The Hunting

Chapter 43

I stared at Jaiver in disbelief. I-I don't believe it. He must mean as a friend. I was about to open my mouth to ask him questions, but Jaiver beat me, "Before you ask, I don't mean like as a friend. You're beautiful, smart, brave, and kind. You don't have to respond right now, but I just thought I would let you know while we have this moment to ourselves." He paused as he ran through his hair nervously, "I know that this is a selfish request, but please think about how you feel about me too."

I broke eye contact with Jaiver. So I guess he doesn't just like me as a friend. Nate's snore snapped me back into reality. Nate told me he loved me. I completely forgot about that with all that has happened recently. I put my head in my hands as my heart started beating inside of my chest. What I am even supposed to do? I have no experience with guys! Jaiver stood up as he reached a hand out to me, "Sorry. I probably didn't put you in the best position. I'll wake up Calum and Ryan so that you and I can get some sleep."

I grabbed his hand and he helped me up. I muttered a quiet thank you in response. Jaiver quickly woke Calum and my dad up. I laid down on the bedroll that my dad was just sleeping on. I rolled away from the fire and everyone and faced the canyon wall. My eyes were wide as I tolled through my feelings. I can't just ignore them. There are no excuses now. I have to think about what I am going to say to them... both of them.

I woke up the next morning with my dad gently shaking me awake. I opened my eyes and looked at him. I groaned as I rolled away from him trying to get more sleep. I heard him chuckle, "So, you're not a morning person I guess. You're mom isn't a morning person either."

I sat up rubbing my eyes, "Yeah, she's worse than me somedays. Usually though she wakes up before me."

It didn't take us long to get packed up and get back to walking. As we started walking, Timmy, my dad and I led the group. Nate and Don were right behind us and Calum, Pietra, and Jaiver followed shortly behind them. This morning, I didn't share any words with Nate or Jaiver. I want to have all of my feelings lined out for them. I at least owe them that much. My dad's awkward cough drew my attention to him. I looked at him curiously as he met my gaze. He smiled weakly as he spoke, "So, uh Arden. How's your mom doing?"

I laughed lightly, "Really? This is what this is about. You want to know how mom is doing?"

He sighed exasperatedly, "Yes, this is what this is about. I'm nervous what she will do when we get back to the Burrow." He paused as he ruffled my hair, "Sorry kiddo, I probably shouldn't be telling you my worries. Your mom is the love of my life. I -"

I interrupted him, "Dad, listen. Mom still loves you. She hasn't even dated another man since you left. Gratned, I think we should both be nervous. Ever since I became a hunter she always preached to me on being careful and then I went and got myself captured. I won't be able to leave the house for weeks!"

Dad winced, "Yeah, you're probably right about that. Before you were born, I got hurt when I went out hunting and she wouldn't allow me to hunt for a couple months after because she was so worried."

I laughed at his story as he continued, "I am just worried that she'll take one look at me and kick me out. I caused problems for the both of you, but you telling me that she still loves me puts me at ease. Thank you for that."

After walking for the rest of the day, we were outside of the caynons by nightfall. Everyone exepct Don, Timmy, and myself were looking for supplies. The three of us set up camp and I found a stump for Don to sit on. We sat in silence until Timmy started talking, "Hey Arden, can I ask you something?"

I looked up at Timmy, "Of course you can Timmy. What is it?"

Timmy looked down at the ground shyly, "I was wondering what would happen to me when we get to the Burrow."

I raised my eyebrows questioningly, "What do you mean by that Timmy?"

He fliched at my response, "Well, who would I stay with? I don't have a family. When I lived with the scavangers, it was everyone for themselves. Even my parents did not care about me and I had to fend for myself."

As he trailed off, I walked over to him and sat down. I threw my arm over him as I pulled him into my arm. "Timmy, you do not have to worry about that."

He looked up at me confused, "What?"

I smiled down at him, "Timmy, you're going to join my family. You won't have to worry about taking care of yourself. We'll protect you and take care of you."

The smile that spread across his face melted my heart, "Really?" He asked excitedly.

I nodded, "Of course, I've always wanted a little sibling. I'll take care of you, I promise."

Timmy started crying as I hugged him. I can't lie when I say that I started crying myself. He's been through so much. I swear that the rest of his life will be filled with happiness.

After both of our tears subsided, the group got back. The found enough stuff to start a fire so we could stay warm. As we all sat down around the fire, it was time to divvy up food. My dad took charge, "Alright, we don't have anymore food after tonight, so we need to really keep our eyes out and hunt tomorrow. Without question, some food needs to go to Timmy and Don. Pietra and Arden, you two should eat as well."

I shook my head immediately, "No, I got food last night and this morning. Some of you have gone without food this whole time. I refuse I think someone else should take it."

Pietra chimed in, "I don't want to say this, but I agree with Arden."

Pietra and I's words were met with resistance. Both Nate, Jaiver, and Calum protested saying something along the lines of "No, we can handle not eating. You girls should eat."

I rolled my eyes as I responded, "Just swallow your pride and take the food. I can focus on hunting tomorrow. You guys need it more than I do."

I took the food and started handing it to the three boys before they could argue anymore. Calum took it, head slumped in disappointment. Nate tried to refuse it, but I just shoved jerky in his mouth. I handed some jerky to Jaiver with a glare. He took it without a word.

The next morning, we started walking before dawn. Calum and I left before the group so we could try and find food. I'm thankful that I was with him. Calum is smart enough because he knows when to stay quiet and knows when to speak. Him and I have been walking alone for hours now. There has been small talk between him and I all morning, but unfortunately, we still haven't found anything yet.

"Calum, what is your plan when we get back to the Burrow?" I asked curiously.

I watched him shrug, "I don't know. This all still feels like a dream. The four of us have never had a true home or what it is like to relax. I'm just worried about how we are going to adapt." He got all quiet, ".. and I might not stay that long."

"What?" I shouted.

He awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "It's not that I'm declining your offer to stay at the Burrow... It's just that I want to look for my older brother. Something in my gut thinks that he's still alive somewhere. I know it could be false hope, but I want to atleast try to look for him."

I looked down at the ground and then looked back up at Calum. "Calum, I know that we haven't known each other for very long, but you're one of the most intelligent person I have ever met. If your gut tells you that your brother is still alive, then it must be so. There will always be a place in the Burrow for you. Can I ask one thing though?"

"Of course Arden."

"Come with us to the Burrow. Gather your strength and we can give you plenty of supplies so that your journey might be a little bit easier."

Calum flashed me a genuine smile, "Of course Arden."