--Yet again, I must apologize for the gap between chapters. This one is extra long to make up for it. I don't own anyone except Gabe and Edith. Everyone else is property of that good ol' Stephen King!--

It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
And I feel fine
--
from End of the World by REM

The next morning, Micah was amazed at how much better he felt. Confession was good for the soul -- whether she'd know what he said or not, at least he'd told her. Edith bustled in about nine and dressed him hurriedly; she was off to take more pictures. When Micah asked her what on earth she was taking pictures of, Edith just beamed and said she was simply in love with the small country town atmosphere. He was glad at least someone was happy with the place. Ten minutes later, Micah brushed his teeth and hair and wheeled out into the living room. The Children were sitting there quietly, gathered around Gabe's feet and staring at her with wide, unblinking eyes. She had her nose buried in Needful Things and didn't seem to notice them. At first, he felt angry, but after a moment Micah decided to follow her lead and keep his good mood intact. He wasn't going to let a bunch of creepy, blank-eyed kids get the better of him.
(They did once.)
"Morning, Gabe," he said cheerfully, wheeling towards her with surprising quickness. Gabe looked up and smiled warmly.
"Hey! Up early, I see." He pulled up next to her, the Children clearing a path as they continued to watch with pale, silent eyes. Micah shot them a half-concealed sneer and set the brake on his chair.
"Against my will," he said. "Edith woke me." He paused, then leaned his head a little closer to her. "Are these kids bothering you?" Gabe shook her head slightly, lowering the book a bit.
"Nah." She paused, though, and tipped her face closer as well, her voice dropping a notch. "Well, they're kinda creepin' me out. I'm starting to feel like I'm in 'Village of the Damned'." Micah covered a small snicker with his hand.
"You're close," he said, smiling.
"Mm." Gabe looked back at her book. "Sleep well?" He glanced over his shoulder -- the Children stared shamelessly, and he decided then he was going to teach them a little lesson about bothering his girlfriend. Micah felt a small smile curl his lips; he beckoned for Gabe to come closer, as if he wanted to share a secret with her. When she raised her eyebrows and leaned forward, it wasn't a secret he shared. Micah pressed his lips hard to hers, passionately, making more of a show than was needed. He knew that the Children had never witnessed such 'blasphemy' -- not in the sheltered life they lead -- and that this would be sure to shock them into compliance. Gabe, apparently, wasn't aware of the show. She dropped Needful Things into her lap and freed her hands, sliding them into his hair. Micah was the surprised one now. Gabe was so easily enticed lately, and now the line of show was blending with the line of pleasure. Wary of the trick turning into a full makeout session right there in the living room, Micah shoved aside his testosterone and pulled away slowly.
"Does that answer your question?" he whispered huskily, back on track. Micah peeked discreetly out of the corner of his eye and nearly laughed; the Children looked like they'd just witnessed a murder. Gabe, however, looked like she'd just seen Brad Pitt waltzing naked across the living room.
"Good morning to you, too," she murmured, starting to lean forward again. It was then she abruptly remembered the Children. Her face flushed a sudden scarlet as she leaned back in her chair and picked up Needful Things again. "Little eyes, Mr. Balding," Gabe said quietly, but a smirk was tugging playfully at the corners of her mouth.
"Little eyes, my ass," Micah snorted, and sat back as he crossed his arms over his chest. "They've seen worse." He glanced at a little boy and raised a black eyebrow. "Haven't you, Caleb?" At the recognition, the child's cheeks turned a faint pink; he lowered his head.
"We are not to speak to the Chosen," he mumbled, staring at the ground. "Ruth said so." Micah felt a flare of anger.
"Ruth can stick her head in the toilet," he snapped. A few of the Children gasped in surprise; the majority of them giggled into their hands. Micah's lips fell into a relieved smile. So they were still human.
"It would do wonders for her hair," Gabe commented casually, turning a page. A few more sniggers rose from the group of children. Micah glanced at her, one brow raised comically.
"Hair?" he echoed. "I thought that mess on her head was some sort of animal." The few that had tried to resist laughter finally submitted to it, though they hid it modestly beneath their hands. Gabe smiled down at her book.
"Might be. Now, keep this between us--" She looked up, shot around a shifty glance, and leaned forward towards the Children to whisper conspiratorially. "--but I think it's growing." That did it; the Children exploded into giggles, Micah and Gabe following soon after. It made him happy to finally hear emotions from the kids -- they'd had to hide it so long, it was time for things to be normal. He was also relieved to know that Gabe wasn't completely scared of the Children, either.

"Enough!"

