Sorry it's been so long since my last update, writer's block truly is cruel. Enjoy!

I was hesitant to finish my soup. Doc had said there need not be a rush for anything–but was that true? I could feel Lindsey's presence inside my head, impatient and scared and confused. Truly, she was still the nine-year-old that had been erased when I had taken over her body. She knew nothing about what was going on.

More people came into the kitchen as we ate. Wanda introduced them all, but I did not focus very hard on the names. Melanie, of course, with her love, Jared, now carrying another toddler; Ian's nearly-identical brother, Kyle, and a tiny woman beside him, Jodi; Heidi, who Wanda had spoken to before we had arrived; Andy and Paige, carrying another baby–

I was stunned by the number of infants in these caves. I was stifling down here, with all the humidity and dust floating around. I didn't understand how any responsible being–let alone a mother–could allow themselves to bring an innocent offspring into this place.

Wanda obviously saw my shock. "We are mothers, Light. You cannot deny us our desire for that, can you?"

She was right. But I found the idea of humans, bringing babies into this world, unbearably sad.

Jamie touched my arm. "Did you ever have any children, Light?"

At least he wasn't calling me Lindsey.

Of course I never had babies! squealed Lindsey in my head. Jamie, you dummy.

"I produced seeds, with the See Weeds. But I never had children as a human." I had to grind the word through my teeth. I would not be allowed to remain human for much longer, and the idea was infuriating.

I had never felt anger before, not to this extent. Frustration, and irritation, yes, but never illogical and unreasonable fury.

It was terrifying.

"Something wrong?" asked Ian, looking at me with a genuinely concerned expression on his face. I shook my head, unwilling to explain myself. I needed space. Jamie's hand on mine, the wall beside me–it was too much.

"Can we walk?" I whispered to him, my breath coming fast. I was feeling claustrophobic.

"Sure." He got up from his seat and led me out of the kitchen, leaving all the chatter and steam and inquiring faces behind.

We didn't speak for a long time, but I could tell he was itching to ask questions. I didn't want to talk about Lindsey–I wanted her to go away. But as it seemed that wasn't happening anytime soon… I supposed I was stuck with her.

You came and got stuck, she reminded me. Such a babyish voice. Nothing compared to mine now.

What are you now? she asked. I'm still me…

How confusing it must be for her. She would miss all the steps to becoming an adult, as I had followed them in her stead. She would go straight from being an infant to being a woman, and I pitied her for it.

I don't know what that means.

I feel bad for you, I replied irritably. That you get to stay.

Where are you going?

I don't know.

"Light?"

We were in a hallway now, with many makeshift doors. Jamie was stopped outside one, his hand poised to push aside the screen. "Are you all right?"

I nodded mutely. He sighed and entered the small room–or rather, crevice. It was a small hole in the wall, essentially, but it was taller than it was wide. I felt like I was in a tower. A mattress was set on a small frame on the uneven floor, and it was supported by other rocks and scrap wood pieces. A blanket covered it, and in the wall were holes someone had dug out to serve as cubbies, housing mostly clothes, but also a few books, and a deck of cards. It was a man's room.

"Come, sit." Jamie led me to the bed and sat down on the edge, inviting me to join him.

It was Jamie's room.

I sat slowly, careful not to disturb his balance. I stared at the floor for a lack of a better place to look. If I looked at Jamie, I would cry. If I looked at his room, I would turn red.

"Light?" He wanted to ask me something. I was familiar with his tone; Lindsey was used to him sounding like this before he asked something silly or secretive.

"Yes?"

"Why did you come to Earth? If all you had heard were bad things…" He shrugged. "It isn't the friendliest of planets. From what Wanda's told us, many places are much calmer, much less… Strange."

Many souls had asked me before, why I had come to this blue and green planet, inhabited by violent beings with equally violent emotions and mostly covered by water. I had always given the same answer.

"I was tired of being rooted," I answered, honestly, but not completely. "The See Weeds are for the tired souls, for the eldest. The story-tellers are invaluable."

"But why Earth?"

Only my Comforter had asked this probing question, and I had answered truthfully. He had been concerned for me, and had suggested I not mention my reasons again.

But Jamie…

Well, he's human.

"Earth called to me." I said it bluntly and softly. "When I heard of it, I knew it was where I wanted to go. I wanted a life of emotions, and adventure, and hardships."

Jamie said nothing for a while. I glanced at his face, and saw that he was frowning in thought.

"But, Wanda says souls live for peace. How could you want such a life here?"

"We do have peace. But every other host has purpose; much like your wild animals do. To either hunt or breed or take care of young. Hosts else places to not have hobbies, or interests, or education. I wanted that."

He suddenly grinned. "You wanted a challenge."

He said it perfectly. "Yes."

He took my hand again, and smoothed his thumb over the back of my palm, across my knuckles. "Being here will be a challenge, Light."

Now I was confused. "What do you mean?"

He drew a deep breath. "You came here to experience, not to observe. Life in the caves is just that, if you're willing to take the offer."

My mouth was hanging open. "But… Lindsey…"

His jaw tightened. "Wanda and Mel survived," he ground out.

I felt tears in my eyes. "Jamie, I can't live with her inside my head. I was alone, before you. And now…"

Now I'm here, and I want you to go! Lindsey exclaimed, only confirming my conclusions. I would not be allowed to stay.

Jamie touched my cheek, making me jump. "Sorry," he muttered, dropping his hand. My cheeks burned, and I ducked my head.

"I know you want her back, Jamie."

"But, I haven't had Lindsey since… Well, since the takeover. And, I don't know what she's like anymore."

I'm the same! she wailed. I'm me!

He could see my discomfort. "She bothers you that much?"

I nodded. "She wants her body for herself. And… I can't blame her. I would want it back too."

I couldn't bring myself to actually realize what was happening–Jamie was offering me the chance to stay. I had never hoped for that after Melanie and the others had kidnapped me.

But to live with this human inside my head… It was overwhelming.

"Doc did say there was no rush," Jamie murmured softly, still stroking the back of my hand. "You can sleep, at least, before you decide anything."

I had to ask. "Will you kill me?"

"No!" His startled reply made me jump so badly our hands dislodged. I curled them into my lap, shrinking away.

"Light, we have never harmed a Soul. Wanda made sure of that." He exhaled sharply. "We ship them away to other planets."

I didn't want to be a different creature. I had confided in him my reason for choosing Earth, and here he was prepared to send me away regardless.

"But, there is no reason to think about it now. You can rest. Are you still hungry?"

I shook my head. I couldn't speak.

"I know you want time to think. You can stay here for now–I'll be back at supper with food. Sleep if you want." And he got up and stomped away.

Lindsey physically deflated as he left. She missed him. She wanted him, wanted her old play date.

He's a man now, child, I lashed out, angry and upset.

He's still Jamie, she whimpered.

Yes, I thought. He is still Jamie.