24 Dreams Of You And Me

55) The Sands Of Time

"The sands of time are quicksands... so much can sink into them without a trace."
-Margaret Atwood

***

Levi, Robb and Rachel were still on their quest to find Alyssa. After the casino, they went to more nearby nests where they knew Alyssa had been to but they couldn't get her present location.

They were walking out of a farm barn, armed.

"It's been two days, Robb." Levi said. "I've been trying to get ahold of her since two days!" He kicked a stone in frustration.

"We're trying our best." Robb said plainly.

"Are we?" Levi stopped and turned around to face him. "Because two days is too long to not be able to find one girl."

Robb sighed. "What do you want me to say? This is her fault and yours! And I have to clean up the mess while risking everything I have!"

"Guys!" Rachel shouted before Levi could respond. "Fighting amongst ourselves will not help! We're all frustrated here, it's okay. Calm yourselves down."

Robb looked away and bit back his words. Rachel brought out his laptop from the backseat and turned it on.

"Look, there are two nests nearby. Why don't we split up?" She suggested.

"You're with me." Robb said immediately.

"Obviously." Levi said with a 'duh' look.

"Actually.. why don't you go alone, Robb? I kinda need a break from all the.." She inhaled deep. ".. violence."

"Oh, um, yeah.. sure. I get it." Robb said and Levi rolled his eyes. Then he walked over to his car to give the lovebirds some alone time.

He checked his phone and set his weapons in the bag, when he looked up, Robb pulled Rachel in for a warm hug and closed his eyes.

Levi smiled a little at them. He understood how Robb felt the need to protect her because now he wanted to save Alyssa.

After they pulled away, Robb shouted over to Levi. "She'll stay here. You take the north nest, I'll take the west one. Then come back here."

Levi nodded and sat down in the car. Revving the engine, he drove away.

....

An hour later, Levi returned to the barn and found Rachel alone.

"Robb's not back yet?" He questioned.

She shook her head.

Levi frowned as he left his bag on the ground and dialled Robb's number.

"What?" Robb whispered as he answered on the second ring.

"What's taking so long? You need help?" Levi put the phone on speaker and asked.

"No, I'll be back soon." He replied and hung up.

Levi rolled his eyes. "Must be in the middle of something."

"Yeah.. can I ask you something?" Rachel titled her head slightly.

"Shoot." Levi sat down on a pile of a hay.

"You and Robb, seem to trust each other now. I was thinking about everything that happened with you three.. how do you trust him so much suddenly?"

"Why, I shouldn't?" He laughed.

"No," she chuckled, "you should. It's just.."

"I know what you mean, Rachel. But I have no other choice. This is serving his purpose as well, not just mine."