Cherreads

Chapter 11 - Chapter 11

A week had passed since Wells' death. Luckily, there had not been any other attacks on the camp, and Bellamy's idea of building a wall all around the dropship was truly helping people feel safer. It wasn't finished yet, but it was also helping with cooperation. Having a common purpose could truly bring people closer.

Lily was relieved even about Jasper. After five days since he'd taken the medicine for the first time, he felt strong enough to try and take a stroll just outside the dropship, and Octavia was determined to make him walk beyond the walls.

"Are you sure about that?" Monty had asked Octavia one morning.

The girl nodded. "He's scared," she said in a quiet voice, not wanting Jasper to hear. "He needs to see that he can be safe."

Lily wished she had the same faith as Octavia. After everything that had happened to them, and all the people they'd lost, Lily found it difficult to believe they were even remotely safe. The wall was helping, but pushing Jasper outside felt like lying to him—and she didn't have the strength to do it.

Monty was still working with the wristbands, trying to reach the Ark. But he still hadn't succeeded. And that was really stressing him out.

"I frayed this!" he exclaimed that morning, making Lily turn to look at him. She was tying her shoes, getting ready to help with the wall.

"Is it completely ruined?" she asked, moving closer to the boy, who was still sitting on the ground with the wristband in his hands and a defeated expression.

"Completely," he said, shaking his head. "I need another one."

Lily put a hand on Monty's shoulder, gently squeezing it. "I'm sure you'll find someone else who wants to get rid of theirs."

Most of the Hundred had already taken theirs off, but some still wore them, like Lily.

"You don't want to give me yours by any chance?" he asked, almost pleading as he looked up at her. Lily's hand moved to her wrist, her fingers brushing against the cold metal still embedded in her skin.

She knew she probably shouldn't care, since the Council had dropped them with no help onto a planet more dangerous than anyone had imagined. But at the same time, Lily didn't want to take it off.

She took a breath. "Monty…"

"No, I get it," he said gently, though he glanced sadly at the darkened wristband in his hands. "You've still got people, right?"

Lily really didn't know how to answer that. She remembered that after her mother died, many people would say she was alone now, and that they felt sorry for her. And even though she had been devastated, and did feel lonely, she'd wanted to tell them she actually wasn't—that she still had her father. But now, like before, she wasn't entirely sure he truly cared, or if he helped her only out of duty and responsibility. Lily had never had the courage to ask Marcus what he felt for her.

He probably thinks I'm just a burden, she thought, gripping the metal tightly. It was hard to see it any other way after what had happened the last time she'd seen him.

"Sort of," she said, forcing a little smile. "You?" she asked, glancing at the wristband around Monty's wrist.

"Yeah," he nodded. "My mum."

Lily's eyes softened at the expression he made thinking about his mother. "You must miss her a lot," she said, her mind immediately drifting to Mira, and all those times her mom would brush her hair and tell her stories about Earth.

"Yes, very much," Monty said, looking up at her. "But I'm glad Jasper is here with me."

Lily had seen how concerned Monty had been when Jasper got hurt; he'd never left his side during the worst times and through his recovery.

"You two are pretty tight," she said, her lips curving upward when she saw him smile genuinely.

"Always have been," Monty explained. "Jasper's always been there, since we were kids, until we ended up in the Skybox."

Lily cocked her head curiously. "And how exactly did that happen?"

Monty let out a chuckle. "I'm sure you'd like to hear an adventurous story like Finn's," he said, then shrugged his shoulders. "But we were honestly just high."

Lily let out a little giggle. She knew it was strictly forbidden on the Ark, but for once she was glad not to hear a heavy story. But after a moment, she also felt bad for them; Monty and Jasper were probably the most innocent among them all, and yet they'd ended up on Earth—and Jasper had almost died. Only God knew what would become of them in the future.

"Monty," Clarke's voice made them turn, seeing the girl climbing up the iron ladder to the second floor. It had been a rough period for Clarke especially. From what she'd told Lily, she and Wells had some sort of falling out. Lily decided not to ask her more than that; she didn't want to intrude during such a delicate time. She well knew the feeling of not wanting to share personal information with everyone. Lily just hoped time would bring Clarke some peace.

