Silver Lining - The Host fanfiction

Chapter 49 The Fugitives

“Beyond the Wild Wood comes the Wild World,” said the rat,
“and that’s something that doesn’t matter, either to you or to me.
I’ve never been there, and I’m never going.
Nor you either, if you’ve got any sense at all.”

-The Wind in the Willows

 

Emma

 

When I was six, I was in love with the Ninja Turtles. When I as twelve, I traded them in for the X-men. I don’t even remember which one. I think it changed every week.
This time it’s an alien.
I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with me.

I glance at Burns who is behind the wheel. We’re on our way to gather some items for our camping trip. I don’t have my contacts anymore, but Burns arranged for a pair of sunglasses for me to wear.

Sunglasses. Why didn’t I think of this before?

I’m nervous. When Sky was in my body, I had no problem walking through a crowd. I was one of them. No one paid me any attention.
But I’m back in my own skin now.
I have to be careful.

Burns parks the car against the sidewalk and we get out. He gives me a comforting smile and holds out his hand for me to take. It feels familiar and I let my breath escape. I’m instantly calmer and my fingers curl around his.
“Come on,” he says and pulls me towards a store with sports gear. We need a tent and new sleeping bags.

The store isn’t very crowded and that suits me fine. I’ve just gotten used to being in control again. The last thing I need is dealing with crowds.
I follow Burns through the store as he looks at various objects. I haven’t done much camping in my life, so I trust his judgment.

A store clerk watches our progress and skips over to us, wearing a big smile on his face. “Can I help you?”
Burns must feel me stiffen, because he lightly presses my hand. “We’re going camping,” he says, “and we’re looking for some sleeping bags and such.”
The clerk bobs his head enthusiastically. “You’ve come to the right address. We have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Please let me assist you. My name is Purple Acid. I’ll help you with any question you may have. Follow me please.” He leads the way down the isle.
I look at Burns and roll my eyes. He smiles. “Be nice,” he mutters, “remember the story.” 
Right. The story. I’m supposed to be Sky the Soul. But really. This guy makes me nervous. He’s like a squirrel on crack.

Purple Acid stops at the section with sleeping bags. “Here you go. Do you want two single bags or one double?” He smiles and looks at out locked hands.
My eyes widen as I realize hat he’s implying and I feel my cheeks heat up. I try to pull my hand free, but Burns tightness his grip. “Two single ones will be fine,” he says calmly.
Purple acid doesn’t seem affected. He merely smiles and points out several kinds of sleeping bags, but I don’t pay much attention. My mind wanders off towards Sky. I wonder what she would have thought of Purple Acid. From his name, I’m guessing he was a Dragon, like Sky. Would they have become friends?
“What do you think, Sky?”
I look up. Burns is holding up a blue sleeping bag. “Sure,” I say and I muster a smile.
“We’ll take these then,” Burns tells Purple Acid, “and the tent over there.”
When Purple Acid turns his back, Burns smiles an encouraging smile at me.
So he’s noticed my discomfort.
This time, it’s not because of my hate for Souls. I’ve been a Soul. I got to know Burns. I’m not afraid to be around Souls.
But I’m afraid of not being in control.
I gave up control once, to Sky, I’m afraid of being caught again. I doubt there are many Souls that would act like Burns did.
“Do you need anything else?” Purple Acid smiles when he returns with the tent.
“I think we’ve got everything covered,” Burns answers, “thank you so much for your help.” 
“It’s a pleasure!” Purple Acid beams, “please come back again.” 
“We will,” Burns promises.

I follow him to the car and wait until he’s loaded our equipment in the back. “Almost done,” he says and he closes the trunk. He points at the store across the street. “Just some food and water for the first few days.”
I take a deep breath and nod. “Okay,” I breathe.
Burns takes my hand and we cross the street.
It’s more crowded this side of the road and I stick close to Burns.
A lot of people pass us and I try to blend in.
I should be fine. 
Burns is so obviously at ease that no one can mistake him for anything other than a Soul. No one has any reason to suspect the girl at his side to be anything but.
So it’s a surprise when Burns’ hand tightens around mine and he leans over towards me. His face is a shade paler than before. “Maybe you should wait in the car.”
I look up at him confused, but his eyes are not on me. They’re on two Souls a little further down the street. 
I eye them carefully and my eyes fall on the belt around their waist. Most of it is concealed by a coat, but it still registers in my head.

Weapons.

Seekers.

My body tenses, but I know that if I run now, it will only draw attention.
Burns’  breath tickles my ear. “Just walk slowly. They won’t even notice you. I’ll go get us groceries. Wait in the car, alright?”
I manage a nod.
“Breathe, Emma. I won’t let them take you again.”
I don’t even want to consider what he’ll have to do to prevent that. “Be careful,” I whisper.
He smiles. “Don’t worry about me.”
I take a deep breath and return to the car. I’m trying to keep a casual pace and I’m happy I’m succeeding. I don’t dare look back.

I don’t return to the car right away. If anyone is watching me, I don’t want to make it easy for them to track us later.
Instead, I retrace our steps and look in on a few stores. The sunglasses hide my eyes. I don’t have to worry about reflection.

I try to keep an eye on Burns, but he’s still in the store. Besides, it’s starting to get crowded in the streets.
I sigh. Is this what my life is gong to be like from now on? Always looking over my shoulder. Always afraid of being found out?
I can’t let Burns sacrifice everything for me, but I don’t want to be alone anymore. He is so selfless.
So was Sky. Any selfish action she may have put out was because of me. I know she was afraid of me, but she still tried to make me happy. She tried to find my parents, my friends. She tried to find Burns.
I wish I could be so thoughtful.
But ‘m selfish.
I’m keeping Burns away from his friends because I don’t want to be alone.
"Are you alright?”
I jump at the sound of Burns’ voice. He’s standing at my shoulder with two bags of groceries in his arms.
“Sorry,” he says, “I didn’t mean to scare you.” 
“It’s alright,” I say, “I was in thought. I didn’t notice you.”
“You should pay more attention,” he teases and I smile. 
“Do you have everything?” I ask and he nods.
“I brought chocolate chip cookies.”
I grin and take one of the bags from him. His cheeks turns a shade darker and  he smiles. Let’s go.”
I nod and follow him to the car.

I can afford to be selfish a while longer.