Page 92 of Lost

“Break a leg over there. I believe in you,” he said.

I stuffed the bag in my backpack and had to clear my throat before speaking, but I finally was able to say, “Okay, I think that’s everything. Are y’all ready?”

I asked the group, but I only watched Stevie Rae and Rephaim. They were the first to respond.

“Yes. I am ready,” Rephaim said.

“Me too, like a hog’s ready for his mud wallow!” Stevie Rae said as everyone (except Aphrodite) laughed and nodded.

“Where’s Stark?” Aphrodite said, shutting everyone up.

“The last time I saw him, he was in the Media Center,” I said.

“And why is your Warrior not here at your side?” asked Darius.

“Because I won’t let him come with me.”

“He can’t!” Jack blurted. “Everyone knows General Stark. Even with his red Mark covered, anyone who saw him would know in an instant who he looks exactly like, and they’d grab him.”

“I know, and that’s what I told him, but he can’t stand the thought of me going into danger without him.” I drew a deep breath and spoke the rest of the truth. “And he thinks I’m going over there to see Heath, which hurts him. Real bad.” I hesitated and then added, “Guys, after I’m gone, would you all please stay close to Stark? Help him through this? I’ll be back, and when I am I’ll make this up to him. I’ll make him understand, but until then I just…” Then I lost my words as grief and loss overwhelmed me.What if Stark never forgives me?

“We’ll help him,” Damien said. “Don’t worry about that. Just focus on what you have to do over there to come back here. I’ll talk to Stark.”

I went to Damien and hugged him hard. “Thank you,” I whispered. “Tell him how much I love him.”

“I will, but he already knows, Z,” Damien whispered back.

I stepped out of Damien’s comforting embrace. “Everyone be sure you have a smudge stick, and then take your places. Let’s get this over with!”