They thirst

Chapter 20

"Come on, angel. It's just a few more miles before the morning run is over. You're doing fine." He says, taking me by my hand.

"I can't do it." I say, stopping and putting my hands on my knees.

The whole troop stops and stares at me. They mumble uneasily as they watch me.

"Keep moving," Frank says to the troop, "We'll catch up in a bit. I'll meet you back at base camp."

They all agree and jog off, leaving the two of us alone.

"No, sweetheart, go. I'll catch up with you. I just need a breath." I say, panting loudly and taking deep breaths.

"I'm not leaving you behind, I know you can do it. I know the meds has made you weaker, but you can do it. We're almost home." He says and he puts his arm around my waist.

We start walking. I stumble forward but Frank looks at me.

"You're not okay, I-

"I'm fine, just a bit dizzy." I say and close my eyes.

"Okay, you know what. Sit down, I'll call Lilith to come pick you up." He says and takes out his radio.

"No, I'm fine. I really am." I protest but Frank makes me sit down.

I sigh and sit down on the floor. The cold rocks cool me off and I lay back.

"Lillith," Frank says, taking into his radio, "Would you do me a favor and organize someone to come pick Gerard up. He's not feeling well. We're about five miles from camp, half way to hell's gate."

There's about twenty seconds of silence, but then Frank's radio buzzes.

"I'm sending two girls to come get him, they're patrolling the border nearby. They'll be there in two minutes with their vehicle." She answers and puts the radio down.

"Thank you." Frank says and puts the radio into his pocket.

We sit in silence for a bit.

"This is so embarrassing." I snicker under my breath.

"It's not embarrassing, you're not as fit as you were before you were injured. It's normal, plus you're on very strong medication which weakened you and your muscles aren't as strong as they were before. Don't push yourself, you're still recovering."

"I'm not broken! I can do everything I use to do."

"I didn't say that, I just want the best for you. I love you and I care about you. Look, i just want what's best for you, okay?" He whispers and kisses my hand.

"I love you too."

"I think they're here." He says and points to the oncoming military vehicle.

The car pulls up next to us and waits patiently for me to get in.

He holds his hand out for me to take. I gently take his hand and he pulls me up. He kisses my   cheek and continues to hold my hand.

"That's your ride." Frank says.

"Aren't you coming with me?" I say sadly.

"No, I'm sorry, angel. I can still catch up to the troop. I'll meet you there, okay?"

"Okay," I say, kissing his forehead, "I love you. Be safe."

Frank opens the door for me and I climb in. He closes the door for me and starts running towards the direction the troop went. He disappears.

"You okay?" The driver asks as she starts the car.

"I'm fine. Let's just get home." I say and laying my head back.