Arabella

Chapter 11

The sand dunes appeared. Luke held onto Arabella's hand tightly. She'd been holding onto him ever since she fell asleep. His heart pounded hard. She hasn't let go yet and it told himself much. She was a sight to see when in her slumber. Her hair has flowed softly. Although clothes disheveled. All of them were dirty.
They came to a stop, and Arabella was gently woken up. There were people from afar standing on top of the sand dunes, about eight of them. It consisted of women in white and a few men by their side.
Slowly the hunters car stopped its tracks, the engine turned off. Cars came out, people with guns as well. One stopped directly in front of the truck slowly.
Just then a man stepped out of the car, everyone else ready to fire if the hunters had done something wrong. She carried the baby in her arms securely, as Isabella woke up silent.
"Hello sweetheart," the man came out smiling. He had brown hair, short, assuming that they did have scissors and razors to keep the hair short. The man was tall, muscular, had stubble. He had his leather jacket on, and he smiled, a white smile. It appeared that he must've known her, "My dear Arabella, and Maximus. Did you miss me?"
Max couldn't find it believable. Was this really their father? He looked so... Hunky. He smiled proudly, "Look at how much you two have grown."
"Thanks," she murmured and held the one year old firmly. The man who appears to be their dad had signaled them to put down their weapons, to cease fire.
He'd guided their truck into their space where it was a camp. They lived far over here in this area in the sand dunes. All of them knew that this isn't the Palace, their safe haven.
The camp had tents, small fires, people getting along with each other. There was no access to water, except the one that is preserved for drinking.
"I'm sorry there isn't much for you and your friends," he apologized.
Arabella stared at him weirdly, as if she were surprised but disgusted, "Who are you?"
"The man who gave birth to you," he took a sip of his water. Max sat by Arabella's side, only accompanying her for a short while to keep her sane, "You two travelled with those young men out there? And you had a baby?"
For a second a splash of disappointment took over, but Arabella explained, "Totally. I don't know why. But this lady gave her to me. She's healthy."
"Oh," he drifted off and closed the lid to his canteen, "Sorry."
"Why'd you disappear dad," Max questioned, almost confused, "Left Us for dead?"
Their dad couldn't think of anything. He truly didn't know his reason, "I had this urge. I don't know why or how. But I didn't think you could make it out alive."
"Well, we didn't," Arabella snapped, "We died and were sent back here again because all hell broke loose." The anger in her tone was rising but Max covered her mouth to calm herself, "But we're here. Like this." The color of her rims of the pupils turned blue again, "And I'm the only one I guess."
He was amazed, "This is very intriguing. I know you two wouldn't remember my name-"
"Cameron," Max muttered softly but quickly, "I remember."
"Sounds familiar," Arabella crossed her arms with attitude. The three of the small family had been sitting together at once, and she questioned, "Where's mom?"
Cameron sighed, "It's a long story. We split and went to find the Palace on her own. She said she knew you'd be back after constantly hearing your cries."
"Rosemary is missing," Arabella murmured quietly, "I tried finding her. Overnight some people must've caught her. They dressed in black." Cameron's eyes widened and anger. He must know who those people were.
Max motioned me to go away at once, and Arabella left on her own. Her new baby she was supposed to keep, was sound asleep in a tent, again. Oh how much Isabella must love sleeping. Luke stood there waiting for her at the cliff where they had a view of what slowly lead to Rocky Mountains.
"It looks so far away," Arabella mentioned as they sat in the silence.
Luke nodded his head slowly, "I'm sorry about the kiss-"
"It felt like a fairytale," she said quietly, "I liked it a lot." Luke quickly examined her noticing how she was blushing greatly.
He smiled, and shook his head, "Still."
"I rather it be you," Arabella sighed as she fiddled with her fingers, "I can't believe Amber, gave me her baby."
Luke shrugged, "You did the right thing, Arabella."
"I know," she murmured, "Do you think we will ever go back?"
He shook his head, "We can't go back." The two sat still in silence. Arabella was shy around Luke now, but she only felt his arm slither around her shoulder, "I get it. You don't wanna talk since that kiss."
"No," she said in a tone to defend herself and hit his hand, "I'm not that shy." The two of them laughed, but it narrowed down, "You know.. I'm glad we're here together. Healthy still."
Luke budged her, "I couldn't agree more."
"What should we nickname Isabella," she questioned, "Isabella is too long."
He shrugged, "I call you Bella every now and then, but since her name was inspired by yours, we can name her little Bella if you like."
"Sounds good," she murmured and brushed the dirt on her pants off. "Well I'm going to go," she stood up. It was around evening at this time, "Just a few miles away, I know we can make it."
"You have faith in everything," he mentioned to her as he followed down the steps, "Meet me at the tent where little Bella is going to sleep."
During dinner, Arabella's father had given the boys their food, and herself as well. Then they sat at the rock and talked to each other. Chris couldn't find anywhere to look except at the loneliness of Arabella. She sat down trying to talk to her dad.
"Her dad looks young," Chris mentioned to his best friend and Dalton.
Luke took a spoonful of soup and sipped it, "I agree."
The father and daughter spoke together, "Max was telling me of how you were leading the group?"
"Mostly my idea," she answered but continued speaking, "I was in charge. Still am." A small chuckle breathed out from Cameron.
He sighed, "Since you're the leader. What's your plan of action going to be?"
"I want to leave as soon as we can. Night won't do us any good," she explained, "I want to find that palace."
"Have you been using any combat techniques?" He asked. Arabella nodded and he gave a hearty laugh, "I'm glad it came in handy."
"I got hurt though," she stared at her ankle, "tripped and fell. My ankle twisted kind of."
He shook his head, "Be aware of your surroundings baby girl.
"I know dad," she said uncomfortably, "I'm thinking of leaving tomorrow. We have to get moving."
Cameron nodded his head, "Then we all will come with to this place you speak of."
"It's good I promise," Arabella assured them, "I was told always head north. I will find a way to cure this virus."