Chapter 1
Ian POV
As I lifted another 36 pack of bottled water into the cart I couldn't wait to get back home to the caves. Being out in the open still freaked me out, but I didn't let Wanda know. She handles everything smoothly, the shopping, the hotels, everything we need on the raids. I really wish she wouldn't go out though. I don't want anything to happen to her.
"I think one more pack should do it," Wanda told me. Her head was bent over the list we put together for this store. We did that with every store we went to. Only take so much here and so much there. It's easier that way. It doesn't raise suspicion.
I took another pack off the shelf and placed it in the cart. Then I went around and pushed the cart to the check outline since it was too heavy for Wanda. Still, she tried to push it herself only to get nowhere. Reluctantly she let me push it.
Even though her body isn't as strong as her other one was she still tries to help and not be what she considers a burden. It's one of the many reasons I love her.
We came up the checkout lane and waited our turn. I looked around as all the souls continued their daily lives. Going shopping like this reminded me of when I did it with my parents. God that was so long ago.
We used to go to a Meijer just like this one and push around their blue carts all around the store. Every time Kyle and I would ask to go look at the video game section or the sports section to see the new stuff.
Just thinking about that made my eyes burn. I wiped them under the sunglasses I wore so Wanda wouldn't notice. Or any other soul for that matter. Souls were always thinking of others and we didn't need someone to notice us.
I hated wearing sunglasses inside, but it was the only way I could come in with Wanda. Jared wore them, Mel wore them and even Jamie wore them, though he didn't come inside the stores much.
It was too risky with his impulse behavior so we keep him on look out in the blue Sedan. He's not too happy with it but he knows we're only doing our best to stay under the radar.
When it was out turn, Wanda handled the clerk with ease, giving her our fake names and some fake chit chat, occasionally I would throw on a smile or something if the clerk looked at me. But I was keeping an eye out for trouble. Once we were done I headed straight for the door. Something tugged on the sleeve of my black shirt.
"Ian, slow down, it's ok. We're almost done." Wanda reassured me. God, I love the sound of her voice. I slowed down, realizing I was acting like a scared little human while I was supposed to be acting like a soul. I couldn't help it; I was dying to get out of there. Wanda slipped her arm through mine as we walked through the parking lot.
There wasn't any sun out, just an endless sea of clouds. You don't see the sun much when you're this far north. We hit Yellowstone last week because Wanda wanted to go and we had fun. Living in caves means you don't get to see nature all that much except for rock, rocks, and, oh, more rocks. I wonder how Jeb and the others are doing.
When we got close to the Sedan, Mel opened up the back and Jared got out and loaded up the 5 packs of water along with other things. Good thing we were heading home because there wasn't much room in the van or in the Sedan left.
Wanda and I drive the van while Jared and company get the Sedan. It's a perfect little arrangement, though sometimes Jamie and Wanda switch and while I don't mind too much, I still prefer Wanda sitting where I can see her. Overprotective much, yes, but I don't want to lose her.
After the goods were loaded, I pushed the cart over to the drop off section just as a cart boy was rounding them up to take them inside.
"Thank you, sir," the soul said to me. Even with no sun, the silver behind his eyes reflected.
"No problem. Keep up the good work." I said in the most cheery voice I could come up with, which was probably a sad excuse seeing how I just wanted to get out of there. He beamed at me in his Meijer uniform. They liked compliments.
I turned away and walked back to the van. Wanda was already inside and Jared was getting in the Sedan. I hopped in the van and started the engine, ditched the glasses and pulled out. Home, that's where I wanted to be, I took Wanda's hand and squeezed it. She squeezed back. I took one last look around and then drove off with Jared and the others behind us.
I didn't notice the cart boy watching us and take out a cell phone as we pulled out of the lot.
