Tori's Misfits

Chapter eight

Tori’s Pov:

We stood staring at each other as we listened to Jace run back through the tunnel. Not quite believing he left us here to fend for ourselves. Jaccia shivers and looks at me with frightened eyes, while Carli’s eyes are darting around as if looking for danger. I am terrified as well, but know they depend on me to be strong.

“Okay let's go through the supplies, get something to eat, and then rest, tomorrow is a new day” I state, forcing a smile onto my face.

Opening the tunnel, I look at the neat piles of supplies Jace has left. Grabbing a couple of sacks, I bring them into the cave, sitting them in front of the girls returning for more. It takes me four trips to carry it all in. As I finish with the last trip, I see they have lit a candle and started opening the bags. Jaccia pulling items out and handing them to Carli. This is good, as I think keeping busy will help take our minds off the fear of a new place.

While working we start to relax and talk about the trip to town. Jaccia comments on having to go around the town and then backtracking to get there and how she was no help to us during the trip. I shake my head and tell her, “You are wrong, we couldn’t have done it without you and your courage to change our future.”

“How did my wanting a different life help when we were in danger or needed to find our way?”

“You did your part by giving us hope when we had none. The stories you told gave us the desire to change our circumstances. The faith you show that you can control your life is why we left.” Carli says, admiration shining in her deep green eyes.

“I used to think it was no use to dream, or even hope for a life other than what the Career and Madam Kim choose for us, but you, Jaccia, made me not only want more but willing to fight for it. “

Jaccia looks at us with a small smile on her face, cheeks bright red as tears roll down her face. She sniffles a couple of times and then leans over and pulls us into a group hug.

“Thanks, guys, I was feeling down thinking I was of no use,” she says shyly.

We continue sorting the supplies until the growling of Carli’s stomach makes us jump. I laugh a little embarrassed and suggest we stop and eat. Looking through the supplies, we decide to eat some of the bread and fruit first as it will spoil quicker than anything else.

“I wish we could have a fire; it's starting to get cold.” Jaccia says, her teeth clatter together, as she rubs her arms.

“Let's turn the crates over in the tunnel and set the supplies up on them like selves, I believe, in addition to some warmer clothing I saw some old blankets in one of the sacks.” Carli states picking one of the wooden crates up and carrying it into the tunnel. She places the crate at the bottom against the wall and open end towards the middle of the tunnel, then returns and grabs a second crate and places it across from the first one. Making four small shelves to put supplies on.

Working together as if we are on an assembly line, we quickly sort the supplies, putting the most perishable on the top shelves closest to the opening as it is cooler there. We then set three sets of warmer clothing aside, folding the rest and placing them on the shelves.

Now that everything is in order, and we can see what we have, we will be able to ration it out and make it last. We decided to clean up briefly before trying to sleep.

Using a hand on the wall of the cave to lead the way, we head towards the front where we can hear the water rushing. Arriving at the front of the cave, we see the shimmering moonlight reflecting on the waterfall. I take my clothing off and step up, letting out a small squeal at how cold the water is as it flows over me. I am surprised as the force of the water almost knocks me off my feet. I steady myself and let the ice-cold rushing water help remove the dry caked-on mud. Jaccia and Carli quickly strip and join me, wanting to get rid of the stench of the day as well.

Finishing, we dry ourselves with the cloth bags and dress in the warmer clothing Jace provided us. We place our old dirty clothes into cloth bags and decide to clean them tomorrow. Walking to the back of the cavern we decide to make our bed in the tunnel and close it up. Laying one of the blankets on the floor, we all cuddle together under the other and talk quietly until sleep overcomes us.