The Patriots

CHAPTER 7 (SHIELD)

Charles also saw everything that went down between Cilia and Kelvin from a distance while searching for Cilia. "Why was he speaking to her like that? How did they even know each other?" he asked himself as his legs automatically took him towards Cilia's direction.

Cilia was still standing in the same spot where she was yelled at by Kelvin. She didn't know what to do next or where to go. She had completely lost interest in the funfair. "How can I even continue to have fun after what I'd done? I have to find him and apologise," she thought and took a deep breath. She turned to begin her search and there she saw Charles walking towards her.

Charles' heart ached seeing his best friend so sad. He planned on telling her his secret about being part of the rebels, but now, he was not so sure if he should. When she turned towards him, her eyes were bloodshot with unshed tears. His heart twitched in pain at the sight of her, and at the way her face lit up when she caught sight of him.

"CHARLES!" she screamed with excitement as she run into his arms. Her tears started flowing in huge drops as she embraced her best friend. She didn't have to act strong anymore. She allowed the tears to flow freely because she knew she was safe in Charles' arms. He was her shield and with him, she felt safe.

When her tears finally stopped, she pulled away from the embrace. "Where the hell have you been?!" she asked hitting his chest and feigning anger.

"I'm so sorry Cilia," Charles apologised hugging her again.

"I've missed you to death," she said with a sad whisper. Cecilia's whole face was red now. She was overwhelmed with all the sadness and joy she felt. Things happened too fast for her and she couldn't stand the pain. Fresh tears welled up in her eyes.

"Me too Cilia. I've missed you too," Charles said, his emotions evident in his voice and eyes. He was sad but also very happy to see Cilia.

Cilia noticed that despite his joy in seeing her, something was bothering him. Like she was feeling, Charles was also overwhelmed with pain and joy.

"Where have you been Charles? I never heard from you or saw you when the rebellion started. I even feared that you got yourself killed," she asked and said, hitting him again.

"Ouch," Charles moved his right hand to caress the part of his left arm Cilia hit and faked pain.

"I know you," Cilia rolled her eyes at his fake act and demanded. "Answers. ¡Ahora!"

"Hey, why was that guy yelling at you back then?" Charles asked changing the topic.

"Nothing. It was my fault anyway. Answer my question for more details," she answered and added.

With a deep breath, Charles started, "I've always wanted to tell you Cilia, siempre. I hope you will forgive me after I tell you. Please, promise you won't hate me."

"I'll never hate you Charles. No matter what," she assured him with a soft smile.

"Okay," Charles exhaled. "So...erm...I...I am..." Charles stammered and he was cut off by a deep voice that came from the loudspeaker in the park.

"Hello kids, gather around the ferris wheel. It's time for a very important announcement," Roger announced from the loudspeaker.

"I guess this is your cue to leave," Charles murmured and Cilia's face fell.

"You...you didn't say what you wanted to tell me."

"I have to go Cilia. I'll tell you when we meet some other time. I know you'll forgive me," Charles said. He gave her a quick, long hug and disappeared behind the toy shops.

"Charles!" she screamed, but she could not run after him, because he was gone. She wiped stray tears from her eyes and followed a group of kids heading towards the Ferris wheel.

Kelvin, who was denied permission to leave was walking idly around the park. He was bored, since Cecilia had ruined in his happiest day. He took the same direction he took when he was leaving, back into the park and there, he coincidentally stumbled upon Charles and Cecilia talking. He stayed and watched them until Charles left, leaving Cecilia all alone. He followed her closely as she joined the kids heading towards the Ferris wheel.

"Look at me playing the spy now," he smirked and slightly shook his head.

At the Ferris wheel, they were separated into their various groups - the kids with the white body stamp and those with the red were directed to separate tents. Kelvin still walked behind Cecilia closely, watching her every move. They both had red body stamps.

"Guess we're going to be stuck together for a very long time," he sighed.

Charles, on the other hand, was also not allowed to leave. He had to find a way to go, because if he was not at the camp by dusk, the rebels would come looking for him. He still had a little time left so he went to the Ferris wheel as directed by Peter, one of the disguised soldiers. He noticed Kelvin following Cilia, so he followed them at a close distance.

At the tent, they were searched for the last time before they were allowed to enter. Cecilia was not sure if Kelvin had a red stamp, but she looked around hoping she would spot him. When Kelvin saw her moving her head, he definitely knew she was looking for him, so he hid behind a tall boy standing in front of him.

"Hi," Cecilia heard a female voice calling for her attention.

"Hey," she turned to face the girl and smiled. She was a bit baffled, since she did not recognise the girl from the ghetto or from school.

"I'm Vera," the girl said, stretching her hand for a handshake.

"I'm Cecilia," she replied shaking Vera's hand. Despite her confusion, she did not want to act rudely. "This girl is definitely not from here," she thought as she pulled her hand away from Vera's with a nervous smile.

A/N: Thank you for reading.
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