by Sara Daniell
He laughs and says, “I’m not leaving.”
“And why not? I don’t recall inviting you over for a sleepover.” I look over at Sage, and she is snoring. Wow, she is a big help.
“Because, they are searching in a large pack, and it’s not safe to be alone.”
“And you think you can protect us?” I laugh and roll my eyes. “Plath, just leave.”
“I’m not here to protect you. It’s not you and your friend they are searching for tonight,” he says.
“Then for who? We are the rebels who want to expose our Sphere, remember?”
“They are coming for me, Orion.” Well, that was not the answer I expected.
“So you came here to put us all in danger? Thank you for being so considerate.”
He looks upset by my assumption and says, “No. I came here because it’s the last place they’ll expect me to be.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “How so?”
He rubs the back of his neck and looks at me with annoyed eyes. “Because, I would be stupid to be with the Dwellers I let live.”
I lean back on the couch and laugh. I laugh not because this is funny, but because this guy is an idiot. “You need to leave.”
“And where do you suggest that I go?”
“Your… Oh, I don’t know… House?”
“I’m no longer welcome in Clifton. Not since I decided to allow you to live. On more than one occasion.” He runs his hands through his hair and leans back into the couch.
“Do you want me to offer for you to stay with us or something? How do I know that you are not lying to me? You could be plotting to kill me in my sleep.” I stand up from the couch and start pacing around the living room. I can’t believe he expects me to allow him to stay! I start cursing under my breath, and I notice he is walking out the front door.
Against my better judgment, I hurry to the door and catch it before he closes it all of the way. “Plath…”
His hands are placed in his pockets, and he has his hood over his head. “What?”
I can’t believe I’m saying this. “Get your ass back in here. It isn’t safe out there.” He smiles and walks back in. Sage is going to be so pissed.
We all wake up late, and I’m so thankful it’s the weekend. I let Plath sleep in the bedroom, and I forbid him to come out until I come and get him. I need to explain this to Sage before she sees that he’s still here. I have a cup of coffee ready for her when she comes out of the bathroom. I do my best impersonation of Puss in Boots from the movie Shrek and say, “I fixed you a cup of coffee.”
She hesitantly takes it from my hand and slowly sits down next to me. “What did you do?”
I use my tiny voice that does miracles in situations like this. “I adopted a dog.”
“You… Adopted a dog?” She smiles and takes a sip of her coffee.
“Well, close enough.”
“Plath is staying, isn’t he?” She sets her cup down on the table and crosses her arms over her chest.
I nod my head and say, “It is the least we can do. He did spare our lives.”
“I still think he likes you.” She laughs and lights a cigarette.
I push her shoulder and put my finger to my lips. “Shhh! He is here, and he will hear you! Damn you, Sage!”
She takes a hit off her cigarette and laughs. “It’s the truth. Where is he anyways?”
I snatch the cigarette from her, and she unsuccessfully tries to get it back. I take a long hit off of it before replying. “In the bedroom. I made him stay in there until I talked to you.”
She lights another cigarette and laughs. “Okay. Well, I’m going to get some lunch. Do you want anything?”
“No thanks.”
Sage grabs her things and heads out the door. I make my way down the hallway and make sure I have my knife in my pocket. I don’t fully trust him yet.
I knock on the door. “Plath, you can come out now.”
I watch the doorknob turn and the door slowly open. He leans in the doorway and smiles. “Am I allowed to come out now?”
“Yes, she is okay with you staying.” I walk back towards the kitchen.
“Thank you,” he says as he follows behind me.
I open the fridge and look for something to snack on. “No problem.” I find some jelly and decide to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I offer Plath one, but he declines.
I take a drink of my milk and set my cup down. Plath is sitting across from me at the table and has stared at me the entire time I’ve eaten. “Tell me about your life in Clifton. That isn’t too far from Dandux.”
