Gifted Connections 3

I knew he wasn’t bragging. He was humble. I knew it probably killed him to rely on anyone. When he did, people generally let him down. Especially as a child. He became self-reliant. I’m sure it wounded his pride to accept the present from Pops, but he couldn’t throw it back at him either. Pops had faith in him, and Remy didn’t want to let him down, so it helped him, to his success.

Now he’s up to five restaurants. Jaxson gave him a proud look. I knew he reveled in his ‘brother’s’ success.

Why ‘We ? 7’? I finally asked after wondering about it since I first saw the restaurant.

Remy gave me a lopsided smile. I got my mark days before I had graduated. Drake had told us what he thought it meant. It was slightly an homage to Pops and what he had done for the seven of us. He was a single parent voluntarily. He was a great father figure for Jemmy, and he showed Jaxson, Jace, Noah, Troy, Drake, and I how to behave like honorable men. Even if we threw his teachings out the window often. Well most of us. He grinned over at the guys. It was also a beacon of hope that maybe I was part of a bigger plan. We knew our marks were special, and they set us apart from everyone else.

And now we’re having a conversation with no words, Noah quipped.

Well, I’ve been doing that for years, Jaxson said smugly

Troy and Noah simultaneously nailed him with tabasco sauces that came in their MREs.

Hey! Jaxson held out his hands in mock outrage, but quickly swiped up the bottles. He had a penchant for putting hot sauce on nearly everything. Even though I knew tabasco was his least favorite.

I smiled at their antics. As grown men, the boys still came out of them every now and then. You could see the love between them. Blood didn’t make them brothers. Life did. They were also best friends. Some of them naturally gravitated towards each other more than others but that happened in normal family dynamics as well. It didn’t change the bond between them.

Should we get going? I asked reluctantly as I finished my last bite of the tortellini. It wasn’t five-star quality dining, but it had been slightly more than just edible.

Troy groaned. We probably should. I don’t think we should be traveling when night falls, and I want to find a shelter to hide in before then so we’re not in the open.

Do you think they’ll find us when we’re sleeping? I asked.

I doubt it. I really don’t think their taking this training seriously, and we can always take turns watching camp, Troy said cynically.

If it was up to Terrance, they wouldn’t stop looking until we are found. Especially with the amount of people they have at their disposal, Jace remarked.

We cleaned up our mess, and I slid my uneaten cracker, jalapeno cheese spread, skittles, and dried cranberries into the front pocket of my pack. The food had been filling.

I looked around when I finally realized my bladder was about to burst. I had sweat a lot today, but the guys had insisted I drink water on numerous occasions.

“Umm I need to relieve myself,” I spoke quietly. I hadn’t even thought about the logistics

of it all until that moment. My napkin from my MRE was used and too paper-thin to wipe with.

After hours of not talking verbally it was weird to hear my voice.

Jace chuckled as he reached into his pack and handed me a roll of toilet paper. It’s biodegradable but make sure you still bury it, so the other team doesn’t find it.

Why don’t you give me both your canteens? I’ll fill it up in the stream and put a water tablet in there. Remy stated as he held his hand out to me. I handed him my canteen off my hip and the one in my pack with an appreciative smile. We should all fill up our canteens now. The stream is flowing nicely so it should be safe to drink, but I’ll still add the tablets. He turned to the guys.

They all got up and walked to the stream. I was somewhat gratified hearing Noah and Drake groan. At least I wasn’t the only one feeling it.

When we set off once more, it was Jace who carried my pack now. I tried to protest but they fell on deaf ears. We made our way through the woods, and after another three hours I was tired. In the distance we could see a cave, and I had a feeling we were headed in that direction.

I want to check that cave out up there, Troy confirmed my theory as he looked up to the sky. It’ll be dark soon, and I want to settle down for the night. Maybe grab some wood for a fire.

The temperature had dropped enough for me to put my balaclava on. My fingers and toes were getting numb even though Remy had handed me some hand and foot warmers. Grey clouds were now on the horizon and rolling in with alarming speed.

If they’re smart, the other team should be seeking shelter as well, Jace said sardonically.

We trudged on until we finally came to the mouth of the cave. There was a boulder partially covering it.

Who wants to go in and investigate, see if it’s occupied by wild life? Jaxson asked with a sly grin.

You are the youngest. I nominate you. Noah joked.

I second that, Troy said with a twinkle in his eyes.