Parasite

•●Chapter1●•

-Oy? That's all you have to say??? -I asked Lala who was sitting in the back of the Van making space for important packages. I forgot how irritating he is, you could see and physically feel his arrogance a mile away.

-Yes. Oy. My dad bought a private property on one of the Provinz Pontevedra Islands so we're headed North-West Spain. -He said looking around the small Van. -You sure this trash hole can get 8 people there? -

-Seven, if you won't shut up. Postal code! - I asked again tipping in the address he had given so far. He sighed.

-Does it like... matter or something?

Amir grabbed his shirt.

-Listen here you! -He shakes him once again.

-Let me go! It was expensive.

-I don't care! Either you speak or we leave you here. -Amir threatens Ladislav.

-Ha! You'll need me anyways. -He smiled.

-Don't test me. -He said tightening his grip. After a few eye rolls, Ladislav gave the postal code and we were ready to go.

-Everything inside? -I asked as we all lined up in the Van. I looked at my mom who was standing against her car door.

-Everything will be okay, honey! -She yelled. I sniffed and turned to the others.

-Roll call! David, Yuan, Florence, Amir, Dolores -I called out the names as I heard them respond. Tears were gathering up in my eyes -Ladislav, Kostantin. Kostantin? - I called and looked around to see him sitting in the driver's seat. -Kosta what are you doing?!

-No way I'm sitting behind you while you're crying out. One second and you drive off the bridge. Turn your ass around, say your goodbyes, and let's go! I'll drive. -He said closing the door.

I let out my tears. Damn it Kosta... we just saw each other again and you're already making me cry. I turned around and shouted.

-Thank you, mom! My hair is beautiful, cause you put your heart into it. -I cried out as I ran to her. Right into her arms. -I'm gonna miss you, mom! Please be alive till we see each other next time.

-Oh, honey... -I heard her shaky voice. -I'll always be there. Promise.

-Promise... -I sighed. -Goodbye mom.

I sat in the front passenger seat next to Kostantin. I looked at him. He changed. His face looks grim and pale. His freckles that used to cover his face are only seen on his cheeks now. His gaze was different. Cold. Not the boy I used to know 3 years ago.

-This going to be a long ride. -I mentioned. - Two days. We have food, warm clothes, and first-aid providing female needs. Anything else?

-Two days? Where are we going? In South Africa? -Kosta asked.

-We have to avoid people and crowded places in general. - That's why we aren't going on highways cause there is a bigger risk of getting into traffic. -Yuan said, poking his head out from the back. We didn't have any seats in the back and now that it's full of small packages and 5 people in the back, I'm questioning where we are going to sleep. -According to my research if the windows and doors seal well, the micro-parasite won't get through. However, it will survive on the outside surface for up to 5 to 12 hours. -He added.

Great. Just great. I bit down my lip as the words of my mom rang in my head. "These people love you Nadette. And I'm pretty sure, deep down he loves you too." David, who sat next to me, picked up my hand and started warming it.

-Can you turn the heat on? -He asked.

-We can't, they have to stay closed. -Kosta said.

-Right... micro-parasites... -We all mumbled as Florence was giving out small blankets.

It was night. Dark and cold outside, the last spits of winter are showing themselves. Snow was melting on the side of the roads that crossed through mountains and forests. We'd been only on the road for 4 hours already everyone was drifting off into their world. All of our phones were on max saving and airplane mode, just to make sure it will last till we get there. Except for mine. I couldn't wait to get a text from mom, saying "We're here, we're safe. Goodnight, honey. I love you." I kept checking my phone. 02:23. Now 02:24. Everybody was sleeping.

-It's not worth it. -I heard a whisper next to me. It was Kostantin. -Just sleep, in 5 hours we switch the wheels.

-What are you talking about? -I whispered back.

-We'll take turns driving since we're the only ones with a license. You didn't think I'm gonna drive this shit alone?? -I sighed and nodded. Why would he care if I slept or not? Why does he have to be so rude about it? He doesn't care.

-I do... care about you. -He said not even taking away his gaze off the road. -They're gonna be fine. Go to sleep.

I looked at him. The streetlights reflected off his pale face. He... cares? I looked at David, who was soundly asleep. Behind me, they were all sleeping next to each other, and no one was complaining. Everybody understood the situation. They were all cuddled up, using each-others body heat to keep themselves warm. We have to survive.

-Come on. -Kosta pulled my phone out of my hands and turned it off. -Sleep.

I guess he's right. I should get myself together. David woke up in the process and silently took me into his arms.

And slowly I drifted off to sleep.