I lay on my sleeping bag, eyes open and staring up at the ceiling, which is more odd than usual, since it's not the middle of the night but in fact only three o'clock in the afternoon.

Willis, Penelope, and Milo should just now be getting out of school.

A half of a smile appears on my lips. This is the first normal thought I've had in a week.

One week, seven days, 168 hours, 10080 minutes, 604800 seconds. That's how long it's been since our run in with Van Ark.

I remember Sam's reaction when we came back the next day. At first he was furious that we turned off our radio, then he was even more furious when we told him about Ephraim being a traitor and how we were nearly taken captive at Jeffro, and finally he was confused when we told him Pro. Van Ark was still alive.

Janine was surprised as well, but interested, especially when Maxine told her about what we saw in those labs. She was even more interested when we told her about New Canton, and how they helped us. Sam was more interested in the fact that I had a doppelgänger, stating that since she's from New Canton, she must be the evil twin.

I wouldn't be too sure about that. She actually seemed... quite nice-good, besides getting blamed for a death she had no control over.

I remember learning more about Chrysalis and Archie when we all stayed the night at that old house Ephraim took us to to give us a pair of guns. They didn't want to tell us much about New Canton, of course, just as we didn't tell them about our plans for Abel, but we did talk about Van Ark, and how he was apparently still alive.

They told us about Keeley, and how it was blown up soon after I left. I, of course, knew this, but Sarah and the doctor did not, and there was no way I could have told them since I only knew this through a dream. So now that they were told this, they could tell Janine. And we did. Archie also told us that Keeley is where she saw Van Ark for the first time in three years.

But neither of them told us about Steve Reeves Hospital, and I can only guess it's because Van Ark was planning on invading New Canton. They never did give us any reason as to why they were at Jeffro, but I think Chrys knew that I knew something.

We still are unsure why Van Ark was so hostile toward us, especially since he invited us here. With what Chrys heard-and what I heard through her ears-it was possibly to kill her, but why? To scare Paula into working harder?

I've come to terms with the fact that the dream I had before the actual events was like a prophecy, but I refuse to think about it too much. That's something that can be thought about later, unlike this thing going on with the professor.

But I did learn that Chrysalis isn't my long lost twin, since she is nearly a year older than me, and since neither of us were adopted the whole clone theory Sam spouted out when we returned home was trashed as well.

Even with Van Ark being a creepy weirdo with mysteries so long and detailed it could make my head spin, we can't focus on him right now, not with New Canton still planning on raiding us. That's what Janine said anyway, and she isn't wrong, since we have no idea where Pro. Van Ark might have hidden away besides well, north of the Jeffro Complex, or what's left of it.

And New Canton still plans on attacking us, even with what we've discovered. That's what Nadia was telling Chrys over the coms after she saved Maxine, Sarah, and me. Of course, I couldn't tell Janine or Sam that. Instead I made up a lie, saying that while everyone was asleep in that old house, I heard Chrysalis speaking to New Canton over a coms link, asking if they still planned to attack after learning what they've learned today. The answer was yes, because New Canton would need all the supplies they could get if Van Ark plans on getting rid of their settlement, which he did have plans on doing before they blew up one of his bases.

Everyone believed it. Even Sarah. She actually seemed to believe it the most. She probably suspected they were still planning to attack anyway, whether or not she had proof. I'm pretty sure that's why she waited until Archie and Chrys left to open up that cellar and steal every weapon we could carry.

I snicker quietly at the memory of Maxine's face. She felt terrible for taking Ephraim's things, even after him betraying us, but Sarah didn't feel any remorse as she shoved everything she could into her bag, and neither did I at the time.

I still don't, surprisingly.

I don't know whether Ephraim survived those explosions at Jeffro-I know many didn't-but a part of me actually hopes he didn't. I know it's because I'm bitter at him for using God as a way for us to trust him more, but still there's that little part of me...

The door opens, and little feet patter on the floor causing me to look up from my corner at the three children who've decided to come visit. The three grin as they approach me, like they always do.

"Hi, Mum!" Penelope says happily, and I feel my gut twist at the new name she's given me. I don't address it though, not now.

'What's got you so happy?' I question as I sit up. The dark haired girl opens her mouth to speak but only small squeaks come out, so I send an amused look to the two boys as I wait for an explanation.

"Halloween is eight days away and today some runners brought us in some more costumes from stores and stuff," Willis explains, and his younger sister nods excitedly.

"They found a princess costume!"

'I'm sure you'll look great it in,' I say.

"Are you going to dress up for Halloween?" Milo asks, and I raise a brow.

'They got adult costumes too?'

"Sam said he didn't want the kids to have all the fun," He says while I roll my eyes in amusement.

Figures, I muse silently, remembering how badly Sam wanted a costume from his role playing game.

"Caleb called dibs on a pirate costume; Said you should dress up too so we would all be wearing cool costumes."

