Eliot Strange and the Prince of the Resistance

42) Goodbye

Even with my trusty grandma bicycle, it takes me thirty minutes to get to the warehouse for the gas and another twenty to get back downtown. I go up a few side streets until I spot the golf cart with Torin waiting on me. Torin is talking, in what looks like a heated discussion, with a most unexpected guest.

Dear Lord, it is Gus Lancaster himself!

I pull up to them on my bike and smile to try to break the tension. I am praying silently that Gus does not reveal anything to Torin that he does not already know because Torin looks like he is ready to knock someone's lights out. There is no need, this is all my fault. Poor Gus didn't know anything about my relationship (Geez, do we have a relationship?) with Torin. I feel responsible and irresponsible all at the same time.

But, Torin surprises me. He calms down almost immediately and says, "Eliot, good to see you. Did you find the gas?"

I'm so relieved that I just smile and nod. I hand him the gas, and Torin uncaps the gas tank and starts to pour it in.

Gus says, "Well Eliot, as you can see, there was no Jack at the library. I looked all over. I was a little worried because that place looked like a war zone. That's why I was so relieved to find Jack on my way back to your house." He points at Torin like - Ta da!

Torin does nothing to correct Gus's misconception that he is Jack.

Gus is proud of himself. I can see his chest puffed out even though he is standing behind the golf cart.

I don't know what to say. I am nervous that these two are not going to like each other, but then Torin says:

"And I was sure glad to see him too, Eliot. Gus reminded me that we are old friends. We used to play rugby together as children. He and his dad are taking me home. They are taking me and my cousin home. To safety. To England. Back to my country. What a relief, huh? To finally get back home."

I feel like I have been punched in the gut. No breath. I've lost my breath. More amazingly, I have lost my ability to speak.

"Yes, that's right. We're headed back to meet up with my dad," says Gus. "You're still going with us, right?"

Before I can find the words that refuse to form in my brain, Torin says, "Sorry, no. She is not going with us. She has a mission to rescue her mother and plans to meet up with her dad. He'll most certainly be looking for her. Right Eliot?"

I nod.

Gus looks like he wants to insist I go with him, but then Torin, who has finished loading the gas in the tank, hops in the golf cart. He says:

"Thank you again, my lady, for all your help. My country is eternally grateful to you. Tell Lindy goodbye for me. If I should never see either of you again, well, it has been an adventure I will never forget."

Gus hesitates but decides to leave this girl behind. Neither he nor Torin insist I accompany them to safety or express any concerns. Gus doesn't remind me of the rogues on the road. He says his goodbye:

"I understand about your dad, Eliot. I'm happy for you that he is alive and mounting an effort to save your mother." He turns to acknowledge Torin when he adds, "Thanks for all you have done for England. We are forever grateful."

Gus hops in the passenger side of the golf cart. Torin backs up and turns around, and as they are leaving Gus says, "Oh, and thanks again for last night. I had a great time."

As if I wasn't embarrassed and speechless enough, Gus winks at me like we have a secret. Because, dammit, we kind of do.

I cringe and my wishful thinking believes that Torin does too, but he doesn't say another word. There is not even a wave goodbye.

And just like that, my prince is gone for good again. This time, I feel like it might be forever.

I have basically been saying my farewell to Torin since the stadium battle. He has not been the same since then. Steven is probably right - being royalty and the new leader of a band of resistance fighters has taken its toll. It is a lot of pressure and responsibility. Not to mention, the immature girl waiting for you to declare your devotion to her happiness. Good grief, I have been ridiculous, but knowing I am ridiculous does not make me ache any less.

I can't help but believe that I blew my chance with Torin when I kissed the next available man. Ahh, Gus, why did you have to be so adorable?

I don't really have time to think about love anymore. It is time to rescue my mother, or that is what I tell myself to quit thinking about Torin.

I ride back to the house to find my dad and Mr. Thomas, but I can see they are not here. They've left me a note in dad's always go-to-hiding place:

          Eliot,

          By now, the prince has told you the plan. Please accompany him back to camp for his safety and yours. If our plan works, we will meet you there within two days. Be ready.

                    Dad

Be ready? Are you kidding me? Be ready while the men take care of the rescue, and I go back and wait with the women and children where it is safe. Even my own dad, who trained me from a toddler to be a capable and efficient killing machine, does not have faith in me. I guess he knows I am not the straight A student in his class of survival-at-all-cost. I am weak, or at least too weak for my dad.

I wish I knew dad's plan, but I don't. I could head to Stuart too, but I would never make it on the bike. I am a girl with a few skills, but skills won't help you when you don't have a ride and your feet hurt like you've been walking on hot coals.

I guess Steven has rubbed off on me because I don't want to be the last one standing. Leave no man behind and help others are my new rules for survival. I'd like to add - save the prince - but he is gone for good. I guess I'll have to focus on something else now, like getting ready for battle. It is time to rally the troops and get ready for a fight. I am going home to my new people.

I open the door and go inside to pack the last of the supplies. I have a long ride before I get back to camp and my new family. Though I have no idea what dad's plan to rescue mom is, if what Mr. Thomas says is true, I am sure the One Nation Army will be in hot pursuit. I need to warn the Resistance and make sure we are ready to fight.

I am packing the most important things for my return, but I can't carry it all because I want to travel light and fast. Just as I put the last box of medical supplies in my bag, I hear a car drive up.

Did my dad find a car? Is he back for me?

I peek through the curtain in the front window and see a red jeep.