The group whirled, stricken into silence at the loud yell from the doorway. It was Jedediah.
"Jed," Micah said thinly. "They're just having fun."
"Outside." Jedediah crossed his arms over his overalls; Micah noted that they were dirtier than usual. "All of you." It was directed to the Children, who shifted and glanced at each other. The Chosen was supposed to give orders, Micah guessed.
"Jed," he said again. "Leave 'em alone."
"All of you!" Jedediah snarled, and jabbed a finger at the doorway. Slowly, the Children stood and hurried out, more than one casting a forlorn glance over their shoulder. Jed waited until the last one was out the door, then shot a contemptuous look at Gabe and Micah. "You might have changed," he said, tone soft and venomous, "but the rest of us haven't."
"No, Jed." Micah put his hand lightly over Gabe's, who laced their fingers tightly. "You're the only one who hasn't changed. You and Ruth." Jedediah took hold of the doorknob in one fist.
"Don't test me, Micah," he growled.
"I'm not testing you." Micah glanced briefly at Gabe. She was staring steadily at Jed, and he thought he saw a short flicker of recognition pass over her eyes.
(Does she remember what I told her?)
It went quickly.
"Isaac tried to escape the prophecy intended for him," Jedediah said quietly. "And you know how he ended up." Micah felt a sharp twist of anger in his chest; he had liked Isaac, and it had been a while since anyone mentioned his untimely death.
"Go, Jed," he murmured. "Join the Children. They're waiting for your orders. Apparently, you're the leader now." Jedediah paused, looking faintly wounded, then finally sneered.
"At least I know my place," he snarled, and stalked out the door, slamming it behind him.

"Micah," Garrett said evenly, pressing a button on his small tape recorder, "I'm going to ask you a few questions. Is that all right?"
"Yeah," Micah mumbled, and shifted uncomfortably. This felt eerily familiar. Garrett leaned forward on the table, pencil poised to jot down any necessary notes. They were sitting in the dining room; everyone had been warned not to bother the successful journalist -- oh, yeah, and that demonic kid too. At least, that's how Micah felt.
"Can you tell me what happened approximately eight months ago?"
(You know very well what happened eight months ago.)
Micah laced his hands neatly in what was left of his lap.
"As far as I can remember," he murmured, "I was looking in the cornfield for my friends Mordechai--"
(who you killed)
"--and Jedediah--"
(who's now a complete psycho)
"--and I heard this noise." Micah shifted in his wheelchair. Garrett didn't even look up from his work, pencil flying over the paper.
"Mm hm. Go on." Micah was tempted to ask why he needed a notebook when he was recording everything they said, but repressed the urge and continued.
"I turned around, and there was this... this thing standing there."
"More specific, please," Garrett said shortly. Micah fought a sneer.
"Sure thing," he muttered, and went on. "It was this big... well, I couldn't see it very well. I just know it was really tall, maybe--" He gestured helplessly. "--six, seven feet?"
"Mm hm." Garrett scribbled again on his paper. "Continue." Micah felt like a fool; no one would believe this cockamamie story, whether it was in Newsweek or the National Enquirer.
"It was really shadowy. I couldn't see its face." He looked back down to his hands. "It... it scared me."
"Are you sure you couldn't see its face? You don't remember?" Garrett glanced up expectantly. "Are you sure?" Micah felt his face burn, part embarrassment and part anger.
"It was dark," he said through clenched teeth.
"All right." Garrett waved a hand at him impatiently. "Go ahead." Micah glanced towards the window. He didn't want to do this anymore.
"Can we stop?" he asked softly. Garrett's eyebrows shot up.
"We've only been interviewing for about five minutes, Micah," he said steadily. Micah reached for the recorder and pressed stop.
"Please, I don't feel comfortable with this." Garrett made an angry sound as the tape clicked off.
"Micah, the whole reason you came down here was--"
"The whole reason I came down here," Micah corrected, teeth clenched, "was because my girlfriend wanted me to." He swiveled sharply and headed for the front door.
"We'll continue this later," Garrett said quietly after a few frustrated snorts. Micah heard vague understanding in his voice and softened.
"I'll try," he murmured, and wheeled out to bump down the front steps.

