Caught In The Crossfire//A 10k Story

Chapter 22

"Do you love him? Cause the way you explained him he sure sounds like he loves you!" The little girl squealed. I stopped smiling and stared at the little girl who was playing with a flower. "I feel very strongly for him, and I haven't known him for very long so I wouldn't say it's love yet. Although I think that is where it's heading, shhh don't tell anyone," I giggled slightly at the end of my sentence. I really did care for Tommy, so much so, I think it might turn into love. Well, that is if he feels the same way.

We all sat around the big picnic table eating different fresh fruits and vegetables. Addy was laughing and talking with Lucy, one of the girls here, while Warren and I thanked our hosts. "Would you mind if I took some of my food out for the boys?" I questioned Helen. She chuckled and placed a hand on mine. "Don't take them your share, give them their own," She said softly and gestured to another woman to bring over some more food. I smiled in appreciation and gathered up some fresh food. I hopped out of my seat and nodded to Warren and she nodded back.

Outside, Murphy was asleep in a tent, Doc was leaning back in the front seat of the van with his eyes closed, Mac sat in the back of the van and 10k was running towards me. He smiled and hugged me. I laughed and hugged him back with one hand. "Here I brought you guys this," I smiled at him and he stepped back looking at the box of freshly picked fruits and vegetables.

He took it gently from my hand and gasped. "Is...Is this fresh?" He whispered and looked at me, eyes wide in surprise. I nodded my head laughing and he quickly pushed his lips against mine, taking me by surprise. "Thank you, babe, you're the best!" He breathed quickly before running over and shaking Doc awake. I heard him laugh and they both looked at me smiling wide. I shook my head, laughing, and walked over to them, 10k slinging an arm around me and pulling me close to him.

"Jeez guys we don't need another Murphy and pie girl moment," Doc shouted sarcastically and pushed us apart. I raised my eyebrows questioningly. 10k surprisingly belted out a laugh and pointed at the tent. "I'm lost..." I mumbled. Doc looked at me and smirked while started to explain what Murphy was doing in that tent with a lady. I gritted my teeth and scrunched up my nose. "Why would anybody want to do that with Murphy," I exclaimed in disgust, turning to look at the tent. They both laughed loudly and Doc slapped me on the back. "It's a weird world," He chuckled.

"I should probably get back," I sighed but leaned further into Tommy. We had been sat on top of the van cuddling for around an hour, watching the horizon for Z's. He tightened his grip and pouted. "No don't leave," He whispered into my ear. I looked into his eyes and leaned forward, kissing him softly. It was only a peck as Doc was looking at us. "I'll be back before you know it. I'm just gonna grab Warren and Addy, then thank Helen before we leave," I whispered back before jumping down, securing my weapons and nodding to Mac and Doc. I started to walk away, glancing back at 10k with a smile. He was pouting and staring at me while holding his sniper in one hand, always ready, I think to myself and smiled.

"C'mon Addy! You can't stay here, we are a family and family don't leave each other. Think bout Mac," I heard Warren shouting as I walked into the cabin. Confusion crossed my face. Warren and Addy turned to stare at me as I walked through the door. "What is going on here?" I asked in a serious tone, putting my rifle down.

"I'm staying here," Addy whispered. I looked at her with disbelief. I felt my heart shattering. I had just gotten her back. I turned to Warren and nodded at her, telling her to wait outside. She nodded tightly and walked out, giving Addy a hug before she left. "I'm sorry Jaime but I can't go back out into the world," She began to cry as she hugged herself.  I strolled up to her and held her hand, sitting down next to her on the bed. "Addy, you can't leave us,".

"Jaime, I can't go back out there. The world out there, it's horrible, but here everything is peaceful.".
"Just because the world is tough sometimes doesn't mean you can just leave everyone who loves you behind,".
"You guys will be fine without me,".
"No! No, we won't. Addy, you are like a sister to me and I can't, no, I won't lose any more family! Mac will be broken, he loves you so much-".
"Jaime! Enough okay? I've made up my mind and I'm staying here, I'll be out to say goodbye to everyone soon." She screamed and with that, the conversation was over and I had no choice but to leave her.

I stepped out into the cool breeze and felt the hot tears sting my eyes. I looked around at the laughing children and the peaceful women, suddenly it didn't feel so welcoming and happy, it felt like a trap. At any moment, the gate would slam shut and you would be stuck here forever, with no escape. The children's laughter sounded more like voices, tempting you into staying here. I shook my head and went to find Warren.

"Warren, she said she will be out to say goodbye soon," I cried as I ran up and hugged her tightly. I needed comfort. She rubbed my back softly and cooed in my ear. "Hey, hey, Jaime shush. Don't worry, she'll come around before we leave. She's just in a strange place," She whispered and pushed my hair out of my face.

She took a small step back and placed a hand either side of my face and smiled. I smiled back weakly and nodded my head. "I'm gonna go and wait outside," I whispered and moved to walk away. I started to jog and before long, I was sprinting. I didn't look at anyone as I weaved through the cabins and towards the gate, towards 10k.

The gate creaked and groaned behind me as I slowed to a walk. I was almost at the truck when I stopped. Mac's face was bright and he was laughing at Doc. He was going to be crushed when he found out. I had to let Addy tell him. It wasn't my place to tell him.

"I'm so sorry Mac," Was all I managed before my voice broke. I collapsed to my knees and tears gushed out of my already burning eyes. My nose started to run and my breathing was heavy and fast as I cried my eyes out over Addy. I couldn't lose her, I needed her. She was family.

"Jaime? Jaime what's wrong?!" 10k sprinted over to me. The tears fell faster now, heavier and hotter. 10k wrapped his arms around my back and pulled me to my feet. Everything was blurry and I couldn't see him properly but I pulled myself into his arms. He wrapped his arms around my waist tighter and stroked my hair reassuringly. "What's wrong?" He whispered and repeatedly kissed my head. I didn't say anything until my tears stopped falling.

My breathing was still heavy and I was starting to feel light-headed. I couldn't breathe. Is this what a panic attack felt like? "Jaime, listen to me," 10k said and pushed me away from him, holding my shoulders and staring into my eyes. "Breathe in...and out. Okay, now tell me what's wrong," He stated calmly and smiled weakly as I started to breathe properly.

He nodded his head and took my hands in his. "Do you wanna talk?" He asks caringly. I took a deep breath in and looked at the boy in front of me. His eyes looked concerned, but his face was comforting and caring. "Can I just get a hug," I whisper, hardly audible. He didn't even reply, he simply picked me up bridal style and carried me over to the back seat of the van.

He placed me down and climbed up onto the seat next to me. "Hey, 10k, where's Jai-, oh sorry," I heard Doc whisper before his footsteps disappear towards the tent. 10k placed his arms around me and I buried my face into the crook of his arm. "I just need 10 minutes to calm down," I whispered and he nodded. I felt my eyes grow heavy as I slowly fell asleep in his warm arms.