Off Planet (Asterism Chronicles Volume One)

Dying to Leave

"Cap!" I yelled as I left the room.

Running through the small apartment complex turned to hospital I searched for Cap. I entered and exited small studio apartments full of the injured and sick. As I searched Jack came out of our room and caught me.

"What's wrong?" He asked to my frantic expression.

"He's talking like he's dying." I said as he slightly smiled. "Why are you smiling? I thought you made up?"

"He's not dying, Rae. It's okay." He said.

"Why is he acting like that then?"

"He spoke to me while you were sleeping. He'll be fine." Jack led me back to our room and sat me down. "He knows it will take a while for him to heal, and he told me to take you to Joisilin and he'll follow."

"Why didn't he tell me that!" I said angry at his tricks. "What else did he say."

"I can't say everything, but I know he likes me." He straightened up and smiled. "I'm very likable."

He made me laugh as I calmed down. The past few days were full of excitement and stress. "Why can't you tell me?"

"Uhm." He paused. "I'll tell you later. Don't worry, its nothing bad."

We made our way back to the room my dad was in and glared at him. He smiled at my expression and slightly sat up. His face was no longer pale and he was moving around better.

"I thought you were dying." I told him.

"I know. I wanted to see how you'd react. Jack said you hated me for a while and I wanted to see if it was still there. Sorry, RaeRae, I wanted to know for sure."

"So your coming with us?" I asked sitting by Jack on the couch.

"Later. You need to leave, its not safe to be in the same place for too long."

"The cops haven't found us yet. There has been no word of them trying." I said.

"Yeah, but we don't know if they asked any of the patients you helped. They could have heard we were here. Or they could have followed us and are just waiting." Jack cut in. He was serious faced and meant what he said.

As I thought about it, I realized they were right. It's been a while of just staying here. Sam might have said something too. Or maybe the cops have asked around this area. If they are still looking for us, why would they stop? We are the only people not found after the breakout. And we are the only people who were able to break out of there. Why would they let us go? Looking at my dad I accepted his request.

"I'll go." I said pointing to him. "But only if you follow when your able."

"I promise." He responded, "You finally get the adventure you've been craving."

"I'll look out for Jun. We should head to Eskran to ask around." Jack said standing up, taking my hand as he did so. "Is it okay if she comes with?"

"It's fine. Don't get shot again." He joked.

Glaring at him we left the makeshift hospital in the cool night. I looked around the deserted streets as we made our way to Eskran.  Jack had on a thin shirt, making him shiver. I took off the large jacket that I was wearing and handed it to him.

"No." He refused. "It's cild, you wear it.

"I'm fine. I have this." I motioned to my long sleeved flannel. "It's not good for your chest to shake."

He smiled at me and finally put it on. "If you get cold, tell me."

Walking down the street he placed his arm around my shoulder. He smiled as we made our way to Eskran. The only sound as we walked to Eskran were the nightingales singing and the wind blowing down the empty streets.