Don't Be Afraid

Chapter 34

Finally! A new chapter. I'm so happy to be writing again. Hope everyone enjoys this. :)

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Issac's POV
I didn't sleep at all. I kept thinking about what was going to happen to Linda. What if she turns? I can't kill her. Hell would have to freeze over before that ever happened. I put my face in my hands, trying to hide the shame that's running through me. If she dies, her last memory of me will be a monster. I'll never get to earn her trust. She'll die hating me.

I punch the tree in front of me with so much force, causing my knuckles to bleed. I don't feel the pain though. The only pain I feel is in my heart. I punch the tree a couple more times until I run out of steam. Falling back on the grass, I let out a huge sigh.

"She's going to make it." I open one eye and see Hunter towering over me. He looks exhausted.

I sit up, resting myself on my elbows."How do you know?"

"It's been over eight hours. If she hasn't turned yet, she probably never will."

I take a look around, not realizing the sun had come up. "There's no way it's been that long."

"Yup. She should be home free." He has a concerned look on his face. Shouldn't he be happy? She's going to be okay. A rush of hope runs through me. She's going to be okay. Hunter clears his throat. "Issac, we need to talk."

I knew this was coming. I stand up and wipe the dirt off of my pants and start walking, motioning him to follow. We stop about twenty meters away from the camp, just out of earshot. "Go ahead."

He narrows his eyes. "I don't want to fight, but we need to get some things clear. You are to never raise your hand to her again. Do you understand?"

I meet his eyes with a steady gaze. "Yes."

"Also, I'm not trying to come in between you two. So you can stop thinking that. I love Aspen. What you saw in the woods, was me comforting her about Wain. Not me trying to make a move. Believe it or not, I do care about her. Maybe not in the ways you do," he points at me, "but I do care."

It takes me a minute to respond, but when I do, it surprises me that I'm not angry or offended. I'm actually glad that he said that. When I talk, I don't look him in the eyes. "I know you do. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I didn't think she was as upset as you claim. Thank you for helping her." When I finally look up, he's just staring at me.

He contains himself. "So...does this mean we're cool?"

I laugh at him without meaning to. The way he says it reminds me of the good old days. How bro's would act on some crappy TV show after some lame fight over a girl. I extend a hand. "Yeah. We're cool."

He slowly shakes my hand. "Good." We stand there, an awkward silence hanging in the air. After a few moments like this, a little girl skips over. When she gets closer, I notice she's the same one who befriended Linda the night we arrived.

"We want to play hide n' seek, but we need someone to count." I look over at the rest of the girls and they're all staring over here, while Aspen giggles.

I push Hunter forward a little. "He would love to count for you guys." He turns around and glares at me, but the girl drags him away.
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I walk over to where Linda is being held. She's fast asleep, but I quickly check her. Her breathing has gone back to normal and she's no longer burning up. I double check, but everything stays the same. If she was scratched, why is she okay now? I decide not to question it and be happy that she's perfectly fine. I untie the ropes and gently lay her down into a comfortable position. She stirs a little, but doesn't wake up. I play with her hair. It's somehow calming for me.

Maple sits down beside me. "I see you untied her. She's okay then?"

I smile at her. "Yeah. She's going to be okay."

"You know what this means then, don't you?"

I raise an eyebrow, confused. "It means she's going to live."

"Well yes, but it also means she might be immune to this sickness."

I pause. Immune? There's no way. "There's no way. How can that be possible?"

Maple shakes her head. "I'm not sure, but it appears she might be our cure."

I laugh. "Our cure? Yeah right." When I look back at her, her face tells me she's being serious. I stop laughing. "Wait. You really think so?"

"Yes. This isn't some miracle Issac." She pauses and stands up. "Those don't exist anymore." Before I can say anything, she joins in the game of hide n' seek, leaving me to think about this. If Linda is immune to this virus, what will happen to her? If anyone else finds out they might want to experiment on her.
I look down at her sleeping figure and frown. No. I won't let anyone else hurt her. This secret has to stay between Maple and I. We can't risk it.
I feel Linda stir again and freeze. She lifts her head up and blinks in surprise. "Issac?"
I swallow the lump that formed in my throat. "Yeah?"
"I'm hungry." She yawns and scoots closer to me, burying her head into my chest.

I grin like a wild man. "I'm guessing that means I should look for food?" She doesn't answer. I notice her breathing slowed down and can tell she's asleep again. I don't move an inch, afraid it'll wake her up again. She deserves a good rest and so do I. I lean my head against the tree she was tied to and close my eyes, allowing my mind to be clear of any bad thoughts. Everything's going to be okay. I finally let sleep take me.