'I don't think I'd make a good pirate.'

"You could be a ninja," Willis suggests, and I scoff.

'I'm about as graceful as a potato.'

He shrugs. "I like potatoes."

"Oh, I know what you could be!" Penelope says as she bounces up on her toes. "You could be the little mermaid!"

"Why would Mom want to be a mermaid?" Willis asks with a raised brow, and I have to restrain from grimacing at the realization that the other two seem to have picked up the new name for me as well. "She's more like a ninja or a secret agent."

"Yeah, why would she be the little mermaid?" Milo repeats.

"Because she can't speak."

I flinch. Ouch, you guys are on a roll with the mission of making me feel extremely uncomfortable.

'Well, what does Caleb think I should be?' I question, quickly trying to change the subject's angle.

The brothers shrug. "Not sure. He just really wants you to dress up. He thinks it'll be fun."

I'm sure he does. I know exactly why he's wanting me to do this so badly. These past few days I've been feeling extremely bothered by what's happening and also what hasn't happened. Of course the whole ordeal with Van Ark worries me, and the fact New Canton is raiding us in three weeks terrifies me, and let's not even mention my helicopter crash and Project Greenshoot, but there's one more thing bothering me.

Bothering me more than it actually should.

My dreams-the ones where I see through the eyes of Chrysalis Gracier-they've just... stopped. I haven't had a single one since my last one about Jeffro. It's as if the second I realize these dreams actually mean something they stop. The only dreams I've had at night this past week is my gruesome memories.

And apparently I've been letting my emotions slip too much, because my red-headed friend has taken notice.

"So does that mean you will dress up?" The youngest sibling asks, and I simply shrug in reply.

'I'll think about it. Where is Caleb anyway?'

"He's helping Dr. Meyers at the hospital," Milo answers. "They have to distribute medicine since it's getting so much colder."

"I hate feeling sick," Penelope says, sticking out her tongue in disgust. "I feel so bad and gross."

"That's because you're sick, dummy." He rolls his eyes, while his sister scrunches up her nose.

"I'm not a dummy!"

There's a mocking huff and an eye roll added to it. "Whatever you say."

"I'm not!"

'Don't start,' I sign while giving them all warning glare. Neither of them have to ask what. 'Do you have anything you need to get done?'

"You mean homework?" Willis asks, and I give a small nod.

'That and the chores. I know they've been having one of you help in building the greenhouse so we can continue growing plants during the winter, and another is helping raise the two goats Runner Three brought in a few days ago.'

How Simon managed to find a pair of goats on a tech run I'll never know, and why Janine was willing to let him bring them back is an even bigger mystery.

"Well, I only help out with the greenhouse buildings on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays," He says. "And Milo helped out with the goats this morning."

The said brunet scowls when his brother snickers. It's easy to see Milo doesn't like his job. He's constantly telling me he'd rather be a runner like me, but I honestly hope he never becomes a runner. It's dangerous. I'd rather not have someone as good as these three die by zombie bite.

'I'm sure you won't have to help out with them forever,' I say reassuringly.

"I hope not," He grumbles, crossing his arms and sending a glare to his snickering siblings.

'Do any of your friends have to help out?'

"Lily and Eric have to, and I think Lauren and Grace help in building the greenhouse, but I'm not sure about anyone else."

'At least you're not the only one who has to suffer then, right?' I try to force a smile, but it doesn't come out quite right. I can tell by the children's faces. Their smiles slowly drop, and worry fills their eyes. It's a look that twelve-year-olds shouldn't have and a look a six-year-old definitely shouldn't have.

"Are you okay, Mum?" Willis asks with a voice that sounds almost timid, as if talking to a scared animal.

I blink, silently cursing at how well they can see through me. This didn't happen before at Mullins, or at the AMTB.

That's because you didn't have friends there. You had quite literally two people who cared about you at each base, and now almost every one of them is dead besides one.

'I'm fine. Why do you ask?'

"You just seem different since that last super secret mission," Milo answers casually, and I scoff.

'You've been talking to Caleb about my missions, haven't you?'

He raises a shoulder in a half shrug. "Maybe, but still you seem different. Like, really worried-like you want to rip your hair out or something."

"It's because she has three kids surrounding her all the time without a minute to rest."

We all turn our eyes to the door, and I feel a small smile as Caleb walks into the room, bright eyed as always.

Willis crosses his arms and sends the redhead an unamused look. "We aren't around her all the time."

"Oh, that's right. You're only with her when you're off school and when she's not on a mission," He says with sarcasm dripping in his voice.

"Exactly, and you can't say much 'cause you hang out with her a lot too."

"But that's because I'm her best friend." He grins before turning his attention to the actual subject of conversation, me. "You didn't come out for breakfast and I didn't see you at lunch either. You been sitting in here all day?"

'Didn't feel like going out in the cold.'

"How were you not bored out of your mind?"

