The Host Chapter 8: Loved

Youre afraid to fly? The Seekers interpretive program was full of disbelief edging toward mockery. Youve traveled th spotty robust space eight times and youre afraid to hit a shuttle to Tucson, Arizona?First of solely, Im not afraid. Second, when I traveled through deep space I wasnt exactly aw be of where I was, what with organism sto flushed in a hibernation chamber. And third, this host channels motion sickness on shuttles.The Seeker rolled her eye in disgust. So take medication What would you have do if Healer Fords hadnt relocated to Saint Marys? Would you be cause to Chicago?No. simply since the option of driving is now actorable, I give take it. It volition be nice to see a min more than of this world. The desert can be stunning -The desert is dead boring.-and Im not in every hurry. I have m whatever minutegs to think through, and I will appreciate some time alone. I human faceed pointedly at her as I emphasize the last explicate.I dont understand the point of visiting your old Healer anyway. in that location are many competent Healers here.Im comfortable with Healer Fords. He has run into with this, and I dont trust that I have all the information I need. I gave her another significant look.You dont have time to not hurry, Wanderer. I spy the signs.Forgive me if I dont consider your information impartial. I hold out enough of human behavior to recognize the signs of manipulation.She glowered at me.I was packing my rental railroad car with the few things I planned to take with me. I had enough clothes to go a week between washing, and the basic hygiene necessities. Though I wasnt communicateing some(prenominal), I was leaving even less behind. Id accumulated very little in the way of personal belongings. After all these months in my micro apartment, the walls were still bare, the shelves empty. Perhaps Id never meant to settle here.The Seeker was planted on the sidewalk next to my open trunk, assailing me with snide questions and comments whenever I was in hearing distance. At least I was secure in the belief that she was far too impatient to follow me on the road. She would take a shuttle to Tucson, vindicatory as she was hoping to shame me into doing. It was a huge relief. I imagined her joining me every time I stopped to eat, hoering outside gas station bathrooms, her inexhaustible inquisitions waiting for me whenever my fomite paused at a light. I shuddered at the thought. If a new body meant freeing myself of the Seeker well, that was quite an inducement.I had another choice, too. I could abandon this undefiled world as a failure and move on to a tenth planet. I could work to forget this whole experience. Earth could be serious a short blip in my otherwise spotless record.But where would I go? A planet Id already experienced? The Singing conception had been one of my favorites, but to give up sight for blindness? The Planet of the Flowers was have intercoursely Yet chlorophyll-based life-forms had so little range of emotion. It would feel unbearably slake after the tempo of this human get off.A new planet? There was a recent acquisition-here on Earth, they were calling the new hosts Dolphins for lack of a unwrap comparison, though they resembled dragonflies more than marine mammals. A highly developed species, and certainly mobile, but after my long stay with the See Weeds, the thought of another piddle planet was repugnant to me.No, there was still so much to this planet that I hadnt experienced. Nowhere else in the known universe called to me as strongly as this shady little common land yard on this quiet street. Or held the lure of the empty desert sky, which Id seen only in Melanies memories.Melanie did not share her sound judgment on my options. She had been very quiet since my decision to find Fords Deep Waters, my low gear Healer. I wasnt sure what the detachment meant. Was she get a lineing to seem less dangerous, less of a burden? Was she preparing herself f or the invasion of the Seeker? For death? Or was she preparing to fight me? To sweat to take over?Whatever her plan, she kept herself distant. She was mediocre a faint, watchful aim in the back of my head.I made my last trip inside, searching for anything forgotten. The apartment looked empty. There were only the basic furnishings that had been left by the last tenant. The similar plates were still in the cupboards, the pillows on the bed, the lamps on the tables if I didnt issue back, there would be little for the next tenant to clear out.The phone rang as I was stepping out the door, and I pulled back to get it, but I was too late. Id already set the message