Mutation

Chapter 11: A Million Questions

Hazel

Just a few minutes ago, I took my first steps outside the colony, which led to me and Leo almost being killed. I had never experienced true fear like that before. It made me realize that my curiosity made me even more vulnerable than I thought. Guilt crept into my mind, and it made me realize much more. Am I really that dumb? Did I really just do what I did, that almost killed me and my best friend? I wouldn't blame Leo if he was angry with me.

We arrived at City Hall and found ourselves sitting in the same position that we were sitting in before we exited the colony. The other mutants still stared at us, but this time not because we were new to them. They knew what we did, and probably thought we were pretty stupid. I had to admit, I was pretty ashamed. We had one job, which was to not do anything. Of course, I screwed that up. Now we're sitting in a room being stared at, hanging our heads in shame.

As for Dr. Baker, she was also sitting there and staring at us. I would occasionally glance up and our eyes would meet. She seemed more concerned than angry, and I didn't know why. Besides that making feel guilty, Leo was sitting by me and wincing every time he moved a muscle. Because of me, he hurt his back badly and would need to stay in bed for a day or two. Lots of things have happened because of me.

"I only have two questions," Dr Baker finally said, breaking the painful silence among the room. She began slowly, looking back and forth from me to Leo. Her voice was calm and firm. "Why exactly did you two disobey me? What made you think it was okay to come with us to the forest, which nearly killed you?"

"It was all my fault, Dr-" I tried to say, but Dr. Baker put her hand up to stop me from finishing.

"I don't care who's fault or who's idea it was. The point I'm trying to make is that leaving this colony without permission is a strict matter. I hope you understand that the world out there is dangerous, and your chances at making it out alive are slim. You need to have training before you even think about leaving this place. Now do you understand?"

Leo and I nodded, which allowed Dr. Baker to continue talking. I was glad she wasn't yelling at us. "Good. I just want you to know that I was really worried about you two. Dying is not an option here. Remember that." She gave us a small smile, assuring us that we were still on her good side. I couldn't help but smile too, since I was grateful that me and Leo were alive. Also, we had someone who cared about us.

I heard Leo groan in pain as he readjusted himself in his seat. You could tell he was in a lot of pain. "Hey Doc, I have a question about the man we saw in the forest."

His question took me and Dr. Baker by surprise. I was wondering the same thing, but did Dr. Baker really want to tell him? She stared out the window as she muttered, "I'll tell you about him later, Leo. Right now you need rest for your back. Hazel, can you take him back to his place?"

"Yes," I told her, cautiously grabbing Leo's arm to help support him. With each step we took, he winced and groaned. Every time he did that, I felt even more guilty and responsible for his injury.

It was a long walk to our apartment building. We moved even slower because Leo couldn't bare the pain and had to stop. I didn't dare say anything to him, not wanting to get distracted and hurt him even more. Only once, I muttered to him with tears close to pouring out of my eyes, "I'm so sorry..." Leo never responded. I just did what I was told by Dr. Baker and took him straight to his room.

I literally had to drag him through the door because he was so exhausted. As soon as we made it to the bed, I let him fall onto the mattress. Leo let out a relieved sigh as he settled and relaxed his achy body. I couldn't help but watch him. Mostly, because I was concerned about him and wanted to make sure he'd be alright. But at the same time, I just didn't feel like leaving. You'd think because of what I did would make me depressed and want to be alone. But surprisingly, being alone was the last thing I wanted.

"Why are you just standing there?" Leo's deep voice made me jump. I didn't even realize he was still awake, and watching me. He managed to change his position a bit, now lying flat on his back. His neck was slightly turned so he was looking at me. I watched his body language, and knew he was trying to act like his pain wasn't that bad. But I knew he was faking it.

"I just want to make sure you're okay, that's all. And you're obviously in pain," I replied, sitting on the edge of his bed. Leo just looked at me blankly, his eyes showing no emotion in the dim-lit room. The only light came from a small lamp on the bedside table, but I could still see Leo's pained face.

"Yeah, I'm in pain. I was thrown against a tree and nearly broke my back, what do you expect?" There was a hint of venom in his voice, which made my heart sink. I almost wanted to cry at that moment.

"I am so sorry. You're hurt because of me. All of it is my fault." Tears started spilling from my eyes. Great, now I was crying in front of Leo. But he didn't show any sign of smiling or laughing. He actually looked like he was fixing to start crying too.

"Look I didn't mean to make you cry, Hazel. I'm just mad because of my back, not you. Yeah, you screwed up, but that's okay. No one died or got seriously hurt."

"But you got hurt, Leo! We could have both died!" I didn't mean to shout at him, but I was too upset to stop myself. I was now on my feet, expecting myself to storm out of the room.

I couldn't take it anymore. I spun around on my heel and walked towards the door, prepared to burst into a full-blown meltdown as soon as I left the room. Before I could even put my hand on the knob, Leo shot straight up in his bed and yelled, "Hazel, wait! Don't leave. Please stay here with me."

I turned around and stared at Leo, who just realized that he moved too fast and probably hurt his back even more. His eyes were squeezed shut, and you could tell he was biting his tongue to keep from screaming. I rushed to his side and helped him lie back down, easing his body back into a flat position. I teared up just looking at how pitiful he looked.

"I need to go get you pain medicine. You're in too much pain to even move." I got up again, but Leo grabbed my arm and immediately pulled me back down beside him.

"No, please don't go. I'll be fine. Just stay here with me, okay?" Leo pleaded. I sighed and decided to climb over Leo and lay down beside him. I kicked off my shoes and settled myself on the bed. I loved how comfortable the beds here were, especially the thick, wool comforters and fluffy pillows. I glanced over at Leo, who was staring up at the ceiling. I decided to do the same.

"So," I say breaking the brief silence. I was hoping Leo would say something, because I didn't know what to say. Besides, it looked like Leo would fall asleep anytime soon.

"Why do you think Dr. Baker wouldn't tell me about the man we saw today?" Leo asked suddenly. My eyes studied the ceiling, as if the answer to his question were somehow up there. As crazy as our lives were now, there was no telling what Dr Baker was hiding from us.

"Who knows? With all the secrets they keep from us, it could be anything," I say honestly. Leo nodded, not saying anything back. I wondered what he was thinking about, since he was silent quite often. Even though I was tempted, I decided not to invade his privacy and read his mind.

"Are you all good now? Do you need anything else?" I finally asked him, turning my head to face him. Leo turned towards me, wincing a bit, and we ended up looking into each other's eyes. This never happened before, and I didn't know why we always had these weird moments. Sometimes we'll just look at each other, and not say anything. Maybe things are changing between us? No, it can't be. I can't imagine something like that with Leo. I'm just lucky that Leo can't read my mind too.

Leo smiled and slightly shook his head. "Nope, I'm fine, now. Thanks for staying with me." I knew he needed sleep, but he was too stubborn. I decided to control his eyelids to make him sleepy, and he slowly started drifting off into sleep.

I tried to fall asleep too, but something I heard Leo think while reading his mind made me wonder all night long about us.

"I'm fine, now that you're here."