On The Run

4. The Plan?

Trying to ignore both the acidic smell that came from the bag in Trackers hands and the black dots dancing in my vision proved difficult, but I focused on dressing my wound. I wrapped it in layers of gauze and tape. Once I was content with my work, I moved to clean up my mess. I took the bag from Tracker, since he looked like he was finally done heaving up his innards, and threw the bloodied remnants into it. I tied it up and moved it out of the way so I could dispose of it properly later. Then, I went through my other bag before moving behind the little shade in the corner of the room so I could change into a fresh set of clothes.

"So how does an elitist wind up wanted by the watchers?" Tracker asked, apparently feeling well enough now to not only strike up a conversation, but to try to  peek behind the blind.

I threw my undershirt at him to block his view before answering, "They don't. I'm not elite."

"But you were dressed like one..." he trailed off, his gaze snapping over to me as I stepped out from behind the shade. I stuffed my old clothes back into the bag and dragged out my favourite boots.

"What?" I asked, feeling awkward with Kade and Tracker both staring at me, their mouths hanging open.

"Nothing," Kade quickly said with red cheeks the same time Tracker said, "You're hotter than I thought you were."

I raised my eyebrows at that, glancing down at the tight cargo pants and loose shirt I had on.  I didn't really see anything that would make me stand out as more attractive, but whatever. Boys will be boys.

I finished tying my boots and walked back over to the bed, my steps still a little unsteady. Boone started speaking again, but I held up a finger to shush him. My hand closed around the thin body of the cigarette and took it to my lips. Stumbling with my lighter a little, I managed to get it lit.

I inhaled deeply, letting it fill my lungs. Instant calm flooded through me as I held it there, savouring the feeling. Not being able to hold it any longer, I finally exhaled. I let the smoke flow out, watched as it cascaded down around me before floating through the air. I repeated the whole process, soaking in as much calm as I possibly could.

"Oh," I sighed, "You have no idea how much I've missed this."

"You done?" Boone asked, annoyance clear in his voice.

"Not even close," I answered, smoke going out with each word, "But go ahead and start your lecture anyways."

His annoyance only grew with my comment. He growled out between clenched teeth, "Why did you come here? You know how risky it is coming into the city."

"Needed to grab a couple things," I answered, kicking my feet up and settling back against the headboard. Glancing over where all three siblings still stood, I said, "Sit down and get comfortable, would you? I'm getting tired just watching you."

Kade slid down to the floor, folding his long legs under him as best as he could. Chantelle was more hesitant, her eyes never leaving me as she moved to her desk and carefully sat down behind it. Tracker was the only one who took my request to heart, sliding onto the bed and getting comfortable beside me. Noticing the longing in his gaze, I offered him the cigarette. He started to reach for it, but stopped quickly when he saw the glare on his sister's face. I chuckled, "Didn't peg you for a quitter, Tracker."

"Didn't have much of a choice in the matter," he said simply, settling for breathing in the smoke surrounding  us.

"Your name isn't Terran, or Vixen?" Kade asked, still hesitant. At my confirmation, he continued, "And you aren't just a citizen looking for a place to stay the night before you got caught outside after curfew?"