In the morning we're all packed and ready to go again. Everyone in the 2nd mass is excited. Because by the end of the day we'd all be to Charleston. Ben occasionally looks at me as we finish up packing. I grin at him every time because his eyes make my heart jump. Then once again the group is walking. I hold Ben's hand, and Matt's and I talk to Alyss as we go again. Once we get there we see them the line of soldiers waiting to meet us. They have their weapons drawn and so do we until we make sure there's no threat. Once they're clear it with Tom they let the 2nd mass into the crowd to make our sleeves at home. Ben keeps a ahold of one of my hands. Matt holds Ben's other hand, and that's when I see him.
His dark hair falls all up in his face like it did when we where kids. I remember Lisa yelling at him about all the time before the invasion. Afterward they never yelled at each other about those things again. "Derek!" I shout. "Derek!" he turns and sees me his whole face lights up. "Elizabeth!" he shouts and runs toward me yanking me into a hug, and yanking me from Ben's grip. I feel the pain from my back rip through me, but I ignore it. "Elizabear." he whispers hugging me tighter causing more pain but I ignore it. "Derek if you're here, is Lisa?" I ask quietly. He sets me down. He shakes his head with shaky voice. "I don't know. The night we lost you, we both got separated. I haven't seen her since." his hands are on my face, tears in his eyes. "Where have you been these last six months?" he asks with a sigh. I smile. "I've been with the 2nd mass."
"Um, if you don't mind me asking, but why are you glaring at me?" Derek asks starring at Ben who stands about a foot away. "You okay?" Ben asks me ignoring Derek. "Yeah." I say hushed. "Derek this is Ben mason. He's my boyfriend." Derek steps away from me, and takes a step toward Ben. He looks him over, and Ben glares at him as he does this. Ben looks menacing with his riffle strapped to his back, and Derek doesn't look much like a sweet heart either. "So you've been taking care of my baby sister?" Derek stares at him, and Ben gives a stiff nod. That's when Ben shows a bit of his soft side, because Matt's small curly haired head peeks out from behind Ben's leg. "Elizabeth." Matt whispers. I smile at him, and at my smile Ben smiles. Derek gives a small grin, and despite Ben's slight protest Matt jumps for me. I scoop him up, and Matt sticks his tongue out at Ben. "Ha, I win sucker fish!" I laugh, and grin at Ben. "Sucker fish?" I question. He raises his eyebrows at me. "Eilzabear?" I smile, and I lean forward kissing his cheek. "We're gonna have to catch up, little girl. God you look so much like you're sister." Derek intones I smile at him. Ben reaches for my hand and intertwines his fingers with mine. "You look so cute with my brother attached to your hip." Ben leans his forehead against the side of my head. "Do I really?" I ask with a laugh. "Well, it's good to know you've had someone taking care of you." Derek says, I grin. "More than one person." I squeeze Matt tightly. "You probably need to go see anne before you do any catching up." Ben says with concern. Matt's face turns slightly ashy. "Am I hurting you?" he asks quickly. "No baby." I say with a smile, and kiss the top of his curly head.
"What's wrong with you?" Derek asks. I look at my feet. Nervous to say what had happened. "Um, I have some deep cuts on my back. No big deal." Ben squeezes my hand sensing my hesitation. Derek looks unsure, and like he's going to ask more, but Alyss jumps into the group before he can continue. "Hey, girl. Anne, and Lourdes want to clean your wound before you, and Ben get to comfortable, and Lourdes has to witness again what she witnessed last night." Ben's face turns red, and Derek glares at him. "And the Mason boys may come get you in like fifteen minutes." she grins at me, and I hand Matt off to Ben. Ben leans forward kissing me gently. "I love you." he whispers. "I love you." I bite his lip quickly. "I love you too sucker fish." he rolls his eyes. "Skitter bait." then Alyss grabs my wrist, and drags me along.
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AN: Hey readers! You guys are amazing! I appreciate every read!:) Drop, a vote or a comment!
