This World is Outrageous { BOOK 2 }

Chapter 6--Casper

Chapter 6

Casper

My mother always told me that things happen for a reason.

Maybe it's a motherly cliché, but the more and more I think on that saying, the less I believe it. It makes me feel sick to think that way, but is there really some other way for me to think? The states are in ruins which leaves all the people in bad shape. Cradling Bay in my arms isn't helping me with the element of how weak I feel. Sometimes the saying "all things happen for a reason" in itself makes me feel sick. The saying can be true some days, but on others, it's utter bullshit.

Another hour comes and goes since Bay lost consciousness. Ridge and I continued on after Bay passed out, deciding we should continue moving if we wanted to reach Chillicothe in a decent amount of time. The sun starts to make its appearance but it isn't enough light source to aid us fully. We have no flashlights, just the pulsar and ordinary gun that came along with the Jotunn suits we wear.

No more Warriors have come out of the trance, which I consider lucky for us. I'm not sure if we can afford another fight with Bay being knocked out and Ridge and I suffering from pure exhaustion. The last thing we need is to get captured and taken all the way back to Fresno, California.

"Hi..."
The soft whisper causes me to jump. I take in a breath before looking down at her. She's cradled snugly within my arms. I've held her for the past hour as Ridge and I walked, refusing to let him touch her. Bay's like a China doll, fragile and beautiful, and I can't let myself hand her over to a potential Warrior. While I hold Bay, Ridge holds both mine and Bay's helmet.

Bay has her eyes partially opened, staring drearily up at me.

"Hey there, beautiful." I say softly with a small smile. "Have a good nap?"

She laughs a little. "How long have you guys been walking?"

"A little over an hour." I shrug. "It's 7:50."

"Oh, wow. Okay." She murmurs. "Where is Rock?"

"Ridge..." He corrects under his breath. "I'm right here."

"Damn. I was hoping you left." Bay cracks a smile.

I laugh at Ridge's disapproving look. "You feel up to walking, Zachary?"

"No running?" She double-checks before she agrees to anything.

"Not unless you feel up to it."

"Well, I kind of don't, so." She gives a breathy laugh.

"Then your wish is my command." I smile and sit her down on the partially snow-covered ground.

I can't take my eyes off of her as she stretches upon being sat down. Her pale complexion is flawless, and her blue eyes as clear as crystals. Her black hair cascades down her back like a waterfall. She lost her helmet back in the fight which might have been a problem but we made sure to pick it up. The Jotunn suit she wears appears to be as white as her, but she still looks perfect. Her lips are a natural pink and her cheeks always flushed with a hint of blush.

Ridge hands the helmet to both Bay and myself as I continue to stare at her. Neither of us move to put the helmets on. Instead I continue watching Bay, my heart rate seeming to increase every time I gaze upon her. I had known this girl for four months and she makes me feel weak and vulnerable in the best way possible. The flutter my heart gives each time I see her makes me feel stronger than ever before.