UNGIFTED

CHAPTER 24

W hat had started like scattered drops had quickly become heavy rain. Its large drops crashing against the hollow trees creating a rhythmical sound. Inside them, the smell of bark, moss and dust mixed fairly with the scent of wet soil coming from the outside.

Since they had only recently joined the camp, the tree they had been assigned to was relatively small. Its interior equipped only with a single cot with some thin blankets neatly folded at the feet, an old wooden chair next to it that served as a nightstand and a small shelf carefully nailed to the bark, empty for now but that could be used to put small personal items on.

“You know, trees aren’t really the best place to hide during an electric storm…” Ben commented as they sat on the ground, right by the entrance.

“I’m well aware of that.” She replied making herself comfortable against what was left of the trunk. “We don’t really have much choice though, do we?” She said. “Don’t worry. The electric storm is far, over the valley. We’re at a safe distance.” She told him. Her gaze fixed outside on the falling rain.

Ben looked at her without saying another word. Even in the darkness, and amongst moss and dirt, she was still the most beautiful person he had ever laid eyes on. And he was grateful she was okay; And that she had found him.

“I still don’t understand why you’d put yourself in danger like this.” She commented after a while, her gaze turning to look at him. “You almost died! And for what?” She questioned and Ben swallowed hard. His mouth feeling dry all of a sudden.

“My father was not able to follow my mother’s steps because of my sister and I.” He commented trying to find a way to explain. “My mother would have killed him, had he risked it all just to be with her. But I would have given anything to be there for her.” He added. “It tortured me to think that she was out here. All alone. With no one to fend for her.” He said. “I couldn’t let that happen to you.” He told her.

"I never asked you to save me." Ameria said softly.

"I already lost them,” He said. “I can't lose you too." He stated sincerely. His eyes finding hers in the darkness. "And I know that you're probably mad at me right now but, I only did this to protect you and make sure you’re alright." He said and Ameria shook her head slowly.

It was already hard for her to believe anyone could care enough about her to put their own lives on the line. But the fact that the very same person she thought hated her was the only one who had risked it all for her sake, made it all far more difficult for her to comprehend.

In her life, she had not experienced that kind of love many times. And anytime someone did something remotely alike for her, she found it puzzling. Unexpected. She had been self-sufficient all of her life; she had had to be. Therefore, to have someone -anyone- try and help her felt both unfamiliar and heartwarming at the same time. But she often felt undeserving; and that made her cautious, like a stray dog who finally received some affection after countless years of neglect.

"I'd just like for you to acknowledge that this was a huge mistake." She said warily.

”I’d like to agree to disagree.”  He responded with a grin.

There was conviction in his eyes; and Ameria stared into them without any words to object. He was obviously certain he had done the right thing and Ameria was afraid he was slowly starting to convince her. Or maybe he was simply wearing her down but, the truth was, -as selfish as she might have believed herself to be- she was glad he was there with her.

“The past few days have truly been chaotic.” He said nervously clearing his throat and moving so that he could sit on his knees. “So much so, that one especial date slipped from everyone’s mind…” He told her, and Ameria quickly caught on to what he was trying to get to.