Don't Be Afraid

Chapter 24

Linda's POV

I keep running, pushing tree branches out of my way as I go. The pit of my stomach feels hollow. Maybe it's because I didn't stay and help that girl or maybe it's because the running is making me light headed. Either way, it sucks.

I reach the bottom of the hill, but continue running. I don't see a river, but I can feel it. It's cooler down here. I slow to a jog, determined to reach the others, if they're even there anymore. I push the thought to the back of my mind and continue on.

After a few minutes of running I come to a sudden halt. In front of me is the river and a group of girls. They're huddled together, close knit. In the center, I can make out one woman. She's older than I am.  I take a few deep breaths and try to slow my heart. I hear someone sigh.

"We were expecting someone else." It was the woman.

I swallow the lump in my throat. "I know who you're talking about."

The woman moves out of the group and staggers toward me. She puts her hands on my shoulders, looks me in the eye, and squeezes. "Is she all right?"

"I-uh...she's fine. She'll be here soon." I pat the woman's shoulder. She nods her head and makes her way back to the group of children. My heart longs to embrace each and every one of them, but my feet are planted to the ground beneath me. Each little girl has a panicked look plastered on their face, dirt smeared clothes, and eyes that have seen what shouldn't have been seen. I slowly sink to the ground, legs crossed, my face buried in my hands, and cry. I let every tear fall and don't attempt to hold any back. It's almost...nice to cry for once. Sometimes being strong gets too hard.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and look up. One of the girls is standing next to me. She couldn't be older than eight or nine. She sits down next to me and wraps her small arms around my waist. After a moments hesitation, I wrap my arms around her and pull her close to me.

"Don't worry miss. Everything's gonna be okay. I know that because my mommy promised before she left me and my dad." I squeeze her tighter and cry harder. She wipes my tears away and cups my face with her small hands. "Please don't cry. I promise it'll get better." For once I don't have to force a smile. I take her hands in mine and nod my head. She smiles and joins the others. For someone so young, she is very mature.

"There she is!" The little girl who comforted me points to the top of the hill. Everyone smiles and I hear some of the children crying out of hapiness. I turn around and get to my feet. Walking slowly down the hill is the girl who saved me accompanied by a dark silhouette standing at the top. I focus all of my attention on the figure and after a few seconds of adjusting my eyes I see...Issac! I can tell he sees me because he takes off in a sprint in my direction.

"Linda!"

"Issac!" He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to him. I wrap my hands around the back of his neck and pull him closer. My face is wet with tears and I feel like the wind was knocked out of me. I lay my head against his chest and breath him in. He smells of blood and dirt. "I thought I wouldn't see you again." I mumble into his chest.

 He  rubs my back in calming circles."I'll always find you. No matter where you are or how long it will take, I will always find you."

"I know." He pulls away and takes a step back, but keeps his arm wrapped around my waist protectively. I feel a tingle run up my spine at his touch and shiver slightly.

"So that's your girlfriend?" He turns around and smiles.

"Yeah. Thank you for this-"

"Don't thank me. I was on a mission."

"So where's your sister?"

She freezes and her hands ball up into fists at her side. "She-" She pauses. Her face turns red and she looks away from us. "I couldn't help her. Cl-Cleo killed her. My Megan..." Tears spill down her face and she doesn't even try to wipe them away. I feel my heart drop. Megan. Megan!

"M-Megan...is...dead?" Her head snaps up and she looks at me.

"You're that girl who helped her. You tried to s-save her."

"Yeah-" She pulls me into her arms, hugging me tight. I hesitate at first but hug her back. I can feel tears falling on my shoulder and I know she understands that you can't be strong all of the time. It's okay to cry.  

We stand like that for a while until I feel someone tugging at my shirt. I look down and it's the little girl from before. I pick her up and rest her on my hip. She plays with my hair and I can't help but wipe my tears away.

"How are you doing?"

"Just fine." She speaks with such strength in her voice. I bet she has some sass in her. I bounce her a little and she giggles. She leans forward and whispers in my ear. "Who's that boy?"

I walk over to him and say, "That's Issac. He helped her save all of you guys."

"Thank you Issac." He blushes and nods his head.

"You're very welcome." He holds his hands out and I give her to him. I hear him ask her questions and she giggles the whole time.

I walk over to Sam and get her attention. "You're the one who orchestrated that rescue plan, right?"

She nods, a confused look on her face. "Yeah. Why?"

I shrug. "Well clearly you're good with plans, so tell me, what's our next move?"

She wipes a hand over her face. "I honestly have no idea. Any suggestions?"

I can tell she was being sarcastic, but I keep my voice steady. "Actually I do."

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A/N

Hey guys! So it's been a while but I've been testing and I was very sick. So I hope you enjoyed and don't forget to vote! Bye :)