Silver Lining - The Host fanfiction

Chapter 108 The Healer

No one can lie,

No one can hide anything,

When he looks directly into someone's eyes.

-Paulo Coelho

Emma

When we reach the front lawn of Rain and Storm's house, I take a deep breath. I hoped to never set foot here again, but part of me has always known it was unavoidable.

"What are we doing here?" It's the first time Finn has spoken since we drove away from the pond in the forest. His voice sounds fragile and scared. "Where are we going?"

"Emma and Burns are going to take care of a few things," Blake says, "you and I are going to wait in the van until they come back. We need to be quiet, okay? It's secret agent stuff."

Finn crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. "I'm eight, not five. Don't treat me like a baby."

A giggle escapes my lips when I see Blake's expression. Outdone by a kid.

"Fine," Blake says, "I won't treat you like a kid. So listen to me then. They're going to do something risky and the two of us are staying here. Got it?"

Finn's lip starts to tremble and Blake sighs. "Great," he mutters.

"Will you be okay, Blake?" Burns asks.

"We'll be fine," he says, "you two should go before they come out to see what's going on."

"We'll be back as soon as possible," I say.

...

Burns and I walk up to the house and Burns presses my hand. "It will be alright," he says.

I nod, but before I can reply, the door is thrown open and Rain runs op to us. "Sky!" she calls happily and she hugs me tightly.

"Rain," I choke out. There's no way back now.

"It's been such a long time! Where have you been? Why didn't you call? Is this Burns? He's so handsome. Hi, I'm Rain. I'm Sky's friend. You've just missed Ocean and Core, they went back home for a few days. Come in! Storm! Look who came to visit!"

I had forgotten what Rain can be like. I hardly get a word in and she's not waiting for answers.

Storm comes out to greet us next. "Sky!" he smiles. He embraces me and kisses my cheek. "We're so happy to see you. Come sit. You have to tell us where you have been."

"C-can we sit in the garden?" I stutter nervously, "it's such lovely weather."

"Of course," Storm smiles. He looks at Rain. "Could you please get some more chairs? We can sit here in the shadow."

"No problem," Rain says, "and I'll get some drinks too."

A few minutes later we're sitting in the shadow of a large tree with drinks and snacks.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Burns," Storm says, "we have heard so much about you from Ocean and Core. And from Scales too of course."

Burns laughs. "I feel a little embarrassed that you have met all my friends before meeting me."

Storm laughs too. "We knew Sky was in good hands with you. We are so glad she found you. She was very determined."

"Yes," Burns smiles while looking at me. "I'm glad she found me too."

I smile nervously.

"Awww you're all shy," Rain coos, "it is so adorable."

Being shy has nothing to do with it. I want to run away from this place and never look back, but I have to keep up appearances. I owe them that much. And Sky too. They were part of her life. The life Burns and I have stolen. Or rather, taken back.