Can't Love You {Sequel to "Not Sherlock Holmes"}

Chapter Seventeen

Benedict's POV

We all travel on foot. This makes things hard for my wounded leg, but I get along. I plod along.

Veronica is constantly moving amongst the people, making sure they're alright, that they have enough water, that they don't need a rest. It's strange to see her take on such a strong leadership role.

Ian has been walking somewhere behind me this entire time, but I've been stealing glances at him and Christy every so often.

Christy is a pretty blonde girl; her face is creased with worry lines as she mindlessly pats her bloated stomach. I have to look away.

I cannot decide if I am angry or glad to know that Ian and Veronica never got together. On one hand, I hate to know that the life of happiness ensured by being with Ian was denied her, but I can't help but feel slightly relieved.

Does that make me a bad person?

To my left, out of the corner of my eye, I notice a spot of violet. I turn to see a small, dying bush, with a few blossomed purple flowers.

On impulse, I snag a few, then continue to walk.

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It's about an hour later, and Veronica is telling us to take a short break. A few people wander into the nearby woods, looking for a place to refill their canteens. I sit on a rock, the flowers clutched in my hands.

"Why do you have those?" I hear from beside me, and I look into Veronica's face. She doesn't sound accusatory, but she does sound as if it requires a great effort to speak civilly.

"Umm, well... they're purple." She looks at me curiously, and I finish the statement before she questions. "Your favorite color. Or has that changed since we last spoke?" I resent the bitterness in my own voice. Her face, however, ever so slightly, softens.

"It is still my favorite color." She smiles tightly.

"I thought they looked nice, and well... There's not many nice things to look at around here." Little Grace- er, older Grace, chooses that moment to walk by.

"Grace!" I call, and she comes over.

"Yes, Uncle Ben?" I smile at the name.

"You know I'm not your uncle."

"Of course I know that, do I look stupid?" She grins, though.

"I was wondering if you wanted some flowers," I say, and her grin widens.

"For me?" Grace beams.

"For you!"

"They're so beautiful! Thank you, Uncle Ben! I'm going to show these to Will!" And she bounds off.

"Should I be afraid to ask who Will is?" I ask Veronica jokingly.

"That would be her 'boyfriend'."

"You say it like you disapprove." I look at her, and she shrugs.

"At a time like this, relationship dramas are a waste of time."

"Relationship dramas were always a waste of time." She doesn't respond, but she stil doesn't leave. "The flowers were meant for you. But I thought I would give them to someone who would appreciate them more."

"I appreciate them. Everyone, let's move!" she calls. We all stand from where we were sitting and gather up the things we were carrying.

"Is that leg going to cause any problems?" Veronica turns her attention back to me before moving on.

"My leg will pose no problems for you," I amend, because it will indeed cause problems for me. She just nods, however.