The Fate Of The Marked

Chapter Six

The next few days passed with antagonizing slowness. I tried to stay upstairs as much as possible, away from Max.

Everyone was up early to go to school and pounding up and down the stairs. I stayed in bed until Christi knocked on my door loudly. She pushed open the door without waiting for my response. I didn't pull the blanket down. The last two mornings had been freezing.

"Are you up for a trip today?" She asked snippily.

I swallowed. I was afraid if I went out, the Hunters would find me. But I had no valid excuse to say no to her, despite our mutual dislike of each other. Deep down, I felt a strong desire to get out of the house for a little bit, away from the staring and being glared at by Max and the others. Jordan had yet to speak to me, besides whispering things to Max, who always glowered at me. It was a relief that both were at school

Holly never spoke, but when she had first seen me on Saturday as I came out of the woods, she had tugged on my shirt until I picked her up. She simply patted my cheek, face filled with awe, and whispered "Magic." I had laughed it off with Jason and Mick, but it had disturbed me. I had been sure to keep my distance from her since and was careful to stay away from Mick, who made jokes about it.

I shook myself back into reality.

"Sure," I said.

Christi smiled, so I figured I'd picked the right response. She set two of the pain pills on my dresser by the door. I dressed as quickly as possible and took the pills to the bathroom, flushing them down the toilet. I brushed my teeth and looked in the mirror. My hair was already growing back from its cut. I had assured Christi when she asked, lying of course, that it had only been a bump

I was silent as I ate breakfast. Christi talked enough for the both of us, in an unusually good moos, as we left and headed for the closest town. I starred out the window the whole time, taking in the farms and open land. Soon, Christi broached the subject of Friday. I focused.

"There are five couples coming." She was saying as she flipped the turn signal on. "Abigail and Steven Manning, there from Georgia. Macy and Josh Mcmann are from Florida, and then there's Lula and Warren Cook, who are coming straight from vacation in St. Petersburg. Lisa Ann and Adam Timbers might be here a day early. Their taking a few days off work. "

"Jane and Derek Donovan are coming from New York." Christi said. "I told them all about you and the kids. All of them are so excited. You see, we do this every year. It helps kids that normally wouldn't get chosen, adopted."

I nodded again. That was what she was so happy about; by the next week, all the kids would be gone. She went on to tell me all about the families. By the time we reached town, my head was beginning to pound. We went into a huge store and she bought more than I would have liked for me, because I "didn't own a thing." I cringed and I kept my head down almost the whole time, only daring to glance up when I bumped into a tall man. I apologized, but ducked away quickly, a sour feeling stirring in my stomach. When I turned to look again, I couldn't find him.

After the bags were put in the car, Christi dragged me to eat lunch at a small restaurant. We sat outside at a picnic table, despite the chill, enjoying the sun. Christi didn't talk, so I kept my mouth shut. I didn't have much of an appetite. The food always tasted strange.

I dropped twisted my fork round my fingers, but my hands shook so hard that I dropped it. I could feel someone looking at me, but when I looked up, Christi  was on her phone. The feeling didn't fade. I stood and looked behind me. The streets were to crowded to see anyone clearly. A wave of nausea hit me.

"Can I go to the bathroom?" I asked abruptly.

Christi looked up, startled, and nodded. I practically ran inside, searching for the sign.