Isolation

Chapter Nine: The Truth

It had been a couple of weeks since Walker had left Jasper. Everything was chaotic and exhilarating and terrifying. Walker could not help but feel overwhelmed by her new freedom and utter unease about being amongst humans.

Robert had taken her to a couple places in the Temple. It was always when there were no humans around, which Walker was thankful for. She wasn’t eager to be surrounded by them.  

The only humans Walker had contact were Robert's friends, and she didn’t care too much for them except Trenton. Robert was really the one human she did not mind being around.

When it was just the two of them, sitting in Robert’s room, Walker felt a strange sense of peace. It made everything outside of that tiny space ceased to exist. She found herself fascinated by Robert’s kindness and independence. Sometimes Walker would forget that he was a human.

The two of them had developed a nice routine. It made Walker feel more comfortable to have a schedule set in place. Robert wasn't as keen on it as Walker was. He told Walker that bathing and meals were the only routines that he ever kept. However, he noticed that the structure relaxed Walker, and he gave in.

Walker couldn't deny that she liked keeping Robert on the routine as well. He would usually comply and seemed to enjoy it. For the most part, the pair remained in Robert’s room.

Walker found that she preferred the close comfort of staying in the room. It was possible that it reminded Walker of her cell, but she did not want to believe that was the reason. Denial could be a powerful thing.

Robert was trying to educate Walker on all the changes in the world. Walker never really got to experience it whenever Jasper took her out. She only noticed a few differences like the weapons and, sometimes, the manner of dress. Other than that, Walker remained very oblivious outside of Jasper and her cell.

Robert had a strange kind of patience with her. Walker could sense his frustration whenever she didn’t understand anything or she was getting overly anxious or frustrated. Yet, for the most part, Robert stayed calm and collected. Whenever he did start stressing out, Walker would just instruct him to breathe. That usually seemed to do the trick.

“Well, don’t you two look super cozy,” Seth greeted, his voice was heavy with disdain.

They were sitting on the bed while Robert was showing Walker some piece of technology that she wasn’t familiar with.

The rest of Robert’s friends-- Thomas, Kai, Trenton, and Javonne-- crowded into the room, surrounding Robert and Walker. She glared at Seth.

Robert's friends would come to check up on them from time to time, but they never stay too long. They would pop their heads in and leave immediately. Tonight was different as they all piled into the small room.

“What’s up, guys,” Robert asked, eyeing Walker.  

Thomas nervously looked over at the others; his hands were placed on top of his legs. 

“Well, um, if we are going to find Walker's home, we need to talk.”

Walker was skeptical. They were too nervous and uncomfortable to want to discuss her home. She could recognize the change in their tone and posture. There was more they wanted to talk about.

"Plus, there is Jasper."

“What about her,” Walker asked. Her body tensed with the mention of the Titan’s name. Being in her bubble, she nearly forgot that Jasper ever existed in her life.

"Jasper knows you are gone. And she is pissed," Javonne informed her.

Walker's heart sped up as she stared, unblinking at Javonne. Her body felt like she was laying on hot coals.