After The Crash

Chapter 8

   Things will never be normal again in the colony. Jace started refusing medical help in fear of being infected and has gone back to collecting blood in bottles. He's also started going on a few expeditions. He's distanced himself from everybody since the colony had its infection, since he shot the girl. I was worried about his mental state.

   "Sean, Jace gets out of quarantine today." Mark said softly

   "Yeah. I can't wait to see him." I smiled

   "Me either. Trying to run a team of archers is harder than I thought." Mark laughed

   "Hopefully he'll be back for a few weeks this time." Jess said softly

   "Hopefully." I agreed

   Mark, Jess and I walked to the quarantine center to meet Jace as he was released. I looked over him seeing his body bruised. He had dark bags under his eyes and his eyes seemed to have much less joy in them than they previously had.

   "Hey Jess." Jace said hugging her softly

   "What happened to you?" She asked looking him over

   "Nothing important." He said forcing a smile

   Jace had a very obvious hand mark across his neck, along with what looked like a hickey. I looked at him confused as he hugged Mark and I. As the other people that were out with Jace came out of the center I watched Jace as he kept his head down, not making eye contact with any of them, until one came over to us.

   "Quite the boy you have there." The man smiled

   "Go away." Jace said quietly

   "Oh come on Jace, was just giving you a little praise." He said softly

   "I don't need your praise, Patrick." Jace said walking away from the man

   "That's not what it sounded like outside the wall." The man smiled as he grabbed Jace's ass

   Jace flinched at the mans actions but did nothing. I watched the two closely, trying to figure out what the hell I was witnessing. A moment later the man let go of Jace and walked over to a woman calling his name.

   "What the hell was that?!" Jess asked obviously upset

   "Nothing Jess. Just ignore it." Jace said walking to get his bag

   "What do you think that was about?" Mark asked

   "Obviously he's hiding something." I sighed

   I have an idea of what he was hiding, but I just don't want to believe it. I sighed as we walked back to the apartment. Soon Malcolm came over.

   "Since you were quarantined for your birthday, I thought we'd have a little party today," Malcolm suggested to Jace

   "Thanks Malcolm." Jace smiled

   Jace, Malcolm and Jess drank a few beers that Malcolm had and had a little party.

   "I'm just glad to be back." Jace smiled as his words slurred

   "I'm glad you're back too." Jess smiled as she kissed Jace

   I shook my head softly and turned my attention back t the conversation Mark and I were having. 

   "I don't know how you do it." Mark laughed

   "Do what?" I asked confused

   "Not cringe every time those two kiss." Mark smiled

   "He's 17 Mark, we have to let him grow up some time." I giggled