Revolution (Collide, #4)(47)

He was trying to act like it wasn't bothering him, but it was. Cain was his best friend. I felt like pond scum. He pulled my face up and kissed me gently, once, twice, three times and I lost count. "Thank you for coming back to me," he whispered, his anguish evident.

"Thank you for coming after me."

"Anytime, sweetheart. Anytime."

I took the first ladder rung, but stopped. "Oh! I almost forgot."

I ran back to the Jeep and Merrick followed. I threw open the back hatch and pulled the first unmarked box out. "What is this stuff? It's not all…" I opened the lid and showed him the gleaming cans of fruit just waiting to be devoured by our family.

He looked at me in an awe filled, stunned expression. "Miguel!" he yelled to stop him from going inside. Miguel peered from the roof and Merrick waved him down. "How did you do this?"

"I used every opportunity to my advantage," I said and tried not to frown.

"You forgot to turn off the car," he said off handedly, not taking his eyes from the food, and turned to do so. But stopped. "You..." That look was back. "You hotwired the car?"

"I had to," I answered.

"Oh, my…" He wrapped me up in another embrace and spoke against my hair. "I'm so sorry for ever doubting you." He leaned back and smiled. "Wow, you're incredible."

"I try," I said coyly. He rested his forehead to mine. "I love you," I said.

"That never gets old," he replied and chuckled. "Gah, I love you."

"I know."

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye



Chapter 20


Daniel



Fate had the whole bunker empty of anyone of importance and rank. They all left to find Sherry and Cain, who had not come home at their time to. And my stupid human conscience was taking a beating for it. I had hoped that Cain wouldn't return, but I hadn't figured Sherry into that equation.

The thought of Cain not returning yesterday had given me almost a happiness. But today, watching Lillian pace with actual tears in her eyes, made me feel an ache inside. Not a good ache.

And Sherry had been nothing but hospitable and caring for me.

It felt strange to feel so…ashamed.

Marissa and Lily were doing some sort of math problems. A form of human education, I assumed. I listened in and found myself laughing at little Lily's answers and the way she worded things. Her little blonde headed bobbed and jiggled as she laughed and spoke. I had stayed away from her since she saved me. I didn't really understand why. But the fact that I had watched her take the life of my brother and give it to her Keeper father could have something to do with it.

It wasn't that I was afraid of her, it was more like I didn't feel worthy to be near her. She held a power in her innocent hands that beguiled us all. And to be so close to that made me feel as if I was spoiling it.

To be honest, I had stayed away from everyone. No one had come right out and said they blamed me, but the Graphter had said all of this was my fault. That my changing sides had messed up the balance and so, he was created. I couldn't tell if people were angry with me or not. No one spoke to me before all this and no one had started since then. Things were same, which didn't help me in my conclusions. But I could imagine they couldn't be happy with the developments.

Marissa saw me looking and tilted her head to the side as if figuring out something. Then she waved to me in a way that suggested I join them. Was I going to be in trouble for watching them?

I got up from my perch on the floor and walked in their direction. Lily smiled at me and I formed a smile to match hers. "Hello, young Lily."

"Hi, Daniel. Wanna know what four plus four is?"

"Of course."

"It's eight. Maybe you should come do some school with me."

"I would love that one day," I answered truthfully. Anything this child asked of me was instantly something I had no intention of refusing.

"Uncle Cain and Mommy are late," she said and pursed her lips a little.

"I heard that." I also noticed that Marissa had said not a word to me. She just watched and I let her. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure!"

"My brother…I mean, the Lighter that you…took and used to save your father. What happened to him?"

"He went home."

I jolted. "You sent him home?"

"Mhhmm. He can't come back. He wasn't too happy about dat," she said and gave me a look. "He said I was a little fool, but I don't know what dat means."

Marissa chuckled and covered her mouth, but I didn't laugh. "I'm sorry he said that."

"It's ok. Do you want to go home, too?"

I was taken aback by her comment. Did I? What was waiting there for me if I did? Nothing. I shook my head a 'No'. "I just wanted to know if there were others like me out there; other Lighters who might have switched sides like me."

"No, Daniel. You are the only one." She said it so clearly that it seemed out of place. Marissa stared at me. It was unnerving. I felt like it was two against one, but I didn't even know what the wager was.

Marissa's eyes fluttered a little and she gasped, the smallest intake of breath, and finally spoke. "Daniel, do you feel like…you have something you're supposed to be doing?"