system to answer on the startle ring. I knew what the caller would hear my vague explanation that I would be out the rest of the semester, and that my classes would be canceled until a re fundamentment could be found. No reason given. I looked at the clock on top of the television. It was barely past eight in the mornin g. I was sure it moldiness be Curt on the phone, having still received the only slightly more detailed e-mail Id sent him late last night. I felt guilty about not finishing out my commitment to him, almost like I was already skipping. Perhaps this step, this quitting, was the prelude to my next decision, my greater shame. The thought was uncomfortable. It made me unwilling to attend to whatever the message said, though I wasnt in any real hurry to leave.I looked around the empty apartment one more time. There was no sense of leaving anything behind me, no fondness for these rooms. I had the strange tone of voice that this world-not just Melanie, but the entire orb of the planet-did not demand me, no matter how much I wanted it. I just couldnt seem to get my roots in. I smiled wryly at the thought of roots. This feeling was just superstitious nonsense.Id never had a host that was capable of superstition. It was an interesting one. Like knowing you were being watched without bein g able to find the watcher. It raised twat bumps on the nape of my neck.I shut the door firmly behind me but did not touch the obsolete locks. No one would disturb this place until I returned or it was given to someone new.Without looking at the Seeker, I climbed into the car. I hadnt done much driving, and neither had Melanie, so this made me a bit nervous. But I was sure I would get used to it soon enough.Ill be waiting for you in Tucson, the Seeker said, disceptationing in the open passenger-side windowpane as I started the engine.I have no doubt of that, I muttered.I found the controls on the door panel. Trying to hide a smile, I hit the button to raise the glass and watched her jump back.Maybe, she said, raising her voice to almost a shout so that I could hear her over the engine noise and through the closed window, maybe Ill try it your way. Maybe Ill see you on the road.She smiled and shrugged.She was just saying it to upset me. I tried not to let her see that she had. I fo cused my eyes on the road ahead and pulled carefully off from the curb.It was easy enough to find the freeway and wherefore follow the signs out of San Diego. Soon there were no signs to follow, no wrong turns to take. In eight hours I would be in Tucson. It wasnt long enough. Perhaps I would stay a night in some small town along the way. If I could be sure that the Seeker would be ahead, waiting impatiently, rather than following behind, a stop would be a nice delay.I found myself looking in the rearview mirror often, searching for a sign of pursuit. I was driving slower than anyone else, unwilling to reach my destination, and the other cars passed me without pause. There were no organisations I recognized as they moved ahead. I shouldnt have let the Seekers razz bother me she clearly didnt have the temperament to go anywhere slowly. Still I continued to watch for her.Id been west to the ocean, north and south up and start the pretty California coastline, but Id never been ea st for any distance at all. Civilization fell behind me quickly, and I was soon surrounded by the blank hills and rocks that were the precursors to the empty desert wastelands.It was very relaxing to be out-of-door from civilization, and this bothered me. I should not have found the loneliness so welcoming. Souls were sociable. We lived and worked and grew unitedly in harmony. We were all the same peaceful, friendly, honest. Why should I feel weaken away(predicate) from my kind? Was it Melanie who made me this way?I searched for her but found her remote, aspiration in the back of my head.This was the best it had been since shed started talking once more.The miles passed quickly. The dark, rough rocks and the dusty plains covered in scrub flew by with monotonous uniformity. I realized I was driving faster than Id meant to. There wasnt anything to keep my mind occupied here, so I found it hard to linger. Absently, I wondered why the desert was so much more colorful in Melanies me mories, so much more compelling. I let my mind coast with hers, trying to see what it was that was special about this vacant place.But she wasnt seeing the sparse, dead land surrounding us. She was dreaming of another desert, canyoned and red, a magical place. She didnt try to keep me out. In fact, she seemed almost unaware of my presence. I questioned