The Long Road Home

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The next few days grew warmer and there were less rippers seen in the woods. Page was relieved by that. She had noticed ever since they left Pineview, that every time the rippers get to close to them, she would get a horrible pressure in her head. It was not so bad when it was just one or two, but when in mass like when they chased that jeep, her head felt like it would explode from the pressure.

Page smiled watching Ty and Kidd play catch near the water. The boy had bonded with the big man in the week they had been at the ponds. She had never seen Kidd so comfortable with a male. Page took a moment to look Ty over.

Standing at six foot, there were few men who Page had to look up to. Ty on the other hand, was at least six-four and built solid. His marine cut was short and neat, but she could tell when his hair grew out it was a dirty blond. After he tossed the ball back to Kidd, he smile to her.

'Feel up to a walk around the ponds?' He asked. Page nodded her agreement. She was getting a little stir crazy being stuck in the wheel chair. Every time she tried to get up however, Theo would yell at her.

'Can I stay?' Kidd signed. 'I want to try to catch some fish.' Page nodded as she unlocked the breaks on the wheelchair.

'Keep Theo and the others here.' She told him in a loud whisper 'I plan to make an escape as soon as we are out of sight.' Kidd giggled and headed for his fishing gear. Ty chuckled and pushed her toward the path they had found. As soon as they were out of sight, Page grabbed the wheels stopping them. She stood holding her ribs and walked on her own.

'Stubborn woman.' Ty teased joining her. Page smiled to him amused.

'Sorry,' She said 'but I can't let myself get too out of shape. We do a lot of walking, and those first days after you get going are too painful. I can't afford to let myself slow down. Not if I want to get Kidd home alive.' Ty nodded.

'Hearing you say that kind of makes me feel like an asshole now.' He sighed and she looked to him confused. 'My people have reported little to no rippers in the area anymore. We killed any that got to close to our camp so it's as safe as it will ever get here.' Page nodded in understanding.

'You're all heading north.' She said

'Yes.' He sighed 'We need to go now while it's still clear. Mouth is reporting good weather for the next few weeks and he says that's when the rippers are most active.' Page nodded.

'I love having you guys around.' She admitted with a sad smile. 'I can't remember the last time I felt so safe since this mess started. I was going to suggest tonight at diner you make your run north now. Last summer was cold and we had crap weather so the rippers didn't do their worst to us. I heard the reports from the south when the rippers migrated. There were bad attacks and travel on the roads was near impossible.'

'Mouth said the same when I called last night to check the roads in the north.' Ty sighed than gave her a sad smile. 'You know he is crushing on you bad right?' Page rolled her eyes.

'I admire him for the work he is doing.' She said 'He is a little too hyperactive for my taste however. I am sure he has a stash of some really strong drugs around his shelter.'

'So you're not into hyperactive guys eh?' Ty asked giving her a half smile that did funny things to her stomach. 'How about rouge marines?' Page chuckled amused. She was very attracted to Ty. His calm manor and sense of humor had caught her interest immediately.

'Why Sargent,' She teased. 'are you hitting on me?'

'Only if you promise not to break my jaw.' He said with a grin. Page clutched her hurt ribs as she laughed. She shook her head and smiled to him.