Page 98 of This Blood That Binds Us
Dark pools of purple and red filled the perfect portrait above. I never grew tired of seeing the sunset over the mountain treetops.I loved watching the sun disappear out of view, entrenched in silence. It made me feel small and secure at the same time.
The calm sound of the sleeping forest came out to play shortly after. I sat alone by the campfire and watched Presley and Zach argue about how to set up the tent a few yards away. I sighed and let the warmth of the fire wash over me. The cloth felt heavy on my hand. I removed the shirt and stretched my hand open and closed.
We had two campsites reserved about fifty feet apart. The other campsites were full, and it was oddly quiet and calm. After a long day of swimming and rafting, everyone must have been too tired to keep the party going. My whole body ached from the jump, and all I wanted to do was crawl into my sleeping bag.
A branch crunched behind me, followed by Luke’s voice. “Can I get you anything? I was going to make dinner.”
“Uh, sure, I could eat. I’m not picky.”
“Great, um...I just wanted to tell you that I’m happy you came today. I know it wasn’t the best day, but it was good to see Aaron smile again. I know I have you to thank for a large part of that.” Luke smiled, watching my expression.
“I wouldn’t say . . . large.”
“Oh, I would. It’s been hard for us lately, and since you came along, Aaron—he just seems happier. So, thank you.”
His words warmed me with the fire. “Thanks, Luke...that means a lot.”
“Don’t mention it.” He patted me on the shoulder and walked back toward the others.
I allowed my legs to bring me to my feet. It was right then or never. I hoped I could get through the whole conversation without puking.
I spied Aaron walking across the yard toward me, and I stopped. He had left to get us some more firewood and to scope the place for any signs of William.
“Hey, can I talk to you?” Desperation leaked in his voice, his mouth twisting into a deep frown.
“Okay, sure,” I said slowly.
He didn’t speak another word, and I followed after him. I expected him to stop at the tree line, but he didn’t. He kept walking farther and farther into the forest. I stumbled over a few branches and unearthed roots, wading through the twilight.
“Where are we going?” I asked, trailing behind.
“Just to where they can’t hear us.”
After a few more minutes, Aaron stopped abruptly and turned to face me. I could barely make out his face in what was left of the sunlight.
His features surprised me. His eyes were soft and filled with worry. Pieces of his dirty blonde hair fell into his face. “Kim...I.. .I’m so sorry about today. I-I don’t know what happened.”
I walked a few steps closer to get a better look at his face. “It’s okay. Are you feeling...better?’
“No, there’s something wrong with me. I don’t know what to do.” His voice caught in his throat.
Seeing him in pain hurt. It blindsided me. All I wanted was to make it better.
“Come on, we’re going to fix this. We’re going to tell your brothers.”
“No!” Aaron called out desperately. “You don’t understand.”
“Then, tell me! What is it? What did William say to you?” My voice echoed through the trees in sync with the birds, who were singing their last song of the day.
His eyes searched mine. “I can’t—I’m scared. I don’t know what will happen. I don’t know what to do. This is all my fault. First, dragging you into my shit, and now, my brothers...”
“William mentioned them, didn’t he?” I closed the distance between us until I was close enough to take his hand. His skin was cold, and I placed my other hand on top of his to warm it.
“He said...if I told my brothers, he would kill you. And if I told you, he would kill one of them. I just needed some time to figure out what to do, but I can’t think straight! I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
“I know. That’s why we need your brothers’ help.”
“Kim, I can’t protect you. I thought I could. I want to, but—”