'I read my Bible, prayed, slept. It's the basic routine.'

He huffs. "Yeah, it's basic alright. I've met old people who have more hobbies than you."

'Thanks, best friend. I love your kind comments,' I deadpan, causing Caleb to laugh.

"What a friend's for, right? Still, you shouldn't be sitting in here all day."

I tip my head to the side in question. 'Why? It's my day off?'

"Maybe so but don't you and Janine or Sarah or Sam have to talk about those super secret missions you've been running?"

'Caleb, the last two missions I've had were supply runs.'

"But the one before that wasn't."

"Oh you mean the one where she and the doctor and Runner Eight didn't come back until the next day?" Willis asks. "And they brought back all those guns?"

'How did you know about the guns?' I ask. 'They didn't even open our backpacks, and we only carried about two guns each in our arms. Sarah told them so they took them down to the armory.'

"People aren't very quiet here in Abel," Milo replies. "We could hear them talking about it; Wondering how you found enough weapons to fill up three backpacks. Where did you find those though? Did you break into some abandoned military base?"

'If I told you that I did would you be satisfied?'

"No, I'd want details."

A sigh escapes my lips, from both his response and the fact I've lost all interest in this conversation. Any other day I'd love to sit and chat about missions and Halloween and dressing up, but not today. Every second counts now that we know what we know and with New Canton planning on raiding us, I really don't want to be wasting my time on idle chatter and light bantering.

So I stand, my legs feeling close to jelly since I've only got up and walked a few times the entirety of today. Caleb grins up at me as I kick out my legs a few times to get the blood flowing.

"Finally deciding to stretch your legs?"
I nod, and Caleb and the three children stand up as well. "We'll go with you then. You look like you could use the company."

•

'You're smart. I'll give you that,' I say as I watch Milo and Willis talk excitedly to Ed, while Penelope plays with Molly a few feet away.

Caleb chuckles. "Yeah, I've learned there's only two people that can pull these guys away from you, and right now you looked like you needed it."

'I'm more obvious than I thought, then.'

"No, I can just read you really well," He says, pausing for a brief moment. "I know you're not allowed to talk about those missions you went on before but... did something bad happen? You've seemed pretty uh, distant since you came back from that last one.

"I mean, everyone's acted a tiny bit different, like Dr. Meyers is fidgety and anxious, and Sam isn't as... you know, Sam like, and then there's you who seems to have shut down from any and all conversation. The only ones who don't seem affected are Janine and Sarah but I'm sure Janine's probably part robot or something and Sarah Smith is just... Sarah Smith."

'Yeah, something did happen, but like you said I can't tell you anything at this moment,' I answer, listening to him hum in thought.

"Can you give me a hint or like, a very vague answer?" He prompts with a hopeful smile.

'We found out things, nearly got captured, nearly got killed. It's just the same basic running routine,' I say with a slight shrug.

"Captured? By who?"

'Can't tell you that.'

"Damn it," He says under his breath, prompting a voiceless giggle from me. "Have you talked to Sam any?"

I blink at the change in subject. 'Why?'

"Because he knows more about this than I do. I'm sure he might have some sort of way to ease your consciousness and trust me, you definitely need someone to do that for you because it looks like this is eating you alive."

'I guess it is, since we can't follow it up since our only tie to this blew up, and the person we're searching for is gone off somewhere and we have no way of finding him. And we can't just go out there and look for him since we have to save all of our ammunition for New Canton, if they happen to get through to Abel.'

He takes a moment before speaking, eyebrows furrowed together and a hand pressed to his lips. "So when you say 'blew up', do you mean literally or figuratively?"

'Do you really want to know?'

"Yes. Yes, I do, actually."

'Well, I can't tell.' I shrug. 'Best you don't know anyway.'

Best you don't know a lot of things...

"And why's that?" He asks crossing his arms.

'Because with every answer you get, two more questions pop up.'

"Well, I guess it's a good thing we're curious people, yeah?" He asks cheekily, and I let out a huff of amusement.

'I guess so, but still I'd rather not talk about it. Not now anyway.'

"Not even with Sam?"

I set my jaw as I stare at him with a slightly annoyed eyes. He simply shrugs in reply. "I'm just saying. You seem happier when you talk to him. We can only guess why-"

I smack him across the arm before he can finish with his sarcastic remark. He winces and rubs the area, still holding a grin that puts the Cheshire Cat to shame. Although in all perspectives I should have seen this coming since he hasn't teased me about this all week. I should've guessed it would've only lasted for so long.

'Sam will make me feel no better than you would,' I say.

"I don't know if I should be flattered or if Sam should be offended."

'A bit of both I think,' I reply with sly smile.

A bit of both...

A/N: Hey, guys! This chapter is more of a filler and is a bit more mellow since these las few chapters have been pretty intense. I still think it's alright though. Hope you guys too. Don't forget to vote and comment and I hope you have a blessed day! Thank you!