Thread: Life through the Mask (darkangel76 & frelance)

Lilly waited, anxiously and nervously, for Jason to make his way to the top. She felt alone and frightened and hoped hed make it up sooner as opposed to later. It was a grave mistake to have wandered outside the safety of the walls of where she was from. The tales woven by those storytellers had indeed been true and then some and coming to grips with that only made her feel worse about her decision. Shed been foolish, impulsive and too curious for her own damned good. Hugging her knees to her chest, she continued to wait, her heart pounding beneath her breast, her ears listening for the sound of anything that could be approaching and be a threat to them both. Hurry, Jason, Lilly whispered to herself, her body trembling a bit in fear. Finally, Lilly heard movement near the cliffs edge and she felt sudden surge of adrenaline course through her body. She knew it was Jason and, sure enough, he came slowly came into view. His head came first followed by his upper body and soon hed joined her at the top. As he quickly gained his bearings, she felt a shiver run along her spine. She wanted to run to him since she knew shed be safe so long as he was nearby, but she also still feared him to an extent. She knew what he was capable of and that he could still very well leave her if he chose, only he hadnt so far. There was nothing on Lillys person that was of any value. And though she knew her safe haven could be considered something, he was only one person. A single person trying anything on an entire city the size of hers was madness and wouldnt serve to help him in any way. No. He had no reason to help her. So why was he? Maybe buried deep down beneath that icy exterior was a man with a conscience, maybe even a man with a past. She pushed the thoughts aside since survival was more important at that moment. Perhaps, if the chance arose later on, shed muster up some courage and see if she could dare to learn more about this cold man who, for reasons unknown, was still helping her. Swallowing, Lillys eyes locked onto Jasons. As he gained his bearings and focus, she noticed his stance change a bit. He seemed poised and ready, ready for a fight. Licking her lips, she clasped her arms about herself and gave him a weak smile showing him that she was grateful hed actually followed, that he didnt just up and abandon her. Standing up, she watched him pull up the rope and head over to the tree in which the rope had been tied to. He untied it and rummaged around until he revealed a bag. He then opened it and placed the rope inside it and slung the bag onto his body. Slowly, he walked toward her and as he did, he motioned for her to head over to a nearby clump of trees. Lilly nodded and did as told. She could tell that Jason was the sort that wouldnt ask twice. Besides, when it came to survival, she did trust him implicitly. Though she didnt know him at all, the fact that he was a survivor was extremely apparent and as such, she follow his instructions without asking too many questions. Sitting down, Lilly watched Jason join her on the ground. He still seemed so distant despite everything that had happened. Hed saved her, gone after her. And even now, he was still helping her. Earlier on by the stream, shed have sworn hed have killed her in cold blood if she so much as breathed wrong. And it only made her wonder yet again as to why he was helping her. Before Lilly could speak, Jason set out some food. It wasnt much, but she was grateful. The glimpse shed gotten of the world outside her safety zone had already given her a good taste of how scarce food and companionship truly was. Giving him a smile, she averted her eyes and reached for an energy bar. Thank you, Lilly said, her voice just above a whisper. And not just for the food. But for not leaving me. She paused a moment as she bit her lip in worry. I know I must be a burden to you. So thanks. I really mean that. Lilly felt another surge of adrenaline wash over her. She truly was at the mercy of this man. No doubt he knew it too. She could only hope that he realized just how grateful she was. How long do you think it will take to find my home? Lilly then asked. It has to be at least a day or so away by foot. Though I know youd said you wanted to teach me some basics in survival before bringing me there, for which Im grateful. Again, she gave him a smile before suddenly averting her pale eyes. I dont know how to repay you. Though, when you return me, Ill make sure youre given whatever supplies you desire. That is if you feel you cannot stay there. Lilly wondered if Jason had even thought about the possibility of staying at the safe zone. He wasnt infected and his skills would be an asset to the community. So she knew hed be accepted despite his standoffish manner. However, she could tell he was a loner sort. Not the type of person to stay put or hang around people for too long. Even still, she felt the need to make the offer. It was the least she could do. After all, she owed him her life.