𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | RAFE CAMERON

Fifty One | D I V I D E D

We trudge through the desert sand, my hand wrapped tightly in Rafe's as we walk alongside the Pogues. The sun beats down on us, relentless in its intensity. It was so hot that I thought I'd die if we went on for another hour of walking. I squint, scanning the horizon for any sign of civilization. There was none. After a few more hours of walking, I'm starting to think we're never going to find what we're looking for.

But then, in the distance, finally we see it — the outline of a city, and I squeeze Rafe's hand tightly. We're finally here.

As we make our way through the city streets, JJ takes the lead, his eyes scanning the alleys and buildings around us. "Look, we gotta get outta these alleys," he says. and then, JJ stops, his gaze fixed on something ahead of us. I follow his line of sight, and I take in the statue standing tall on top of a building.

"We make our way over to the statue and Popes eyes light up as he gazes up, "Yo, that's the Barbary pirate, the guy Croft was telling us about."

We did it. We finally found what we were looking for. "Since we found the guy who made the map, now we need the map to find the crown," I say.

JJ nods, "Alright, let's do this."

Rafe's hand tightens around mine, and we continue further into the city. I quicken my pace, matching my stride to Rafe's as we navigated the streets with the Pogues. But then, I notice Sarah lagging behind, her face pale and clammy.

"What's wrong, Sarah, you sick?" I ask.

Sarah nods weakly as she takes a seat, "Yeah, I'm nauseous."

Kie's crouches down in front of her, "She just needs food."

I glance around, remembering all too well our crippled conditions. "We haven't eaten in almost two days."

John B nods. "Let's get her something to eat."

Pope's brow furrows as he walks up to us with the rest of the group. "Is she okay?"

I shake my head. "No, she's not. She's pregnant and hasn't eaten."

Sarah tries to protest, but Kie cuts her off. "No, she needs to eat something."

I place my hands on my hips, scanning our surroundings. "We don't have any money..."

Cleo grin is mischievous. "Let's do it the old-fashioned way."

JJ's eyes light up. "A little sneak and grab?"

Cleo nods in agreement, her ponytail bobbing behind her. Sarah tries to resist our help, but we're insistent. We need to get her something to eat, and fast.

John B takes charge. "Let's just do it and do it fast."

Cleo, Pope, JJ, and John B peel off, leaving Rafe, Kie, and I to stay behind with Sarah. Rafe looks around nervously. "What are we doing?"

As the others walk off, John B calls back, "Just stop, Rafe."

Rafe yells after them, "Alright, we'll hurry up, dumbasses! We're wasting time!"

I shoot him a warning glance. "Rafe, shut up. We're trying to blend in here."

The four of them disappear into the crowd, leaving the three of us to wait for their return.

As we wait for the others to return, Rafe and I lean against the wall. We chat quietly, trying not to draw attention to ourselves.

"What's going to happen when we finally get the Blue Crown?" Rafe asks, his eyes scanning the area.

"I don't know, but I hope it's worth all this trouble," I reply, glancing around nervously.

Rafe nods. "I know, me too. I'm just saying, if we get caught..."