Dawn of Rebellion (Dawn of Rebellion Series Book 1) Read online

  “Jeremy can you walk?” I ask as I walk towards him. “Lee’s right. We’ve got a head start and we don’t want to waste it.”

  “I think I can.” Jeremy’s voice is filled with pain but I can tell he is going to push through it. I look towards Gabby and see that she is staring at me as well. We both hope that our father is going to delay things a bit to give us some time, but neither of us mentions this. For now, our father is something we want to keep between us.

  Sam helps Jeremy up and wraps his arm around his waist to stabilize him. Gabby goes to Jeremy’s other side and slips underneath his arm as they begin walking. I follow closely behind them with Lee and Drew watching behind us. We skirt around the other side of the barn and slip back into the woods.

  Chapter 58

  Gabby

  I run my hand along his jaw and over his cheekbone. I touch every bruise and cut, imagining that I can heal him. I am still not sure this is real as I kneel in the mud by his side. His nose looks broken and blood is matted in his hair. I lean down to plant a gentle kiss on his forehead and his eyelids flutter open.

  As he comes to, he is disoriented and confusion clouds his face. “Gabby?” he asks tentatively.

  “It’s me. I’m here.” Tears are welling in my eyes. I can feel everyone’s eyes on my back and I tell myself that I will not cry.

  “I didn’t think I’d ever get out of there,” he says with a tremor in his voice. We are both crying now. We cry for our pain. We cry for Claire. And we cry because we are safe here, together.

  “I thought you were dead,” I whisper.

  “I thought I was to. I can’t believe you came for me.” Jeremy squeezes my hand but looks away as if he is starting to get uncomfortable with all this display of emotion. I place my hand under his chin and our eyes meet.

  “I promised Claire. I will always come for you.” My feelings for this man are unchartered territory for me.

  For the first time, he is aware of the group of people surrounding us.

  “I hear you’ve met my sister and Lee.” I try to gesture to them but Jeremy doesn’t want to let go of my hand. “That’s Sam and that’s Drew.” I nod their way but Jeremy’s eyes never leave my face.

  Lee brings us back to reality and says it’s time to go. Sam helps Jeremy to his feet and I look towards Dawn. What passes between us can only be understood by sisters.

  I wrap my arm around Jeremy’s waist to steady him as we walk and we make our way back into the relative safety of the trees.

  We have to stop every hour or so because Jeremy is still pretty weak. Nightfall comes quickly and we keep moving until the woods have become so dark that we are basically running in to trees. We’ve been lucky so far since we haven’t had to spend much time in the open. The cover of the trees has become somewhat of a comfort. I am amazed how much of this country has been completely taken back by forests. I guess that’s what happens when you kill millions of people and no one is left to rebuild.

  Knackered, we finally stop for the night. No one builds a fire and no one talks. I find a spot on the ground next to Jeremy and curl up. I am asleep within seconds.

  Chapter 59

  Drew

  I don’t know if I’ve ever been this drained of energy. My entire body aches with exhaustion and my mind is clouded. I drop to my knees with a thud, roll onto my side, and pass out.

  When I wake it’s almost light. I don’t know what woke me but I close my eyes again, trying to soak in the last few minutes of sleep. It’s no use. I sigh as I resign myself to the conscious world. I would give anything for a comfy bed and a hot nosh right about now. Back in London, the two would go hand in hand. On the weekends I could have a maid bring me breakfast in bed. That way I wouldn’t have to see my father before he left for work. He didn’t even take weekends off. I think he hated being around our house as much as I did. The cold design and even colder atmosphere inside did not make for the most pleasant home. My father and I dealt with the crap home life by leaving, while my mother dealt with it by wallowing in her pills like a proper tosspot.

  I try my hardest to remove all thoughts of my father from my mind so as not to let that arse ruin yet another day. Sitting up, I stretch and glance around at the others. I am the first awake. It’s always pretty funny watching people sleep. Lee is lying on the ground twitching, while Sam has the most ridiculous grin on his face. Jeremy occasionally lets a small groan escape his lips. Then there is Dawn and Gabby. They lie next to each other with Dawn’s head on Gabby’s shoulder.

