“There you are!” she shouted. “I was worried sick!” Shay and Thomas, who were still sleeping, woke with a start.
“I’m sorry, Rosa.” Julianna hung her head in shame.
“You cannot go outside by yourself! It’s too dangerous! Thankfully, Mr. Henry and Ms. Elaina were there to bring you back.”
“Take it easy on her. She was just being curious,” Henry said, hoping that Rosa would stop yelling.
“Take it easy on her? Have you ever heard the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat’? Do you have any idea what I did to save this child? Any idea?”
“That is enough, Rosa. You do not disrespect adults,” Addie sharply added as she walked out from her bedroom. “I’m sure Henry and his group have gone through a lot to stay alive and save others.” Check and mate, Rosa. Henry was seething. He was trying to control his temper.
He whispered, “Just so you know, not that it’s any of your concern, but I had to put a bullet in my best friend’s head. I had to kill members of our families, children and teens much like yourself. Did you forget what we did to rescue you?” Oh, shit.
“We held the fort down at the school. Did you notice the stairs, or did you forget that?” Rosa retorted.
“I did notice, and I do believe I commended you and your group’s bravery and brilliance of the situation. Did I not?! But if we didn’t get in there, you guys would have ended up starving to death!”
I grabbed Henry’s arm. “Come on. Let’s get you some food. Sorry, he tends to get grumpy when he’s hungry.” As I pushed Henry toward the kitchen, I heard Addie scolding Rosa. Words like “ungrateful”, “arrogant”, and “apology” were used several times between the two of them.
I directed Henry into a chair at the table. I started chopping up some fresh veggies and putting them in a large bowl. It was a minute or two before I could bring myself to say anything.
In a harsh whisper, I said, “Henry, you have to control yourself.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m in need.” He did sound truly sorry for his outburst.
“You can’t keep using that as an excuse. She’s just a child, much like Julianna.” It felt odd saying that since I wasn’t that much older than Rosa, although I did feel many years wiser. Life experience speaks for itself.
“I know. I’ll apologize.”
“Just eat something, and we’ll take care of your other issue later.” I dropped the bowl down in front of him. Addie brought Rosa into the kitchen. Rosa scowled as she stood against the counter with her arms crossed, while Henry quietly ate. I continued chopping until there was enough for everyone. Addie sat down next to Henry.
“I think I’m going to go hunting for supplies and gas today. We’ll be leaving in the next day or so.” Henry didn’t even look up as he talked.
“Now, if you are leaving on account of my daughter’s behavior, please reconsider.” I laughed. Addie raised her eyebrow at me.
“I’m sorry for laughing at you, Addie, but if I can’t change his mind, no one can.”
“I understand that, but I don’t want your group to be put at risk because of something she said.”
“I’m in the same room, Mom,” Rosa growled.
“Look. I don’t want any fighting. This is what I’m doing. I’m going to have a private meeting in the truck in a few minutes with my group, and our plans will be finalized.”
“I wish you would stay. My main concern is Claire and the baby. What if something happens and you don’t have a place for her to rest comfortably?”
“Addie, there are things I have to do. I’m sorry. I greatly appreciate all that you have done for us.” He took her hand. “You’re amazing, and will forever be in my heart.”
Shortly after we all ate, Henry gathered our group and we went out to the truck. Henry drew a bag each from Thomas and me…one for himself and one for Nick. We chatted for a while and discussed our plans. They drank their blood, and we headed back inside to relay our plans to Addie.
“Nick, Thomas, and I’ll be going out to hunt for gas and supplies. Can you give me a location close to here?” Henry was leaning on his elbows on the table.
After a full bag, he was feeling pretty high. I was worried Addie would suspect something. Nick was having trouble keeping his euphoria at bay, as well. Claire was stroking his cheek, trying to make it look like he was giddy over her.
“I would like to go.” I turned around, and Justin was standing at the doorway.
“You will not!” Rosa bit out at him.