Chosen.

Chosen. Chapter 29

Chapter TWENTY-NINE

Autumn

Friday, 01/22, 9:11 AM.

The Trials: Round 3, Day 12

"Mm-hmm," I yawn and give a long stretch, pointing my toes out and reaching my hands above my head until my fingertips graze the top of the tent. 'Another day here in paradise,' I think to myself.

I rub my hand along my left shoulder, and -- for the first time -- I don't feel any sharp pains, but just the dull ache of soreness. It's finally all closed up now, and I feel like I'm ready to be back in action since the fear of infection is over and the wound is almost healed. Not to mention, I'm relieved I don't have to wear the healing moss bandages anymore; sheezus, they stunk like a fresh load of frog turds!

And along with that good news, coincidentally Freddy has no longer been by to see me since his regular checkups are no longer needed. Most likely that means Freddy's not the secret author of my love poem, and his interest in me was truly only in the medical sense. I'm honestly okay with that, though. I mean, Freddy is a good-looking guy for sure, but I've really only seen him as a friend.

Now when it comes to Lance and Arris, that's a whole different ballgame there....

A voice shakes me out of my dangerous thoughts, and I find myself smiling as I turn to see Freddy entering the tent, "Buenos dias, Autumn!" He is, of course, followed by Jace and Kyle. I laugh to myself as I turn to face Freddy, I almost say, 'How funny, I was just thinking about you!'. But I don't want him to take it the wrong way, so, instead, I say, "Good morning, Freddy!"

I get up and begin to fold my blanket, while the boys lay out a map on the floor of our tent. It's a map from within the book of the extra supplies Arris' family received for winning one of the top spots on the last challenge to help them in their next trial (It has been a Godsend and we're just so grateful they ran across our group and were willing to share the knowledge of the book with us).

Kyle points to an area on the west side of the map, "So, we've decided the three of us will take on this area this morning before it gets too hot." Jace adds, "Plus, we thought it was important to make sure everyone goes out in groups today in case those buggers from yesterday try to retaliate, you know?"

Freddy then points to another section on the map, "Shane, Joshua and Hannah are going to search this part when they go to check the traps. Your Dad, my Dad and Ryker's mom, Hethyre, are going this way while they go on another hunt for small game, especially since they picked up a trail there the other day. Hopefully, it will be a two-for-two."

Jace circles another section and looks at me, "If you feel up to it, we thought you could handle this part and see if you see any signs of my Dad and sister on that side of the isle."

I'm super glad to have something to do and to just be able to contribute, so I instantly shake my head that, yes, I do feel up to it! "10 minutes I'll be ready," I practically yell out, as I'm so eager to help Jace find his family....really, to do anything.

I think about all Jace revealed last night and what all he has been through even before the Trials began. I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose my mom. She can drive me crazy and be ridiculously overprotective at times, but truly she is like my best friend, and no one cares for me and wants better for me than she does. Anyways, our family would not be able to function without her, that's for sure. She is our family's "center."

Jace smiles at me, "Sick, Mate. Really, thank you for your help, Autumn." I smile in return and start to gather my things, but then turn back to him, "Oh, wait, who's going with me, by the way?" I glance over at the map again and see the area he pointed to is a good distance from our camp and will probably take 3-4 hours to get there and back, even with an early start.