Isela's Love (32 page)

“I need to get back to Brendan. Will you let us know when you’re ready?”

Darrios assured her he would.

Isela pushed open the door, trying to be quiet in the event Brendan had gone back to sleep. He hadn’t. Leaning against a stack of pillows, he smiled when he saw her.

“What’s the plan?” he asked.

“Darrios already arranged for a wagon for you. He’ll come get us when it’s time to go.”

As they finished their meal, someone knocked on the door. Isela opened the door to find Bernie standing there.

“Time to go,” he said with a smile. “Brendan, you ready?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, struggling to get up. Isela hurried over to help him. Between the two of them, they managed to get him out to the wagon in a reasonable amount of time.

Darrios and Bernie helped Brendan onto the small wagon. Two of the other hunters picked up the yoke and they headed toward Inland. The closer they got, Isela’s anxiety changed into pure excitement.

The increasing number of trees and bushes gave her fresh hope. She’d heard the stories about Inland, how beautiful it was, but could it really be true? The other inmates had said everyone was happy all the time. She’d known so little happiness, she found it hard to imagine. Then she glanced over at Brendan, smiling. Maybe it wasn’t that hard to imagine.

Chapter Twenty-Five

As they neared the gate to Inland, Isela found herself nervous. Sure, she was excited, but her stomach was flipping around like crazy. She told herself she’d be fine once they passed through the entrance. She noticed Mae wringing her hands. Well, at least she wasn’t the only apprehensive one.

They came through the entrance, stopping immediately after crossing through. Isela stood next to Brendan, who was still on the wagon. It was the first moment alone they’d had since leaving Brick’s Place. Some of the men had gone for water, along with Mae. Others went to relieve themselves. Darrios and Evan had gone for the hoodlas, and Bernie stood talking to Burgess, the gatekeeper.

Brendan reached out, taking Isela’s hand. “Are you all right? You seem a little distracted.”

“I’m fine. It’s just, before, in the prison. That was you and me. Now we’re going to Inland, to all your people. What if they don’t like me?”

“C’mere,” Brendan said. Isela stepped closer. He put his arm around her, kissing her temple. “They’re going to love you. My sister, my aunt, her boyfriend. All of them. I’m happy and you’re the reason. Even when we were in that horrible prison I was happier than I was before I went in...Because you were there. I love you, Isela, so they will too.”

“Enough of the lovey-dovey stuff,” Darrios said. “Time to head out.”

They hooked up the hoodlas and continued on their way.

“Darrios,” Brendan asked, “do you have someplace in mind for everyone to stay?”

“Several of the hunters headed back to the Outer Rim. A couple stayed at Brick’s. Of the few that came with us, they can stay at the dorm on the farm. Yeah, there’s plenty of room for everybody.”

****

Isela’s head would’ve surely snapped off if it hadn’t been attached. From the minute they crossed into Inland, it was practically spinning she looked around so much. It was like nothing she’d ever seen before. This place was so beautiful, so amazing and incredible, she’d barely been able to take a breath.

Brendan smiled as he watched her glancing around wildly, like a child at a theme park for the first time. Giggling, she ran up to him, clutching the rail of the wagon.

“I can’t believe this place. It’s wonderful. I mean I’ve heard people talk, but I never believed anyplace could be so perfect.”

I know. I was pretty blown away myself the first time I saw it.”

Isela cocked her head, at his use of the unfamiliar slang.

“I think it’s beautiful too,” he explained.

She smiled. “There’s so much to see. I can’t decide which direction to look.”

“Don’t worry, Isela. Before I’m through, you’ll see it all.”

Mae ran up alongside of Isela. “Isn’t it amazing, Izzy? You were so right. I could never have imagined such a place. Are we really gonna live here?”

Isela chewed her bottom lip. “I don’t know, Mae. We’ll have to see.”

She doubted Mae had even heard her, she was so busy taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this utopia they now walked through. After hiking all morning, the crew stopped for lunch. Isela ate as quickly as she could and then wandered off to explore. Mae followed after her.

“Wait for me, Isela.”

“About half an hour,” Darrios called out. Isela gave him a thumbs-up. She held out her hand. Mae took it. They skipped through a glorious field of wildflowers, inhaling deeply. Letting go of Isela’s hand, Mae dropped down in a dense patch of lavender flowers. She picked one and held it to her nose.

“Have you ever smelled anything so wonderful?”

