The steady sound of boots hitting the forest floor is heavy. No one talks but heavy, labored breaths fill the air. We've been trekking for almost five hours with very limited breaks ever since the first bunker proved to be barren. Everyone is exhausted.
I glance over at Clarke who holds Charlotte's hand firmly. We haven't talked much since the night we shared that kiss...that wonderful kiss. Instead, we've shared only sacred glances that sends me into a void of a hopeless romance. Clarke is my weakness. Ever since I helped her pitch the tent the first day she's been my downfall into what some might call...softness.
I'm Bellamy Blake, the invincible warrior. I can have no weakness.
"Stop here." Clarke commands. "Take a break. We leave in 10." Everyone scatters between a small creek, and a bush with honeysuckle vines creeping across, threatening to swallow it whole. Everyone's breath has become visible now 24/7, yet sweat clings to every tired man's brow.
I make my way to a small branch of the creek with a dry canister. I sit in the puffy moss and lay the canister down in the tiny, peaceful rapids. With my callused, cupped hands I splash the cool water onto my face. The droplets that slide off my cheeks are a muddy color, carrying away the dirt and sweat.
My eyes trail down with the current to a deeper part of the creek. Clarke settles Charlotte down by a tree with a packet of food and she makes her way towards the glistening water. She slides her jacket off with a smooth motion as her arms become bare. She slips her shoes and socks off and peels off her pants revealing spandex from underneath. I'm not the only one who watches stunned as she makes her way into the water. Aware of the stares, she looks around.
"What?" She asks defensively. Everyone returns to their business while I stare and smirk. Clarke is definitely my weakness.
Several hours later we come across another bunker, but this time, it's packed with goodies. Shelves are lined with cans of food. Blankets are folded and in boxes. Knives and guns are in protective cases. Clarke even managed to find a medical bag filled with meds and even stitching supplies.
"Pack as much as you can. This is the last stop before we turn back home. If the other team came up empty handed, we are the only hope." Everyone rushes around, shoving their packs full of supplies.
"We actually have a chance." Clarke leans over and says in a quiet voice. I avoid eye contact but allow a soft nod.
"Let's just hope the other groups were as lucky as us."
