Children of Blood ✔️

Chapter Twenty Four

The sun rises and so does Roxy's journal. My fingers trail the rim of the cover before I open it again. The curvature of her letters bring tears to my eyes, they're beautiful and untamed just like her.

I reread her stories, her thoughts and epiphanies. One of my favourites; I don't know why, but my plan to leave the miscreants is starting to crumble. I don't want to admit that I actually care for these losers, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't. There's no point in denying the facts, so I just won't admit it to them. They'd let it get to their bloated heads- especially Adam.

I finally watch how her views of us change. How she stuck her nose up at us before laughing at our jokes. James went from a know-it-all lanky man-child to an argumentative, lack of people skills man-child. Someone who Roxy cared for because he was honest with her and showed her what everyone thought of the situations we faced.

An example; James pointed out how Adam was pacing when we discovered we were being followed by someone. He said that Adam is a baby and is relying on Jean to help him with his decisions. Izzy is more curious and perspective of her surroundings, but she's more worried about the people while Jean is ready to fight for us. It's admirable, but she's scared. I understand why, but I still think she's a loser. Then James said I was trying to figure out everyone's motives because I'm skeptical and have major trust issues. He then proposed we ally with each other, and if things turn for the worst we'd leave. I agreed, at least this dumb nut has a plan.

James reciprocated Roxy's affection with his own. Though his grief for her is silenced by his logistical reasoning. His brain doesn't comprehend caring for people, but maybe it would have if she was around longer.

Adam went the handsome leader who will probably have a midlife crisis to an equal rights activist. This made me laugh, Roxy always has ways with words. She said Adam will lead with me and might prove to be a reliable asset, if not with his brain- than his brute force.

An example; Adam is strange, he's having a premature midlife crisis and is constantly asking for Jean's help. It's like he's afraid to be sexist or to put his foot down. When James calls most females inadequate, Adam instantly steps up and calls him out. He then argues with James for an hour about equal rights for all genders. Adam is a leader, just not a very good one yet. I'm afraid if he practices trying to lead he'll kill us, guess it's a good thing I am secretly running the operation. 

Izzy went from the annoying forgotten older sister with learning disabilities to a much-needed nurse with a mild case of ADHD. It's no secret that Izzy and Roxy rubbed shoulders. They were opposites. Izzy was a people person and couldn't stand being alone for long. Roxy lived and survived on her own her entire life, dependancy and love was vacant in her life. The one thing that startled me was a reason why Roxy hated Izzy was because of me.

The example; Izzy is always in the way. I try to get close to Jean, the one person here besides James who I'm comfortable with. I don't know why, but I am so annoyed with the fact that Izzy will always be closer to her than I'll be. Izzy has this personality that makes you want to hate her because you want to like her. Everyone loves her, and no one loves me. I can't stand how she always needs to be doing something and never sits down. With Izzy's perfect personality, I can't help but hate her more. Why doesn't anyone love me?

Tears collect on the page, smudging the ink. I gasp and try to dab it away. Roxy... I'm sorry no one kind and good loved you until we met you. I love you, but I never said it. I let time be my worst enemy when it could've been an ally.

I flip through the pages and sob. Our journey together has even shaped me from an annoying child to a leader she could trust. Roxy didn't want to associate with me at first, but she stayed for my protection. She learned to care for a girl who bugged her for attention and insults instead of ignoring them.