Silver Lining - The Host fanfiction

Chapter 57 The Cavalry

In nature,

A repulsive caterpillar turns into a lovely butterfly.

But with humans,

It’s the other way around.

A lovely butterfly

Turns into a repulsive caterpillar.

 

-Anton Chekov

 

Emma

 

“Do you need anything else?”I ask while handing Nate a watterbottle.

He shakes his head and takes a sip. “No, I’m fine.” He eyes me carefully. “You seem to be in a better mood today.”

I glare at him annoyed. “Just leave Burns alone.”

‘You’re very protective of him,” Nate comments.

“He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“His kind is responsible for wiping out the entire human race.”

“Not entire,” I mutter.

Burns has left to get some more equipment from the car. He wants to stay until Nate’s leg has healed, which could be weeks.
I wish I had his kindness. I can’t wait to leave. It should be just me and Burns.
Still, Nate is human. Why can’t I be happy about that?

Nate’s eyes are on me. I have felt them all morning and they make me nervous. It’s like he’s studying me, though I don’t feel threatened by it.

Before Nate can reply, Burns returns with the rest of our food. I recognize the bag of chocolate chip cookies. No way I’m going to share those.

“Are you still okay?” Burns asks Nate, “just tell me when you’re in pain.”

“I’ll be fine,” Nate says. He hesitates. “thank you though.”

“You’re welcome,” Burns smiles.

I roll my eyes. “Now that’s out of the way, can we eat? I’m hungry.” I stand up.

A click makes me freeze.

“Don’t move,” a voice behind me threatens.

I can’t see who’s holding the gun, my back is at the cave’s entrance, but I know it’s over one way or the other.

“Easy Rob, “Nate says in a low voice, “they’re no enemies.”

I dare a glance at Nate. He seems to know our attacker.

A flashlight moves over Nate’s face. “I’m still human,” Nate says, “see? Noting to worry about.”