Chapter 7: Released

Ben's POV

I was already up at the break of dawn. I don't really need much of a sleep because I don't feel tire physically. It is one of the effects of my spikes. I was getting ready in the small room that I shared with Matt when there was a knock on the door. Matt stirred in his sleep when Hal appeared at the door.

'Ben, dad wants to see you in the meeting room. Now!' There wasn't any anxiousness in his voice so I presume it was nothing serious.

I strapped my rifle across my back, walked over to where Matt was sleeping and pulled up his covers before I hurried down the hallway to the meeting room. When I arrived, dad, Weaver, and Anne were there.

'Ben, Anne has spoken to me about Kym. You know we have no choice but to put her in that room. But it's been 2 weeks now we think it's safe for her and the rest of the 2nd Mass. We want you to be the first to know and be there to tell her,' Dad said and gave me a smile. I know it has been a difficult decision for him to make when he first told us he has to lock Kym in the room for observation. But I am glad he has decided to allow her to leave now.

'Thanks dad', I replied, beaming with joy. 'I think I'm gonna tell her now' I said before dashing out from the room and not waiting for any reply from any of them.

Kym's POV

Another morning has come. It's a beautiful morning. The sun is rising and I could sense the serenity around me. I sympathize with the two guards who were outside of the room. They hardly had any sleep. Just then I heard Ben's voice. He was talking to one of the guards and the guard unlocked the door. He looked happy.

'Kym, let's go!' he said enthusiastically. I looked at him quizzically.

'It means, you can leave this room this very moment,' His smile never leaving him. Just then Tom, Weaver and Anne entered the room.

'Kym, we know how difficult it has been for you but we know you understood why we have to put you in this room for observation,' Tom said with kindness in his voice. He is a righteous man and he thinks things through before making a decision. I respect him for that. And most of all, I respect him for taking into consideration the safety and well-being of the 2nd Mass and especially his love for his three sons and Anne.

'Thank you Sir!' what else could I have said. Anne gave me a smile before she left with Tom and Weaver. I turned to Ben and exclaimed 'Wow, finally!'

'Come, we are heading to the cafeteria for some breakfast,' he said and took my hand to lead me out of the room. The two guards who stood outside gave me a smile. I smiled back and followed Ben.

When I reached the cafeteria I was greeted warmly by the 2nd Mass. When Julie saw me she came over to give me a big hug. I thought of following her back to the kitchen to help out but she stopped me.

'Kym, not today. Today you will be having an official off day. Just sit and enjoy your breakfast,' Julie smiled before she disappeared into the kitchen.

'Come. Let's get us some food,' Ben said. He looked happier than me.

After we got our food, Ben led me to where his older and younger brothers were sitting with Maggie, Jean, and Lourdes.

'Hey Kym,' Matt exclaimed excitedly and gave me a hug. I hugged him back and then ruffled his hair.

'Glad you are back,' Maggie and Hal said almost simultaneously. They looked at each other and then smiled. They are really meant for one another. I know what everyone might be thinking that it's not wise to have any relationships in this world that we are currently living but human are creatures with feelings. We need love to continue living. Love is where we draw our strength from.

'Yeah, glad that you are back,' Jean said sweetly.

'How's your wound healing?' Maggie asked. In my natural reaction my arm went up to touch the bandage on my right forehead.

'Healing pretty well. Anne and Lourdes came daily to change my bandages and check-up on me,' I replied and smiled at Lourdes. Although I hated to be put in the room away from everyone, it was a good time for me to heal physically.

After breakfast Ben walked me to my room that I shared with Julie and a few other girls.

'Are you going out right now?' I asked.

'Yeah, in a short while. I will be scouting a new area with a few others. But before that I am going to see Denni. She is having her spikes removed today,' he said. The enthusiasm he has a few moments ago was gone. I understand.

'Hey it's going to be ok. She will still be your good friend,' I assured him.

'Yeah, she will,' he answered. 'And Kym..' he said as he took out a pocket knife and extended it to me.

'Take this. It's for protection. When I come back, I will show you some moves,' Ben placed the knife in my hand before he rushed off. I know he has been blaming himself for not able to protect me. I looked at the pocket knife and sigh. I'm sure will be a hopeless fighter when it comes to fighting. If not, I would have joined the fighters in the 2nd Mass.

Ben's POV

I felt much better after having Kym took the pocket knife. Today I will teach her how to fight after I come back from the scouting.

After I left Kym's room, I went straight to the de-harnessing room. I was surprised to find it empty.

'Hey dork! Whatya doing here?' I heard Denni's voice behind me. I turned around and there she was.

'I thought I would come and give this to you. I thought you might need them,' I said as I searched my back pocket and took out a pair of glasses for her.

'Well, not anymore. I've changed my mind,' she took her glasses and broke them into half. She smiled and I smiled back.

'I'm coming with you and the rest to scout the new place. Pope and the Berserkers saw some mechs and skitters around the area a few days ago when they were doing their rounds. There could be some harnessed kids in the building,' Denni mentioned as we leave the hospital to meet with the rest to get ready.

'Alright. I am glad to be still partnered with you,' I said and that's the truth. Besides my family and Kym, Denni is the one I trusted the most. We made a great team.

'Me too, geek', she teased and put her arms around my shoulder.