"I'll be going. It's my turn to help build the wall," Lily said, sharing one last look with Monty and an encouraging smile with Clarke, then she made her way down the iron ladder.

It was strange to see everyone getting along and gathering together to build something that might save them all. Since Wells' death, there hadn't been any more major arguments among the Hundred, nor any physical fights—that was the only positive thing that had come out of that week.

"Hey," Lily heard Bellamy's voice as her foot touched the ground. She turned, her lips lifting into a small smile as she saw him approaching.

"Hi," she said, wondering why he was looking for her. "Can I help you with something?" she asked, facing him.

"Yesterday, while you were helping Connor, I heard you talking about hydrogen… pero…" he stopped, searching for the right word.

"Hydrogen peroxide?" she asked, making him turn toward her.

"That stuff they used to clean wounds?" Bellamy said, raising his eyebrows, and Lily nodded.

"That's the one," she said, crossing her arms, curious about what he wanted to know. "What about it?"

"Can you make it?" he asked, his tone calm as he studied her.

"Did someone else get hurt?" she found herself asking. It was something that could easily happen as they worked on the wall. People accidentally hammered their own hands, got cuts, or splinters stuck in their skin. Luckily, nothing major had happened yet, but the day before, while she was checking Connor's cut, she'd mentioned how she wished she had some hydrogen peroxide to avoid surprises. She hadn't realized Bellamy had overheard her.

"Someone will eventually," he answered, then cocked his head slightly. "So? Can you do it?"

"Not without proper chemical equipment. Hydrogen peroxide doesn't exist in nature in any useful amount," Lily explained, shaking her head. Then she observed Bellamy's reaction. He looked down, taking a breath. He clearly wanted to find a way to have a stock of medicine. It wasn't a bad idea—they would definitely need it at some point.

"But there are other ways we can keep wounds clean," Lily said after a moment, making him turn back toward her. "I could try making alcohol or vinegar, or use some plants that help fight infections. It's not the same as hydrogen peroxide, but it's better than nothing."

Bellamy raised his eyebrows for a moment, then nodded. "We'll just have to work with what we've got." Then they both moved toward the exit of the dropship. "What do you need?"

"Nothing I already have here," she said, shaking her head. Bellamy listened attentively.

"I'll arrange a party," he said, sharing a glance with Lily. The thought of leaving camp still terrified her, though she didn't want Bellamy to see it. They all had to use their skills if they wanted to survive, and Lily knew she was the only one who really understood plants and compounds to make medicines. So if someone had to go out, it would have to be her. But she couldn't help looking at the trees just outside the wall, feeling both fear and threat.

"Thank you," he said, once Lily managed to nod her head and force a little smile.

"Bellamy!" Murphy's voice made them both turn. He was walking toward them. "A word," he said, glancing briefly at Lily, but saying nothing directly to her.

"Alright," Bellamy agreed. With one last look at Lily, he walked away with Murphy.

Lily took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts about leaving the camp, and decided to start working on the wall. As she walked to see who needed help, she noticed Charlotte trying to tie two pieces of wood together. Seeing her struggling, Lily approached her with a small smile.

"Need a hand?" she asked. Charlotte timidly looked up at her, then offered a small, grateful smile and nodded. Lily immediately obliged, taking one of the two pieces of wood to hold it steady.

"Are you alright, Charlotte?" she asked as she watched the girl wrap the rope around the wood, biting her lip. Charlotte nodded, though Lily could tell she was forcing herself to appear strong. Even when terrified, Charlotte always tried to hold her posture, even if a few tears sometimes slipped down her face. Lily didn't blame her at all. Charlotte was a child. Lily was sure she herself would've been a weeping mess if she'd been sent to Earth at the same age.

"You still have nightmares?" she asked gently, remembering what Charlotte had confessed to her and Bellamy in the cave. Charlotte paused for a moment, then looked up at Lily.

"Sometimes," she answered quietly, sadness shining in her eyes. Lily nodded silently. What was scaring that girl so much? What had she seen on the Ark to make her this frightened?

