It's been three months of pure hell. Three months ago Ben left, the Second Mass started on the road for Charleston, and I started this new, kind of dark time in my life.
This sucks. I know how Ben felt when his dad was taken now. I'm pretty much the girl version of him then. I have become a fighter, something Ben never let me do in fear I'd get hurt. Maggie was my teacher, so I'm not too shabby either. I can handle a gun easily, and knives might as well be an extension of my arm. Now, don't get me wrong, I love being a fighter. It's all I've ever dreamed of. People actually take me seriously now. I'm not just the petite, short girl that everyone pushes around when her big, bad fighter boyfriend isn't around. I'm the badass fighter girl no one messes with. Because I will whip you right into line.
I miss Ben like crazy. Everyday, I go out on scouts, hoping for another sign from him. A week after he had left, Hal and Maggie found a spot, that looked like a campsite, about a mile away from the Second Mass and where we had stopped for injuries. At the spot, there was a small fire pit, grass that looked like it was slept on, and a note and water bottle. For me.
The note written in the dirt read "Don't give up. I'm not far, and I'll be watching. Keep an eye out for my next note. I love you Ally. B". The water bottle was one of my extras that Ben always carried, because I often forgot mine. When Hal and Maggie showed me, I broke down. I couldn't believe he wouldn't just come back the Second Mass. He was tailing us, but wouldn't see anyone. The bastard was teasing me! So, the next day I became a fighter.
It was a little bit hard to convince my Uncle Dan Weaver, captain of the Second Mass, to let his youngest, most favorite niece become a fighter for obvious reasons. But I talked him into it. Like usual.
To be honest, I'm almost expecting the next letter to come with a slap across my face. Ben has to know I'm a fighter by now. I mean, he's not oblivious and if he's tailing us...
I know Ben's going to be pissed when I see him again. He made it loud and clear I was never to touch a gun unless for absolutely necessary self-defense.
So that brings us to today. I'm out on another patrol with Hal, Maggie, Dai and Pope. No one really wanted Pope to come, but Captain Weaver said he could use the fresh air. Whatever. We were all walking around, checking for any signs of, anything, when I came across an arrow drawn into the dirt. Obviously, I followed it.
A few feet away, was a second arrow. I kept walking in the direction it was pointing, and came across another arrow along with a word. "warmer". My face broke out in a grin once I realized this was the second note from Ben. I picked up my pace, following arrow after arrow, occasionally accompanied by a word or phrase.
When I reached the arrow labeled "last one", the excitement I felt was indescribable. Finally, I found the campsite. I searched around; looking for something that would let me know it was Ben. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something light blue hanging from the tree.
Quickly, I turned and examined the object of interest. I walked over, and found that it was a small piece of cloth, maybe a piece of his shirt. On it, in very small writing, was the note.
Smiling to myself I slid down the trunk of the tree until my butt hit the dirt. Then, I started reading. "I miss you. A lot. But I'm not trying to get myself killed because of it. Unlike you. A fighter, really?! Well we'll see how good of a runner you are when I get back. Because you are in a shit load of trouble. Just stay strong, baby, because I think I'll be back soon. I love you so much, Ally. Please don't get yourself killed. B"
I started laughing because I had totally called this. I knew he would be mad, but I did it anyways. I was now nervous for Ben's return though, because I know he would keep his word, and that I'd be in loads of trouble. The line that really got me was the third to last one. He was coming back soon?! I really hope he does, because I don't think my heart can take much more time apart from him. I might have a breakdown. Again.
Sighing, I drag my gaze up from the piece of cloth, and look around his campsite again, examining a bit more this time. Just when I'm about to call out for Hal and the rest of the squad, I see something that lurches me to my feet. My eyes widen to a comical size, and I think my heart stops beating. It's blood. And lots of it.
Authors Note: Wow. Well, all I can say is I'm super sorry for the long lapse in time between the first and second chapter. I've had such a busy summer with two soccer teams and a new puppy that I hadn't had time to write anything. No to mention, when I had found the time, all my work was erased. -_- That blew.
But here its is! The idea of many for this chapter that I chose to stick with! Hope you enjoyed! Read and review, PLEASE! I know how many viewers I've had, and how many reviews I've gotten. *By the way, this is a GUILT TRIP!* But please, I'd love to know your opinion!
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