The Host Chapter 35: Tried

I groaned. My head felt all swirly and disconnected. My patronise rolled nauseatingly.Finally, somevirtuoso murmured in relief. Ian. Of course. Hungry?I thought about that and then do an involuntary gagging sound.Oh. neer mind. Sorry. Again. We had to do it. People got all paranoid when we took you outside.S okay, I sighed.Want some irrigate? zero(prenominal)I opened my eyeball, move to focus in the obscureness. I could see two stars through the cracks overhead. even-tempered night. Or night again, who knew?Where am I? I asked. The solves of the cracks were unfamiliar. I would swear Id never stared at this hood in the lead.Your room, Ian said.I searched for his lay out in the darkness but could simply make out the melanise shape that was his head. With my fingers, I examined the sur salute I lay on it was a real mattress. There was a repose under my head. My searching go by stirred his, and he caught my fingers before I could withdraw them.Whose room is it rightfu lly?Yours.IanIt used to be ours-Kyles and mine. Kyles being held in the hospital wing until things fuel be clear-cut. I can move in with Wes.Im non taking your room. And what do you mean, until things can be decided?I told you there would be a tribunal.When?Why do you want to acknowledge?Because if youre going through with that, then I have to be there. To explain.To lie.When? I asked again.First light. I wont take you.Then Ill take myself. I know Ill be able to walk as soon as my head stops spinning.You would, wouldnt you?Yes. Its not sensible if you dont let me speak.Ian sighed. He dropped my hand and straigh decennaryed slowly to his feet. I could call for his joints pop as he stood. How recollective had he been hinge uponting in the dark, waiting for me to wake? Ill be back soon. You might not be hungry, but Im starving.You had a long night.Yes.If it gravels light, I wont sit here waiting for you.He chuckled without humor. Im sure thats true. So Ill be back before that , and I will help you get down where youre going.He leaned one of the doors remote from the entrance to his cave, maltreatped around it, and then let it overhaul back into place. I frowned. That might be grave to do on one leg. I hoped Ian truly was coming back.While I waited for him, I stared up at the two stars I could see and let my head slowly become stationary. I in right didnt like military man drugs. Ugh. My body hurt, but the lurching in my head was worse.Time passed slowly, but I didnt fall asleep. Id been sleeping most of the last twenty-four hours. I probably was hungry, too. I would have to wait for my substantiate to calm before I was sure.Ian came back before the light, near as hed promised.Feeling any let on? he asked as he stepped around the door.I think so. I havent moved my head yet.Do you think its you reacting to the morphine, or Melanies body?Its Mel. She reacts badly to most pain eraseers. She found that out when she broke her wrist ten years ago.He thought about that for a moment. Its odd. Dealing with two people at once.Odd, I agreed.Are you hungry yet?I smiled. I thought I smelled bread. Yes, I think my stomach is past the worst.I was hoping youd say that.His shadow sprawled out beside me. He felt for my hand, then pulled my fingers open and format a familiar round shape in it.Help me up? I asked.He put his arm carefully around my shoulders and folded me up in one stiff piece, minimizing the ache in my side. I could feel something foreign on the skin there, tight and rigid.Thanks, I said, a little breathless. My head spun slowly. I touched my side with my free hand. Something adhered to my skin, under my shirt. Are my ribs broken, then?Docs not sure. Hes doing as much as he can.He tries so hard.He does.I feel bad that I used to not like him, I admitted.Ian laughed. Of course you didnt. Im amazed you can like any of us.Youve got that turned around, I mumbled, and cut into my teeth into the hard roll. I chewed mechanically and then swallowed, setting the bread down as I waited to see how it hit my stomach.Not very appetizing, I know, Ian said.I shrugged. further testing-to see if the nauseas really passed. maybe something more appealingI get worded at him, curious, but I couldnt see his face. I listened to a precipitous crackle and a ripping sound and then I could smell, and I understood.Cheetos I cried. Really? For me?Something touched my lip, and I crunched into the delicacy he offered.Ive been dreaming about this. I sighed as I chewed.That made him laugh. He put the bag in my hands.I downed the contents of the small bag quickly, and then finished my roll, flavor by the cheese flavor still in my mouth. He handed me a bottle of water before I could ask.Thank you. For more than the Cheetos, you know. For so much.Youre more than welcome, Wanda.I stared into his dark blue eyes, trying to decipher everything he was saying with that sentence-there seemed to be something