He scoffs at my question. “I haven’t had a life. As soon as I turned three, my parents shipped me off to start training. All I know is how to hunt and kill.”
My voice, full of sarcasm, I say, “That makes me even happier we are allowing you to stay.”
His lips form into a straight line, and I wonder if I said something wrong. His eyes seem darker as he gets lost in his thoughts. I start cleaning up my mess and try to ignore his sudden mood swing. I sit down across from him and raise an eyebrow at him. Interrupting whatever he is thinking about, I say, “I want to know something, Plath. Can I trust you?”
His expression turns soft, and his eyes meet mine. “Why? Do you want to trust me?” I nod my head. “I don’t know how to answer that. There may be moments you can trust me and others that you can’t. You should know by now that I’m not safe to be around.”
I laugh. “Oh, don’t worry. I will kill you quicker than you can blink if you try some stupid shit.”
“You have too much confidence in yourself. Anyways, what about you. Can I trust you?” He asks, his mysterious, dark eyes staring deep into mine.
“Do you want to trust me?” I ask and half grin. He nods his head and smiles.
For a brief moment, we stare into each other’s eyes and at the same time we realize what we are doing. He jumps up from his chair, and I do the same. He runs his hands through his hair and says, “Do you mind if I take a quick shower?”
I take a deep breath and let it out. What just happened? I’m embarrassed, and my voice and expression show it. “N-not at all. Go ahead!”
I quickly make my way out of the front door to get some fresh air. Dammit, Orion! What were you thinking? I pace back and forth, trying to wrap my mind around the silent stare we both just shared. It was as if we were reading into each other’s minds, like we understood each other in that very moment. Even worse, that we were attracted to one another.
I see Sage pull into the parking lot. I quickly make my way back into the apartment. Plath is still in the shower, and I’m thankful I don’t have to socialize with him right away after what just happened. I convince myself that it’s no big deal and turn on the TV.
Sage walks in, and I notice her eyes searching for Plath. “Where is the dog you brought home?” She laughs at her own joke and sits on the loveseat.
“Shower.” I refuse to look at her and keep my eyes on the TV. I don’t want her suspecting a thing.
Plath comes out and sits down on the other end of the couch. I don’t dare glance in his direction. I laugh when I catch a scent of my shampoo and body wash.
“What is so funny?” He props his feet on the coffee table.
“You smell like a girl.” I look at him, and he is laughing.
“I plan on going to town later to pick up things for myself. I will also find a job and help pay for rent and food. I truly do appreciate this.”
“So, are you like nice now?” Sage looks at him skeptically.
He looks at her and grins. “For the moment.”
“His moods change by the minute. Brace yourself. In two seconds, he will hate the entire universe and try to murder us all.”
He looks irritated and hurt by my statement. I look away from him, but I can feel him staring at me. I keep my eyes locked on the television show, but I’m not paying a bit of attention to it. I look in his direction, and his intense stare only deepens when our
eyes meet. Look away, Orion; this is a bad idea. I tell my better judgment to shut the hell up and continue to stare. It’s easier to just give in instead of trying to resist the pull.
“Okay! So, we need to come up with a plan!” Sage breaks the odd attraction happening between us, and I remind myself to thank her later.
“Right… So, what are you thinking?” I ask while hating myself for being so stupid.
“I think that we need to find somewhere else to live. This place is not big enough for all of us.” Sage is searching my eyes for an answer about what just happened between me and Plath. I shake my head silently telling her to leave it alone. She rolls her eyes and smiles.
“That is a good idea. I can start searching now if you would like me to.” Plath looks at the both of us for an answer.
“I will help you,” I say, and I hear Sage giggle.
I shoot an evil glare in her direction, and she becomes silent. I grab my messenger bag and throw it over my shoulder. I make sure my gun is loaded and place it securely into my left boot. Plath also checks his weapons.
Plath looks at Sage and says, “Do you want to come with us?”
