Chapter 8~
Sandaled feet slapping the cobblestone road. Waist length hair billowing behind her. Thoughts jumbling in Cos’s mind. Complete confusion and an unexplainable desire to collapse into her dear father’s lap like she used to when she would scrape her knee or got teased by children. He always was able to make the world seem right. Why did he have to die? Throwing open the front door and slamming it behind her she tromps up the familiar stairs to the upstairs room. The boys and Fin are wrestling in a heap. Abruptly Fin stops as he notices her tense body and slightly teary-eyed do eyed stare.
“Coal, watch the boys. Feed them left overs for lunch if you get hungry. Cos and I need to go for a walk.” Lowering his voice he whispers to Coal. “If anything is suspicious, something sounds or feels off, take the boys to the cave as fast as you can ok? I can’t take you guys there now or else they will know we know something’s up.”
Solemnly shaking his head, Coal’s eyes show he understands the severity of the situation.
“Come on, grab your coat lets go.”
Out the back door, to the back yard they go to the Wall. Giving her a foot up, Fin gently pushes Cos up and over the wall. Pulling himself over, he grabs her hand and runs to the Oak. In the blink of an eye they are arrive. Cos breaks out in tears and leans against Fin’s chest. After a few minutes of holding her close, he cuts in.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m so confused. Everything I’ve been lead to believe is turning out wrong! I… how do we protect the boys and keep them safe from harm? What if I did make the mistake of taking them with me to the City? I went to see the king and I feel like I’m just now seeing things with open eyes. That man is just the face of the Elders. he has no power! And obviously does not care for me as I once thought him to…” Peering up into his eyes, he gently squeezed her arms reassuringly.
“Cos, I’m so sorry. Sorry that it took you so long to see what I’ve seen all along. Now your hurt from the falsehood you were raised in. What can we do? Will you come out to the Woods? Bring the boys and live here? Or venture deeper in? The weather is beginning to warm up and it will be perfect for traveling.”
“Yes, I think that’s what we should do… should we go back now and pack up?”
“We cant risk anyone noticing you packing. How about I go back with you and sneak back over the wall. You can pack the boy’s things and yours, I’ll take Callabear back to the cave till dark. Then you three can join us as soon as darkness can protect you. I’d really feel more comfortable being with you but that would be too suspicious. And Bear is going to be the biggest handful to deal with…”
Leaning against his toned chest, Cos sighs.
“Come on, let’s head back and get started. The waiting till dark is going to be the worst.”
Glancing up, Cossette realizes it’s only one p.m. Quietly, the couple make their way back to the wall.
“Fin?” She stops short.
“Hmm?” Cocking his head to the side he looks back where she paused a few steps behind him.
“I know I’m probably just worrying, but whatever happens, do know you mean so much to me. I care about you in a way that I don’t quite understand…” She slips her arms around his waist. Cupping her face he lifts it up and searches her eyes.
“Oh Cos, I’ve cared for you since I first met you. An awkward, sweet, concerned girl who grew up into a stunning young woman. I want to help you, to show you there is so much more to this world than this little cliquish society. But you have to take that step to me. I don’t want you to be dependent upon me. Whatever happens in these days to come, and they are looking bleak, I hope to be near you.” Lowering his head he plants a gentle kiss on her forehead. Going up on her toes she kisses him on his cheek, and whispers in his ear.
No comments:
Post a Comment