The Key to My Hart

Chapter 6

Sweat was stinging my eyes. Thomas and I circled each other. I could sense the presence of the nurses, doctors, and coaches around us, but right now, it was just me and Thomas. I struck out, kicking him in the thigh. He grunted but didn't go down. Instead, he unleashed a series of kicks that had me landing on my back. His last kick stopped and hovered over my throat.

No one applauded. The sound of pens scratching on paper echoes around us. Thomas set his foot down and held out a hand. I grasped it and let him haul me to my feet.

"You beat me again." I pouted. It had been two years since I had met Carroway's son. We had become fast friends despite always being pitted against each other in everything.

"Enough chatting." Carroway called out. "Up next is a game of chess."

I almost groaned. While Thomas and I were even in just about anything else, chess was something I could never win against him. He smiled mischievously, his hidden dimple making an appearance. It only came out occasionally. Not because he didn't smile often, but because it only happened when he smiled a certain way. Each time that dimple was directed towards me, it gave me a fluttering feeling in my chest.

I blushed and smiled back. Life seemed so much more bearable with Thomas around. We walked side by side as we made our way into the room where a chess board was set up. He always beat me in chess, but that didn't stop me from giving it my all.

It was time to leave. The goodbyes would be hard. Big John was staying. So was Xavier. I had yet to really talk to him. Especially since getting my memories back. Rowan was out bartering for use of vehicles. We needed better vehicles than the trucks, especially since the guys had abandoned the Tahoe back at the farm.

I looked around the room one last time, admiring the giant bed and tub that was like a pool. It would be back on the road with poor hygiene and lack of toilet paper. Thankfully I had plenty of deodorant and dry shampoo stocked up. Most of our belongings were waiting by the gate. Ryder and Chogan were trying to help Doc move most of his supplies to the front. I was shocked when I found out that Hope had volunteered to take his place as the medical resident. Apparently in her previous life she was a pediatrician.

I swung my backpack over my shoulder and grabbed another bag at my feet before turning the lights out and shutting the door one last time. My feet stuttered when I spotted Xavier alone hovering at the end of the hallway. Slowly making my way towards the only exist, I kept my head up but averted my eyes.

"Hey, Hart." His voice was soft and unsure. "I was hoping we could talk one last time before you and the others left."

"What could we possibly have to say to each other?" It came out sharp, but the question was genuine. It was the reason I hadn't spoken to him yet. I really didn't have much to say.

"I wanted to apologize one last time for my behavior and my sister's." His brows furrowed as he studied my hard expression. "I know I basically abandoned you and the others, but I just didn't feel included. I felt like an outsider."

"You never really tried. You always came up with excuses for your sister's actions. She literally had Cerberus killed and me beaten to death because she hooked up with a sociopath. She hasn't been much better since we arrived here." I re-gripped the bag in my hands and tried to walk around him.

"I know, and I'm sorry for all of that. I also realized that it was just lust between us. We never had a real connection. I'm not built for the journey you're about to go on, but I didn't come here to point any of that out. I just wanted to apologize and maybe have the chance to make up for some of my actions or rather inactions. While you were gone planning to take out the sergeant, his focus turned off me, and I had a bit more freedom." A grin spread across his face. "I found the bus, and the past few weeks I've been modifying it. I added a couple of 100 gallon tanks strapped to the side to hold extra diesel. I had them filled up with a Big Mac carrying fuel, the one we've been using to fill up the forklifts for moving the shipping containers. I also added a camp out and guard station on the top of the bus with rails and safety measures in place."