Choices Made
It's been about a year since I was put into Pet's body. Time has passed so fast that it seems unreal to me. My body is beginning to finally feel stronger now. I can finally pull my weight in chores even though people still tell me I work too much. Well Ian tells me I work too much.
Jaime is growing still and he's beginning to gain on Jared in the height department. Mel is still Mel. We spend so much time together even now that we don't have to. I still find myself lonely at times. I miss having that friendly voice of her in my head even if it meant dealing with the occasional yelling.
Jeb and the others are beginning to get restless. Since we have managed to save about 30 people since the seeker, space is becoming an issue. Rooms are beginning to feel smaller. Raids are longer and more frequent due to the demand of food. That means that I'm almost always on the road now. Sunny was still too much in tune with the ways of souls and she would refuse to leave Kyle's side. Ian is getting more and more protective of me as the job gets more demanding.
As I made my way down to the kitchen my temple began to throb. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It faded and I continued my way down the corridor. I could hear the many voices that filled the room before I even saw the light of the room. I rounded the corner and stopped, just taking it all in. My life finally meant something. I had a home and I was happy.
"Wanda!" Ian waved me over to our usual spot. He already had my plate next to him. The table was already full except for my spot in between Mal and Ian. Jamie sat on the other side with Jared and Jeb. He had this smile on his face as if he had just won an argument. And by the look in Jared's face he had lost.
"What's going on?" I asked, concerned by the situation.
"Oh, nothing much, Jared's just pouting because I told Jamie that he could be the first person to go out tonight and do a round around the perimeter." Jeb chuckled.
"Alone?" I looked from both Jeb to Jaime and then back again. They both avoided my gaze. I looked over at Mel who had a smug look on her face. Jared looked the same way. "He's not going alone."
"I told you she would let you." Jared laughed. Mel stood up and went around the table to my side.
"Sorry champ, but I'm going to have to go with Wanda on this one. There is no chance in hell you're going to go out there by yourself."
"I'm not a kid you know." Jaime huffed.
"We know, but you still are compared to the rest of us." Jared ruffled Jaime's hair playfully, causing Jaime to glare at him even more.
"Sorry kid, but it looks like we're outnumbered." Jeb stood up to bring his plate back.
"But, but uncle Jeb! You're the boss! You tell them!" Jaime stood up.
"I know how to choose my battles, and with those two together, I know better." Jeb laughed louder as he walked away.
"Bu… but, Wanda… please, you have to let me go! I need a chance!" Jaime looked down at me with his pleading eyes. I almost gave in but Mel cleared her throat.
"Here's the deal. You go out tonight with Jared and He'll let you run the show. If you do good, then you can go on your own next week, deal?"
"Fine…" Jamie threw up his hands and walked away in defeat.
I smiled as I watch him leave. He really was growing up. But He would always be Jaime to me, the little boy that gave my life with hope from the beginning.
Later That Night:
"You look tired." Ian commented as he wrapped his arms around my waist as we walked back to our room for the night. I still got butterflies whenever he touched me. I had to remind myself to breath.
"I am. I'm not sure why though. I didn't really do much today. I just helped around the kitchen. And then I helped Doc with a few odds and ends." I shrugged.
"It may not seem like a lot compared to when you were with Mel, but it's a lot for you know." Ian kissed my forehead. He got defensive whenever I mentioned I felt that I wasn't pulling my weight around the caves.
"Please don't start that right now."
"Fine, I'll drop it. But you have to stop beating yourself up over this Wanda. It's not healthy." He pulled me closer. I sighed and knew that he was right. But I was right to. This body just didn't feel right.
We continued walking down the hall in silence. I knew that I had upset him again. I felt horrible. The rooms around use were all quiet due to everyone getting ready for bed. Jamie and Jared had left a half hour earlier. They should be due back just before dawn. I smiled at Doc and Sharon as they passed us. Sharon still refused to talk to me or even look at me for that matter. I felt a twinge inside every time I felt her glare at me. I still felt guilty for what happened to the humans on the behalf of my kind. I would find a way to make it up to them. Even in this incompetent body I would find a way to make it up to them.