Broken

:Chapter Eighteen:

*****

I check my watch again while lying on the damp floor of the cave. Finally, it's 7:50. I start to get up as quietly as I can - which is made especially difficult as I only have one usable arm. The night air is crisp and lively, waking me up and sending chill through my spine. I creep outside of the cave and work my way up the side of the hole, which is more of a struggle than I thought.

It's not as dark out tonight as it has been lately. Stars littler the sky in such a number only God could count. There's no clouds in the sky and a chorus of small animals erupt around me, making my walk one immensely therapeutic.

By the time I get to the clearing near the creek, Nick and Ash are already there. They stand near the edge of the space; having a quiet conversation about something serious, according to the look on their faces. I walk up to them, immediately drawing their attention.

"Where's Jayden?" I whisper, running my fingers through my hair. As if he had a sixth sense, Jayden hops out of the bushes and jogs towards us.

"Hey guys. I think Hanna's on her way - is there anyone else we're waiting on, Angel?" He asks with a deep breath - knowing him he jogged all the way here. I saw him fall asleep about a half hour ago.

"I'm surprised you didn't forget." I roll my eyes at him and he turns to face me.

"I don't forget anything you say, angel." He winks before repeating his question. "Are we waiting on anyone else?"

"No, just Hanna." I sigh, looking at my watch again. It's already 8:10, and Hanna's not known for being late. "We'll wait a little longer for her and if she doesn't show we'll just fill her in." I say without looking up from my watch.

It's been fifteen minutes and Hanna still hasn't made an appearance - I'm starting to worry. "We'll have to carry on without her. I'm sure she just fell asleep and forgot." I say with a frown, because I can feel a sense of unease setting in like fog all around me. I know the others feel it too, but what really bothers me are those two words. The same words that corrupted my mind the day Matthew died. Something bad.

"What is this 'plan' you've been talking about?" Nick asks, clearing my mind for a moment of the thoughts that only bring heartache.

"Okay. Everyone here knows that I need to get out of here as fast as I can for my own health. Derrick knows that too, I think that's why he's keeping us here without making an attempt to win this thing. I think..." I pause for a moment, looking around to make sure we aren't being watched.

"I think we can take the other team down by ourselves. We know where they are and we know what their weaknesses are. Everyone here is a strong fighter - except me with my arm but I can hold my own. Derrick found this root..." I stop for a second when I hear rustling in a nearby bush. I watch it for a second before I continue, lowering my voice.

"He found this root that paralyzes you for long enough that we could kill them without them feeling anything." I finish, glancing around the group.
Nick looks a little horrified, along with Ash, but the expression spread across Jayden's face is almost the complete opposite. He looks at me with what I can only describe as both awe and respect.

"Angel, I have never feared, nor respected you as much as I do in this moment." Jayden grins widely at me and before I know what's happening he pulls me into a hug. I stand still for a second, appreciating how he is careful of my injured arm. I hug him back with my good arm before he lets me go.