Don't Be Afraid

Chapter 26

I wake up in Issac's arms. His head is laying on the top of mine and he's lightly snoring. I smile and push the hair back from his forehead. He stirs at my touch making me smile even more. I love how I have that affect on him.

"How touching." I look up and immediately frown.

"Jealous much." Hunter's sitting on the ground with his head against a tree, an annoying smirk on his face that I'd really like to slap off. Aspen's head is on his lap and he's absentmindedly  playing with her hair. Issac hugs me tighter, forcing me to lay against him. He's still sound asleep and I plan on keeping it that way.

"When are we leaving?" He asks while continuing to play with her hair.

"I don't know. It's up to Issac." He nods his head, but I can tell he doesn't care.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, and since nobody else is awake, I speak up. "So how did you and Aspen meet?" His eyes light up at the mention of her name.

"Before you were thrown into the cage next to me she occupied it. We talked for hours non stop. Then, when Cleo noticed, she was dragged out by her ankles and you were thrown in the next day. l thought they'd killed her, but they had her held in one of the guards personal tents where they-" His fists are clenched now, but he doesn't dare wake her up. He calms down and continues. "Where they raped her, tortured her, and God knows what else. When you and the other chick freed me I ran away because I had to know if she was dead. I heard her cries and found her naked on the ground. Wain was wrapping a blanket around her and after a few minutes of him explaining he was helping her and not hurting her, we all decided to stick together. End of story."

"I'm sorry." That's all I can think to say. My heart aches for him, but I have to remember that place was his fault. If he hadn't of made it then that wouldn't have happened to Aspen.

"Yeah, but thank God for you and that chick-"

"Sam." I say defensively.

"Sam and Wain. It goes to show that even if I messed up people still care."

I chew on my lip before asking, but I can't help it. "Does she know you were the one who-"

He cuts me off. "No. And she never will." I don't press the matter forward.

About half an hour later Issac wakes up. His hair is messy, his cheeks are flushed, and his voice is groggy. It only makes me love him more. I peck him on the cheek, but he pulls me back and kisses me. He wraps his arms around my waist and I thread my fingers through his hair, tugging a little, causing him to moan. We're not like this for long because Hunter starts making kissy noises, ruining the moment. Issac pulls away, keeping an arm around me, and flips him off. Hunter pretends not to notice his gesture and kisses Aspen. She pushes him away while giggling and mutters "children." He puts an arm around her waist and pulls her close to him while smiling like a madman to himself. I have to admit I'm happy for him even if she doesn't know the real him.

Issac runs through everything quickly. "We're leaving in ten minutes. Take anything you think you might need, but don't bring too much. The plan is to get in and get out." He puts his pistol in its holster and places two large knives in his belt. Hunter and Wain get knives because we don't trust them with guns just yet. I put a pistol in its holster that's strapped to my thigh and sheath a knife.

Hunter's standing with Aspen, her hands in his, telling her goodbye just in case something happens, which is likely. Wain and Sam are standing by the truck Issac drove up here, trying to pay attention to anything but the people talking to loved ones. I almost see a tear fall down Sam's cheek, but she wipes it away quickly. I look at Wain and apparently I'm not the only one who noticed.

Issac's talking to Maple. "We'll be back by sunset. If you have any problems, get about knee deep in the river. The current will hopefully be strong enough to wash away any zombies." He hands her a pistol and some ammo. "Do you know how to use this?" She nods her head and takes the gun, putting the safety on since there are kids around. When she notices me she gives me a warm smile and leaves to sit with the kids while they sleep.

I take Issac's hand and look him in the eyes, just in case this thing does go bad. He puts his other hand on the side of my face and rubs it with his thumb.

"Are you ready?"

I take a quick look around, taking in the scene. The sun is shining through the trees, creating shadows on the ground. The river is bubbling and loud. The kids are huddled together, sound asleep, and not a care in the world. Now we have to leave this beautiful place, with the chance of not coming back. I shake the bad thoughts away and look at Issac once more. "Yes."

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A/N

DUN DUN DUUUUUUN! So how have you guys been? How's your summer? You probably won't answer but I feel better knowing I asked anyway. Alright hope you enjoyed and hope you've become even more interested than before (but that's impossible)! Hope you have a nice day! Don't forget to vote! Love you guys! Bye:)