The Ruins Of Tomorrow

19. Fear

I had lost count of the days, but others still bothered to remember. A big calendar hung high on the rectangular cork board that was recently put up. I made it a habit to stop by every morning and count down the days to Thomas' birthday in December. He will turn ten soon and eventually won't need me to nag him as much.

I saw a bright red leaf fall on my boot. I picked it up and held it up in the air, letting the sunlight beam through as I exclaimed the veins and cracks on it. I turned to see Thomas and Benjamin chatting with Kate as they had been helping her out since early morning.

Lia chose to stay away from me, keeping a safe distance.

There hasn't been any communication between us since the incident, and I found myself contemplating whether or not I should approach her and say something before she completely disregards me. She and Gerald were stacking planks of wood near the garden. Her silent treatment was unbearable and slowly getting on my nerves. This wasn't the way I wanted things to be.

My feet led me further and further away until I sensed a strong gaze following my every move from behind. I stopped walking and turned around. I marched towards them as Gerald raised his hand and welcomed me with a friendly wave. I completely ignored him and turned my attention to Lia, who seemed shocked, as if she didn't think I would have the courage to approach her.

Not only were her cheeks red, but she was also finally wearing a jacket instead of a loose tank top. I traced my gaze up to her neck and saw the long, fresh cut on her flesh. She nervously checked her wound, gulping, and appeared slightly uncomfortable looking back at me.

"Scarlet, are you here to lend us a hand?" Gerald asked, dropping a plank and wiped away a bit of sweat from his forehead. "We could really use your help-"

"Sorry Gerald, I'm here to talk to Lia privately," I said.

He ran his thumb down his chin and scratched the back of his neck. "Oh-Lia seems to be busy."

"I don't care," I said, "It's urgent."

A smirk formed on her lips as she let out a sigh. "It's alright Gerald, she can't yell at me if you're here. She doesn't have the guts to."

"What are you even saying?" I questioned, lifting an eyebrow.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Just stating the facts."

With a nervous chuckle, Gerald lifted the same plank of wood and cautiously made his way across the garden. I turned my full attention to Lia and crossed my arms over my chest. "Are you trying to ignore me on purpose?" I said with a frown.

She looked at me. "Why does it matter?"

"Lia," I said, gripping my fists. "What happened at the drugstore wasn't your fault. You should know that much. We're both reckless, but we know how his world works. We got out of that situation not only because of Dean, but also because you guys gave me the strength to strike back when I thought I would not make it."

I took a step closer until I saw Lia flinch and stopped. "Don't go blaming yourself, like you usually do," I said. "If I were in your shoes, then you would say the same thing."

Her hand suddenly twitched when she spun around and walked away. I felt the breath leave my lungs as my chest started to hurt. I stood there, watching her leave just when she sighed and turned back around. She looked worn out and upset, and I didn't know what else to say to ease the feeling for her.

"I'm pissed at myself, alright?" she blurted as the campfire crackled in the distance. "I'm an idiot for bringing you guys with me. I should have kept a better eye on you."

"You're not an idiot. I don't want you saying that," I said. "Neither of us could have predicted what was going to happen. We're all fine, Lia. Gabrian is still in the infirmary and Thomas is acting like his normal self, hanging out with your brother now."