US (Formerly The After Effect - Book 2)

2 0 - F R A C T U R E

//sorrrrrrry. i know it's a day late. i'm not used to deadlines!//

The night is warm. Cozy, even. It's one of the best sleeps I've had in weeks. Who knew being squashed between two bodies would be so comfortable?

The bodies eventually disappear as the morning rolls in. The coldness creeps up on me soon after my space heaters depart, causing me to jump to my feet and begin the day. But there's not much to do once I'm up. The fire is already roaring and crackling like it would back in my farmhouse fireplace, the bags are packed, and everyone seems prepared to get a move on.

I sort of hate how some of these revolutionaries don't know what they're really getting into; they just know it's what Jada called them to agree upon. Most of the time they are trailing along behind the rest of us, turning when we turn, stopping when we stop. They don't talk all that much, but I've learned it's because they don't speak our language well. Some know zero English. At least, what I call English.

But they're kind. They never annoy me, they aren't in the way, and they are actually very helpful and stay on top of things. I appreciate them more than they realize. Might I add, they are very goal-driven, like Travis. They don't have much concept of leisure time.

"I think we're all set," my mom announces when she sees I've finally woken. Only now do I recognize I was the last riser. Not getting any sleep the night prior took a bigger toll on me than I expected.

"How long will it take?" I ask no one in particular. An answer from anyone would suffice. Of course, I don't plan on a revolutionary to respond.

"Well, we're close to the meeting place, so it won't take us long to get there; it's waiting for them that might take time," Brink explains dully. I wonder if the rejection last night hurt him, but he should know I won't just jump around when it comes to guys. Just because I feel shitty about one right now, doesn't mean I'll beg at another's feet.

"I'm ready when everyone else is ready."

"Then let's go," my mom says, and swings a bag over her shoulder proudly. "We're all ready."

Brink nods, and starts to turn around and initiate today's hike, when he pauses to glance my way. "Come on," he beckons, a gentle pull on the corner of his lips. He wants me to walk alongside him.

I hopstep over to his right and take the first step out of camp. Out of the corner of my eye, Brink is smirking, grinning? He's happy I accepted his gesture, and so am I. There's nothing I've wanted more than to feel accepted, feel visible.

"Thanks," I tell him telepathically, but he doesn't reply. Instead, he lassos his arm around my shoulders and tugs me inward to him, giving me a little shake.

I chuckle a bit and try not to lose my footing, when he murmurs, "I hope you stay."

Facing forward, I try not engage in eye contact when I turn him down again. I already told myself I'd make the decision on the spot, whatever felt right to me, the most natural. Right now, I feel included, but awkward. Brink has turned up the heat and been unafraid to express any advances toward me. It's coming too quick for my liking. I don't even know if I like him in that way. I'm not sure what to think right now. All I want is to minimize hurting any feelings, so I don't say anything in return, and allow him to keep his arm sprawled across my shoulders.

Still, some of me wonders what the others are thinking. Do they think I'm just some easy girl who sleeps around? Gag. Maybe I should quit worrying about the thoughts of the others... This is my life. Whatever happens, happens.

"Preach," Stella quips.

I roll my eyes. Brink and I separate a few minutes later when we have to leap over a couple rocks and scramble across more. One foot here, one hand there, I coach myself. It's not the most stable way to maneuver through the woods up a hillside, but it's the quickest. Some of the rocks are loose, so grabbing them and keeping your balance can be a challenge. I'm definitely getting my fair share of exercise.