Heya, this chapter's kinda short. Sorry. The way I have this story set up is weird. It'll be longer next time. I hope you guys are liking it!
~M&M
I have no idea what Scarlet could've done to have Lump hate her so much. There's literally not a clue in my mind. I stay near Zigzag the rest of the day—not because I'm afraid though. I'm more tired and frustrated at everything. Yet, I'm bothered by him. Every time I looked at him I saw that he wasn't looking at me. He was looking at old Scarlet. He's still hooked on old Scarlet. We all are. We walk back to the tent in silence. I stare own at my boots, dusty and old. They're probably 2x bigger than my actual feet. Yet, they seem to fit Zigzag just fine.
"Sorry...for what happened back there. I didn't expect him to still be angry. Lump's always been a brat. He listens to The Backstreet Boys so much." I chuckle.
"Really?"
"Good god, yes. He used to play their album on constant repeat every day. It was obnoxious. Then, somehow X got ahold of a different Backstreet Boys album and we all got extra orange juice for a week. That was great. See, that's what I'm talking about. Mutual loyalty." I cock my eyebrow.
"What?" Zigzag's face darkens.
"Oh, yeah. You don't remember." We walk in silence, left with the bad aftertaste of regret. Then, I stumble on a pile of dust and clutch onto Zig so I don't fall. His fingertips run across mine, and I completely collapse.
"I was like that too. Still am. I think it's kinda great I met you. For once in my life, there's someone who understands everything. I'm not alone anymore." Zigzag took my hand and ran his fingertips across mine. They were soft and light and almost tickled. But, I loved it. Suddenly, I didn't feel alone. I didn't feel misunderstood or forgotten or like Helen Keller. I didn't have to be locked up in a box. There was someone who understood the language I was speaking. A smile played on my lips as I stared back up at him. Then, Zigzag leaned in a little closer and tilted my chin up. He whispered a simple "I'm sorry" and kissed me. I felt the same sensation I did with the cigarette—pure pleasure. My stomach rose to my throat, and I froze. He took over at my weak moment and rested a hand on my cheek. I didn't know exactly what the hell was going on or why he kissed me. But, I loved it, and he proceeded. Finally, he pulled away, and I took short, quick breaths. I turned away from him and tried to breathe correctly. He kissed me. On one half, I was overjoyed. On the other, I wanted to cry. Zigzag just destroyed the barrier I had around me. I worked for building it so many years. Maybe I was only building it so it could be knocked down. I didn't know.
"Scarlet, are you okay?" I kept away from him, totally abandoning him. It was wrong to leave him on a cliff like that, but I was so confused. I wanted to forget yet remember. I was more frustrated than I had ever been before.
My eyes flutter. Lord, I fall an awful lot. Zig is staring straight at me with a face that is all business. My eyes light up.
"Zig-"
"What is going on with you?" He demands. Taken aback, I look for words.
"What-What do you mean?" I ask.
"You've been going into these miniature comas—waking up and saying you're fine. What is wrong with you?" I fumble with my fingers.
"I think I'm starting to remember. At the bus, I remember first getting here. In the tent, I remember you all introducing yourselves. Now, I remember the kiss. What I did to you...Zigzag, I'm so sorry." He ducks his head, his hair hanging in his eyes.
"You remember? Really?" I nod. A grin dances across his face. He comes closer and presses his lips to mine. But, it feels he's only kissing Scarlet—not Skeeter. I press my hands against his chest and he backs off.
"What's wrong?" He asks.
"I just need some time, alright? I'm not upset. I just need time." He hesitates, unsure if I'm pulling another rejection on him. He walks out of the tent.
"Wait, Zigzag?" He turns around.
"I was wrong. Scarlet isn't hiding. Scarlet's dead."