Isela sat down next to her friend. “I know. I never would have believed this if I wasn’t seeing it with my own eyes.”

Mae giggled. “Look at us, Isela. Last week I thought that awful place we lived in was my destiny. God, look around. I can’t believe I was scared to leave. Makes me want to slap myself.”

“It was all you’d ever known. The unknown can be scary.”

Mae snorted. “Not when it looks and smells like this.” She sniffed the flower in her hand again. “There’s so many different colors. I never knew there were this many colors in the whole world.”

Isela laughed, enjoying Mae’s astonishment, as well as her own. She’d never seen Mae this happy.

“C’mon, let’s check out what else there is before we have to go back. I’ll race you.”

She jumped up and broke into a run, not really trying to beat Mae. Isela slowed so her friend could catch up.

“No fair,” Mae teased, “Your legs are twice as long as mine.”

Isela stopped, gasping. “Oh, Mae. Look.”

Mae followed Isela’s gaze with her own, her mouth dropping open in awe. A crystal clear stream system opened up into a pristine fresh-water lake right before them. Soft waves lapped up onto the beach, abundant with snow-white sand. The water sparkled like jewels in the Celio sun.

Isela’s eyes swam with tears. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s amazing.”

Mae nodded, speechless. They stood there staring until Mae said, “We’d better get back. The hunters will get mad if they have to wait for us.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Isela agreed, looking back over her shoulder, reluctant to leave the lake.

The rest of the group was just finishing up when Mae and Isela returned.

“Perfect timing,” Brendan said. He was now sitting up on his own and it appeared he had eaten.

“Oh Brendan. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you. Especially—”

“Isela,” he said, smiling warmly, “don’t be sorry. I’m thrilled that you’re so excited. Go ahead, take it all in. I’m a big boy. I’m fine. I ate my lunch all by myself, in fact.”

“Very funny. I didn’t mean to get so caught up and leave you here alone, hurt.”

“Isela, look around. I’m hardly alone.”

She leaned over the rail of the wagon to kiss him. He reached up, pulling her to him, deepening the kiss.

“I’m glad you like it here.”

“How could anyone not like it?”

****

“There it is,” Darrios called, pointing up ahead.

Isela furrowed her brows, unsure of what he was referring to. All she could see was a tall metal gate.

“The farm,” Brendan said. “Thank God, this trip is almost over.”

They passed through the gate to be greeted by Jerric, Rone, and Alden. Mae let out a little cry and ran to Jerric. He embraced her, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around, both of them laughing.

“Wow,” Brendan said, “I had no idea they were involved.”

“They’re not,” Isela said with a snort.

Brendan looked at her, his eyes twinkling. “They might not know it yet, but they are definitely involved.”

Isela rolled her eyes. “My beautiful Brendan, such a romantic.”

Taking her hand in his, Brendan kissed her fingertips. “Only since I met you. Before I met you, I was so busy saving the world, the idea of love never even crossed my mind.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I had no interest in a relationship, ever. It’s like you cast some kind of magical spell on me or something.”

Brendan laughed. “I think you exaggerate, but my ego likes it.”

Jerric finally set Mae down and smiled at Isela. “You said you’d get out of there. And here you are.” He grabbed her and hugged her. “It’s good to see you two.”

“We’ve missed you, Jerric,” Isela said, beaming at him. She squeezed his bicep. “Working on this farm agrees with you. Look at these muscles and God, you’re so tan.”

Brendan clenched his jaw as jealousy nipped while watching Isela fawn over Jerric. Chastising himself for his childish reaction, he plastered on a smile and shook the man’s hand.

“Dude, what happened?” Jerric asked. “You look like a building dropped on you.”

“Yeah, something like that,” Brendan replied.

“Jerric, can you go find Jezbah and tell him we’re on our way?” Bernie asked, “Brendan here needs medical attention pronto.”

“Who’s Jezbah?” Isela asked.

“He’s our medical go-to guy,” Darrios replied. “Sort of half doctor, half witch doctor.”

“Oh good, that makes me feel better already,” Brendan said.

They closed up shop, and accompanied by the trustees, they continued on until they reached their little town.

“Mr. Darrios?” Jerric asked. “Can I ask you what happened at the prison?”

Darrios clapped his hand onto Jerric’s shoulder. “The prison, or what’s left of it, is now under the control of the Council. They’ll round up anybody who escaped, at least the ones who made it past the scabras and the viocomen.”

