Hollow Veins

Chapter Twelve; Almost Friends

"You think he's coming?" "Yes, why wouldn't he." "He didn't before." Aaron was whispering through gritted teeth. Alice gave him a sideways glance, "He had a reason, then." Aaron looked incredulous, "You're excusing that?" She wasn't sure if it was the fever or anger, but she felther temperature rise. "That is not what I said. Then, there was an opportunity for Jasper to get somewhere safe. I don't see a reason for him to ditch us now." "Maybe the fact that he's a manipulative bold faced liar had something to do with it." Without warning, a face swung down right front of Alice's, "Hello." She jerked back straight into Prince's legs. Aaron yelped, and Prince fell back on his butt laughing. They obviously hadn't heard Prince sneaking up behind them. They had been sitting in a corner of the cave. They'd faced the wall while taking on the pretense of resorting the backpacks. They needed everything ready in case of a need to make a quick getaway. Prince was still giggling. Aaron glared at him, "She's still sick, you know!" "I'm fine, Aaron," Alice allowed herself a laugh. Ari rolled her eyes, "Really, Prince, you're so childish." He got right in her face, a wide grin plastered across his face, "A little fun never hurt anyone, and it would improve you greatly." She smiled right back. They stood there for a minute, barely three inches away. Ari spit. A great "EEEEPP!!!" Was thrown from Prince as he leaped back. Aaron and Alice burst out laughing. Prince swiped at his face repeatedly. "Erhggeeeh," He gagged. Ari smirked, then turned away. Alice heaved for air. Catching her breath, she looked around for Ren and Jaden. She caught a glimpse of red hair along with Ren's gesturing hands outside the cave.

Ren sighed, "It's just that you always get grumpy when I mention him. Don't even deny it. What problem do you have with Prince?" Her tone was almost pleading now. He signed, "Nothing. He just kind of annoys me." "Why?" He didn't respond. She looked away, "I really don't wanna argue with you, Jaden." Jaden shrugged. Ren stared at the reddening sky. He watched her fiddle with her shirt. Her green eyes reflected the setting sun. When he'd first met her, he'd been annoyed that she'd been watching his computer. Even more so when she'd understood his sign language. Then Jaden involuntarily signed, "How do you know it anyways?" Ren's gaze met his, "Know what?" "Sign language." She looked down, her face reddening, "Well when I was younger, I really liked the idea of learning codes and things like that. So I learned some Morse Code, some Spanish and moreover ASL." He nodded, thoughtfully. She laughed a little, "I was a bit of a nerd. Kinda dumb to learn for no reason." Jaden signed, "It's not dumb." She shrugged, "Well I guess it did pay off." His face went hot. "Well, with having to be quiet," Ren added quickly. They sat in silence for a moment. Jaden thought it felt strange. He'd usually tried to focus on, well, staying alive. He'd shed himself of any thought of trying to keep others' happiness. Happiness wasn't what kept you alive. But it was what made living worth it. Jaden shoved the thought out. Ren stared down the rocky path. It was now hard to see, but there was someone down there. Jasper. She stood and rushed down the hill. She was almost out of sight when Jaden stood, slung his pack over his shoulder, and started to trudge down the path. It was the scream that made him run.