Blessed with a curse. (Ben Mason/Connor Jessup.) Falling Skies

Chapter 19 - Crazy people

Since the four of us have had to stay with our 'guardians' I've missed a lot of Ben. My dad kept me in the bunk. He wouldn't let go out unless it's for food. Even then I don't see much of Ben. It's just a flying visit. A few 'hi's' and 'hello's' nothing real. I miss talking like we use to, spending days on days with him, telling him stuff that I remember of my younger brothers. It was weird. Pope would sit there and tell me a load of stories about my mum and him. It was nice knowing she loved him and he still loves her. It makes me feel even more safe with him. Knowing he had a bond with her and it gives me hope that maybe we could have a bond. A father and daughter one.

We've been close and he's apologised a thousand times about hitting me. Since Pope wasn't Dan's father I left him with Anne in hope it would at least cheer her up a bit. Everyone has been on their toes about the threat made against the four of us. Nobody has spoken about what happened that night. And nobody will.

"They're having a bonfire, you can go if you want. I don't mind, I guess I have to let you have your freedom a little bit. Dan's already waiting for you. He misses you so I guess I have to let you go and have fun with him and Ben. I'll come and get you when it's finished." I sat up, he wasn't coming along?

"You're not coming? Is this about what happened before? Look, I get it, 'Pope' needs to keep up the bad guy image, but for how long? People don't care about anything else other than surviving. Just please try and turn up. It'd be nice if you could get along with my boyfriends family a little bit, promise you'll come?" He looked at me with an annoyed look. I know he doesn't like the Masons, but he's got to atleast try right?

"Fine, I promise, only for you. And maybe Dan, if they step one foot out of line Hay, I'm finishing what they start." I nodded and hugged him, it was weird, even though he says he hates the Masons, I think deep down, he's becoming more and more calm about Ben and me, At least I hope.

"Hayley, I've missed you so much" I turned around to see Ben running to hug me. I rested my cheek on his shoulder. God. I've missed this boy.

"Let's get this bonfire on" I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards to the sitting area. I looked around to try and find Dan. Or at least my father. I looked over at Hal who seemed on edge.

"Hey, I'll be back okay? I'm gonna see where Dan is" I kissed his cheek and left. I walked through the street. I saw Hal in the distance talking to my dad.

"You're sure it was Karen? I thought she died." Hal shook his head. Looking around, I hid. Making sure I could still hear what Hal was saying.

"Someone is looking for us four. How the hell is she dead? Clearly she holds a grudge. I know you care for Hayley. That's why I've told you. Otherwise you wouldn't know." My dad nodded and turned to walk away. I saw Hal walk my way, I walked in front of him.

"You seen Dan? I've not seen him in a while." He shook his head.

"Check with Matt. Hayley?" I turned around "Your dad really does care about you. Its obvious."

I nodded walking away from him and up to Matt. I asked were Dan was and he pointed to Dan playing with Nat.

"Hayley! You're back. Ben said you went on holiday for a little while. Why didn't you take me? I missed you," I pulled him into a hug, the same with Nat. Although she didn't speak I knew she had missed me. It was clear in her eyes.

"Are we going to Ben now?"

"How about you go ahead Dan? We'll catch up in a minute okay?" He walked away laughing at himself.

"Look. Nat, you need to start speaking more. We all love you and not one of us is going to leave you okay? You've got all of us. No one is going to take you away from us. Trust me" she pushed past me and stormed off. Rude.

"Guessing she doesn't like you that much?" I heard Tom chuckle. I laughed.

"The family she's from is Dan's fathers side. She's never liked my family. She's been brainwashed by her mum to think we stole her uncle off her. Me sending him away. Didn't help it" I chuckled, in the distance I saw Dan and Ben playing and Dan showing Ben how to use the toys we managed to get.

"He cares for you. I've never seen him like this. He's always been quiet and peaceful. Didn't have many friends. His mom always thought he was the special one. Considering Matt and Hal had a lot of friends. Ben was the odd one out. Then we met you for the first time and he trusted you. You've never shown him a reason not to. You two remind me of me and Anne. Troublesome, complicated but honest with each other. You protect each other. When really that's something the parents should do, just take care of him. Don't hurt him. You're the first real thing he's had. I'm happy for pair of you" He patted my shoulder and walked away. Joining Anne at the bonfire. I soon followed him, joining Ben and my brother. As soon as I sat down he pulled me to him. I smiled up at him.

"I like this."

"War? I don't think I do" he playfully shoved me.

"Us, this. The days of peace we have. It gives me hope that some how you and me can make it. And we will. As soon as we do. I'm marrying you, no questions asked." I laughed.

"Don't I get a say in it? Or are you going to force me?"

"I'd never force you. Of course you get a say. Why wouldn't you. It'd be perfect, me and you. Hal and Maggie. My dad and Anne. Pope." He laughed.

"You truly want this don't you" he looked at me and nodded.

"Well Ben Mason. I accept your proposal." Dan came and sat in between us.

"Are you going to have babies soon? I want to be an uncle" I laughed and placed him on my knees.

" I think me and Ben have a while to go before we start talking about babies. We're a little too young for that.  Let's just worry about winning the war and then we'll think about it." He nodded and left the subject. The night grew darker and it became more perfect.

"HAYLEY. Get over here now. I think the four of you nitwits have some explaining to do."

Well. I spoke to soon.

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