I didnt understand their absolute instance upon this course of action. Was it because it was the only plan they believed in? Was it because they believed the other side of the bridge was magically better? Or was it simply because they finally had something to do, something to cling to and hope for other than fear and uncertainty? Because they finally had a firm plan, and a course of action?
Whatever it was, I knew that I was not going to be able to stop them, and I was terrified that I would not be able to talk sense into Aiden either. Would he leave Abby and I here just to do this? Just to prove a point?
Youll see Bethy, when we get to the other side, you can join us.
No Aiden, please no.
My heart was hammering. Abby was shaking even more, her fingers dug painfully into my arm. Aiden dont, she pleaded.
He looked at her in surprise; apparently hed thought that she would be eager to go across too. Why dont we just think over what Bethany is saying, Cade said softly.
What is there to think about? The burly man shoved his way through the group to us. He hoisted his spear higher as he swung his pack onto his back. This is the plan.
My heart was hammering, my mouth was completely dry. There didnt seem to be any way to stop this. They were fixed on their course. At least stay with us, I urged Aiden. If they make it to the other side then maybe well consider going.
Aiden looked torn; he glanced back at the group of four that was starting to gather near the road. We are in the third group, well go then.
Apparently I had already been divided without my knowledge, or approval. Why are we even splitting up? Abby asked softly.
Smaller groups will be harder to notice.
Yeah, thats gonna help, I retorted angrily.
You know I love you Bethy, but optimism has never been one of your stronger qualities, Aiden said quietly.
I glared at him, fighting to keep control of my rising temper as my hands fisted at my sides. He may be my brother, and one of my best friends, but there were times when our personalities completely clashed. Unfortunately this was one of those times, and his stubborn insistence may very well get us killed. No matter how much I did not want to cross that bridge, I knew that I would not let him go alone. I couldnt. Realism is not the same as pessimism. Youre being foolish Aiden; youre not even listening to reason.
This is a good plan.
I bit my lip, arguing with him was getting me nowhere. He wasnt listening; he wouldnt listen, not until something bad happened. I looked toward Cade, but his attention was focused upon the people already leaving the woods. I closed my eyes, made a silent plea for their safety, and then forced myself to watch. I couldnt keep my eyes closed against this; I had to know what was going to happen no matter how awful it might be. I couldnt pretend that it wasnt going to happen.
No, its not, I whispered.
Bret stepped closer to me and slid his hand into mine. Ill keep you safe.
I managed a tremulous smile for him, but we both knew that it would be nearly impossible for anyone to stop the kind of murderous intent that we had seen earlier. His hand was warm in mine, gentle and strong. I knew every callous on it, every small scar that marked it. It was familiar, well loved, and so very trusting. Yet as I held his hand, I didnt feel the strong pull, the strong need that tore at me whenever Cade was near.
The next group stepped forward, entering the street as the first group
reached the far side of the rotary. They were only five feet from the beginning of the bridge, just passing the entrance of the IHOP. They stepped onto the bridge, moving slowly as they began the climb up. There was a sidewalk along the side of the bridge, but they stayed on the empty roadway. They werent quite over the water yet, but still above the concrete walkway, and sharp rocks below, that marked the side of the canal. I shuddered at the thought of something happening to the bridge now, not like falling into the canal would save them, but it seemed somewhat more pleasant than concrete and rocks.
Ok, lets go.
Bret took a step forward; apparently he was in our group while the other man and woman would be the last ones to go with Jenna and Cade. Wait! Abby said anxiously as Cade stepped toward us.
My heart was hammering, I could hardly breathe. My hand tightened around Brets. The second group was almost at the beginning of the bridge. The first was almost in the middle of it; if not for the lights they would no longer be visible. I could sense Aidens growing excitement; he really believed that this was going to be ok. I wanted him to be right, they had gotten further than Id expected, but I was still unable to accept it.
We have to go Abby, its the plan, Aiden seemed slightly annoyed by the fact that we were not adhering strictly to the plan. My heart ached for him; I understood his need to control something, to feel like he ruled his own life again. I just wished that he had chosen something a little less deadly, like our food supplies maybe.