more than proficient courtesy in the words. And then I realized that I could see the color of Ians eyes I glanced quickly up at the cracks above. The stars were gone, and the riffle was turning pale gray. Dawn was coming. First light.Are you sure you have to do this? Ian asked, his hands already half-extended as if to pick me up.I nodded. You dont have to carry me. My leg feels better.Well see.He helped me to my feet, leaving his arm around my waist and pulling my arm around his neck.Careful, now. Hows that?I hobbled forward a step. It hurt, but I could do it. Great. Lets go.I think Ian likes you too much.Too much? I was surprised to hear from Melanie, and so distinctly. Lately, she only spoke up like this when Jared was around.Im here, too. Does he even care about that?Of course he does. He believes us more than anyone besides Jamie and Jeb.I dont mean that.What do you mean? alone she was gone.It took us a long time. I was surprised by how far we had to go. Id been thinking we were going to the big plaza or t he kitchen-the usual places for congregating. But we went through the eastern field and kept going until we finally reached the big, deep black cave that Jeb had called the game room. I hadnt been here since my first tour. The biting scent of the sulfurous spring greeted me. strange most of the caverns here, the game room was much wider than it was tall. I could see that now because the dim blue lights hung from the cap rather than resting on the floor. The ceiling was only a few feet over my head, the height of a chemical formula ceiling in a house. But I couldnt even see the walls, they were so distant from the lights. I couldnt see the smelly spring, tucked away in some far corner, but I could hear it dribble and gush.Kyle sat in the brightest spot of light. He had his long arms wrapped around his legs. His face was set in a stiff mask. He didnt look up when Ian helped me limp in.On every side of him were Jared and Doc, on their feet, both with their arms hanging loose and ready at their sides. As though they were guards.Jeb stood beside Jared, his grinder slung over one shoulder. He appeared relaxed, but I knew how quickly that could change. Jamie held his free hand no, Jeb had his hand around Jamies wrist, and Jamie didnt seem happy about it. When he saw me come in, though, he smiled and waved. He took a deep breath and looked pointedly at Jeb. Jeb dropped Jamies wrist.Sharon stood beside Doc, with Aunt Maggie at her other side.Ian pulled me toward the edge of the darkness meet the tableau. We werent alone there. I could see the shapes of many others, but not their faces.It was strange through the caves, Ian had supported most of my weight with ease. Now, though, he seemed to have tired. His arm around my waist was slack. I lurched and hopped forward as high hat I could until he picked the spot he wanted. He settled me to the floor, and then sat beside me.Ouch, I comprehend someone whisper.I turned and could just make out Trudy. She scooted closer t o us, Geoffrey and then Heath copy her.You look rotten, she told me. How bad are you hurt?I shrugged. Im fine. I started to wonder if Ian had let me struggle just to make a show of my injuries-to make me testify against Kyle without words. I frowned at his innocent expression.Wes and Lily arrived then and came to sit with my little group of allies. Brandt entered a few plunk fors later, and then Heidi, and then Andy and Paige. Aaron was last.Thats everybody, he said. Lucinas staying with her kids. She doesnt want them here-she said to go on without her.Aaron sat beside Andy, and there was a short moment of silence.Okay, then, Jeb said in a thundery express meant to be heard by all. Heres how its gonna work. Straight-up bulk vote. As usual, Ill make my own decision if I have a problem with the majority, cause this -Is my house, several voices interjected in chorus. Someone chuckled but stopped quickly. This wasnt funny. A human was on struggle for trying to kill an alien. This ha d to be a horrible day for all of them.Whos oration against Kyle? Jeb asked.Ian started to stand beside me.No I whispered, tugging on his elbow.He shrugged me off and rose to his feet.This is simple enough, Ian said. I wanted to jump up and clap my hand over his mouth, but I didnt think I could get to my feet without help. My associate was warned. He was not in any doubt about Jebs ruling on this. Wanda is one of our community-the aforesaid(prenominal) rules and protections apply to her as to any of us. Jeb told Kyle point-blank that if he couldnt live with her here, he should move on. Kyle decided to stay. He knew then and he knows now the penalty for murder in this place.Its still alive, Kyle grunted.Which is why Im not asking for your death, Ian snapped back. But you cant live here anymore. Not if youre a murderer at heart.Ian stared at his brother for a moment, then sat on the ground beside me again.But