After all, it was the end of him. He began to wonder why they were bothering. What were they even looking for? Why didn’t they just end it? Nick jumped again when Thomas said his name.
“Should we check upstairs?” Strike two, Thomas thought. One more and he’d be lunch. He was sweating it out.
“Uh, yeah. Yeah, let’s go.” They walked out through the kitchen and dining room, and made their way upstairs, clearing every room.
***
The house was clear of any undeads. They went back outside to bring everyone in. Sophie was sitting next to a slightly perkier Henry, trying to make plans of some kind. Nick walked past both of them, and right to his mother. “How is she?” he asked Claire.
“It’s not looking good, but I’m trying to be hopeful.” She looked over at Elaina. He followed her gaze.
Elaina had her hands over her face, trying to shield her eyes from the world that was spiraling into a black hole of nothingness at a rapid rate.
“Okay. I’m going to get Mom into the house, then I’ll come back and get Elaina. Thank you, Claire.” He pushed a thick strand of wavy ginger hair off of her face.
With a hiss, Nick bent over and picked his frail mother off the ground. Thanks to Henry, his arm was still hurting. “Thomas, stay here. I’ll be right back.” He wanted a moment with his mother by himself. Thomas wasn’t going to disobey by any means, fearing a third strike would mean he would be Nick’s next meal.
Nick clambered off toward the house, and took his mother upstairs to her bedroom. After laying her down on the bed as gentle as he could, he covered her up with the throw blanket that was always neatly folded at the end of the bed. He kissed her forehead and kneeled down on the floor beside the bed. He held his mother’s icy hand with his own.
“Mom, we saved you from him. It’s okay now. You will be okay. He can no longer hurt you.” He swallowed hard. His throat started to swell while he was trying to hold back his emotions. “Elaina’s here, as well. We love you, and want you to get better. We’ll do everything we can to make that happen.” He paused while he choked back his tears. “But if you want to go be with Dad, then we’ll be okay with your choice. I will take care of Elaina. I promise you.” A sob slipped out of his throat. “I love you.” Nick rested his forehead on the edge of the bed and broke down.
After a good solid cry, lasting several minutes, he felt his mother gently squeeze his hand. He looked up, but she still looked like she was sleeping.
“Mom? Are you in there?” No response. He sighed and wiped his face dry. “I have to go for a minute. I need to get Elaina in the house. She isn’t feeling well. I wish you were awake. I need to talk to you about Claire. I need help...some advice.”
He didn’t want to let on about his or Henry’s condition, or really anything to do with the misfit group he was traveling with. He stood up and leaned over to kiss her forehead. “I’ll be back in a little bit. I’m sure Elaina will come see you. I love you, Mom.” She was still unresponsive. He started wondering if her squeezing his hand was just her body taking over.
***
Just as Nick made it back outside, Kellan woke up. He wasn’t moving too much, just grumbling.
“Is he turning?” I still wanted to shoot the fucker, but I was too dizzy to even open my eyes. It was probably not a good idea to try to shoot someone in that condition. With my luck, I’d end up shooting myself.
“No,” Sophie growled. “I wish he would so I could kill the bastard.” Sounded to me that we thought alike at times.
“Tell us how you really feel,” mumbled Nick.
“Believe me, you wouldn’t want to hear all of that. I’m relatively sure it would scare the shit out of you if you knew the thoughts that swirled around in my mind.”
“Yeah. Well, can you keep an eye on him,” he nodded at Kellan, “while I get Elaina inside? Wait a sec…” Kellan had started moving around more.
Nick pulled out his Sig and grabbed it by the barrel. “Hey, asshole.” Kellan opened his eyes. “I have a nice gift for you.” Nick smashed the Sig into the side of Kellan’s head. Out he went again. “Yeah. Enjoy that. Hope it was great.” He came over to me. “I think he’s having a nice rest at the moment so he shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.” Nick winked at Claire and she smiled, warmly.
“All right. Ready, Elaina?” Nick knelt down to me. I was so fucking annoyed that everyone was treating me like glass.
“I’m not a fucking fragile porcelain doll.” I still had my face in my hands.