Marcus, if only you could see what these rules do to us, Lily thought sadly, focusing on her hands gripping the wood.

"It's not going to be easy," Lily said softly, looking at the little girl. "But we'll get through it, you'll see." Charlotte observed her silently, but after a long moment managed a small smile.

"Hey!" Murphy's voice made them turn, and Lily frowned as she saw the boy striding toward Connor, who was kneeling on the ground, out of breath, with a piece of wood beside him. "You think the Grounders are just going to sit around and wait for us to finish the wall?" Connor clenched his jaw as Murphy spoke.

Why does he always have to be so aggressive? Lily thought. He wasn't wrong—they needed to finish quickly—but the boy was literally on his knees. Couldn't he let it slide for a moment?

"Maybe we should let the little girl do the lifting for you, huh?" Murphy said mockingly, pointing at Charlotte. "Or maybe we could leave it to Saint Lily. We know how she loves to help," he added with a glare in Lily's direction.

They hadn't spoken since the day he'd brought her to Wells' grave. She knew she shouldn't have asked him something so personal, and she truly regretted it, but Murphy didn't seem to care, and she didn't want to bother him further.

"I just need some water, okay?" Connor argued, still kneeling on the ground. "Then I'll be fine."

"Murphy," Bellamy's voice had the power to instantly calm Lily as she saw him approaching. "Get this guy some water." Murphy glanced at him, then looked back down at Connor.

"Hey," Bellamy said to Charlotte, "You got this?" He nodded toward the piece of wood on the ground that Connor had dropped earlier. Did he really want Charlotte to carry it? But as Charlotte stepped forward, reaching for the wood, Bellamy rushed forward, stopping her with a genuine smile. "I'm just kidding."

Lily couldn't help but let her own lips curve into a smile as she watched Bellamy lift the wood and carry it away. He seemed to have a soft spot for that little girl. It was sweet, and Lily couldn't deny it.

But after Bellamy had walked away, something caught Lily's attention, and she gasped when she saw Murphy behind Connor, unzipping his pants and peeing on the other boy's jacket. Connor was on his feet immediately.

"What the hell are you doing, Murphy?" he exclaimed angrily, pushing Murphy. "I'm going to kill you!" But as he did, two other boys stepped in between them, dragging Connor away from Murphy. Lily moved to make sure Charlotte wouldn't get caught in the scuffle.

Murphy didn't seem bothered in the slightest. "You wanted a water break," he said with a smug grin. As Connor was dragged off, he turned to speak to everyone. "Get back to work!" Lily stared at him as he passed by. Why did he always have to be so nasty to people for no reason?

"What is it, sweetie?" he asked, noticing her staring. "See something you like?"

The smirk only made Lily roll her eyes as she turned away to keep working on tying another piece of wood. "Was that really necessary?" she asked before she could stop herself. She hated when she did that, especially around people like Murphy.

Murphy watched her for a moment before chuckling, rubbing his nose with the back of his hand.

"You know what's necessary?" he asked, cocking his head to the side as he looked at her. Then he picked up a bucket, emptied the water on the ground, and shoved it at her. "We're out of water."

Lily looked down at the bucket at her feet, anxiety creeping into her chest. He knew she was afraid to go outside alone, and that was exactly what he was asking of her. But she'd be damned if she let him see her fear. So, without taking her eyes off him, she stepped forward and took the bucket from his hands.

And as she walked past, Lily looked up at him. "I wonder how much longer you'll enjoy being mean."

He held her gaze, wearing a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. After a moment, he leaned forward. "For now, I find it very much fun. Now go fetch some water, sweetie."

Lily shook her head before brushing past him, making her way toward the exit that led to the path closest to the little river they'd found. John Murphy could really be an asshole, but she refused to show him how nervous she was.

I'll go out, and I'll come back in, and nothing's going to happen, she told herself, feeling her fingers tighten around the bucket. She was scared, but she knew she'd have to face that fear eventually. She just hoped it would be on her own terms—and not Murphy's.

