Rebel

Introduced

It all felt like a dream.

Having Hussain and Eugene walking right beside me was almost an impossible thought. Much less a reality. I kept turning my head to see their faces as they took in my new home. I led them through the maze of houses and streets.

They both didn't seem as impressed as I was when I had entered Polis. It felt like years since my first encounter with the Rebels. Back then they were so uncivilized people. They had no idea what was happening.

I kept on talking to them both. Explanations and names tumbled out of my mouth as we walked around. I told them about the ways of the Rebels. How we got to trade with neighboring towns and Nomad villages.

How more people have joined us in the past months. I told them about the adventures I had when I came into Polis. How I found my friend Esmeralda. I left out Jako completely, maneuvering around his part of my story.

Eugene and Hussain shook their heads as they learned that Esmeralda got molested. And how she kept the baby. I quickly moved over the topic. I kept on talking. Explaining how they all accepted me because of my Nomadic roots.

We walked through the city while I talked. I paused as we came to a stop in front of the tall bridges built over the large streams pouring off from high buildings at the back of Polis. Where I first found myself almost slipping to death.

The roaring waters made it impossible to hear, so I quieted down. Birds flew overhead, making the view seem peaceful. Hussain leaned over the ledge, looking down. Eugene scooted closer to me on the other side.

It felt awkward being so close to another man. I already had grown use to Jako always by my side. The thought of me and Eugene being together had already left my system. But him being in the flesh next to me...

Ideas and memories wafted in my head. I cleared my throat as I completely turned away from him, cutting any type of conversation from happening. I was with Jako now, I couldn't just jump to whoever I wanted whenever I wanted. I flinched as a sprinkle of water washes over us.

Eugene grinned as he wiped his face. Hussain smiled into it, staring out into the rushing waters. I let my hand fall over his. He gripped it, letting my body press against his. It was very strange having someone in my family alive.

The only thing that kept me from thinking to was all a dream was the constant pulse of Hussain thundering heartbeat vibrate through his hand. I stared at our joined hands. He was a few shades darker than me. I haven't been outside as much as I use to when I was a Nomad.

Lately I would run from building to building for meetings. Although I would train the kids, I guessed it wasn't enough sun to be as dark as Hussain. And I would spend most of my time inside doing things for people or speaking to some.

Being a person in charge of a whole community wasn't easy. People thought you were a problem solver, some type of person with status higher than them. But time and time again I would remind Rebels that I was simple Rebel just like them.

Hussain straightened, causing me to draw away from him. "Shall we go?" Hussain yelled over the rush of water. I nodded silently, gesturing over to Eugene. Eugene walked up to us, wedged between me and Hussain.

I pushed all of my feelings away. I kept leading them around Polis. I smiled as the sun glinted off certain buildings at the right time. Hopefully they could see the same beauty I found in it. I almost remembered the exact feelings I had when I had first come here.

I was so tired and broken. I had almost died from starvation. My smile continued as I walked forward. The wind blew toward us, winding my hair around my face. I nodded at them.