  Dawn and Gabby. They are so completely different from each other, yet alike in many of the ways that actually mean something.

  Gabby is hot. There is no doubt about it. Even after everything she has been through and even though we are all pretty grotty because none of us has showered in forever, she still makes my palms sweat. She has changed from that girl I knew in London, though. For one, she actually seems to care about things. I may not have ever really shown it, but I did really like Gabs. I was a shite boyfriend. I cheated on her and I lied, but we always had a lot of fun.

  Dawn is a different story altogether. A few months ago, I didn’t know her and I didn’t like her when we met. Frankly, she seemed like a whiny little brat. Now, though, I can’t imagine not having her in my life. She’s my best friend.

  As I watch her face and the slow, steady rhythm of her breathing, my lips twitch upwards. We have been through a lot together, she and I. We’ve both come a long way from that abandoned building in the east end where we first met. I am no longer that cocky arse and she is no longer that scared little girl.

  I move closer to where the girls sleep and lightly brush the hair out of Dawn’s face, tucking it behind her ear. She stirs but does not wake. I don’t understand the feelings that are rolling around my head or how they relate to these girls. I have never met anyone like Dawn or Gabby. They are both strong, yet surprisingly vulnerable. Both of them will go to the ends of the earth for each other. I never knew bonds like that ever actually existed. They are the stuff of stories. In today’s world, people just don’t risk everything for each other.

  Someone clears their throat behind me. I immediately stand and turn.

  “Morning.” It’s Sam, standing straight up with his feet shoulder length apart and his arms folded across his chest. He almost looks like a soldier at the ready. He is trying to act stern.

  “Hey man.” I grin sheepishly. This breaks him. Sam can’t stay serious for long. He starts laughing and steps forward to clap me on the back.

  “What’re you doing?” he asks.

  “Oh, uh, I just woke up,” I lie.

  “Yeah, whatever,” he pauses. “Why don’t you just tell her man?” Sam sits on the ground and leans back on his elbows, I do the same.

  “Tell her what?” I am trying to maintain a straight face but am failing miserably.

  “That you love her. Duh. ” His face splitting smile is enough to make me grin as well. He’s talking nonsense.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We dated in London but I’m pretty sure that’s over now.” As soon as I stop talking, Sam reaches over and knocks me upside the head.

  “Hey!” I yell. “What was that for?”

  “You’re an idiot dude. I wasn’t talking about Gabby.”

  Rubbing my head, I glance towards the girls, feeling like a prat.

  Dawn.

  Gabby.

  Dawn.

  Gabby.

  Dawn.

  Chapter 60

  Dawn

  The rising sun wakes me. Dawn streams down through the tree canopy. I have a few minutes of bliss before hunger kicks in. Today we must find something to eat. I hope the boys go hunting.

  Looking around, I see Sam and Drew are awake now, laughing about something. Gabby and Jeremy are up and whispering to each other. Lee is leaning against a nearby tree. I get to my feet and make my way over to sit next to Sam.

  “Morning sleeping beauty, glad you could finally join us.” Sam
is trying to be funny. I give him my sweetest grin and then lightly slap him on the back of his head. He sprawls on the ground as if I’ve just pummeled him and rubs his head, feigning pain. I can’t help but laugh and it feels good.

  There is something very different about the group this morning. Everyone seems almost happy.

  “Okay guys, we need to get moving.” Lee always brings us back to the here and now. “We’ll go hunting this afternoon but we should cover a lot of ground this morning.”

  I walk with Sam and, once again, he is talking nonstop. I don’t mind though. The joy in his voice lifts our spirits. About midday we come to a sudden stop at Lee’s insistence. Gabby tries to ask him what he’s waiting for but he holds up his hand for her to be quiet. He is listening for something. Lee is very adept at tracking so I trust him more than anyone to lead us. He crouches down and comes up with a fistful of mud. Without saying anything to the rest of us he turns to the right and walks in that direction. After a few minutes he yells to us.

