed some food for her and some of clothes Sarah has brought, but nothing too much so she could walk easily carrying it all. On the goodbye she lifted Phillie high in the air like I use to and then kissed him on cheek like I don't use to. Then she turned the attention to me.

"I'm really thankful for all you've done, Max. There's nothing I can thank you with. You helped me when no one did. I hope your life is going to get better. I hope there's a happy ending for you and Sarah. You should tell her that you love her. Isn't that the only way? Phillie taught me to never give up and to try what I've never tried before. Now I advice you the same. Goodbye Max Pierson, and good luck."- she smiled and turned her back to finally walk into distance from which she won't come back.

Phillie and I entered the house.

"I'm going to miss her."- he said.

"I know, me too."- I smiled.

I opened the fridge to make crumbled eggs. I picked up three eggs. Wait. Three eggs. Two are going to be just enough this time. And then I felt it. The regret. How could I let that innocent girl walk away alone into the danger? Into the strange world with helicopters that fly around and shoot on her. I must help her find her family. I must do that. I can't just let her go like that by herself.

"Phillie get your jacket!"- I shouted.

"Where are we going?"- he asked.

"To correct a mistake."- I answered.