Rising From The Ashes

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The rebel woman that I had met introduced me to an entire group of rebels today, male and female. It was amazing to see them working together like that. It just goes to show how wrong the Officials are. They make the other side seem like monsters when really they are just like us.

-The diary of Lucinda Jane Waders

Cameron is interesting. I never thought I would say that about a boy. I never even thought I would truly meet one, but he’s not at all what I expected. Maybe he’s tricking me in some way, but he actually seems like a good person. I know it doesn’t make any sense, but the truth is that during our walk I actually enjoy his company. He is funny and kind and just everything we are told that a male isn’t supposed to be. I’m trying to keep in mind that he’s a criminal, but my curiosity is getting the better of me.

I still don’t trust him, not even close, but I don’t see the harm in asking him questions about things. Even if everything he says is a lie, I still want to know what he has to say.

“So, when did you join the rebel group?” I asked and he gave me a look of surprise.

“How did you know about that? I thought the Officials refused to admit that rebel groups exist,” Cameron muttered.

“They do, but I was curious when I saw you that day at town hall and so I asked my mom about what you did. All that she would tell me was that you snuck over the wall as apart of one of the rebel groups and that they were trying to get more information from you,” I told him.

“Ha! Like they really thought I would tell them anything,” Cameron laughed darkly and I frowned at him. I guess I should be included in the them that he was talking about, but strangely I don’t feel that way. And even stranger, Cameron doesn’t seem to think so either. “I’ve been with the rebels for around two years now, but I‘ve known about them forever.”

“Really? How did you find out?” I asked.

“My dad was one of them. He tried to hide it from me and my brother, but I was a nosy kid, still am actually. I always knew I wanted to join when I was old enough,” he told me.

“Your dad was okay with you joining?”

“Not at all,” he replied and then laughed. “He was completely against it, didn’t want me involved in any of it. But he isn’t exactly around to stop me now.”

“Why? Did something happen?” I questioned, noticing the dark expression that had taken over his face. This boy’s emotions changed so easily it was hard to keep up. One moment he was smiling and laughing and the next he was brooding and being all mysterious. It was starting to make my head hurt.

“Yeah, something did. He died,” he muttered and I actually felt my heart twinge in sympathy. I shouldn’t be feeling anything like this for him, but I’m so tired I hardly even fight it any more.

“I’m sorry,” I said and actually meant it.

“You know, Kaydance, your opinions seem to be changing before my very eyes,” he told me with a smirk, mood changing once again.

“Unlikely. I’m just trying to be polite. After all you could just decide to leave me here in the middle of nowhere if I’m not,” I lied easily and he laughed, not believing a word of it. “So, anyway, what do the rebels do exactly?”

“Is that actual curiosity in your voice? If I didn’t know better I would say that you are looking for a way out yourself,” he told me and I gave him a look of distaste.

“Not even close. I’m perfectly happy with my life, thank you,” I sniffed, turning my head away. I could feel his shoulders shaking with laughter and I clenched my jaw in annoyance.