A/N: It's uh... been a while since I've written a chapter here... heh... really it's been a while since I've written anything here. There's been a lot of changes this past year but I've decided to write again, but this time for me. So yeah... I'm not going to be too sappy or anything but I just wanted to get that out. Here's the chapter.

After getting checked out by Dr. Meyers and getting the all clear, I make my way though the town and towards the showers. On my way there I receive a few waves and appreciative smiles from some of the townspeople, as well as some kind pats on the back from fellow runners. I do my best to smile back and seem polite, but I'm sure everyone can tell my smile is forced.

It's not that I don't appreciate their gratitude-I do! I actually find it flattering, although a bit unnecessary since this is my job. But I'm not sure how to respond to this. I'm so used to being isolated. Interacting with others outside a mission-even just small gestures-is odd to me.

It's mostly my fault, since there were people at Mullins and the AMTB that tried to get close to me, but I didn't let them. I found after.... what happened before, it would be best if I kept to myself to avoid the risk of being betrayed again.

I've almost made it to the showers, and I sigh with relief. Being a runner has its perks, seeing as after a run we get a shower with hot water. Most of the township residents have to take cold showers except for the few times a month Rajit-the person in charge of the showers-feels like being a nice person.

In this moment I just want to wash away the dirt, sweat, and grime that's made it's way into my pores during my run; I don't get that chance just yet because someone grabs my hand to keep me in place.

"Hey."

I jerk my hand away in reflex, spinning around in panic. I hadn't heard anyone come up behind me and I was lucky I didn't embarrass myself by jumping three feet in the air...

I'm lucky I couldn't embarrass myself by screaming like a little girl...

I look down to see two boys watching me with wide eyes. I am just barely taller than them, seeing as to I'm only 5'3, but judging by their faces puberty hasn't hit these two yet so most likely neither has their growth spurts.

Lucky them.

I look at the two boys curiously. One has brown eyes and brown hair that flicks up slightly at the tip, which is honestly kinda cute, but seeing as how I'm tired and gross (and smell like a guy who hasn't put on deodorant in a week) I don't really think aww like I might've any other time. The other boy has a matching pair of brown eyes, but his hair is jet black and doesn't flick up as much. They look similar to each other, but that might be because they're both wearing the same awestruck look.

'Um, can I help you two?' I sign slowly, with a raised brow.

The brown haired one's eyebrows furrowed in confusion for a split second, but it is gone soon after.

"You're the runner that was in the helicopter crash," He states, and I nod in confirmation.

"That's so cool," the other boy replies in awe, and I feel a small smile-a genuine one-tug on my lips.

"We wanted to talk to you after you arrived, but everyone kept telling us to give you space," The brunet comments with a shrug. "I'm Milo Scotts, by the way, and this is my brother Willis." He jabs a finger at the raven haired boy and then behind him. "We have a sister too, but she's kinda shy."

I crane my head to see a young girl-much younger than the two boys-hiding behind a tent. The dark haired girl makes eye contact for a brief moment before retreating back, hiding herself behind the tent.

"Yeah, that's Penelope," Willis says, breaking the silence. "She'll warm to you eventually. She's just really shy."

I nod, waiting for them to finish so I can go take my shower. Like I said before, it's flattering how much people seem to like me and I'm grateful-well, somewhat-for their kindness, but I'm not sure how to respond to it anymore. So I can tell if this goes on too much longer, it'll get real awkward real quick.

"We uh, we know you can't speak and that's why you're not saying anything," Milo states nervously. His eyes dart to the ground as if he's scared he might hurt my feelings or something. The boy lets out a small breath and continues, "I was wondering if you could maybe teach me and Willis sign language," He finally looks up at me, "so you could have someone to talk to. You know, besides Sam."

I blink, looking at the two for a moment. I'm not necessarily ecstatic to think that the only two people that could talk to me besides Sam are a couple boys who probably aren't even teenagers, but I can't find the heart to flat out say no. And really, they're probably only three years younger than me, four at the most.

'Sure, but I don't know how good of a teacher I'll be,' I reply, mentally slapping myself when I see the boys' confused faces. With a sigh I nod, smiling tightly when the two grin like idiots, practically beaming.

"Thanks, Five!" Willis exclaims as he slightly rocks on his heels. "It'll be so cool to be able to talk to you and hear about what you did when the helicopter crashed."

I snort. Of course. That's what every twelve year old wants to hear about. The exciting story with crashes and explosions.

"Yeah," Milo nods, "And maybe you can tell us your name."

I flinch at that, but neither boy seems to notice.

"So when can we start?" The brunet asks excitedly. I don't ever think I've seen a middle schooler so excited to learn.

I shrug, unsure how to respond since the boys can't understand sign langurs and I have nothing to write with.

"How about on the days you don't have missions," Willis suggests, "after we finish school?"

I nod, not really thinking over. I'm more than ready for my shower now so the sooner this conversation ends the better.

"Okay then. Thanks again, Five." Willis turns to leave with Milo right behind him, and I mentally sigh in relief.

"We promise to not let you down!" Milo calls from over his shoulder before excitedly whispering something to his brother. I roll my eyes.

I'm sure you won't.

