On The Run ( Safe and Sound Trilogy: Book 1 )

Chapter 21: Violet_The Travel

Kris and Bry were in conversation while they were walking. I turned to look at Duke. He smiled brightly at me. I smiled back as best I could, but my life felt drained after the conversation we had earlier at the table... It was frustrating more for me than anyone else.

"You can't use your powers yet, that's all," said Duke with a mouthful of chewed-up food. "try not to worry too much!" Some of the chewed-up food splattered on Kris's hair. Kris tried lunging himself at Duke, but Bry and Anne held him down in his chair.

"Old man, you're lucky I can't reach you!" He chuckles angrily as he struggled against Bry and Anne's grip.

I giggle to myself, remembering Kris's reaction to Duke's salvia and breakfast being spat in his hair. Kris kind of reminds me of a girl in some ways. I miss those days where Kris and I just teased each other in the halls. I'd mock him for following some girl that he's never met. Kris would laugh at me if someone ever liked me... I kind of felt trapped at the same time, though.

"The next town is Progon. It has a strange name, doesn't it? It was named after the first king," said Anne. "I hope we get there soon. I'm hungry!"

"But we just ate?" Said Duke as his mouth dropped slightly, turning his gaze on Anne. She shrugged as her heels clicked on the cobblestone road.

Around the road was a valley of flowers. A breeze blew through the air, and lifted my brunette hair off my shoulders. The breeze felt relaxing, and it smelled good because of the scent of flowers that it held. The bright sun beamed down on us, and helped me feel a lot warmer. The past couple of days have been cold... Bry and Kris continued to talk. They were last in line, walking side-bye-side. Bry couldn't control her laughter as Kris accidently tripped over his own shoe, but staggered into a walk again. I smirked at him. The two of them would make an excellent couple. As much as I hate Kris sometimes, he kind of looked innocent talking to Bry. She was a good influence on him. Well, at least I think so.

( "You're such a doofus, Kris. You tripped over your own shoe!" She laughed. Kris grinned at her. )

( "Pft, excuse me? I'm not the doofus! You're the one laughin' at me. If I-" Bry cut him off. )

( "Oh please!" She flipped her hand at him, and they both laughed together. )

*****

"I'm so tired!" Kris exclaimed. He looked a tad bit sweaty. As did Bry as she leaned her head on Kris's shoulder. He didn't even flinch.

"I'm tired, too. It feels like we've been walking for hours!" I groaned. My legs were ache-y, and Bry looked equally tired. Duke panted as sweat dripped off his forehead. Even the cloth that was supposedly meant to soak up all of his sweat, looked like it absorbed all it could. The only one who didn't look tired what-so-ever was Anne. She kept striding as the group behind her lessened in speed. "Anne, can we take a break?" I pant, trying to inhale air, but all I got was the sweet scent of flowers. That's not the smell I want to breathe in right now.

"Ugh, you guys are so weak. We're not even close to being there, yet!" Anne growled a little, then sighed. "All right, but when I wake up, we're all leaving soon. Is that understood?" She turns on her heels, and walks towards us. We all sit down, and I place myself in a patch of flowers. The sun was setting, and the bees have begun to flee the scene. I felt like I could pass out at any moment. Kris was already asleep, snoring silently. Bry cuddled up beside him, but I don't think Kris even knew that she was cuddled up against him...

Anne looked as if she was on the look out. I decided to ignore this, and fall asleep.

"Mom?" I said, looking confusedly at the figure who stood in front of the kitchen sink. She was scrubbing muck off one of the glass plates.

I felt small compared to this woman. Why was she my mother? I don't even know who she is. I called out her name, but no answer. She was tall, with fiery orange hair. Her skin was pale as she wore a yellow apron. It matched her green, simple dress, along with green pumps that were a slight color brighter than her dress.

"Mommy?" I asked again, blinking my eyes. She stopped the running water and stood there for a second before turning around... It was that woman who saved me back at the forest! No, this couldn't be my mom. She is dead, right?

"Yes, honey? I was just doing the dishes. Do you need something?" She looks a bit sad as she crouches down in front of me, revealing her face. She had freckles dotted across her face, and green eyes. How come this woman didn't look anything like me, if she even was my mother?

"Mommy, why are you sad?" Reaching for her hand, I grasped it. She began stroking my hair as she smiled at me, and it soon faded.

"Father is gone for a while, and he won't be coming back... But he loves you very much, Violet Mara Rule. You must remember that, okay?" She seemed to choke up on the last part, as she pulled me into a hug.

"Mommy..." I said worriedly, but she didn't respond. Why did I feel so safe in these stranger's arms? This wasn't my real mother. My mother was one of those... Anicepts. This could be her. No, it isn't...

I flinched awake. Anne was still on the watch as she stared at the bright, blue full moon. It was a bit chilly. The crickets were rather loud, and Duke looked as if he were going to wake up anytime soon. I sighed, and laid my head back on the soft grass. So many thoughts rushed inside my head. It was like a waterfall. I soon fell asleep, hearing Duke sit up and Anne and him switching watch-duty.