Somewhat the Beginning (A Falling Skies Fanfiction)

Almost To Charelston

*Ashley's POV*

After days of walking to Charelston, I'm exhausted! But there were some upsides and downsides of the move. Danny and Iain quickly became friends, and I'm glad; I hope Iain can be a good influence on my naive young brother.

Danny doesn't seem too keen about Ben though. Ben tried to get on Danny's good graces without much prevail. I hate to say it, but Ben never had a chance at being friends with him. Danny always thought Ben was weird and nerdy, completely opposite to him - a popular football player. I think he liked Hal since they had more in common.

I wish Danny was more open to getting to know Ben. I wouldn't push him if Ben wasn't so important to me. Who knows? Maybe Danny and Ben will be brothers in the future.

But back onto the move; it's been over a week since Danny woke up and we're almost in Charleston. Tomorrow we'll be there, and we'll meet up with the skitters who know more about the people of the new capital.

...

Ben and I lay in our sleeping bag. It's morning, but I'm so tired that I don't want to get up.

"Come on, Ashley, get up! It's just a few more hours and we'll be in Charleston." Ben said, trying to coax me up.

"I can't last a few more hours I'm too tired!" I groaned.

"Please get up. They will leave without us!"

"Uh fine!" I got up unwillingly.

*Ben's POV*

We packed up for the last time and walked to Charleston. When we got there we found an overpass near the new capital and set up a more permanent camp. I was waiting for Ashley to get ready to go to the capital, we were going to talk to my dad.

"You almost ready Ashley?" I asked her. She was packing up her backpack.

"Yea just let me get a few more thi-." I looked at her after she stopped mid-sentence and she looked dazed.

"You ok?" I went over to her. She shook her head and ran past me to the bushes. I followed her and she started puking. I held her hair until she stopped, then she almost fainted.

"Ashley, baby, what's wrong?" I was getting panicked.

"I-I'm fine. I just need to lay down." She stuttered. I picked her up bridal-style and carried her to our sleeping bag.

"Get some rest, I'll tell Red-eye that we won't be able to talk to my dad."

"No Ben! I'll be fine, go talk to your dad. I know how much you miss him. I'll just ask Iain to take care of me."

My jaw tightened, I am not letting Iain take care of my love. I moved a piece of hair out of her face.

"No, I'm staying with you until you're feeling better." I kissed her forehead and left to tell Red-eye we wouldn't be able to talk to my dad. He understood and sent another boy instead. I went back to Ashley and she was sleeping. I laid beside her and put an arm over her waist and pulled her close.

I'm so glad I have her. I thought I would have to wait years to find someone I love who loves me back. But I got lucky with Ashley.

*Ashley's POV*

I woke up early in the morning and felt way better than yesterday. I have so much more energy today! I got up and went on a food scout with Ben and Iain. Along the way I sang.

"Well aren't you perky today, Ash!" Iain said after my song.

"I don't know why, but I feel chipper today!" I smiled big.

Ben intertwined our fingers "I'm glad, babe, I was really worried last night."

"What happened last night?" Iain asked.

I opened my mouth to tell him of my sudden illness, but Ben spoke before me.

"It doesn't concern you." He snapped, putting an arm around my shoulder. I looked at him in disbelief, what was with him? I felt my previously happy mood go away.

First I felt angry that Ben was angry at Iain for reasons I don't understand, then I was sad that these two boys who I loved couldn't get along, and now I feel...sick? No, queasy is a better word. I stopped and put one hand on my stomach and one over my mouth.

"Ashley, you ok?" Iain asked facing me.

"I-I don't know. I feel like I'm gonna-" I felt the bile rise up my throat for the second time in 24 hours and I quickly ran behind a tree and puked. Someone held my hair up and I felt so embarrassed. I hate having the attention all on me, and now I'll be in the spotlight!

The person holding my hair started rubbing my back, and when I finished puking he held me in a tight embrace, I then realized the person was Iain.

"Thanks, Iain." I slightly smiled up at him, and he smiled back.

Ben coughs beside us and I look at him, he looks angry. The smile drops off of my face. What is wrong with Ben?! I followed Ben's eyes, they were burning into Iain's, and vice versa.

Oh no. Is Ben jealous of Iain and I? I broke away from Iain and tried to stand, but I was dizzy and faltered. What's happening to me? The boys each grabbed an elbow and helped steady me.

"Thanks." I whispered.

"No problem." They said simultaneously and glared at each other again.

"Guys let's keep going to the food depot." I tried to release the large amount of tension building around us.

"No you're too sick to travel." Iain states, "You need to stay here in the shade and drink lots of water. I'll stay with you."

"No I'll stay with her." Ben put an arm around me and held me close.

"Fine!" Iain huffed. "I'll just go by myself." He started walking towards the depot, which was still miles away.

"Iain-" I went to grab his arm, but Ben stopped me.

"Let him go, Ash." Ben whispered to me.

"No Ben, I'm not letting him go alone!" I whispered back, then I called to Iain. "Iain! We're all going to the depot." I walked towards him, and surprisingly was able to keep my balance.

"See I'm fine." I said when I got by Iain. Ben was close behind and we continued our trek to the depot.

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A/N:

What's up with Ashley? I already know what's going to happen *hehe* but what are your predictions on what you think is happening to her? Well lucky for you, you don't have to wait long because the answer is in the next chapter! :)