•

After showering and changing into a different pair of clothes, which were given to me by some generous townsperson because I came here with just close to nothing, I make my way back to my tent. There's dinner in about an hour or so but I'd like to use this but of free time I have to have a bit of quiet and read my Bible.

I haven't gotten the chance to truly read it since I've been trying to settle in and contact Mullins to get more insight on when they can come pick me up. Also with the mission I just pulled I'm sure there will be more like it, given the state of this poor township. I make a mental note to start bringing more supplies to get the place up and running a bit more. Lord knows they need that kind of help.

I hear footsteps run up beside me, but think nothing of it. Hopefully whoever is making the slight effort to go faster is only doing so because they want to get somewhere a bit quicker and not make a conversation with me. That one-sided talk with Willis and Milo was enough interaction for one day. I'm not sure I want to have another one of those right now.

"You seem deep in thought."

I would've given a annoyed sigh if not for the fact that I recognized the voice as someone-the only one-who could actually understand what I'm saying.

I look over at Sam, who has a small smile on his face, which surprisingly isn't hard to return.

'Just thinking about today's events,' I reply, pausing for a brief moment to run my hand through my still damp hair. 'I thought you said I'd be prepared for the next mission.' A teasing smile makes its way to my face. 'Are you sure it's not always like this?'

"N-no, actually," Sam answers, his laugh having a bit of a nervous tone to it. "Just with you, apparently."

My smile falters more than slightly. 'Are you saying I'm bad luck?'

Wouldn't be surprised. Not really. I tend to bring trouble with me, no matter if I want it or not.

"N-no! Not at all!" Sam exclaims with wide eyes. "Actually you're quite the opposite, Five. You seem to be one that's good at staying alive, so far at least." He gives another nervous laugh, to which I reply with a half smile.

'I get that a lot.'

He raises a brow at that. "Oh, really? So what, were you the miracle runner of Mullins or something?"

'I like to believe I have a guardian angel keeping me safe,' I reply, not making eye contact. It's usually not smart to tell others about your beliefs, since most abandoned theirs after all this happened, and criticized those who still cling to their faith; but this isn't blatantly telling him what I believe in, so this is fine... right?

"Yeah, I used to say a prayer before sending out a runner but I stopped with that a few months ago," Sam comments, which honestly surprises me. I didn't think him one to be religious.

'Why'd you stop?' I question, to which Sam sighs.

"Because I don't know what to really believe in anymore. Because why would God up there, watching us from His giant chair or throne or whatever it is he sits on, allow this to happen?"

I look in his eyes and can almost hear the added unsaid question.

Why would He let the people we love die?

Alice.

Wesley....

I push his name out of my head as Sam starts to speak again. "Come on, Dinner will be soon. Best we get there before the good-well, actually decent stuff is gone."

We fall into an odd silence as we both make our way to the kitchen, and I find myself wishing I had something to say. Normally, if I'm not out on a run, I don't mind silence, since I'd usually be reading my Bible, training, or trying to learn new words with my hands, but this silence is almost dense. I don't like it.

I nudge Sam with my elbow, gaining his attention. 'Apparently,' I sign, letting out a huff that I hope resembles laughter, 'my luck or lack of it-depends on perspective-has given me some fans.'

Sam raises a brow questionably. "What do you mean?"

'Before I got my chance to take my shower today, these two boys came up to me and they were just saying that I was so cool for jumping out of that helicopter and all that. They asked me to teach them sign language so I could tell them more about my life at Mullins and such.'

He laughs. "Probably should've guessed the children would be fond of you. Especially how you came in with a bang."

'Literally.'

"But if you're going to teach them sign language, you might want to teach some of the runners as well, since it might be useful since well... you'll need to find a way to communicate with them."

I nod. 'But what about me communicating with you?'

Sam blinks, clearly not expecting that question. "Well, I'm guessing whoever you're running with could tell me what you said, but that won't help much for solo missions..."

'Do you know Morse code?' I ask, and he shakes his head.

"Do you?"

'Had to talk to the radio operators at Mullins somehow.' I shrug.

"Right," He sighs, and I can tell by his facial expressions he's smacking himself.

I nudge him again. 'I could teach it to you if you'd like. That way we could communicate a bit.'

"That would be a good idea..." He pauses for a moment. "But that's a lot of teaching you'd be doing."

'True, but I can handle it. I'm only teaching sign language on the days I'm not running, according to Willis and Milo.' I shrug once more. 'And if I need any help, then I'll come ask you for it... when you're not directing runners from the flesh eating undead.'

"Yeah, I'd be happy to help, especially since we don't know how long Mullins will wait to come pick you up." I cringe slightly at his words, but Sam doesn't take notice. "Now come on. Dinner must be ready by now."

I grimace in remembrance of what I've had to eat these last few days. 'Aw, yes. Canned spam and frozen corn,' I roll my eyes. 'My favorite.'

Sam snorts and that, and a smile pulls at my lips, but I keep it from showing too much. "It's not that bad," He replies, to which I scoff.

'I don't care if I have to run ten miles there and ten back, but when I get my first supply run I'm raiding a gardening store and we're gonna plant a garden in this town,' I state, and Sam cracks up at that.