“Ummm, that would be a negative. I think you two have things to talk about.” Plath and I both become stiff by her response, and she laughs. “Besides, I have things I need to do.”
We leave the apartment, and Plath takes the keys from me. “What are you doing?” I ask.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” He asks with a cocky grin.
“Being an ass as usual.”
“No. I’m going to drive.” I roll my eyes and get in the passenger side.
Not a word emerges from either of our lips. He has his eyes fixed on the road as he drives, and I’m staring mindlessly out the window. I decide to turn up the music to cover up the odd silence.
I’m singing to a song on the radio, rather enjoying myself, and he starts laughing. I turn to look at him and ask, “What the hell is so funny?”
A playful grin appears on his face as he says, “You sound like shit.”
“Good, so I’m succeeding at my attempt to annoy you.” I begin singing louder, and he turns the music up to drown me out.
I turn it down and continue to sing loudly which starts a battle. I turn it down; he turns it up; I sing louder and turn it down again. I’m laughing so hard my eyes begin to water. He laughs too, and I wonder how he is paying attention to the road. Our laughter finally subsides, but he continues to smile.
“I have a confession to make,” he says as he moves his thumb back and forth across his lips. “I have no clue where I’m going.”
I laugh and realize where we are. “We are on the opposite side of town. Definitely not where we are supposed to be.”
He laughs and parks in a gas station parking lot. “Do you want to drive?” I nod my head, and we get out to switch places.
As I’m driving, I ask, “Should we look at other apartments or a house to rent?”
“That is up to you and Sage.”
I hand him my cell phone and ask him to text Sage to ask her what she wants. She texts back and says she doesn’t care. I prefer a house, so I start driving around neighborhoods that have places to rent.
I’m looking at houses and having Plath write the numbers down. “Oh, I like this one. What about you?” I ask him.
“Yeah, that one is-” He looks in the side mirror and sits up straighter. “Orion, we need to get out of here.”
I immediately look out the rearview mirror and notice a car behind us. “Well, shit. Where do you want me to go?”
“Just keep driving. We can either fight them in a public place or somewhere else. But, regardless, we are going to have to fight them.” Just as he says the last word, a bullet smashes through the back glass and through the windshield.
“Dammit!” I slam the vehicle into park, and as if on cue, Plath and I jump out of the vehicle with our guns in hand.
Three Sphere Hunters stalk towards Plath and me. I lock my sight in on one in particular. He has his hooded eyes fixated on me, eager for blood. My mouth curves into a wicked grin as I contemplate his death. I see he only has a knife and smile wider, knowing this will be an easy kill. I bring my gun into a threatening position, steadying it with my other hand and aim it directly at his heart. I shoot with perfect aim. I watch blood spill from his chest as his tall body plummets to the ground. I hear Plath shoot and watch another Hunter fall to the ground. People are rushing out of their homes and frantically talking on their phones.
“Plath, we have to hurry!” I say through a clenched jaw, motioning my head towards the bystanders.
I look around, trying to find the last one. I know I saw three of them! Plath and I are standing back to back, moving our heads from side to side, scanning the area.
“There was a third, right?” I ask over my shoulder. My chest is moving rapidly from my ragged breathing.
“Yes,” Plath replies. He starts walking. I stand in the same spot, gun aimed and ready.
I start to give up because we are running out of time, but then I see him. I’m about to scream at Plath to look out, but I’m too late. The Hunter is already making his way over to him and fast. Plath notices and quickly turns around. He points his gun without hesitation, killing the last of them.
I notice I’m standing next to the vehicle they were in, and I peek inside before I run back to my car. Plath is yelling at me to hurry, but I notice something familiar. I fall to the ground when I see what I least expected. I start shaking uncontrollably and can’t make my mouth work. I stutter unintelligible words as I drop my gun and place both hands on my head. Oh dear, God! Please no!
“Orion, we have to go! What the fuck are you doing?” Plath is screaming at me to move, but I can’t.