  “Water!”

  We run to his voice and find him standing on the edge of the most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen; a small stream of crystal clear water tumbling over rocks and into a pool. I think I am going to cry. We all run forward and fall to our knees to drink. I cup my hands in the ice cold perfection and bring the water to my mouth again and again. When I have finally had my fill, I dip my entire head into the water. As I come back up for air, I fling my hair out of my face and let the water run down my back, cooling my skin.

  We decide to rest by the stream for a few hours and give the boys enough time to find some game. I give Sam my rifle but when Lee tries to take Gabby’s she refuses to let him use the gun unless she can go with them. I just laugh at my sister. Some things never change.

  The three of them set off to find us some food. Jeremy slowly gets to works building a fire. Since he joined us, he has barely said anything to anyone but Gabby. Like Lee, he seems like the strong and silent type. I let him be and lie down next to the water and stare up at the blue sky peeking through the trees. It is magnificent.

  After helping Jeremy build the fire, Drew sits down, leaning back against a large oak. I feel him watching me so I get up and move closer. I don’t know if the water has energized me or what but I am suddenly feeling very bold.

  “Hey,” Drew says as I sit down. I don’t say anything. Instead I watch his face, considering my next move. Confusion clouds his eyes at my silence. “What?” he asks. I have made my decision and I just need to do it before I chicken out. I get to my knees and lean forward. The confusion doesn’t leave Drew’s face until our lips meet. I am suddenly very aware of what I’m doing and I regret it instantly. He isn’t responding so I pull away. I can’t look at him as I turn away. I try to get up but Drew grabs my arm.

  “Dawn,” he says, “wait.”

  I yank my arm out of his grasp and stalk off without a word, gutted. He doesn’t follow me and I am left to stew in my embarrassment. A few minutes later, Jeremy has finished with the fire and walks over to me.

  “You okay?” he asks. I must not look it.

  “Fine!” I snap. I really don’t want to talk about this.

  “You don’t look fine.”

  “Well, I am.”

  “OK then.”

  He walks off, but I’m not OK. I’m not OK at all.

  Chapter 61

  Gabby

  This is so cool. I’ve never been hunting before but I’ve always wanted to try. I wish I had some kind of cute hunting outfit. Lee tells me we have to be as quiet as possible as we make our way through the woods. I am a loud person by nature so this is not an easy thing to do. The ground is covered in dried leaves that crunch as we walk and, of course, Sam won’t shut up. Lee seems to be getting annoyed with us. He probably wishes he was out here by himself but he got stuck with us. As we’re walking, Lee sticks his arms out to the sides to stop us in our tracks. He then places one finger over his lips and points with the other. At first, I can’t tell what he’s pointing at but then I see something move.

  As silently as possible, the three of us move closer to get a better look.

  “It’s a deer,” Lee whispers. It’s so cute. It is possibly the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

  “Look at those precious eyes,” I say. Sam and Lee both turn and look at me with a disgusted look as if they’re realizing why women shouldn’t be allowed to hunt. Lee raises his rifle and takes aim. He closes one eye and pulls the trigger. His shot misses and sends the deer scurrying away.

  “Run away!” I yell in relief. The boys just shake their heads and we move on. For the longest time, we don’t see anything and we begin to think we’ll have to go back empty handed and be hungry for yet another night. And then there is small movement in the bush ahead. I step forward and take a closer look.

  “Quail!” Sam whispers in delight. “Delicious.” I guess I can live with this. They aren’t as cute as deer. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this kind of bird. All birds have meat though right?

  “Almost impossible to hit with a gun. We might as well move on.” Lee, ever the pessimist.

  “Let’s try,” Sam says.

  “Can I?” As I ask this they both stare at me like I’m a nutter. I’ve never shot a gun before but I’ve always been pretty good at whatever I tried. The boys look to each other and then Lee just shrugs.

  “Okay, you can give it a try. Take the gun and hold it out like this.” He shows me with his gun and I try to imitate him.

