Keep on Fighting (The 5th Wave)

Part EIGHT

This chapter's shoutout goes to TwinziHasan because was intrigued when I read her story 'Tyler's Gem'. Such a great writer. Please go check out her stories!

After an hour or so of moving, it becomes clear that there is no nearby shelter, so we thank god that most of us have tents and sleeping bags and such. The only exception is me and Evan, as usually. When I took off from the site near the army base I was reluctant to bring any useful equipment like that, which is a mistake I regret to this day.

It's not long before a few medium-sized tents and sleeping are layed out me and Evan decide to take the look-our role, but we both know the only one of us who could possibly fall asleep is me. But, of course, none of us are settled yet, anyway. Where did he learn to build campfires? I wonder as small flickers of light evolve into tall, treacherous-looking flames in front of Ben. My curiosity is killing me.

"Fine work." I say to Ben, almost sarcastically.
When he realises that I was speaking to him, he explains, "I attended 'boy scouts' in Elementary school. I went camping almost every week at one point." Somehow I had already guessed that.
"Why did you quit? You acted more like a jock than a boy scout in high school."

He thinks for a moment. "I- I actually have no idea." He giggles slightly. "I guess I just found other interests, but my camping days were something I will never forget." I was tempted to ask, 'Even with everything that's going on, now?' But I decided not to. A return to reality isn't quite as rewarding as a flashback to the good times.

Evan's arm slides around me and I rest onto his side. With the fire and the warmth, I almost felt independant enough to sit alone until I remembered the feeling of Evan's touch. There's nothing more relaxing.

"How you holdin' up?" Ben asks.
I shrug, not wanting to go into my feelings and emotions. If I try to speak at the moment I will probably burst into tears, so it'd probably be easier to stay quiet.
I sink further into Evan's grasp, and he reaches down to kiss my forehead, so annoyingly light and enticingly pure. There's nothing more frustrating than not having even a moment completely alone with him. Even an advanced kiss seems unlikely surrounded by everyone else here, especially Sam and 'Teacup'; I'm still extremely curious to know what Teacup's real name is.

I would ask her, but I expect to recieve the same response as always - "Myy name is Teacup." Honestly, it never differs with each one of them I ask. The only two people's real names I can use are Ben and Sam, only because I knew them from before, and their squad names are probably the most ridiculous out of all of them. Zombie and Nugget. And I take no shame in saying that.

With everything that's happened, I would expect the members of the squad to atleast keep their name to remember their past and their families, but it seems they don't feel the way I do.

Then a memory suddenly flashes into my mind reminding me that not all memories of the past can be cherished.

I hold back the tears, as miserable as I am, while I place flowers on the mound. My father's hand grips mine, and Sam is clutching onto my dad's other arm like his life depends on it. Both me and Sam, by instinct, give each other a loving, sorrowful glance before falling into our father's arms.

Back then, we didn't know that we would become orphans so soon, but that was the one thing we hoped wouldn't happen.

Then, I remember how I haven't explained to Sam what happened to Dad just yet, but he hasn't asked so I'd prefer to stay away from the topic. Of course I'm fearful that my brother will hate me for standing by while our dad was murdered by Vosch and his men. But of course I blame myself for that either way.

I grab Evan's hand and force myself to stray from those thoughts, instead imagining what would be possible if Evan and I were alone. Me now gazing up into his eyes, we both smile to each other, as lovingly as always, wishing we could stay in this moment forever.

- - -

The fiercely burning flames reflect in the metal on my boots, only half the size of me but still just as threatening as the sight of a large predator. I enjoy the warmth as my body is enveloped with Evan's unusual body heat, and I can glimpse the moon through the leaves and branches above us.

Obviously, sleeping in the open isn't safe at all, but it's the only possible way we can rest. This way, if we endure combat or have to flee, we will have slightly more energy in order to do so.

Evan's breath is light against my cheek, and I am quite sure that he has been awake in the hours I have slept through, which is just as well considering I dozed off almost immediately after resting my head on Evan's chest.

My hair lightly brushed the skin on his neck. His lips pecked adorably my forehead every once in a while. I mention so many times, but I want the moment to last a lifetime, forever, if forever is even long enough.

The longer I stay there, the stronger the longing becomes, until I end up dreaming about that other reality. The life that involves me and Evan, complete safety, and Sam. Maybe even the rest of the squad, but my first priorities will always be Sam and Evan.

...1

...2

...3

And I'm back. Returned from the dream that causes me to envy those who died before the waves occurred. If I was born just half a century earlier, I would never have had to live through these struggles that are slowly destroying me. All I had was three seconds. Three seconds of ultimate happiness and hope. And then it was gone. And so was my consciousness.