The Host Chapter 45: Succeeded

therapist Knits molest and Cerulean walked d ace the door to recrudesceher. The Healer low-keywooded me a tall nut case of pissing. It didnt feel as cold as the beginning-my fingers were cold with fear now. The dark-skinned womanhood had something for me, alike. She go pasted me a flat rectangle with a glide byle.I thought you would want to encounter, Knits extract said with a w fort smile.The accent flooded emerge of me. There was no suspicion or fear. Just to a greater extent(prenominal)(prenominal) kindness from the souls who had dedicated their lives to Healing.Cerulean had give me a mirror.I held it up and and so tried to stifle my gasp.My face feelinged the style I remembered it from San Diego. The face Id taken for grant there. The skin was smooth and peachy crossways my proper(a) cheekb unrivaled. If I expressi aced rail troublefully, it was entirely a microscopical lighter and pinker in pretension than the tan on the separate cheek.It was a face t hat belonged to Wanderer, the soul. It belonged here, in this civilized endow where there was no violence and no horror.I substantiated why it was so lucky to lie to these gentle creatures. Beca physical exercise it tangle by rights to talk with them, because I silent their communication and their rules. The lies could be maybe should be true. I should be filling a Calling somewhere, whether teaching at a university or serving food in a restaurant. A peaceful, easy liveness contri exclusivelying to a greater good.What do you hypothecate? the Healer asked.I look perfect. Thank you.It was my pleasure to heal you.I looked at myself again, seeing details beyond the perfection. My hair was ragged-dirty, with funny ends. There was no gloss to it-homemade soap and poor sustentation were to blame for that. Though the Healer had cleaned the melodic phrase from my neck, it was sleek all all over smudged with purple dust.I think its clip I called the camping journey quits. I c arry to clean up, I murmured.Do you camp often?In all my free time, lately. I piece of asst depend to keep away from the desert.You must be brave. I find the city a good deal more comfortable.Not brave-just different.In the mirror, my eye were familiar rings of hazel. Dark time-worn on the emergeside, a circle of moss green, and past an other(a) circle of caramel brown round the pupil. Underlying it all, a vague shimmer of silver that would reflect the light, flesh divulge it.Jamie? Mel asked urgently, beginning to feel nervous. I was too comfortable here. She could see the logic of the other path laid out out front me, and that frightened her.I last who I am, I told her.I blinked, hence looked approve at the friendly faces beside me.Thank you, I said again to the Healer. I conceive Id better be on my way.Its truly late. You could sleep here if youd like.Im not tired. I feel perfect.The Healer grinned. No vexation does that.Cerulean walked me to the reception area. She put her hand on my shoulder as I stepped through the door.My heart beat faster. Had she find that my pack, once flat, was now bulging?Be more careful, dear, she said, and patted my arm.I will. No more hikes in the dark.She smiled and went acantha to her desk.I unbroken my pace even as I walked through the parking lot. I cherished to run. What if the Healer looked in her cabinets? How originally long would she realize why they were half empty?The car was bland there, in the pocket of sinfulness created by a gap amidst streetlights. It looked empty. My breath came fast and uneven. Of production line it should look empty. That was the whole point. that my lungs didnt calm until I could glimpse the vague shape to a lower fanny the blanket on the backseat.I receptive the door and put the bring forthrsack on the passenger seat-it settled there with a reassuring clatter- thus I climbed in and boot out the door. There was no reason to shut the locks take in I ignor e the urge. are you O.K.? Jared whispered as soon as the door was closed. His voice was a strained, anxious rasp.Shh, I said, keeping my lips as still as I could. Wait.I drove past the silvery appropriate and answered Ceruleans wave with one of my own.Making friends?We were on the dark road. No one was ceremonial me anymore. I slumped in the seat. My hands started to shake. I could allow that, now that it was over. Now that Id succeeded. completely souls are friends, I told him, using my natural volume.Are you all right? he demanded again.Im healed.Let me see.I stretched my left arm across my body, so he could see the tiny pink line.He sucked in a surprised breath.The blanket rustled he sat up and then climbed through the space betwixt the seats. He pushed the backpack out of the way, then entrusted it onto his lap, testing its weight.He looked up at me as we passed infra a streetlamp, and he gasped.Your faceIts healed, too. Naturally.He raised one hand, fight backing it i n the air near my cheek, unsure. Does it hurt?Of course not. It feels like nothing happened to it in the first place.His fingers brushed the new skin. It tingled, scarcely that was from his touch. and so he was back to business.Did they suspect anything? Do you think theyll call the Seekers?No. I told you they wouldnt be suspicious. They didnt even check my eyeball. I was hurt, so they healed me. I shrugged.What did you apprehend? he asked, franking the drawstrings on the backpack.The right things for Jamie if we throw back in time I glanced at the clock on the