Sane

Chapter Twenty-Two | The Cure

I run my shaking hand roughly through the strands of greasy hair on my head. My breath runs out of my dry mouth unsteadily, and I rest my back against a stray tree. I spotted Malik and Walker a minute ago, but I didn't have the courage to approach them. Forrest is with Darius. Forrest is on his side. I was nothing but a mission.

I don't know how far I am away from the hospital. Maybe a mile out. I pull my ponytail out, releasing my hair down my back. I begin to climb the tree, reaching the top quickly. I inhale the scent of nature, standing on a strong branch. I close my eyes, gripping onto the trunk.

I swallow regret down my throat. I should've never trusted him. I should've never opened up to him.

I yell at myself for not being smart enough. I should've known. Everyone I ever loved in the past either died or left me.

Taking the initiative of pushing it down my brain in the 'try to forget' hole, I climb down the branches of the tree, jumping when I'm close enough to the ground. I brush my hands on my shorts, Not today. No. I'm not going to let a stupid few kisses get in the way of my mission. I'm done with relying on others to fill the spots in my heart.

I tear off my tank top, throwing a white baseball tee on. I place my hat on my head, pushing it down to cover my eyes.

I don't feel sane any longer. And it feels good.

"Willow? Oh, thank God, I was looking for you." Forrest's voice makes me halt. I turn slowly, finding him standing there. He looks relieved as he walks towards me. He places a hand on my cheek and smiles weakly. Once he looks In my eyes and sees the fury, he takes a step back.

Before he can say a word, I grip his wrist, twisting it until his back is to me and he's grunting in pain. "What do you think is worse-" I start, letting his wrist go and kicking him in the legs, watching him fall onto his knees, "Physical or emotional pain?" I kick him hard in the chest, and he flies backwards. I place my knees on each side of him, staring down into those eyes. Those eyes.

I swallow forcefully before moving the brown hair out of his eyes.

"Willow?" He croaks out.

"Fight me! Get up and fight back, you-" I stop, narrowing my eyes, "How about you kill me? How about you just get it over with. It's what you were supposed to do in the first place! Because I'm never going to be on your side. Ever." I snarl.

Forrest realizes what I'm talking about, and his eyes droop, immediately swarming with regret. He takes a shaky breath before forcing himself upright.

"You have to hear me out. Please, Will-" I kick the dirt under me in frustration.

"To think I ever thought of you as any more than a selfish-" I stop myself, looking back at him. I begin to melt into his eyes but I force myself to look away.

"He's my step-dad. I didn't have a choice." Forrest rushes out. I widen my eyes, suddenly so shocked to stand. I lock my knees hard, keeping my balance.

"You did. You always do." I growl.

"I swear I was never going to let anyone hurt you. I was in on turning California insane, but I didn't know-"

"California?" I ask, suddenly curious.

"That's the only insane state, as of right now. Willow, I need to tell you-"

"Why does Darius want this to happen?" I shout.

"He wants to watch the world burn, well mostly America. He didn't want to be the leading victim though, so he started with California, turning everyone insane so he didn't have to do most of the dirty work. Willow, listen to me for a-" He begins to explain, and I cut him off again.

"Shut up!" I scream, my head pounding with questions. I think harder, putting the pieces together. It wasn't an accident. It was Darius' plan. But how? How did he do it? What happened to him that made him want to do this?

California is insane. They may have spread out to surrounding states but no one knows. Forrest is Darius' stepson. Forrest is working for Darius. Forrest wants to watch the world burn.

"You wanted this! You wanted innocent people to turn insane, you wanted survivors to become murderers!" I yell, as he struggles to stand up.

"Willow, I did. I did. The world never treated me right. All it ever did was hurt me. But now... But now I'm not so sure I want this." He stands, taking a step closer to me. I reluctantly take a step back, suddenly feeling the urge to cry.

"I trusted you." I choke out., tears filling my eyes. There's a long silence, and I can't bring myself to look up.

"Willow, please. I'm on your side. I was the day you ran into me at the store. I understand now that not everyone alive is cruel and full of hate. Willow, you saved me."

"I can't handle this, Forrest." I spin, and begin walking the opposite direction.

"Willow, wait. I came back to tell you. I was going to tell you, I swear. Darius is giving me twenty-four hours to get you onto his side, or you die. I need to tell you the reason why I was sent to get you on his side, why it's so important." He grips my wrist, turning me towards him. I find myself in his worried eyes, as he hesitates.

"I'm listening, Forrest."

"You're the cure."