In The After Life

Chapter 34

I needed to cool off and quick. After my little run in with Evelyn our conversation was running loops around me. I needed to distract myself. I don't know if Draven will be done but I head to the outdoor arena anyways.

There were a few people sparing and I couldn't help but stare. Watching for their weak spots and genuinely enjoying a good clean fight.  "Care for a match?" I ask Ezekiel who didn't seem interested in the slightest.

"You have a lot of pent up rage that I'd rather not take the blunt off" I roll my eyes as he's not willing to participate. So he really does get enjoyment from following me around all day.

"My money was on the girl" a familiar voice says. I see Isaac walking with the Doctor from when I first got here. The girl? Acting like he doesn't know me.

"Ezekiel doesn't need to prove himself Isaac. He's a great soldier. How are you? It's Vera isn't it?" The doctor interrupts as it seems Ezekiel mood changed in the presence of Isaac. Not a fan I see.

"I'm fine" no need for long chats I don't know these people. She looks shocked like she expected me to be less closed off then I'm currently being.

"Quite the conversationist" isaac adds and I give him a look that's like 'says you' we all just stand their looking at each other. I see Draven approaching but I can read what's going on.

"If you could excuse me Doctor I was waiting on someone. Good day to you both." I give her a slight nod. She shrugs her shoulders and the two stroll off. I feel a skip in my step as I finally reach Draven.

He immediately embraces me where he rests his head on my shoulder. He inhales deeply his breath tickling my neck. I don't bother say anything. Just letting him be here for a second.

"He's not here" the small phrase is enough for me to know he's not okay right now. He may be able to put that stone face on but I know all too well he needs someone to be here for him.

I rest my hand on the side of his face where he kisses it. I had no words. What do I say? I can't guarantee he's alive or where to look. I made him believe Pope wasn't lying when he could've been. "Wherever he is we'll find him" I tip toe as I peck his lips

I don't know what came over me to say that. It's practically a suicide mission to set out for someone who we have no proof is even alive and he didn't know that before the world turned to shit. "No we won't" the finality he spoke amazed me

It said so much. He is done. He doesn't want to hold onto the hope that his brother is out there. He doesn't want to look anymore. He can separate the dream from reality. I admire him for that because if it were me I'd look until I couldn't anymore.

"Wherever he is I'm sure he knows you tried" our hands entwine and he leads me over to where there's a knife range. He needs to let off some steam.

"Not hard enough" my heart hurts for him. The hope you build up that everything is gonna be okay and it's not hits hard. We both pick up a few knives and stand behind the line. The red dots tempting us to aim and fire.

He doesn't hesitate as he picks one up and with strong aggression throws one. It wasn't the perfect shot but it was still within the red dot. "How'd it go?" He asks changing the subject

I move a piece of my hair as I get ready to throw mine. "Let's just say I felt like I got my message across" I throw it with speed but it completely misses the red circle. I intake a deep breath as my emotions cloud my judgment.

The large thud sound signalling another knife thrown from Draven and his perfect shot makes me determined to get mine right. I arch my arm and throw again missing it not by a terrible amount but still not good enough. "You sure?" He says looking at my target