The Refugees

Chapter 27: Ash

Edited

I open my eyes still remembering the stress from yesterday. The sun hasn't come up yet and it's better that way. Before I fell asleep, Robert came up to me to tell me the change of plans. He told me the other adults thought it was best if we left, just us, because everyone else was too tired to keep going. They said they'll stay behind with them and that they understand Robert can't stay with them because he's the army's main target. Even after everything I told him he was convinced he would be fine.

I look down at Savannah. Her face still snugly on my lap. I hope she'll be prepared for what's to come but that might be asking for much. Even I can't anticipate what will happen. It just will and there's no telling how it'll go until it is done.

I shake her a little, no reaction.

She reminds me of a sloth; always sleeping, so hard to wake up. But then that's all I've heard about sloths, I've never really seen one.

I feel a light pang in my heart as I recall Callie's smiling face as she shows me an old picture book of a sloth. I shake the thought away reminding myself that it isn't the time to get soft.

"Wake up!" I say a little louder, irritation coursing through my entire being.

Why did I have to think about Callie now? It annoys me. And then it settles down to simple sadness.

I miss her.

Savannah grunts slightly, fluttering open her eyes. I look out towards Robert and they're already starting to go.

"Let's go." I order with a steady voice.

"What? Where are we?"

"Savannah, it's not the right time for questions. Let's go." I simply tell her, avoiding her question.

She nods in confusion but gets up, rubbing her eyes and yawning. Declan walks my way and I already know what he wants.

"I'm coming with you guys."

"Do what you want." I retort.

Although I hate to admit it, Declan has some connections to the army that could be beneficial to us. But the thought of letting him be so close to everything that is important to me does bother me. These people are the closest thing I have to family. And I'm not ready to let go of that just yet.

"Is that everyone?" Robert questions, Amber behind him up and ready with her gun around her back.

"Yea."

"Is he coming with us?" Amber asks gesturing towards Declan who is busy talking to Savannah, again.

What is he even talking to her about?

I tighten my fists a little before relaxing.

"Looks like it, he might be useful to us." I answer dryly.

"You know him best Ash, do you think he'll spill anything?" Robert mumbles lowly so that Declan can't hear.

"Declan's a chatterbox but he's careful with his words. If he wants to give anything away he will but if not he won't. That's how he works." I reply.

"Hmm." Robert grumbles before heading towards the exit.

I turn around to see Declan and Savannah following behind.