again what her detachment meant. I sensed no thought of attack. It felt more like a preparation for the end.She was living in a happier place in her memory, as if she were saying goodbye. It was a place she had never allowed me to see before.There was a cabin, an ingenious dwelling tucked into a nook in the red sandstone, perilously close to the flash flood line. An unlikely place, far from any trail or path, built in what seemed a senseless location. A rough place, without any of the conveniences of modern technology. She remembered laughing at the sink one had to pump to pull water up from the ground.It beats pipes, Jared says, the crease between his eyes deepening as his brows pull in concert. He seems worried by my laugh. Is he afraid I dont like it? Nothing to trace, no evidence that were here.I love it, I say quickly. Its like an old movie. Its perfect.The smile that never truly leaves his face-he smiles even in his sleep-grows wide. They dont tell you the worst parts in the movies. Cmon, Ill show you where the latrine is.I hear Jamies laughter echo through the narrow canyon as he runs ahead of us. His black hair bounces with his body. He bounces all the time now, this thin boy with the sun-darkened skin. I hadnt realized how much weight those narrow shoulders were carrying. With Jared, he is positively buoyant. The anxious expression has faded, replaced by grins. We are both more resilient than I gave us credit for.Who built this place?My father and older brothers. I helped, or rather hindered, a little. My dad loved to get away from everything. And he didnt care much about convention. He never bothered to find out who the land actually belonged to or file permits or any of that pesky stuff. Jared laughs, throwing his head back. The sun dances off the blond bits in his hair. Officially, this place doesnt exist. Convenient, isnt it? Without seeming to think about it, he reaches out and takes my hand.My skin burns where it brooks his. It feels better than good, but it sets off a strange aching in my chest.He is forever speck me this way, constantly seeming to need to reassure himself that I am here. Does he realize what it does to me, the simple pressure of his warm palm next to mine? Does his pulse jump in his veins, too? Or is he just happy to not be alone anymore?He swings our arms as we walk beneath a little stand of cottonwood trees, their green so vivid against the red that it plays tricks on my eyes, confusing my focus. He is happy here, happier than in other places. I feel happy, too. The feeling is still unfamiliar.He hasnt kissed me since that first night, when I scream ed, finding the scar on his neck. Does he not want to kiss me again? Should I kiss him? What if he doesnt like that?He looks round off at me and smiles, the lines around his eyes crinkling into little webs. I wonder if he is as handsome as I think he is, or if its just that hes the only person left in the whole world besides Jamie and me.No, I dont think thats it. He really is beautiful.What are you thinking, Mel? he asks. You seem to be concentrating on something very important. He laughs.I shrug, and my stomach flutters. Its beautiful here.He looks around us. Yes. But then, isnt home always beautiful?Home. I repeat the word quietly. Home.Your home, too, if you want it.I want it. It seems like every mile Ive walked in the past one-third years has been toward this place. I never want to leave, though I know well have to. Food doesnt grow on trees. Not in the desert, at least.He squeezes my hand, and my heart punches against my ribs. Its just like pain, this pleasure.There was a bl urring sensation as Melanie skipped ahead, her thoughts dancing through the hot day until hours after the sun had fallen behind the red canyon walls. I went along, almost hypnotized by the endless road stretching ahead of me, the skeletal bushes flying by with mind-numbing sameness.I peek into the one narrow little bedroom. The full-size mattress is only inches away from the rough stone walls on either side.It gives me a deep, rich sense of joy to see Jamie asleep on a real bed, his head on a soft pillow. His lanky arms and legs sprawl out, leaving little room for me where I am meant to sleep. He is so much bigger in reality than the way I see him in my head. Almost ten-soon he wont be a child at all. Except that he will always be a child to me.Jamie breathes evenly, sleeping sound. There is no fear in his dream, for this moment at least.I shut the door quietly and go back to the small couch where Jared waits.Thank you, I whisper, though I know shouting the words wouldnt wake Jamie now. I feel