  “You want the butt to be at your shoulder. Keep your arms stiff and close one eye when you shoot. It’ll give you better aim.” I do as he says. Without even thinking about it, I point and shoot. The first shot misses so I quickly take another one and feathers fly up in the air.

  Sam lets out a long whistle and then claps me on the back. “Nice shootin’ there.”

  Lee doesn’t say anything as he picks up the bird and begins looking for others. Much to Lee’s dismay, I kill the next one too before he’s had a chance. They already have the fire started when we arrive back with our two quail and a few new stories. The boys get to plucking our catch. I let them handle that part because, frankly, it makes me want to puke.

  I sit down next to my sister, who seems lost in her thoughts. Dawn has always thought way too much and it makes her seem kind of daft. I try to get her attention so I can tell her about the quail I shot. She probably won’t really care but I am damn proud of myself. I nudge her with my shoulder and she finally looks over at me.

  “Oh hey,” she says.

  “I totally shot two birds!” I brag, grinning from ear to ear. “Lee missed a deer but I saved the day! It was brilliant!”

  “That’s great Gabs.” We haven’t had a proper nosh in days so you’d think she’d be a little happier to have some sustenance.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask.

  “Nothing,” she says. I’m not buying it. I give her that knowing look that all big sisters have.

  Just like big sisters have their look, so do little sisters. She looks at me with a vulnerability that makes me want to just hold her and tell her everything is going to be OK, whatever the problem is. I wrap my arm around her and she leans her head on my shoulder. We stay that way until the boys have the food ready.

  Chapter 62

  Dawn

  It feels really good to have food in my stomach and my big sister by my side. We finish eating and it is time to get back on the road. I don’t talk to anyone as we put out the fire and get going. Gabby hangs back with me to make sure I’m alright.

  Gabby must have gotten her signals wrong about Drew. I knew he couldn’t possibly have feelings for me but she encouraged me to try. I ended up making a fool of myself and now, I don’t know how to fix this. I feel like I am back to being that quiet, awkward London girl. People only knew me as Gabby’s sister. I can’t let myself revert back to that all because of a stupid boy.

  We keep moving all afternoon under the glaring sun. The trees have thin
ned out quite a bit so the rays make their way directly towards us. It is hot as hell and the sweat is dripping down my face. The heat makes us tire quickly so it is very slow going. As the sun begins to set the air cools down and the stars come out. The woods give way to rolling hills and grasslands, untouched and wild. Hard to believe this was once farm land and there were towns. I wish I could have seen it.

  We stop for the night and build a fire. We need our rest so we can cover a lot of ground tomorrow. Everyone is in good spirits as we settle in and eat the remaining bits of quail. I have forgiven myself for yesterday. I’ve come to the conclusion that whatever happens, I’ll be OK. It's taken me all day to see it but I have never had so many people I cared about or who cared about me. It’s always been me and Gabby against the world. Now it’s me, Gabby, Drew, Jeremy, Lee, and Sam against the world. It feels good.

  I don’t realize Drew is behind me until he speaks. “Dawn,” he hesitates, “We need to talk.” Here we go. He’s about to tell me that he only sees me as a friend and I should just get over it. I’ve prepared myself for this. I get to my feet and walk with him to find a little privacy.

  As soon as we are out of earshot of the rest, Drew turns to me, irritation in his voice. “Dawn, what was that earlier?” I don’t know what to say to him so I decide to apologize. That’s probably what he wants.

  “Yeah, sorry about that. It was a daft move. I didn’t mean to…” He doesn’t let me finish.

  “Didn’t mean to what? Didn’t mean to kiss me?” His eyes lock on mine. “Or didn’t mean to make me fall for you?”

  “I,” I begin, but then I realize what he just said to me. “Stop messing with me,” I whisper.

  “Dawn.” Drew gently leans his forehead against mine. “I don’t know how to do this. I’m so lost.” His voice sounds pained.

  “What are you talking about?” I need some space so I back a few steps away but he moves closer to me once again.