Jerric paled. “What’s to become of us?”

“You’re fine, Jerric. You’ll remain here on the farm working for us. It’s all in the paperwork. The Council knows.”

Jerric smiled. “Thank goodness. I love working for you. The thought of returning there? I don’t even want to think about it.”

“You don’t have to. In fact, if Mae and Pete want to come on board, we could use the extra help. We just need to clear Pete as a trustee with the Council.”

“What about Mae and Isela?”

“Technically, they weren’t inmates, just residents,” Evan answered.

“More like slaves,” Darrios muttered.

Mae and Jerric exchanged a smile, giving Isela cause to wonder if perhaps Brendan was right about them. That would be such a relief to Isela to know Mae had found someone, especially if that someone was Jerric.

When they arrived at Jezbah’s home, Isela and Darrios helped Brendan off the wagon.

“I’ll get Brendan taken care of,” Darrios told Evan. If you’ll get the others settled, I’d appreciate it. Then go on home to your family. Tell Maggie I’ll be along shortly, but don’t say anything to her about Brendan. I want to get him cleaned up before she sees him.”

“Will do,” Evan assured him. “Bernie will help me, won’t you buddy?”

Bernie nodded.

“Take the wagon,” Brendan said.

Darrios gave him a puzzled look.

“C’mon, Darrios, you know my sister. She’ll freak if she sees me come rolling up in that. I’ll walk. It’ll be much better...for all of us.”

Darrios chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re right.”

He hobbled into Jezbah’s house with Darrios’ help. Isela trailed behind. The rest of the party kept going.

Darrios hollered for Jezbah upon entering. He said he’d be right there, but instead, an elegantly dressed, well-manicured woman came rushing into the room. She was slightly plump, but well-proportioned. Her jovial eyes and the lines on her face indicated she smiled a lot. Isela assumed this was Brendan’s Aunt Gin, liking her instantly.

“Oh my God, Brendan!” she exclaimed, alarmed. She turned to Darrios. “What happened?”

“He had a run in with some particularly unsavory characters,” Darrios replied.

“Yeah, and I look good. You should see them,” Brendan added.

Aunt Gin immediately grabbed some small towels and began wetting them. She dabbed at Brendan’s face causing him to wince.

“Easy, Aunt Gin. These are still pretty fresh.”

A portly older man came into the room right then. Based on the way Brendan had described him, Isela figured this must be Jezbah. He had a warm smile and a welcoming demeanor about him.

“What’s all the fuss about?” he asked as he waddled over to Brendan. “Brendan, my boy, what have you gotten yourself into?”

“Let’s just say those boys over at the prison don’t know how to play nice,” Brendan said.

“Indeed,” Jezbah agreed, leaning over Brendan to examine his head.

Isela stood quietly off to the side, watching. Jezbah muttered something to Aunt Gin who nodded and hurried out of the room. She returned moments later carrying medical supplies, which she arranged neatly on a tray and set down to Jezbah.

“Who ever stitched that did a fine job. Let’s see what else you’ve got going on.”

Brendan lifted his shirt. Jezbah unwound his bandages to reveal several large, ugly bruises across his midsection. Isela sucked in a breath. Jezbah whistled.

“Those are some nasty looking bruises. Brendan. Who...or what did this to you?”

“The warden and his hired thugs,” Darrios answered.

“Oh Brendan, I’m so sorry,” Isela whispered tearfully.

Gin turned to her, seeming to notice her for the first time. Extending her hand, she said, “I’m sorry dear. I didn’t get your name. I’m Brendan’s Aunt Gin.”

Isela took Gin’s hand. “Isela, ma’am.”

“Well it’s nice to finally meet you, Isela. I’m glad the boys were able to get you out of that dreadful place.”

“Me too.”

“Me three,” Brendan said with a wink.

He winced in pain as Jezbah pressed on his abdomen. Jezbah stood up, shaking his head.

You’ve got at least three broken ribs. I’m going to rewrap them. I’ll give you something for the pain. You’ll heal up all right, but it’s going to take some time. You’re going to need a lot of rest. If you were planning on going home to Missouri any time soon, you need to rethink it.”

And there it was. Isela bit her lip. She’d almost forgotten Celio wasn’t Brendan’s home. He lived in the other world. He’d be leaving. A wave of despair washed over her at the realization. She stared at the floor so Brendan wouldn’t see the tears swimming in her eyes.