Sparks Fly

Chapter 10

Sparks Fly

Chapter 10

  Don.

The one word that keeps me forever tense. The one word that keeps me going every day. The one word that I love.

Don.

“Don . . .” I whisper, following Cliff into the living room, tripping over the thick rug in the hallway. My palms burn at the carpet’s texture on my hands. I curse, standing up uneasily, resisting the overwhelming urge to pout. Cliff holds me from the shoulders, helping me up steadily.

When I’m up, I rest my body on the wall of the hallway, breathing hard.

The lights flicker.

“Tristen?”

“What?” I hiss, looking Cliff in the eyes, hair covering most of my sight. Sweat trickles from my forehead in slow motion, taking its time on my cheek before drying. “What?”

My sleeve wipes the sweat from my face as I fall down to the ground, whimpering in the process. My shaky knees meet my chest as I stuff my face into my sleeve, crushing my nose against the cloth. My trembling jaw makes a clicking noise as my teeth beat together.

“Do you know what Tristen means?” Cliff’s voice comes from my right, closer than expected.

I don’t answer.

“It means sad,” Cliff murmurs, placing a hand on my head.

I stop trembling.

“Don’t be sad now, Tristen. We’re all alive, and we have a place to stay, clothes to wear, and food to eat. What more can we ask for? Your brother’s just fine, just as my sister is. They’re okay. We’re okay,” Cliff whispers, sliding down against the wall next to me.

“I can’t stay here, knowing we’re not allowed to attack, but to only defend. We need to do something about this. How long have you guys been living in fear anyway?”

After a few silent moments, Cliff’s deep voice sounds in the hallway.

“A long time.”

“We’re going to Lorcan. I’m sure he won’t stand for this either. I’m going to make him not stand for this, despite what he said earlier,” I snap, standing up so quickly I become dizzy. After a few wobbly seconds, I’m next to Lorcan, breaking his conversation between him and Jordan.

“I have a proposition that is vital for us,” I breathe, ignoring Jordan’s glare. Lorcan blinks. “Cliff and I believe we should attack the enemy despite what Ace said. I don’t know how you’ve been doing it for such a long time, but I can’t stand it. I can’t even stand the thought of sitting here when we can go against our fear! Your fear,” I snap, throwing a finger to Lorcan. His eyebrows rise as he shifts towards Cliff’s side, eyes still locked with mine.

“Your fear,” I say quickly and so evidently my skin rises. Jordan rolls her eyes and falls deeper into the bed as my finger accuses her.

“Your fear, Cliff,” I say slowly, pushing him by the chest a bit.

“My fear!” I admit, hitting myself hard against the chest, breaths shortening. “My fear. My fear!”  

I start laughing hysterically, knocking on my chest.

“Our fear! We need to stand up, Lorcan. Think about it—”

Lorcan’s hand falls on my shoulder, cutting me off in my speech.

I can’t read his eyes.

“I understand,” Lorcan says loudly, bouncing over to Cliff, hands in the air. “We’re leaving tomorrow. We need one person staying here for guard. Isabel will. Everyone pack one spare outfit in a backpack. Someone has to grab the first aid kit from the kitchen. Isabel!” Lorcan calls, disappearing into the hallway.