disconsolate. This couch is much too short for you. Maybe you should take the bed with Jamie.Jared chuckles. Mel, youre only a few inches shorter than I am. Sleep comfortably, for once. Next time Im out, Ill steal myself a cot or something. I dont like this, for lots of reasons. get out he be leaving soon? Will he take us with him when he goes? Does he see this room assignment as a permanent thing?He drops his arm around my shoulders and tucks me against his side. I scoot closer, though the heat of touching him has my heart aching again.Why the frown? he asks.When will you when will we have to leave again?He shrugs. We scavenged enough on our way up that were set for a few months. I can do a few short raids if you want to stay in one place for a while. Im sure youre tired of running.Yes, I am, I agree. I take a deep breath to make me brave. But if you go, I go.He hugs me tighter. Ill admit, I cull it that way. The thought of being separated from you He laughs quietly. Does it sound crazy to say that Id rather die? Too melodramatic?No, I know what you mean.He must feel the same way I do. Would he say these things if he thought of me as just another human, and not as a adult female?I realize that this is the first time weve ever been really alone since the night we met-the first time theres been a door to close between a sleeping Jamie and the two of us. So many nights weve stayed awake, talking in whispers, telling all of our stories, the happy stories and the horror stories, always with Jamies head cradled on my lap. It makes my breath come faster, that simple closed door.I dont think you need to find a cot, not yet.I feel his eyes on me, questioning, but I cant meet them. Im embarrassed now, too late. The words are out.Well stay here until the food is gone, dont worry. Ive slept on worse things than this couch.Thats not what I mean, I say, still looking down.You get the bed, Mel. Im not budging on that.Thats not what I mean, either. Its barely a whisper. I meant the couch is plenty big for Jamie. He wont outgrow it for a long time. I could share the bed with you.There is a pause. I want to look up, to read the expression on his face, but Im too mortified. What if he is disgusted? How will I stand it? Will he make me go away?His warm, callused fingers tug my chin up. My heart throbs when our eyes meet.Mel, I His face, for once, has no smile.I try to look away, but he holds my chin so that my gaze cant escape his. Does he not feel the fire between his body and mine? Is that all me? How can it all be me? It feels like a flat sun trapped between us-pressed like a flower between the pages of a buddy-buddy book, burning the paper. Does it feel like something else to him? Something bad?After a moment, his head turns hes the one looking away now, still keeping his grip on my chin. His voice is quiet. You dont owe me that, Melanie. You dont owe me anything at all.Its hard for me to swallow. Im not saying I didnt mean that I felt obligated. And you shouldnt, either. Forget I said anything.Not likely, Mel.He sighs, and I want to disappear. Give up-lose my mind to the invaders if thats what it takes to erase this huge blunder. Trade the future to blot out the last two minutes of the past. Anything.Jared takes a deep breath. He squints at the floor, his eyes and jaw tight. Mel, it doesnt have to be like that. Just because were together, just because were the last man and woman on Earth He struggles for words, something I dont think Ive ever seen him do before. That doesnt mean you have to do anything you dont want to. Im not the kind of man who would expect You dont have toHe looks so upset, still frowning away, that I find myself speaking, though I know its a mistake before I start. Thats not what I mean, I mutter. sire to is not what Im talking about, and I dont think youre that kind of man. No. Of course not. Its just that -Just that I love him. I grit my teeth together before I can humiliate myself more. I should bite my tongue off right now before it ruins anything else.Just that? he asks.I try to shake my head, but hes still holding my chin tight between his fingers.Mel?I yank free and shake my head fiercely.He leans closer to me, and his face is different suddenly. Theres a new conflict I dont recognize in his expression, and even though I dont understand it completely, it erases the feeling of rejection thats making my eyes sting.Will you talk to me? Please? he murmurs. I can feel his breath on my cheek, and its a few seconds before I can think at all.His eyes make me forget that I am mortified, that I wanted to never speak again.If I got to pick anyone, anyone at all, to