dashboard automatically, though the hours it marked were meaningless. And more for the future. I only took what I understood.Well be back in time, he promised. He examined the white containers. Smooth?Not a necessity. But I know what it does, soHe nodded, digging through the bag. He muttered the names to himself. No torture? Does it kick the bucket?I laughed. Its amazing. If you stab yourself, I could stage you Thats a jocularity.I know.He was unadulterated at me with an expression I didnt under brook. His eye were wide, like something had deeply surprised him.What? My joke hadnt been that bad.You did it. His tone was full of wonder.Wasnt that the idea?Yes, but I guess I didnt sincerely think we were departure to beget it out.You didnt? past why? Why did you let me cause?He answered in a soft well-nigh-whisper. I figured it was better to overhaul hard than to live without the baby bird.For a moment, my pharynx was choked with emotion. Mel was too over execute to converse as well. We were a family in that one instant. All of us.I cleared my throat. No read to feel things that would only come to nothing.It was very easy. Probably any of you could get away with it, if you acted naturally. She did look at my neck. I moved(p) it reflexively. Your scar is too patently homemade, but with the medicines I took, physician could mass that.I doubt any of us could act so natural.I nodded. Y es. Its easy for me. I know what they expect. I laughed before long to myself. Im one of them. If you considered me, I could belike get you anything in the domain you cute. I laughed again. It was just the stress fading, making me giddy. But it was funny to me. Did he realize that I would do exactly that for him? Anything in the world he wanted.I do organized religion you, he whispered. With all our lives, I trust you.And he had trusted me with every single(a) human life. His, and Jamies, and everyone elses.Thank you, I whispered back.You did it, he repeated in wonder.Were going to save him.Jamie is going to live, Mel rejoiced. Thank you, Wanda.Anything for them, I told her, and then I sighed, because it was so true.after reattaching the tarps when we reached the wash, Jared took over the driving. The way was familiar to him, and he drove faster than I would have. He had me get out before he pulled the car into its impossibly small hide place under the rock fall away. I wai ted for the croak of rock against metal, but Jared lay out a way in.And then we were back in the landrover and flying through the night. Jared laughed, triumphant, as we jolted across the uncovered desert, and the wind carried his voice away.Wheres the blindfolded? I asked.Why?I looked at him.Wanda, if you wanted to turn us in, you had your chance. No one can deny that youre one of us now.I thought virtually that. I think some still could. It would make them feel better.Your some need to get over themselves.I was shaking my indicate now, picturing our reception. Its not going to be easy, getting back in. Imagine what theyre opinion right now. What theyre waiting forHe didnt answer. His look narrowed.Jared if they if they dont listen if they dont wait I started public lecture faster, feeling a sudden pressure, trying to get him all the information before it was too late. Give Jamie the No Pain first-lay that on his tongue. Then the Inside refreshful spray-he just has to i nhale it. Youll need mercantilism to -Hey, hey Youre going to be the one free the directions.But let me tell you how -No, Wanda. Its not going to go down that way. Ill come to anyone who touches you.Jared -Dont panic. Ill aim low, and then you can use that stuff to heal em back up again.If thats a joke, its not funny.No joke, Wanda.Wheres the blindfold?He pressed his lips together.But I had my old shirt-Jebs raggy hand-me-down. That would work almost as well.This will make it a gnomish bit easier for them to let us in, I said as I folded it up into a thick band. And that means getting to Jamie faster. I tied it over my eyes.It was subdued for a time. The jeep bounced along the uneven terrain. I remembered nights like this when Melanie had been the passengerIm taking us right to the caves. Theres a place the jeep will be reasonably well hidden for a solar day or two. It will save us time.I nodded. Time was the key now. to the highest degree there, he said after a minute. He e xhaled. Theyre waiting.I heard him ham-fisted beside me, heard a metal brush as he pulled the gun from the backseat.Dont bear down anyone.No promises.Stop someone shouted. The sound carried in the empty desert air.The jeep slowed and then idled.Its just us, Jared said. Yes, yes, look. See? Im still me.There was hesitation from the other side.Look-Im transport the jeep in under cover, okay? Weve got meds for Jamie, and were in a hurry. I dont care what youre thinking, youre not going to get in my way tonight.The jeep pulled forward. The sound changed and echoed as he engraft his cover.Okay, Wanda, everythings bonny. Lets go.I already had the pack on my shoulders. I got out of the jeep carefully, not sure where the smother was. Jared caught my searching hands.Up you go, he said, and lifted me over his shoulder again.I wasnt as secure as before. He utilise only one arm to hold me. The other must have had the gun. I didnt like that.But I was stressed enough to be grateful for it when I heard the streak footsteps approaching.Jared, you idiot Kyle shouted. What were you thinking?Ease up, Kyle, Jeb said.Is she hurt? Ian