The Hunting

Chapter 42

After Javier's declaration, Calum spoke, "I can't lie and say I'm fine with being deceived all this time. However, I respect you and I know that everything that you do has meaning. So, yeah. I'm with Jaiver."

Pietra was still looking at the fire as Don held up his hand, "I don't care as long as I get a proper meal."

Don's response got a couple of chuckles from the group. All of the group turned their attention to Pietra who finally decided to look at my dad. I can tell that she feels betrayed by my dad. I mean, I can't blame her. If I was in her shoes, I would be the same. Pietra stood up. Her words like ice, "I'm going wherever my brother is going." She looked at my dad with disgust before storming off.

Calum stood up looking at Remmington as he shrugged, "Don't take it personal Ryan. You know how Pietra is. I'll go talk to her."

With that, he walked off leaving the rest of us. "What's the Burrow like?" whispered Timmy.

I looked at Timmy, who was looking at me. His eyes gleaming with curiosity. I smiled at him. "The Burrow is a great place. The food is plentiful and the days are filled with laughs. I used to think that it was boring, but after this adventure, there is no other place I would want to be."

Timmy smiled and started talking to my dad about the Burrow. I'm glad that Timmy seems excited about what lies ahead. With all of the scavengers dead, he has nowhere to go. We killed everyone he knows. I wonder if he will be alright. Guilt washed over me as I watched him laugh at something my dad said. He looks so happy now. I wonder what will happen to him when we get to the Burrow.

The next morning, we set out back to the Burrow. Pietra was still giving my dad the cold shoulder. Our pace was slow as we didn't want to strain Don, who was still weak. We found a large stick within the scavengers camp that Don could use as a staff to help him walk. For the most part, the journey has been silent except for Don and Nate joking around occasionally. I smiled as I thought how Don would fit right in with Nate and Tatum. I feel like Connor would really like him too... "What are you smiling about?" Nate asked on my left.

I shook my head, a big smile still plastered on her face. "Oh, nothing."

"Come on, enlighten us." Don came up on my right side. He was looking at me with a curious glint in his eyes.

I laughed lightheartedly, "It's seriously nothing. I'm just thinking about the Burrow. How Don will get along great with Tatum."

"Yeah, you're right about that one. I feel like him and Connor will also get along too." Nate pondered.

I smiled, knowing that he read my mind.

"I don't know who these people are, but I hope that you're right. I love making new friends." Don commented.

Nate chuckled, "I know that for sure. They are great people. I swear though, if Tatum and Shelby haven't admitted their feelings for each other by the time we get back, we are going to have to force them to. Right, Arden?"

"Right!"

The rest of the day was filled with small talk here and there. Even Calum asked a couple of questions about the Burrow along the way. Both Jaiver and Pietra remained quiet, but it was obvious that they were just as curious. When we discussed marriage practices, Pietra slowed down her pace so she could hear us better as she was walking in front of us with Calum. By the time that we stopped walking for the day, we were almost outside of the canyons. It was decided that we would take shifts sleeping and watching. In the evening, we sat around the fire some ate the food that we gathered from the scavengers camp. This wasn't much. It really only consisted of a couple of strips of dried jerky. So, my dad, Jaiver, Calum, and Nate went without food as Pietra, Timmy, Don, and I could eat. It was because of this that I decided to take the first watch.

"So, it's been a while. Hasn't it?" Jaiver spoke flatly. Jaiver and I sat next to each other by the fire as the rest of our group rested. It has been awhile. I started playing with my dads necklace nervously. I don't know what to say or do. The last time that I truly spoke to him was before I got captured by the scavengers.

I shook my head as I realized that I didn't respond to him. "Uh- yeah, it has been a while," I muttered nervously.

"I'm just thankful that both you and Remm-Ryan are safe. Who would've thought that you two were family?"

I shrugged, "I didn't think so at first, I've always thought my father was dead. So when he figured it out, I was in shock."

Jaiver didn't say anything after that. The only sound that could be heard was the crackling of the fire. I stared into absentmindedly.

"I like you, Arden."

My eyes flew open as I looked at Jaiver. The guy who I thought was handsome when we first met. Who's dark eyes never revealed his emotions. The boy who always surprises me. Jaiver likes me?