Hopeless - (Bellamy Blake - Book 2)

Chapter 23.

"What was that about?" I ask Bellamy once we've entered the Ark.

He shrugs, not looking at me. "Raven's your best friend, she's probably just being protective."

"Yeah. I guess." I try to put the entire conversation behind me.

He looks over at me, reducing his strides so I'm not racing to catch up with him. "Your leg alright? What did Abby say?"

"That I need to rest as much as possible. So, no excursions for me anytime soon." I grumble.

"Can't say I'm opposed to the idea."

Bellamy leads us down a labyrinth of hallways until we finally reach a door he stops in front of, putting in the combination to unlock it, and then pushes open the door.

He's right, it is a small room, with only a bed, table and a shelving unit for belongings inside.

"Wow, guess they pulled out all the stops for you, huh?" I look around, though there really isn't much to look at.

I suddenly remember my comment from what feels like a life time ago, saying I was sick of the trees and grass. But now, being back inside a metal room, I suddenly feel claustrophobic.

Bellamy gives me a small smile. "It's not perfect but hey, it beats sleeping in a tent."

I hum in amused agreement and hobble inside, standing in the middle of the room awkwardly. Bellamy closes the door and starts to take off his jacket and boots, discarding them to the side.

He glances sideways at where I stand, motionless. "What?" He asks.

I shake my head. "Nothing."

I stare down at the floor, my mind starting to whirl, picking up on memories and looks and tones of voices.

A sickening feeling bubbles inside me.

Bellamy stands up straight and advances towards me, stopping less than a foot away, and peering down at me. He places his hands gently on my waist.

"Talk to me."

"I'm fine." I take a step back and lean against the table by the wall, using my crutches to keep me upright as my leg starts to tingle.

Bellamy drops his hands at my movement and watches me closely, then folds his arms across his chest. "Don't shut me out, Chris. You had a hell of a day and—"

"And I'd rather not talk about it." I cut him off, taking a deep breath to try and calm my thoughts. "I wanna talk about you...and Raven."

He blinks, then a muscle in his jaw ticks. "Me and Raven?"

I nod, trying to keep my courage. "What she said before, what was that about?"

Bellamy keeps his voice level, but I've known him long enough, watched him long enough, to know he's forcing it. "It's like I said, she's protective over you."

"No." I shake my head at him. "She isn't. Maybe once, a long time ago, but not since we've come to Earth. We've been through too much shit down here for her to suddenly care about what happens to me." Bellamy opens his mouth to argue, but I continue. "Yes, she gets worried when I'm hurt or in danger, but that's a natural reaction for childhood friends. I get the same with her. But things have changed between us, and this...what she said...it was like she was trying to stop something from happening. Stop us, from happening." I suddenly demand, my voice stronger than before, "Why?"