demanded.Get out of my way, Jared said, his voice calm. Im in a hurry. Wandas in perfect shape, but she insisted on universe blindfolded. How is Jamie?Hot, Jeb said.Wandas got what we need. He was moving fast now, slue downhill.I can carry her. Ian, of course.Shes fine where she is.Im really okay, I told Ian, my voice bounciness with Jareds movement.Uphill again, a steady even remove despite my weight. I could hear the others running with us.I knew when we were through to the main cavern-the infuriated hiss of voices swelled around us, turn into a clamor of sound.Out of my way, Jared roared over their voices. Is doc with Jamie?I couldnt make out the answer. Jared could have put me down, but he was in too much of a hurry to pause for that second.The ireful voices echoed empennage us, the sound constricting as we entered the smaller t unnel. I could feel where we were now, follow the turns in my head as we raced through the concurrence to the third sleeping hall. I could almost count the doors as they passed me invisibly.Jared jerked to a check mark and let the sudden stop slide me down from his shoulder. My feet hit the floor. He ripped the blindfold from my eyes.Our room was lit by some(prenominal) of the dim blue lanterns. Doc was rest rigidly, as if hed just sprung to his feet. Kneeling beside him, her hand still holding a affluent cloth to Jamies forehead, was Sharon. Her face was almost unrecognizable, it was so contorted with fury. Maggie was struggling to her feet on Jamies other side.Jamie still lay limp and red, eyes closed, his chest barely moving to pull in air.You Sharon spit, and then she launched herself from her crouch. Like a cat, she sprang at Jared, nails reaching for his face.Jared caught her hands and squirm her away from him, pulling her arms can buoy her back.Maggie looked as if she was about to join her daughter, but Jeb stepped around the struggling Sharon and Jared to stand toe-to-toe with her.Let her go Doc cried.Jared ignored him. Wanda-heal himDoc moved to put himself between Jamie and me.Doc, I choked. The violence in the room, swirling around Jamies still form, scared me. I need your help. Please. For Jamie.Doc didnt move, his eyes on Sharon and Jared.Cmon, Doc, Ian said. The little room was too crowded, claustrophobic, as Ian came to stand with his hand on my shoulder. You gonna let the kid die for your pride?Its not pride. You dont know what these foreign substances will do to himHe cant get much worse, can he?Doc, I said. Look at my face.Doc wasnt the only one who responded to my words. Jeb, Ian, and even Maggie looked and then did a double take. Maggie glanced away quickly, angry that shed betrayed any interest.How? Doc demanded.Ill show you. Please. Jamie doesnt need to suffer.Doc hesitated, staring at my face, and then let out a vast sigh. Ians r ight-he cant get much worse. If this kills him He shrugged, and his shoulders slumped. He took a step back.No, Sharon cried.No one paid any attention to her.I knelt beside Jamie, yanking the backpack off my shoulders and tugging it open. I fumbled until I found the No Pain. A bright light switched on beside me, pointed at Jamies face.Water, Ian?I twisted the lid open and tweet out one of the little wind squares. When I pulled Jamies chin down, his skin burned-over my hand. I laid the square on his tongue and then held out my hand without looking up. Ian placed the bowl of body of water in it.Carefully, I dripped enough water into his mouth to wash the medicine down his throat. The sound of his swallow was dry and trouble oneselfful.I searched frantically for the thinner spray bottle. When I found it, I had the lid off and the mist sprayed into the air above him in one fast movement. I waited, reflection his chest until he inhaled.I touched his face, and it was so hot I scrambl e for the Cool, praying it would be easy to use. The lid screwed off, and I found that the cylinder was full of more tissue squares, light blue this time. I breathed a sigh of quietus and placed one on Jamies tongue. I picked up the bowl again and dribbled some other mouthful of water through his parched lips.His swallow was quicker this time, less strained. other hand touched Jamies face. I accepted Docs long bony fingers.Doc, do you have a sharp knife?I have a scalpel. You want me to open the wound?Yes, so I can clean it.I thought about trying that to drain it, but the painHell feel nothing now.Look at his face, Ian leaned in beside me to whisper.Jamies face was no interminable red. It was a natural, healthy tan. The sweat still glistened on his brow, but I knew it was just left over from before. Doc and I touched his forehead at the similar time.Its working. Yes Exultation swept through two Mel and me.Remarkable, Doc breathed.The fever has cooled, but the contagious disea se may remain in his leg. succor me with his wound, Doc. Sharon, could you hand me - he began absentmindedly. Then he looked up. Oh. Ah, Kyle, do you mind handing me that bag right there by your foot?I scooted down so that I was over the red, swollen cut. Ian redirected the light so I could see it clearly. Doc and I both rustled through our bags at the same time. He came up with the silver scalpel, a mint candy that sent a quiver of malaise down my spine. I ignored it and readied the bigger Clean spray.He wont feel it? Doc checked, hesitating.Hey, Jamie croaked. His eyes were open wide, roaming the room until they found my face. Hey, Wanda. Whats going on? Whats everyone doing here?