Page 125 of Uprising

“I can’t do them up.” I half whisper.

His eyebrows raise a tiny bit. “It’s okay.” He says before quickly doing it, acting like this is all perfectly natural. Taking so much care not to touch me, not to do anything that could be misconstrued, that might make me panic.

I mumble my thanks and he gives me a smile that makes my knees feel weak.

“Can we get cake now? I’m starving.” Lara says.

“Come on Sweetpea.” Roman replies taking her hand. “We’ll get you the biggest slice they have.”

Lara all but pulls him along and Bella races at their feet. For a moment I just stand there watching them, wondering if I’m hallucinating. Wondering if I’m dreaming.

I have them back. I have them both back.

Roman glances back at me and I see it, that reassurance in his eyes.

I need to pull myself together. I need to get a grip. I’ve been given a second chance. No way am I going to let myself ruin it this time.

* * *

We sit on a long bench.The room resembles something of a high school cafeteria. I can’t stop looking around, taking in the bright lights, the high ceiling, everything that is so normal, and yet we’re underground.

“Here you go.” Roman says putting a tray of food in front of me. “It’s lunchtime so I got the things closest to a breakfast.”

I give him a small smile back. He got me bread, and cheese, and bacon too. My stomach rumbles as I look at it and I dig in without complaint, ignoring the cutlery entirely and just using my thumb and index finger to pick it up like I’m some sort of savage. I can’t remember the last proper meal I’ve had. It feels ages ago.

Lara is sat beside me, wolfing down a plate piled just as high as mine.

And Roman is sat across watching us, not taking his eyes off of us for a minute.

“It’s okay.” I say quietly. “We’re not going anywhere.”

A micro-expression shows his pain. He opens his mouth to reply but Ben is suddenly there, stood behind him.

“Rose.” He says quietly. “It’s good to see you.”

I give him a weak smile. “It’s good to be seen.”

“Everything okay?” Roman asks.

Ben glances at me then back at him. “He’s in her room.” He says quietly.

“Who is in whose room?” I ask.

Roman narrows his eyes, his focus on his friend, not me. “It’s her decision.”

Ben’s eyes flash. “She’s too weak. She’s…”

“Stop.” Roman says. “I’ve seen her. I’ve spoken to her.” He shakes his head like he doesn’t know how to continue that sentence and I realise then exactly who he’s talking about. Sofia.

“Is she okay?” I ask.

Roman winces. “She will be.”

I look at Ben and he looks like he’s about to go on a rampage.

“Roman.” Someone half growls.

We all look up at the new voice. I don’t know who the hell this man is but he’s huge, muscular, covered in tattoos.

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