“Lllooook.” I barely get the word out as I point to the car.
He looks in the car and shakes my shoulders. “Get your ass up! We have to go find her!”
I quickly stand to my feet and run as fast as I can to the car. We get in, and I’m in no condition to drive, so he does. I start running every possible place through my head, but I have no idea where to start looking.
“Why did we leave her there alone!” I scream. “Was this your plan? To get her alone so she was easier to kill? Is it my turn now?”
“Are you being serious right now? You think I did this?” He punches the steering wheel as he drives. “I’m not responsible for this!”
“We have to find her!” I scream. Why did we leave her at the apartment alone? She didn’t want to come, but it shouldn’t have been an option.
Remaining calm, he says, “I understand you are freaking out right now, but screaming and blaming this shit on me isn’t going to help find your friend.”
I concentrate on controlling my breathing as I think about where she could have been. “Let’s look at the apartment first.” I try to fight back tears.
“She is probably okay, Orion,” he says, trying to comfort me.
“They had her phone, Plath!” I scream at him.
“Yes. But that doesn’t mean that they have her.” He makes a point, but it doesn’t help to calm me down.
We pull up to the apartment, and before he can even stop the vehicle, I jump out and start running. I sling the front door open and run in.
“Sage!” I scream her name as I tear through the apartment. Plath runs in, and he has a disturbing look on his face that sends me into immediate shock.
“Orion…”
I cover my ears and fall to the ground. Plath runs over to me and pulls my hands from my ears. “Orion, listen to me!”
Tears threaten to fall as I prepare myself to hear what I expect him to tell me. “Promise me you will not go outside. I will call the police and have everything cleaned up. Get your things together. We need to get out of here!”
I place my hand in my pocket to feel for my knife, and once I find it, I grasp it. I open it and then lunge towards Plath. He moves out of the way, and I keep moving in his dir
ection, jabbing the knife, hoping for a successful blow.
“What are you doing!” He yells.
“Killing every last damn Hunter!”
He grabs both of my wrists and slams them back against the wall. Holding them high above my head. He stares at me breathing heavily. “Are you done now?”
Tears pour from my eyes. I take a deep breath and nod slowly. This isn’t his fault. It’s mine. I stand deathly still, staring at him, and drop the knife from my shaking hands.
After he let’s go of my wrists, I slowly push past him and make my way out of the door. I walk down the stairs and towards the back of the apartment complex. I stand there, frozen. For a second, I almost envy Sage. Dying would be so much easier than having to deal with this.
Sage. I see her body mangled and beaten. I walk closer to her body that is hung over the tall iron fence and run my fingers through her bloodied hair. When the sight of her becomes too much, I fall to my knees. I hear Plath walk up behind me.
“Did you call the police?” I ask, my tone cold and bitter.
“Yes, but they said they were already on their way. Someone from the apartment complex already called. It must have just happened.”
I look over my shoulder, and see him standing with his hands in his pockets. If I’m not mistaken, I see a sympathetic tear falling down his cheek. I nod my head and observe my bloody hands. Not my blood but Sage’s. I scream as I try to wipe my hands in the grass to remove it, but it won’t come off.
“Here, let me help you.” Plath takes off his shirt and spits on it. He starts to wipe the blood from my hands as I sit in a trance. Completely numb.
“She’s dead,” I barely whisper. “It’s my fault. It should have been me.”
“But it wasn’t.”
I watch as the last of Sage’s blood is removed from my hands. “I need to go.”
“Go where?”
I shrug.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave my sight. It’s not safe.”
“I don’t care anymore.”
“Don’t say that.”
I pull my hands from his and stand. “You have no right to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do! Don’t forget where you stand with me, Plath! Just because we have this thing, whatever it is, doesn’t give you the right to tell me how to feel! I just saw my best friend-” I can’t finish the sentence from the violent sobs that escape me.
