We go around the table, coming to me last. "I'll have chicken soup and an order of toast." I say, my stomach queasy after hearing all of the grease that my fellow diners are going to consume. Ick.

While we wait for our food, the others start talking about bad past romances, but I zone out. My mother lied to me up until the very moment she died. My uncle died for me, but I guess I'm not really related to them. And now Lydecker's on our trail, all because of me. The others would be perfectly safe if it weren't for me. I've caused so much pain. For everyone. Maybe it would be better if I didn't exist. Maybe I should just let the virus win. Then at least I'd know that they'd be safe. Maybe it would be for the greater good.

"Liz, you all right?" Ben asks, going, once again, into over-protection major mode.

"I'm fine." I say, trying to manage a smile, but not really feeling like it. I put on my fake smile, the one that everyone always believes, and nod.

"Good." He gives me one of those 'I know you're not really fine, but we can talk later' looks. How can he already know me so well?

"Hey, guys" I ask, summing up the courage to ask a question I've been wanting to ask for a while. "How are we going to get Lydecker off of our trail?" They look at each other, exchanging meaningful looks. "What is it?" I ask, knowing I'll dread having asked this.

"We need to split up. Manticore won't be able to find us if we split into groups of two." says Zane. "Brin and I are together, you and Ben, Syl and Krit, and Tinga's going to Canada solo." he tells me, and I can just sit there in shock.

No, this can't be happening. I've just begun to get reacquainted with my faily. They can't just go away now. Tears well up in my eyes, as much as I try to push them away. Ben puts his arm around my shoulder, and as much as I want to be pissed at him and make some smartass remark, being around him comforts me. Not that I'd ever tell anyone. "Then what?" I ask, needing to know if we'll be together soon.

"Well, we'll be calling each other all week, and we'll all take different paths to Seattle. Then, we'll meet Zack on different days." Brin says, taking over Zane's job. She points at us, "You two will be going last. This is going to be quite a shock, and we want to prepare him."

I nod. Maybe it won't be that bad. It's only one week. What can happen in a week, anyway? Besides, I know that Ben'll take care of me. He always will.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ben's PoV

I can tell she's scared. Of splitting up, I mean. I don't blame her. She's been ripped from her whole world, found out that she may have a fatal virus injected in her system, and is now splitting up from the only family she's got.

She hides it well, though. The pain, that is. No breakdowns or anything. Just a lone tear every once in a while. But here eyes are so lonely, and sad. They remind me so much of that day, the day that the accident happened. The day that I ripped her away from us.

I'm glad that it's me who's taking her. I feel more comfortable with us splitting up if I know that I am the one taking care of her. I think she's getting a little better. She was in and out of consciousness all last week, but now she just looks tired. And she wants to walk, too. Not that I'll let her, but her determination is good.

I'll keep her safe. She won't be in danger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N : hey guys!! Sorry about the shortness and lack of updates- I have major writer's block on this one, and I'm trying to write a new X-men fic too...just made my first update yesterday!

Thanks to you all for reviewing...keep doing so, PLEASE!! I'm a review addict....come on, give a poor girl her fix....*starts shaking from lack of reviews*

Jamie's Spawn- Aw...you rock, too!! I'm glad you like Tinga being in this story...but she may just be a recurring character. Keep reading, and I'll be sure to add some more Ting next chappie for you!

Wendy- Thank you for reviewing!!! I'm glad I'm keeping y'all curious...I have some major twists in this plotline, girl!

Zombiegurl- Yeesh!! You make me feel so guilty for not updating sooner...my sincerest apologies. Thanx for reading, doll!

2nd A/N: Don't you want your name emblazoned in my A/N? All you have to do is click the little purple button at the bottom of the screen and say anything you want. Well, unless it's clowns...we still don't like them...*shudders*

thanks for being so supportive, guys!!! you are the best fans there are- ever!!!!

Molly Jeane :D