A/N: Hey there! I'm back with an update for you guys! So, I just want to share some of my feelings for the latest episode that aired a few days ago. For me, Weaver's daughter made a pretty bad decision in leaving her father because srsly. What's wrong with her? Anyways, Maggie and Hal. NOPE. I DO NOT APPROVE. NOPE, HOURDES SHOULD BE TOGETHER. Yeah and the next episode coming up will probably have more of them and just- NO. Then, I hope Lourdes' family is still alive because my poor baby Lourdes. Okay here's the new chappie, enjoy ;)

I was serving breakfast when I heard footsteps descending down the stairs in a hurry. When the footsteps grew closer, I looked straight at its source. I saw Matt, his eyes wide and his breathing ragged. "Matt? What is it?"

"Lourdes" Matt said my name in a whisper "She's awake."

I dropped the plates down on the dining table then I hurried upstairs. It didn't come to me as a shock when I saw Hal already inside the room. He was looking over at Karen who stared at him in what looked like both awe and confusion. Then, it was replaced with a relieved smile when Karen wrapped Hal into her arms. Hal did the same, his free hand on her hair. Karen whispered Hal's name over and over again like it was a mantra.

Matt was smiling beside me, happy for both his brother and Karen. I wanted to smile genuinely but I just couldn't. All I could make up was a tight smile. I looked away then exited the room. I wanted to be alone so I went inside my room and swiftly, laid down on my bed. It was quiet and humid in my room. Not even a single chirp of the birds can be heard, not even the rustling of leaves or the wind. I liked it this way, it was better. This was what I needed

I gave a sigh. Karen is fine and she's back. This was good news, I know it is. But, why do I feel in my gut that I think of it otherwise? I felt awful. This was wrong, I should be happy. An old friend is in our company again. But, I don't think she was even a friend. She never really talked to me and when she did it was only to make fun of me. It was unsettling for me, sure. I never really minded it though; I had my fair share of teasing and insults even before this whole war had started. I was always thought of weak and boring and weird. I was the little girl who always had taken an interest in being a doctor. Everyone was teasing me of how boring I am since I only talked about my parents and my future. I couldn't change that, of course so I stuck to it. Then, on the past week when I wanted to prove to everyone that I wasn't weak, I ended up getting shot and I almost just got a person or two killed.

I rolled to my side and closed my eyes. It will be like it was before. Hal and Karen scouting together, talking and laughing. It was as if I didn't exist. He never noticed me, really and why would he? He was Hal Mason, eldest son of Tom Mason. A brave, strong willed soldier who thought of everyone but himself. And me? I'm just that girl who looked up to that soldier. I'm Lourdes, a pre-med student who had no one.

It was noon when I woke up. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. I quickly jumped out of bed then jogged downstairs. Mr. Greene, Hal, Karen and a few others were already eating their lunch on the dining table when I entered. Their eyes locked on me. "Sorry, I fell asleep."

"No, it's alright. Go on and grab your lunch, Lourdes. You must be hungry." Mr. Greene spoke from his seat

I wasn't hungry for some reason. But then, it would be rude to say no so I sat down on the empty seat beside Matt. I took only what I could finish so I ended up only eating peas and a roasted chicken wing. I couldn't help but take a few glances at Hal and Karen who were talking and smiling at each other like always. I finished the rest of my meal then I just sat there, nibbling on my lower lip waiting for everyone to finish eating. When everyone was out of the dining room, I started cleaning up and washing the dishes. It was then when I saw Ash come in, his hair a ruffled mess and his grey shirt messy with black stains. I chuckled at his appearance

"Haha, laugh all you want" He frowned "Mr. Greene just made me run a few miles because I wasn't in patrol last night and it was raining so I slipped in mud and ended up getting myself in a very sticky situation."

"A pun" I pointed out "Nice"

He winked. "So, what are you doing?"

"The dishes" I waved the plate I held "I'm almost finished"

"Good because I want to hang out" He smiled "I'll just head upstairs to change and I'll meet you in the yard?"

I nodded "I'll be there."

He disappeared in a matter of seconds as he dashed upstairs. When I finished the dishes, I looked at myself through my reflection in the window. I tied my hair into a tight ponytail then headed outside.

….

I took my jacket off and rested it on a stool not far from the dresser. I was set out to scout again. Karen wanted to join but Dr. Hunns said it was too much of a risk so she had no choice but to stay here. I ran down the stairs, my boots sending heavy thumps against the hardwood. I went to the backyard to see Matt. He was there of course, playing with the kids.

"Matt!" I shouted

He turned around, smiled then ran towards me. I shook his hair with a smile "I'll be out scouting, alright? I'll be back in zilch."

Matt nodded "Okay, be careful."

"I will" I replied. He gave me a hug before he went back to the kids. I scanned the yard for Lourdes since it wouldn't hurt to say goodbye to her too. She's been a good friend to me lately. She's still always there when I need her, same old Lourdes. I finally saw her sitting in her usual spot under the huge oak tree. I approached her with a smile "Hey"

She looked up "Oh hey"

I crouched beside her, fingers fiddling with the green grass "I just wanted to say goodbye- uh- I'm going scouting."

She gave a tight smile "Scouting?"

"Yeah" I rubbed the back of my head, nervously "We're running low on food again."

"Oh" was all she said

We were silent for a minute before I spoke "Waiting for someone?"

"Yeah" Her eyes gleamed this time "I'm waiting for Ash."

Involuntarily, I gave a frown "Ash?"

"Yeah" She smiled

"Oh right, well, uh-"I slowly stood up "I have to get going."

Lourdes looked down on her shoes "Okay, I'll see you later."

Just like that, I walked away but a voice stopped me "hey Hal?"

I turned around just to see Lourdes behind me; her hands tucked in her jean pockets "You be careful, alright?"

I couldn't help but smile at her "I'm always careful."

"You remember my promise?" She raised a brow

I gave out a low chuckle "Yeah, I remember."

"And don't you ever forget." She waved goodbye then she walked back towards the tall tree.

I'll never forget I thought with a smile

A/N: Another chapter has ended! Yayyy! Okay so drop em' reviews and tune in for the next chapter