It's been months since the rains have stopped and my human life feels as I hoped it would be. My body is becoming stronger and I am finally able to do more around the caves. Ian still says I'm too self sacrificing, but that's who I am. The most favorite part about my new life is waking up every morning next to Ian. This morning as I'm lying here, Ian is sprawled all over the mattress with my legs draped over his and his arm wrapped tightly around my waste. I keep my eyes closed savoring the moments until I hear Ian whisper in my ear "Morning sweetheart". I can't keep myself from smiling, love is by far the greatest human emotion. Rolling over so I can get my body as close as I can to his I begin the ritual of kisses, eventually Ian sighs and forces me to get ready for the day. We would not enjoy another tongue lashing from Uncle Jeb .
Things are going to busy again today. Since we've met Nate's cell we all have been working hard on widening rooms and expanding the caves. This week Nate, Burns, Rob and Blake were here to help with the expansion. The kitchen was full of laughter this morning as Ian and I entered and the feeling of friendship was strong. "Wanda!" I smiled as Jaime rushed to give me a hug. It's still so odd to be shorter than him. As we said our good morning greetings, Burns gave me an odd look and just nodded his head. This immediately struck a chord of concern. I have rarely spoken to Burns since that first night mainly because he spent so much time with Lacey. We were all thankful for that because Burns was the only one able to make her shut up. Uncle Jeb was probably the most appreciative of all.
After everyone finished eating I headed for the dish basket. Since our little tribe is growing Jeb has assigned everyone specific task to make sure everyone was contributing. Ian kissed me on the forehead and said "Later babe." Melanie rushed Jaime off to his class with Sharon. Ah..the day was starting. The routine of being human was satisfying. The dish basket was particularly heavy today, I suppose it's because of our guests. "Quit trying to be so stubborn, you know you can ask for help". My head snapped up at the unexpected tone, "Relax Wanda, I just, well, er…" I have never seen Lily quite act like this and it caught me off guard. " Come on Lil, the dishes won't wash themselves".
We walked in silence as we made our way through the caves toward the washing stream. I contemplated on what was wrong with Lily and my thoughts started to wander. As we started washing Lily just gave a deep sigh and started talking " I miss Wes, I miss him bad Wanda. I think I'm going to leave the caves" . My only reaction was that my jaw just popped open. "But Lily, it's too dangerous and.."
"Oh, no Wanda, oh goodness no! I was thinking of going with Nate and the boys, I think Lacey is going go too."
"Wow. When did you guys decide this?"
"I have been talking to Nate and Jeb off and on about this and it's just too painful to stay here, it hurts too bad and I had no choice to stay until Nate came along."
"What about Lacey?"
"I swear Wanda, you don't catch on very quick do you?"
As I washed the dishes I fell silent contemplating Lily's last statement. Why would Lacey leave? I know she hates it here, being so dirty, and…OH! I can't believe how dense I am. Lacey and Burns, wow. How did I not see that one? Lily started laughing at me hysterically because I realized what was going on. I couldn't help but giggle along with her. "I like your laugh Lily, are you sure you have to go?" Lily looked at me very solemnly and said "Yes, Wanda. I have too".
Time seemed to come to a grinding halt this morning. One thing about inheriting Pet's attributes was she worried , now I worry. I went through my chores mutely and quickly and it felt as if lunch would never get here and finally as I was stirring the vegetable stew Melanie and Jared strolled in with big smiles on their faces. "We are finally done!" Jared said with a hint of relief. Melanie punched him in the arm "Oh it wasn't that bad you big baby!" Jared grabbed Melanie and put her in a gentle headlock. While she struggled for freedom Ian and Uncle Jeb walked in. "All right, that's enough! We need to talk about a raid. Supplies are getting low and I personally can use a bag of Cheetos, how about you Wanda?" he smiled at me with a wink. I couldn't help but blush, my love for this cheesy snack didn't change when my body did and I am often teased about this addiction.
Ian grabbed me by the waist "First things first Jeb, I want to show Wanda the new wing and our new room!" I was stunned by this news, I hadn't expected this at all. This made me excited and I became bouncy and all hyper again. As others strolled in for lunch I became more aware of the people that I have come to know. I had been so focused on Ian that I realized that I didn't know what was going on around me. I have been so consumed with human life and love that I have missed so many other details. Sitting next to me was Ian of course, Jared and Melanie, Kyle and Sunny, and Jaime. My little family, that's all that had seemed to matter. As I looked around I noticed for the first time how close Lacey was sitting next to Burns and how focused they were on each other. Burns leaned in and whispered something in Lacey's ear and a grin appeared on her face and she began to blush. Burns caught my eye and gave me a scowl that concerned me even more.