be stranded on a deserted planet with, it would be you, I whisper. The sun between us burns hotter. I always want to be with you. And not just not just to talk to. When you touch me I dare to let my fingers brush lightly along the warm skin of his arm, and it feels like the flames are sleek from their tips now . His arm tightens around me. Does he feel the fire? I dont want you to stop. I want to be more exact, but I cant find the words. Thats fine. Its bad enough having admitted this much. If you dont feel the same way, I understand. Maybe it isnt the same for you. Thats okay. Lies.Oh, Mel, he sighs in my ear, and pulls my face around to meet his.More flames in his lips, fiercer than the others, blistering. I dont know what Im doing, but it doesnt seem to matter. His hands are in my hair, and my heart is about to combust. I cant breathe. I dont want to breathe.But his lips move to my ear, and he holds my face when I try to find them again.It was a miracle-more than a miracle-when I found you, Melanie. Right now, if I was given the choice between having the world back and having you, I wouldnt be able to give you up. Not to save five billion lives.Thats wrong.Very wrong but very true.Jared, I breathe. I try to reach for his lips again. He pulls away, looking like he has something to say. What more can there be?ButBut? How can there be a but? What could perhaps follow all this fire that starts with a but?But youre seventeen, Melanie. And Im twenty-six.Whats that got to do with anything?He doesnt answer. His hands stroke my arms slowly, painting them with fire.Youve got to be kidding me. I lean back to search his face. Youre going to worry about conventions when were past the end of the world?He swallows loudly before he speaks. Most conventions exist for a reason, Mel. I would feel like a bad person, like I was taking advantage. Youre very young.No ones young anymore. Anyone whos survived this long is ancient.Theres a smile clout up one corner of his mouth. Maybe youre right. But this isnt something we need to rush.What is there to wait for? I demand.He hesitates for a long moment, thinking.Well, for one thing, there are some practical matters to consider.I wonder if he is just searching for a distraction, trying to stall. Thats what it feels like. I raise one eyeb row. I cant believe the turn this conversation has taken. If he really does want me, this is senseless.See, he explains, hesitating. Under the deep golden tan of his skin, it looks like he might be blushing. When I was stocking this place, I wasnt much planning for guests. What I mean is The rest comes out in a rush. Birth control was pretty much the last thing on my mind.I feel my forehead crease. Oh.The smile is gone from his face, and for one short second there is a flash of anger Ive never seen there before. It makes him look dangerous in a way I hadnt imagined he could. This isnt the kind of world Id want to bring a child into.The words sink in, and I cringe at the thought of a tiny, innocent baby opening his eyes to this place. Its bad enough to watch Jamies eyes, to know what this life will bring him, even in the best possible circumstances.Jared is suddenly Jared again. The skin around his eyes crinkles. Besides, weve got plenty of time to think about this. Stalling again, I suspect. Do you realize how very, very little time weve been together so far? Its been just four weeks since we found each other.This floors me. That cant be.Twenty-nine years. Im counting.I think back. Its not possible that it has been only twenty-nine days since Jared changed our lives. It seems like Jamie and I have been with Jared every bit as long as we were alone. Two or three years, maybe.Weve got time, Jared says again.An abrupt panic, like a warning premonition, makes it impossible for me to speak for a long moment. He watches the change on my face with worried eyes.You dont know that. The despair that softened when he found me strikes like the lash of a whip. You cant know how much time well have. You dont know if we should be counting in months or days or hours.He laughs a warm laugh, touching his lips to the tense place where my eyebrows pull together. Dont worry, Mel. Miracles dont work that way. Ill never lose you. Ill never let you get away from me.She brought me b ack to the present-to the thin ribbon of the highway winding through the Arizona wasteland, baking under the fierce noon sun-without my choosing to return. I stared at the empty place ahead and felt the empty place inside.Her thought sighed faintly in my head You never know how much time youll have.The tears I was instant belonged to both of us.