Chapter 8

*THREE MONTHS LATER*

I was growing at a steady rate, my stomach was huge. The baby moved all the time. 13 became even more protective over me as well. He had just felt the baby move himself for the first time the other night when we were laying face to face, my belly creating a barrier between us. He was in awe, he placed his hands ever so gently around my growing belly and spoke to the baby and it kicked him again. I could tell he loved the baby almost as much as me. And that made me feel at peace.

My growing belly didn’t stop him loving on me and calling me beautiful all the time. Even though I was developing these purple marks that stretched up my stomach and down my legs. He would kiss them and tell me they made me more beautiful. I may not have been taught about love, but I knew that this was it. What I felt for him knew no bounds, or limits.

13 is making a fire, it was getting later in the day and he was prepping food for us to eat. My sickness is better now. I still get sick sometimes but not nearly as much anymore. Which was a relief for sure because I was hungry all the time now.

“13.” I said, grabbing his attention.

“Yes, love?” He said, calling me by my new nickname.

“I’ve been thinking…”

“About what?”

“I think we should venture into the city. Quite a bit of time has passed now… and It would only be for a moment. But I want to make sure that the baby is okay and growing like it should.”

“I get it. But how would we get there? We don’t have access to the boat anymore.”

“We can see the city from here. I’m sure we could figure something out.”

*13’s POV*

Venturing into the city was a dangerous plan. I know time passed but I’m sure they were still looking for us. But I know where she is coming from and I’m going to make it happen for her. We really only need something that would float us over to the city and float us back. So I went to work.

I tested different pieces of wood I found lying around the island to see which floated the best and fastened them together. It took me a week to complete, but I did it. It held my weight well.

“216!” I shouted trying to get her attention.

“Coming!” She called back, struggling to get up.

“Sit on this with me. I need to be sure it will hold us both.”

When she sat it seemed to be okay for a moment but then it started sinking into the water. It didn’t work. I hopped off and left her on it and it floated back to the surface. Both of us were too much weight.

“You know what this means right?” She said looking up to me.

“I know what you’re going to say. And my answer is no. Absolutely not.”

“I have to know 13. I can do this.”

“I don’t want you to go without me. It is too dangerous.”

“I don’t deny the danger. But I know I can handle it.”

“I don’t like this.”

She got up off the raft and pulled me into her. “I don’t like the idea of being away from you either. But, this is for our baby.”

“Fine. You have one day. And if it takes any longer I’m coming for you.” I planted a kiss on her forehead.

“Deal.” She said looking up at me and then she kissed my lips.