I wasnt going to argue with that. I wrapped my arms around Abbys shoulders and forcefully turned her away from the sight of the creature she was still gaping at. Its awful.
It is, I agreed.
CHAPTER 13
This is as good a spot as any, Cade declared.
I sighed as I dropped the small bag on the ground and slid down. I was acutely aware of the fact that our main food source had gone with Aiden, and I wasnt even sure he still had it. However, my stomach rumbled eagerly as I recalled the meager food supplies that had been placed into Cades duffel bag of guns before we had left the tree house. It had seemed smarter to have the food and water spread out between us, and I was extremely relieved that it had been. I was starving, but I was fairly certain that I was going to pass out before I got the chance to eat. I wanted to take my sneakers off, but decided against it. I didnt want to see the mess that I knew my feet had to be, and I didnt want to be caught unawares in bare feet.
Cade was digging through the bag when I lay down on the ground, propped my head on my hands and passed out cold.
***
It was mid afternoon when I woke again. Cade was the only other one awake, I was beginning to suspect that he didnt sleep at all, and it was more than a little daunting. Did he have any weaknesses? I yawned, stretching as I lifted myself slowly up. Cades eyes were dark and hooded as he watched me, he may not sleep, but it was more than apparent that he needed some rest. There were dark circles under his eyes, bags were beginning to form, and they had become slightly bloodshot. His light olive complexion was paler than normal, and there was a pinched look around his mouth that made it seem as if he were in pain. Worry filled me as I watched him, the lack of sleep or hunger was starting to get to him. Or perhaps his wound was started to become infected with some strange alien parasite.
You should rest. I tried to keep my tone light, but the worried tension in it was obvious.
Not tired.
Liar.
His full mouth curved into a small smile, he shifted slightly, draping his arm over his knee as he watched me. You need to eat.
I nodded. I do, and you need to sleep.
He shrugged absently, his fingers played idly with a stick. I got an hour or so.
I would have to be happy with that fact, it was more than Id thought hed received, and I knew it was all hed give into for now. I reached for the bag, pulling out a thing of peanut butter crackers. I should probably eat more, but I didnt know how long it would take us to rejoin the others, and I had to make sure that Abby had enough food. I could go hungry; I didnt want her to though. My belly rumbled as I nibbled on the crackers, eating them slowly as I tried to trick my stomach into thinking it was receiving more than it was.
I watched Abby as she slept; she looked so peaceful and content. It was hard to believe that every waking moment of her life had become such a constant battle. And from here on out it would continue to be. I was so entrenched in my thoughts that I didnt realize I was on my last cracker, until it was gone. I wiped my hands on my legs, trying hard to ignore the gnawing hunger in my stomach. I sat back, pulling my knees up against my chest as I wrapped my arms tightly around them.
We have to get moving soon.
I nodded my agreement, my fingers clenched as I fought the urge to retrieve more food from the bag. I was eager to move again, eager to get to the gas station, eager to be doing something once more. Now that I was awake again, I felt vulnerable out in the open, and exposed here. A soft rustling drew my attention back to Cade. He was digging amongst the bag. I closed my eyes, turning my attention away from him.
Bethany. Cade was kneeling before me when I opened my eyes. He was holding a granola bar, an apple, and a bottle of water out to me. I shook my head, my gaze darting to Abbys slumbering form. We all ate earlier, you need to eat more.
Im fine.
Theres enough to last a couple of days if were careful. Hopefully, by then, well have found some more food, or rejoined the others.
And if we dont?
Then we will cross that bridge when we get to it. I shot him an angry look, nowhere near as amused by his words as he was. He grinned at me, his eyes slightly brighter with the merriment that filled them. You cant keep her safe if you dont have the energy to do so.
I could have continued to protest, but
his sound reasoning and the loud rumbling of my stomach were my undoing. I offered a grateful smile as I took the food from him. He rose to his feet, studying the forest as he stretched. I want to scope out the area, see if I can decide the best way to go. My eyes shot to him, I paused with the apple halfway to my mouth. I wont be long, but now that youre awake
His voice trailed off. All I could do was stare at him. Finally, I swallowed heavily and managed a small nod. We would be fine, he would be fine, but I couldnt stop the overwhelming vulnerability that suffused me. Of course. Yeah, Ill keep watch.