"What's that about?" Jared had seen the exchange. "I'm not sure" I tried to explain. I could feel my forehead crinkle up and Melanie said "Oh, quit worrying. It's probably nothing at all" But I couldn't help but feel concerned about the odd looks Burns was shooting my way. I was so used to people looking at me with love or even wonder, so the scowling had me concerned. Especially coming from a soul, we do not know hate.
After lunch the tour of the new wing was given and all my thoughts melted away as I looked with amazement. A total of ten rooms were created and as they were excavating another underground stream in a cavern was discovered. I couldn't help but laugh…two bathrooms! The new "rooms" were very large, much larger than the rooms we stayed in now. Ian grabbed my hand and dragged me to the end of the tunnel and pulled me into our new room. "Oh Ian!" I gasped. I couldn't find any other words as I felt the tears start to sting my eyes.
Our new room was amazing. Ian must have brought all of our belongings in while I was doing my morning chores. The way the cavern was shaped it made almost two rooms Ian had separated them with a curtain. As I looked around there was a small tattered loveseat, several oil lamps, and even a small rug. "How…when?" I stammered. Ian was grinning "I traded for the furniture, with Blake. Do you like it love?"
" Do I like it? Oh Ian, I love it!" Ian grabbed my hand and led me across the room and pulled the curtain back and said "This is our bedroom." He pulled me in close and we dropped to the mattress. I couldn't help but kiss him. I have never felt the love of another and I couldn't be happier that it was Ian who chose to love me. When we finally pulled apart Ian whispered in my ear "Now you are home my Wanderer. I wish I could give you a house, you know with the white picket fence and all that sappy stuff." I broke a smile" Ian I don't need that to have a home" We stayed wrapped in each other's arms for a long time until I broke the silence "Ian, this is just too much space for just us two" He began laughing "You should see Jared and Mel's new room". He jumped up and pulled me along with him.
Jared and Melanie's room wasn't far. Ian smiled at me as he knocked on their makeshift door. "Go away!" I heard Jared shout. Ian burst out laughing and I couldn't help but smile. "Now, Jared. You need to knock it off! We gotta plan for a raid". Then Melanie's voice chimed in "Come on in you guys, everyone is decent". When we entered the room, Uncle Jeb, Jaime, Kyle and Brandt were already there. Again I laughed and whispered to Ian trying to remember how Melanie had said it "get your mind out of the gutter" Ian was quick to respond with "It's your fault". Ian wasn't lying about the room, it was more long than what it was wide and the ceiling slowly slanted until it touched the ground. It was beautiful.
"All right, everyone settle down!" Uncle Jeb announced. "We are running low on supplies and we need a raid" Raids made me nervous, most times I went. It's those few times that I didn't go and Ian did scared me more than anything else. Almost as much as when I first came here with Melanie searching for Jared and Jaime. "Wanda, Ian, Melanie, Jared, and Brandt are going on this trip. We have more space now, with more storage, so the more you get the less we have to do raids. So we have to make this a good one kids." Uncle Jeb paused "You should leave tonight, in fact the sooner the better because Nate and his boys will be leaving soon and I don't like all this activity"
As Ian, Jared, and Brandt went to go pack for the trip I decided I should go clean up because I was usually the one to go into stores. I grabbed a fresh set of clothes and what I needed and set for the pool. I knew the caves and tunnels so well by now I can easily navigate through them, as I walked through the great room I noticed Burns sitting by himself. "Hey Wanda, was hoping I would bump into you soon" I froze, not in fear, but that I didn't know what to expect. "Hello Burns" was all I managed to say.
"I'm not one to beat around the bush so I'm going to make this as easy as possible. When I ask you what I need to ask, I want you to keep in mind that I am grateful for Lacey. As you know now, she is my partner now…" his voice started to trail and I knew where this question was going and I wasn't sure how to respond.
"Burns, it's a long story I-"
"Why though? Why did you have to teach the humans? Why couldn't you have just done it yourself? Removing a Soul from it's host is just….wrong"
"Burns, I had to give Melanie back, there was no other way"
As Burns started to rebut my explanation, Lacey strode over and sat in his lap. "What's going on guys?"
"We were just chatting, Wanda best of luck on the raid. Be safe."
On that note I went on my way. I went through the motions I getting ready for the trip but my thoughts weighed heavily on Burns. Why did this bother him? Surely he can understand and honestly I don't see how it's any of his business. For the few times in my human life, I am feeling angry. I hate angry. Angry is ugly and not who I am.