I Didn't Even Think

Chapter Four

“Then we must get started, it will be a long day…er, night, I mean.”  He sang the words like a bird. “There are others in our group that you must meet.”

“I still don’t know your name.” I’ve only known this man for a few hours but he seemed like he was my long lost friend. It was weird really. It seemed like the connection between us was there, but not., like the stars.

“John,” He replied, “my name is John”

“Sky, nice to meet you.” My voice was formal and calm.

 “I know.” I didn’t like his answer. Was he a stalker or something? I was amused by my thought. John couldn’t run, or walk normal for that matter. I pictured him hobbling down the road behind me, struggling to keep his cover.

“What’s so funny?” His eyes narrowed at me. I hadn’t realized I’d been smiling.

“Nothing.” I answered quickly. He turned away and pointed to the mountain.

“Our base is up that mountain. We must go there, the others will be waiting.” I smiled, I used to rock wall climb when I was little. Papa used to take me to the recreation center. I’d spend hours going up and down the rock wall. I remember how the other girls were jealous of me; I used to always beat them in a climbing race. I frowned as I remembered that building had been torn down for Leaders private swimming pool and spa.

We started up the mountain. The rocks were dry and shiny. Heat infested my body, and water leaked out of my skin. I had to always wait at every ledge for John. He dragged his useless leg behind him. I felt bad for him, having to climb this mountain all the time. He looked pained as he struggled to reach the next rock.

When we reached the top John led me to a small opening in the side of the mountain. Inside, a waterfall poured into a pond. Orange Fish dotted the clean water.

“Behind the waterfall.” John muttered. Extra skin drooped from his eyes. The climb had seized all of his energy. He hobbled towards the waterfall. Even from far away I could see a patch of light behind it, whispers drifted out and into my ears.

Two men were on the other side. Their eyes were locked onto me. They were defiantly younger than John, but not by much. Wrinkles still wore their faces.

“I thought we decided we weren’t going to tell her,” his voice was deep and sharp, like a blade stuck into your stomach.  He turned his frown to John.

“Well, we must face the facts, we need her. We can’t fight, look at us! Our bodies are weak and fragile.” John’s voice remained calm through the man’s stubborn words.

“Fine, then I’m going home,” the man replied. He picked himself up and hobbled out of the room.

“Well, what do you think?” John asked the other man. His jaw tightened as he asked the question. He seemed as if he was a bomb about to explode. I stood there helplessly in the corner, waiting for the deathly explosion.

“Let her join. But I’m going home too,” the other man shrugged and swiftly floated out of the room.

“When you get to know them, they aren’t as stubborn.” John reassured me. But I could tell he was lying, his voice was shaky and unsure.

“So am I apart of this?” I was terribly confused. A lot had happened in the past hour, I climbed a mountain and joined a terrorist group.

“Yes, you will follow in your fathers footsteps and make our weapons.” My first thought was no. Making weapons was what got my father killed, I had no intension of being executed. Fear swam in my stomach. But I gave myself no time to refuse.

“I’ll do it.”