What froze his heart

-23-

Every day I could feel as my heart froze more and more. It was the day of the choosing again and I was chosen this year to welcome them. The first jumper was a girl named Tris. I watched as people jumped and screamed and every time this day comes around I think of the way she laughed when they'd scream coming down and it's been a rule almost that people can't have her name. I remember the first year after a boy yelled as he fell down the entrance and when he landed I pulled down the net
" what's your name "
" Carter "
" no different name "
" what ... fine Max "
" welcome max "
I was so mad that he wanted that name and everybody saw and so people can't have her name or get a snake tattoo though people have tried. Tris and Four fell in love and he said he finally understood why and how I changed after losing her. Those two lead the rebellion and I heard whispers of people outside the wall so I faked my death and left. It's hot out here there's no water and no shade. The sun was starting to set and I was to week so I sat down and watched and figured if I died now that would be ok because I'm free then it all went black.

" we're not taking in a stray especially not one that clearly worked for them "
" then what was I "
I recognized that voice it's a bit raspier but still, I knew it. I slowly opened my eyes and I was in a tent almost and it was windy because the flap moved and then I saw her and in a whisper I said
" Carter "
Her head snapped to look at me and she rushed in and I tried to move but realized I was tied to the bed
" We had to make sure you weren't going to freak out and kill us "
A woman walked in behind her
" she's not going to like this "
" do you really think I care marry "
" whatever "
She walked out and Carter untied me. Her face was kissed by the sun and her hair lighter then ever and those eyes could still kill.
" How are you "
I stopped when she hugged me and I started to cry
" shhh Eric it's ok "
She pulled away and I just looked at her and she moved her hair and I saw she still had the ring on
" you still ware it "
" yes my love "

Carters pov
He started to cry even harder after I said that because it's the last thing I said to him
" I've been so lost without you Carter "
" I'm sorry "
" no no don't apologize "
I could hear kids running and then they burst through the flap
" momma "
The two of them said at the same time and he just looked at me and the color drained from his face
" do you two want to introduce yourselves "
" yes I'm Devin Echo Coulter "
She said with a big smile on her face and I picked her up and put her on my knee
" and I'm Ash Axel Coulter "
" Who are you "
Devin said and I looked at him then back at her I could tell he didn't know what to say
" well this is your dad Eric Coulter "
" not mine "
Ash said and I laughed
" yes he's both of yours "
I looked at him and he looks like a statue that could blink
" ok you two why don't you go play with the others "
They ran out and I said
" there yours ... twins ... I guess that night you asked me was way more eventful then we thought "
He didn't move
" come on say something"
I was kinda nervous about how he was going to react then a big smile grew on his face and he said
" I'm a dad ... you used my names ... I fucking still love you "
He pulled me and kissed me and the saltiness of these tears stung the cracks in my lips. I pulled away
" well do you won't see what this place is all about "
He smiled and got up. When we stepped out of the tent he put his hand up to block the sun and I pull him to the building. He looked around like a kid in a candy shop or Ash when he sees books. I kept ahold of his hand and said
" This is where medical is you were in the tent because they didn't trust you ... this is like the umm pit but we eat here too oh and our nightly fire ... um this way is like the school and stuff for the kids and this way are the bunks and such "
" Hey Carter Savana is looking for you "
" ok I'll be there in a minute "
" who's Savana "
" oh she one of the people in charge "
" who else is in charge "
" well her Dawn, Ken "
We were getting close to my office of sorts
" and well ... me "
I opened the doors. He went in and I leaned against the door frame then he picked up a phot
" how "
" oh you didn't know but I always had a picture of the two of us on me when I went to work on the wall or patrol ... the kids always ask to see it "
He smiled and put it back on the desk
" well I better get you to Savana "
I grabbed his hand and went to her office
" you were looking for me "
" yes ... do "
She looked up and saw him
" how much do you trust him "
She had a small smile on her face
" enough to leave my kids with him "
" I know I was going to ask if you had any ideas where we should put him "
" not yet I'll get back to you on that "
" ok run along "
We walked out and I said
" want to go check on them "
Before he could answer I started to pull him to the room they were playing in.