It Started With A Lie

Chapter 8

Tommy didn't say anything else to Joel, and he walked away. Joel just needed some time, he's in a zone. Or so Tommy thought.

Joel wasn't in a zone, he didn't need time. He can't go through this again. He wasn't going to through this again. He bent down next to Ellie, and her heart was beating. "Hey, Ellie. Hey." He slipped his hand in the crook of her neck, and picked her up. "Please don't give up on me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lie to you. Please be okay."

Ellie's eyes fluttered open, and Maria jumped up and down waving her arms. "She's okay! She's awake! She's alive!" Joel shot a look at her, and Maria shrugged.

"She's alive." Why wouldn't they have hope in her? Why wouldn't they believe him?

Tommy and the doctors rushed back over, and their footsteps pounded in Ellie's head. She was scared, as she should be. Her hands made her way to Joel's back, and she hugged him. This is the first time Ellie had hugged him. Joel always seemed to take control in situations like this. Of course, he hugged her back, and Ellie whispered, "I would never give up on you. It's okay, Joel." He smiled, and placed her on her back. The doctors took action in stitching the young girl up, and cleaned her shirt and her wound. She was given different clothing, and was told she couldn't walk for about 2 months. Her whole upper body was able to move, but she couldn't feel her legs. "You're going to have to carry Ellie around, Joel." Joel was shocked by this statement, but he still nodded. He was going to have to carry a child in his arms around for two months, but it wasn't any harm. At least he knew she was safe.

Joel scooped Ellie into his arms, and walked with her towards their new home. Ellie was holding onto Joel like a baby, but Joel was holding onto her harder. "How I am supposed to take a shower?" Joel chuckled, and then looked down at her. "We will figure it out somehow, kiddo." She laughed and smiled with him. After awhile of walking, she sighed and said, "I love you, Joel." He stopped moving, and the words rang in his ears. That was the only thing going through his head. "I love you too, baby girl." They both smiled, and continued their journey to their new home.