Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,31

door indicated that this was their local grocery store. Inside were buckets of grain, food, and other supplies. Jacob grabbed a basket and began plopping items into it.

“Everyone is given credits for rations at the beginning of the month,” he explained while sinking his pearly-white teeth into a thick peach. The juices rolled down his chin, and I wanted to lick it all off.

I’m like a sister to them, I reminded myself, despite the very unsisterly thoughts that filled my brain.

An older man and woman were at the register and followed us with their eyes, each wearing a smile.

“You must be the Walker that saved Cyler,” the woman exclaimed. She had long, grey hair that was braided and hung low down her back. She looked beautiful in the soft light of the General Store.

“Oh, no it was nothing,” I mumbled.

“Nonsense!” the man exclaimed. His voice was gravelly and deep.

“Cyler Black is a hero in this town,” he explained. “He carried us through the X outbreak as well as defended our community against scavengers. This town is indebted to him and you.” He then bowed and handed me a piece of chocolate. My eyes widened at his kind gift, and his wife nodded her head enthusiastically. Although it was too kind, I just didn’t want to refuse their compassion. I gently grabbed it and took a bite.

The burst of flavor caused my eyes to close, and a satisfied moan escaped my lips. When I opened them, I was greeted by happy smiles from the couple.

We made our way back outside, and Jacob and I carried the groceries back towards the main house.

“He’s right, you know,” Jacob said. His voice took on a serious tone that didn’t match his earlier easy-going nature.

“We all owe you for taking care of Cyler,” he began. “I was supposed to travel with him, but I couldn’t go.” Jacob hung his head in regret, and I realized that he was feeling guilty for what happened.

“Why couldn’t you?” I asked.

“Because Jules Black is in love with me,” he replied simply. He shrugged and adjusted the sack of groceries higher up on his shoulder. The firm, corded muscles in his arms stood out prominently while he hauled our goods towards the main house. I was surprised at his answer, as well as curious.

“I’m not sure when it happened, but Jules has always been extra kind to me. Even as a child, she stole minutes alone with me away from her brothers.” Jacob refused to look at me while he told his story, and I was hanging on to every word. “She soon realized that I wouldn’t date her. Jules tried everything, but I simply didn't see her that way. She was like my kid sister. Not to mention, we’ve overcome so much. I didn’t want to jeopardize my relationship with her brothers. As she got older, she became increasingly aggressive, and I didn’t find myself to be attracted to her in that way.

“Jules thought that if she got the guys to hate me, then she could have me to herself. So, she did the unthinkable. She told them that I . . . took advantage of her. She was incredibly convincing.” He looked over at me, concern on his face. Even when revealing such a horrible story, he was worried about my reaction. My heart broke at his words. How cruel could someone be to lie about such a horrid act?

“She didn’t expect the reaction she got, though. Huxley went mad with anger. It triggered him. He attacked me and nearly killed me. It wasn’t until I was on the brink of death that she confessed to her lie. Luckily, Maverick was able to mend my bones in a healing pod.”

“I can’t believe she did that,” I muttered. “How childish. How cruel,” I exclaimed. A small part of me worried about Josiah being with such a deranged person, but I knew that he would have to live with the consequences of choosing her over me, whatever they may be.

Jacob shrugged while nervously looking down at his feet. “Unlike Galla, Dormas gave up arranged marriages decades ago, but Cyler and Maverick decided it would be an easy way to make sure she was cared for while putting some distance between us. Jules had the choice between working in the mines for the next five years or moving to Galla to marry a prominent Governor. As I’m sure you can guess, she was very eager to jump on the first transport