Micah rolled slowly down the dirt road towards the main street of Hemmingford. He didn't know quite what he was looking for; he just knew that he couldn't stay at the Bed 'N Breakfast anymore. It had been quite a disaster trying to get down that long expanse of hill trailing from the Inne, but somehow Micah managed -- and with only a few bumps and bruises to speak of. He was quite proud of himself. When Micah wheeled down to Hemmingford's Main Street, he nearly froze in terror.
("What's -- what's wrong with my chair?!")
He told himself it was all right, it hadn't been his fault, and the last time he'd been here it was a dream. Only a dream.
("You little monsters!")
Micah wheeled slowly down the sidewalk, teeth clenched to steel his nerves against the fear. There was absolutely no reason to be scared. Besides, he didn't have an automatic wheelchair. He spotted Gabe talking with Danny by the hardware store.
"Gabe," Micah called, pushing the wheels faster. Gabe glanced over her shoulder, grinned, and turned back to Danny.
"Oh, heavens, Danny, I've told you before I can't take part in your and Lacey's twisted love triangle!" Micah smirked as he stopped the wheelchair beside her.
"You're so funny," he said drily. Gabe laughed, dropping to a knee in front of him.
"Feeling all right, babe?"
"Not too bad," Micah murmured, and leaned forward to give her a brief kiss. When he drew back, Danny had his arms crossed; he was smiling, and it wasn't malicious. It seemed genuine.
"I was gonna show Gabe around Hemmingford a little." Danny chewed his lip slightly. "If it's all right with you, Micah--"
"Oh, it's fine." Micah smiled up at the two of them. It was fairly obvious that Danny wasn't out to get him, and that Gabe wasn't going to hurt him purposely. He was feeling oddly trusting today.
"You wanna come?" Gabe asked warmly, holding one of his hands in hers. Micah paused, then shook his head.
"Nah. I've... I've seen Hemmingford before." He exchanged a brief glance with Danny, then looked back to Gabe. "I think I'm just gonna wander around a little. Get my bearings again." Gabe smiled slightly.
"All right. Whatever you say." She began to stand, but changed her mind and bent towards him again. "If you need me, just come looking, okay? I'll probably be back at the Bed N' Breakfast by dinnertime, at the latest." Again she paused; this time, Gabe kissed his lips gently and pulled back before he could respond. "Love you," she whispered warmly. Micah smiled, almost tearfully.
"Love you too." He grinned at Danny, who returned the smile easily. "See you later, Danny."
"Later, Micah," said Danny, and grabbed Gabe's arm playfully. "Shall we go, then?"
"We shall," she agreed. Gabe smiled broadly at Micah. "I'll see you later tonight, honey."
"Okay." Micah watched them leave, then turned his wheelchair around. Maybe Hemmingford wasn't as bad as he'd remembered.

He passed the old hardware store and was contemplating whether he should visit the swimming hole when Micah heard angry voices. He stopped.
"...but she's going to..."
"Only if we let her. There's no proof..." Micah tilted his head and strained to hear. The voices were coming from behind the hardware store, at the edge of the cornfield. Cautiously, he wheeled along the side of the brick building and listened hard; he was missing words and chunks of the conversation.
"...plenty of proof, you idiot. Everything else has... there's too much to lose, and if she..."
"She won't."
"How the hell do you know? You're only temporary leader, remember?" Staying quiet, Micah chanced a glance around the corner. It was who he thought it was -- Ruth and Jedediah, both looking considerably peeved. Jed had his hands clenched.
(What the hell are they arguing about...?)
Micah was afraid that he had an inkling.
"Come on, Ruth," Jedediah was saying now, looking as if he were forcing himself to be calm. "We don't need to fight about this." She crossed her arms testily over her chest.
"I think we do," she snapped. Jed moved closer.
"Just calm down." He placed his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them slightly. "I'm telling you, Gabe's not smart enough to figure out what's going on here." Micah heard the words and stiffened in anger.
(She's smarter than ten of you, you Hee-Haw extra.)
"Maybe not," Ruth said moodily, "but she's got Micah under her thumb. You should've seen the way he had his hands on her! It was purely..." She trailed off; Jed just barely brushed her hair with his nose.
"Sinful?" he offered. Micah felt sickened. It was obvious that Jedediah had a thing for Ruth. He couldn't believe he'd never noticed it.
"Don't start with me, Jed," Ruth spat, twisting away. "You know how I feel--"
"You can't tell me you still have feelings for that little traitor!" Jedediah had clenched his hands again. Micah bristled at the comment he'd made.
(Traitor, my skinny ass.)
He yearned to wheel out of his hiding place and give Jed what was coming to him, but Micah just clenched the wheels of his chair and listened.
"At least Micah got something done!" Ruth was glaring, her face a little flushed.
"Micah got my sister killed!" Jed countered angrily.
"That wasn't his fault!"
(First intelligent thing she's said yet.)
"What's wrong with me?!" Jedediah yelled suddenly, surprising both Ruth and Micah. The conversation had taken a turn on a different subject. "What's wrong with me, Ruth?! What makes Micah so much better than me?" Ruth looked taken aback, but at last she recovered.
"There's something connecting us, Jedediah. I don't know what it is, but--"
"What the hell do you call this?!" Jed shoved his palm towards her, exposing the long scar on it. Micah felt a flash of memory
("The sower of seeds must be a child--")
that lingered for only a moment
("--so that what is planted is pure and without corruption.")
before it faded again.
"It was symbolic!" Ruth screeched, hiding her own hand. "He knew what he was doing! It was a bond between towns, not between the two of us--"
"Why not?" Jed shouted, and finally fell silent. The two of them stared at each other before he let out a short breath of air and regained his cool tone. "Look. You know what we have to do. Let's just do it and get it over with, all right?"
"Fine," she said stiffly, and whirled away. Micah barely had time to back away from the corner and get back on the street before Jed emerged from behind the hardware store. He thought he'd been caught, but Jedediah didn't even notice him. He hurried away from the street -- and right into the cornfield. Micah watched him go and made a firm decision. Even though he wasn't sure what, something was wrong in Hemmingford. Again.