But as she was walking, she heard Octavia's voice. "Look, we're already there!" She was walking a few feet ahead of Jasper, who didn't seem so sure he wanted to follow. Understandably…

"Hey," Lily said, catching their attention as she got closer.

"Lily," Jasper said with a relieved breath. Octavia smiled at her.

"Hi!" she said. "I'm taking Jasper outside."

"Yeah," Jasper said, pressing a hand to his chest as if to protect his wound. "She's pretty convinced about that." Lily gave him a small smile, understanding his fear.

"What are you doing?" Octavia asked curiously. Lily glanced down at the bucket.

"Um…" she said, taking a deep breath. "Apparently we're out of water."

"So we'll go together," Octavia said encouragingly to Jasper, who nodded, probably because he didn't want to let Octavia down. "Come on, just a few more steps, okay?"

Lily watched the girl bravely walk past the fence and wondered how it was possible for Octavia to have such strength. She'd been locked under the floor of the Ark for so long. Most people would be scared of everything, but instead, Octavia seemed the most eager of all of them to explore this world. Lily didn't share that curiosity anymore—not after knowing all the dangers waiting just outside. But they were now on Earth. They couldn't live their lives locked up inside camp. And with one last look at Jasper, she decided to follow Octavia.

Lily's heart was hammering in her chest as she found herself surrounded by trees, the green leaves rustling overhead. It was terrifying—but also truly a beautiful sight.

"Come on," Octavia said to Jasper. "One foot in front of the other." Lily was following, turning to see where Jasper was. But the poor boy was still at the fence entrance, peering carefully ahead as if trying to spot something among the trees. Lily shared that sentiment.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Octavia asked him gently.

Jasper looked around a moment longer before answering, "Oh, nothing," he lied. "I'm good."

"I know," Lily said softly to him. "I feel the same way." Jasper gave her a small, nervous smile.

"Jasper," Octavia said from a few feet ahead, "it's been a week, okay?" Then she turned to walk a bit farther. "You've been given a second chance," she went on. "You gotta use it—"

But suddenly, something yanked Octavia violently behind a bush. Lily gasped in fear, dropping the bucket to the ground.

"Octavia?" Jasper called out.

"Oh my god…" Lily muttered when Octavia didn't answer. Was it a Grounder? Should they call Bellamy? But that would take too long. Octavia could be in real danger.

"Octavia!" she called, just as Jasper echoed her.

"Octavia, are you okay?!" he cried, and together they started moving toward where Octavia had vanished. Lily quickly grabbed the bucket. She had no other weapon—but if there was a Grounder, she could hit them with it.

But when they got closer, they saw another of the Hundred holding Octavia, his hand clamped over her mouth. The boy was laughing loudly, clearly amused by what he'd done. Lily truly wanted to throw the bucket at him right then and there.

Jasper let out a frustrated groan and turned to head back. Lily glared at the boy as Octavia shoved him away. Why would he want to scare Jasper like that? That poor boy had already experienced enough fear in so little time.

"Jasper, come on," Octavia was saying, stepping closer to him as he turned away. "There's nothing to be afraid—"

But in an instant, Jasper was on the ground, tripping over a root sticking out of the dirt.

"Jasper!" Lily exclaimed, following Octavia as they knelt beside him. He had only just recovered. She was terrified he might have injured himself badly in the same place as before. But before anyone could say anything, something else caught her attention. Lily's eyes went wide as she spotted something bright yellow lying a few feet away. Looking closer, she realized it was one of the makeshift knives from camp—but what truly horrified her were the two fingers lying next to it.

"Do you see that?" Jasper said, still lying on the ground. Lily and Octavia exchanged a worried look before both stood up and cautiously moved closer.

"This is ours," Octavia said, kneeling beside the knife. Her voice was steady, but her breathing was slightly uneven. Lily, however, couldn't tear her gaze away from the fingers. They were definitely male—and the skin was dark. Her heart hammered in her chest.

"They didn't even let him have time to defend himself," Lily said, remembering what Clarke had told her a week before. "They cut off two of his fingers and then stabbed him in the throat." Then she turned to Octavia, who was staring back at her with wide eyes. "These are Wells' fingers."

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