he could get caught, and wed have no idea, Brandt protested, rising to hi s feet. Hell lead them back here, and wed have no warning.There was a murmur through the room.Kyle glared at Brandt. Theyll never get me alive.Then its a death sentence after all, someone muttered at the same time that Andy said, You cant guarantee that.One at a time, Jeb warned.Ive survived on the outside before, Kyle said angrily.Another voice came from the darkness. Its a risk. I couldnt make out the owners of the voices-they were just hissing whispers.And another. What did Kyle do wrong? Nothing.Jeb took a step toward the voice, glowering. My rules.Shes not one of us, someone else protested.Ian started to rise again.Hey Jared exploded. His voice was so punk that everyone jumped. Wandas not on trial here Does someone have a concrete complaint against her-against Wanda herself? Then ask for another tribunal. But we all know she hasnt harmed anyone here. In fact, she saved his life. He stabbed one finger toward Kyles back. Kyles shoulders hunched, like hed felt the jab. Just secon ds after he tried to throw her into the river, she risked her life to keep him from the same painful death. She had to know that if she let him fall she would be safer here. She saved him anyway. Would any of you have done the same-rescue your enemy? He tried to kill her, and yet will she even speak against him?I felt all the eyes in the dark room on my face as Jared now held his hand out, palm up, toward me.Will you speak against him, Wanda?I stared at him wide-eyed, stunned that he was speaking for me, that he was speaking to me, that he was using my name. Melanie was in shock, too, torn in half. She was overjoyed at the kindness in his face as he looked at us, the fogginess in his eyes that had been absent so long. But it was my name hed saidIt was a few seconds before I could find my voice.This is all a misunderstanding, I whispered. We both fell when the floor caved in. Nothing else happened. I hoped the whisper would make it harder to hear the lie in my voice, but as soon as I was done, Ian chuckled. I nudged him with my elbow, but that didnt stop him.Jared actually smiled at me. You see. She even tries to lie in his defense.Tries being the workman word, Ian added.Who says its lying? Who can prove that? Maggie asked harshly, stepping forward into the empty space beside Kyle. Who can prove that its not the truth that sounds so false on its lips?Mag - Jeb started.Shut up, Jebediah-Im speaking. There is no reason for us to be here. No human was attacked. The insidious trespasser offers no complaint. This is a waste of all our time.I second that, Sharon added in a clear, loud voice.Doc shot her a pained look.Trudy jumped to her feet. We cant house a murderer-and just wait around for him to be successfulMurder is a subjective term, Maggie hissed. I only lead it murder when something human is killed.I felt Ians arm wrap around my shoulder. I didnt realize that I was trembling until his motionless body was against mine.Human is a subjective term as well, Ma gnolia, Jared said, glowering at her. I thought the definition embraced some compassion, some little bit of mercy.Lets vote, Sharon said before her arrive could answer him. Raise your hand if you think Kyle should be allowed to stay here, with no penalty for the misunderstanding. She shot a glance not at me, but at Ian beside me when she used the word Id used.Hands began to rise. I watched Jareds face as his features settled into a scowl.I struggled to raise my hand, but Ian tightened his hold around my arms and made an irritated noise through his nose. I held my palm as high as I could get it. In the end, though, my vote wasnt necessary.Jeb counted out loud. Ten fifteen twenty twenty-three. Okay, thats a clear majority.I didnt look around to see who had voted how. It was enough that in my little corner all arms were crossed tightly over chests and all eyes stared at Jeb with expectant expressions.Jamie walked away from Jeb to come squeeze in amongst Trudy and me. He put his arm a round me, under Ians.Maybe your souls were right about us, he said, loud enough for most to hear his high, hard voice. The majority are no better than -Hush I hissed at him.Okay, Jeb said. Everyone went silent. Jeb looked down at Kyle, then at me, and then at Jared. Okay, Im inclined to go with the majority on this.Jeb - Jared and Ian said simultaneously.My house, my rules, Jeb reminded them. Never forget that. So you listen to me, Kyle. And youd better listen, too, I think, Magnolia. Anyone who tries to hurt Wanda again will not get a tribunal, they will get a burial. He slapped the butt of his gun for emphasis.I flinched.Magnolia glared hatefully at her brother.Kyle nodded, as if accepting the terms.Jeb looked around the unevenly spaced audience, locking eyes with each member except the little group beside me.Tribunals over, Jeb announced. Whos up for a game?