Angel's Devils

Chapter 5: The Countdown

Since he was bandaged around the torso, the cold didn’t really bite through, but his hands and feet were stiff once again. He knew it was nighttime and his eyes blinked several times before he reached out to his flash light and turned it on. Avery was still asleep, snoring softly and curled up into a tight ball. It has been two days living with Avery, and the more Heath spent time with him the more he found out about how wise Avery was and the closer he got to the old man.

Avery was bald, had grey hairs on a small beard that made him look entirely homeless and hopeless. The poor man was scrawny and very unhealthy looking; he practically drowned in his clothes. He was also filthy just like Heath is becoming too. Even Maya backed away from him when she saw him last night; she gave him a disgusted look and told him to shower. However he didn’t have time to and probably won’t until he leaves the city.

“At least shave!” Maya protested slapping his cheek gently, “I see a little stubble, and if you weren’t so filthy it would have actually looked alright on you. But in your condition, you look like a hobo!” Therefore, she handed him a new razor out of her dad’s packs and told him to go clean up a little. He had no other choice but to accept because going on Maya’s side is like wanting to face the devil’s sidekick.

Heath stretched out and yawned loudly. The past days he’s been going nocturnal. Sleeping through the day and waking up at night, and strangely he got used to it. He even felt more energized since he had more hours to sleep. Slowly he stood up and looked through the food they have, and finally settling in for some cold soup.

Tonight, Heath thought, I’m going home. He did make a promise to Lily to visit, and he hasn’t yet. Besides, he was leaving in two days; he ought to visit them before leaving. He knew it will be quite some time before seeing them again. That thought made him frown, he couldn’t bear thinking that he would have to leave his family. He loved them to much and the thought just tore his heart apart. He could almost visualize Lily’s heartbroken face when he tells them that he’s leaving for awhile. However, he reminded himself that it is for the best, and as soon as he gets a decent job there, he’ll make no hesitation of bringing them over to live with him.

“Where are you heading tonight, boy?” Avery mumbled as he too had risen from a peaceful sleep, “Over to your friend’s house again?”

“No, I’m going to go see my family,” Heath said quietly, “I want to make sure that they’re getting past days well.”

“Becareful, I want us both on that truck in a few days and not just me.” Avery said. “There won’t be any point for me to go on if you get yourself killed or arrested beforehand.”

“Alright, alright,” Heath grinned. “I’ll see you around dawn then?”

“I have no where else to go but probably for a small walk around the forest.” Avery said shrugging.

“You could come with me if you wish.”

Avery waved an airy hand, “No, no, no, that won’t be appropriate, just becareful on your way there and back. And here, take this with you just incase. You’ve killed before; it won’t matter if you kill in defense once again.” He handed him over the gun that he has threatened him with on the first night they’ve met.

“Thanks,” Heath smiled, and without any other words, he left. He slung his bag over his shoulder and hoped for the best that he will make it to his house safely and back.

Night has settled in and the streets grew calmer, hardly anyone passed him on the sidewalk and hardly any cars drove around. It was so peaceful and quiet that Heath actually liked it. He missed walking down the street with no worry that anyone is after him.