Her sense was the only thing that caused her to nod her head, “Y-yeah...” She whispered.
Addie turned her entire back towards her sibling’s final resting place and felt her heart sink as the helicopter began to lift from the helipad.
Choking out a sob, Addie pressed the back of her hand to her mouth, “Goodbye.” She whispered.
Quinta pushed herself to the final step before she kicked the door open. Turning her body, she grabbed Dane's arms with both of her hands and pulled his frame up against hers.
Quinta screamed out to them which only caused Addie's heart to drop, “W-Wait!” Addie exclaimed. She swung her body around to see those two battered but alive. Jumping out of the helicopter without a second thought, Addie ran over to her brother and Quinta. The pilot was in complete awe with a smile stuck on his features that read absolute admiration. He couldn't believe what he saw.
He then patted Leon on the shoulder and pointed while he lowered the copter, “I can't believe they made it!” He exclaimed.
Nor could Leon, after he had prayed for them, wept for them, there they were; alive.
Addie placed Dane's arm over her shoulders and both her and Quinta dragged him towards the helicopter. With a bit of labored work, the two women got Dane inside, before they shut the door behind them.
The pilot took a moment to look back at them, “Let's get you guys home!” He called over the engine towards the women once he saw the grave state Dane was in.
Addie placed her palms over her brother's face and rested his head in her lap, “No, no, no, no.” She whispered repeatedly.
Quinta frantically threw her backpack to the ground, she then turned only to catch sight of Leon's surprised gaze. Glaring at him with a heat that could light him on fire, she shook her head and ignored him while he sat there. He didn't even have enough decency to help them bring Dane onto the helicopter. And for what? His pride? Quinta didn't have the time to curse him out the way she desired to. She proceeded to go through her bag and read over each packet before she placed the ones she didn't need to the side.
Addie bent over and pressed her forehead to her brother’s. Shushing him repeatedly, she elevated his head and ran her palm across his face. Addie bent over to kiss across his sweaty, putrid head. She didn't care at all because he was there and in her arms. Lifting another package, Quinta's shaken hands came across the very thing she worked hard to retrieve.
Tears instantly flooded her eyes and relief rippled over her body while she nodded her head, “Yes.” She whispered as she nodded her head. Quinta ripped open the parched paper and took out a bottle full of his medication, “Here.” She said as she handed them to Addie.
Addie popped the cap and placed two pills in his mouth for safe measure. She grabbed a canteen from her side and poured a bit of water into his mouth. With a bit of Deja Vu, Addie began to stroke along his neck to force him to swallow before she sighed out. Blowing out shakily, the young girl cried just like Quinta who had her hands placed over her eyes. On the short flight back, Quinta pulled three extra packages just like the last, a feeling of relief washed over Quinta's body while she fell back on her bottom. Panting heavily, she stared out of the window at the terrain below and exhaled her first deep, relaxed breath.
Taking a moment, she then stared down at Dane who laid in his sister's arms with sweat down his forehead, and his chest rising with his breaths. She rubbed a palm against her chest while she exhaled a weak sigh. The man she loved was going to be okay.
Feeling her bottom lip tuck in, Quinta slowly turned her head right back to the window, “We did it.” She whispered before she wiped her tears away.
Chapter 13
A week had passed since their last mission. Dane had been kept under surveillance and released after a couple of days. Addie thanked her lucky stars that her brother was still with her as well as Quinta who made this all possible. Their busy lives had once again taken over most of their days but on rare occasions they could spend time together. They'd been put on a hold list since they returned home because Decker had deemed their time had left them traumatized. The days were filled with debriefings, checkups, mental evaluations, and sleep. Leon didn't bother the others out of fear of rejection and the fact that he may have lost their trust and friendship once and for all. He was numb. He no longer cared enough to push himself and others in his line of work. All he wanted was to get out.
Dane was virtually healthy and back to normal. Thanks to the pay from the last fiasco, this gave he and Addie the luxury of having a functional apartment. Addie was sitting at the two-person kitchen table smiling at Dane as she casually went on and on about her dreams to him. Cupping her jaw with her palms, she had her elbows propped on the table, and the glint of happiness in her eyes hadn't died down yet. Dane listened and allowed her to ramble on while he plated their food for breakfast.
Turning towards her, he set her plate down in front of her, “And of course it ended with me on a date with a cute zombie guy. That doesn't make any sense, does it? Nope, but I'll tell you he was well mannered and didn't grumble much for a dead guy.” She expressed.
Dane gave her this peculiar glare as though she were a freak. Addie only shrugged him off in her light mannered mindset before she began to eat her food. Even though Addie didn't think that Dane had heard a word she said, the slight smile on his face showed that he was rather amused.
He took his first bite of eggs before a piece of toast, “So remember that thing I told you I found at the market? I'm ready to show you today. Quinta too, she's coming over.” He commented once the conversation wore off.
At the mention of Quinta, Addie's eyes lit up as she realized this was not just a brother and sister night.
She broke into a grin once the doors were opened, “Oh! Then Leon can come too? Awesome I'll let him know!” She exclaimed.
Dane's enthusiasm waned a little in his own right. Ever since the helicopter, Leon hadn't come around which left them in limbo on where they stood. The last words that had been exchanged between them has put Dane off. Either way, a part of Dane missed him. All in all, Leon was a good guy and turned out to be a rather reliable friend. For the most part. Though, in the back of Dane's mind, he still remembered how close Leon was to leave Quinta and he for dead.
Addie hesitantly raised her gaze to meet Dane's before she continued as though to appease him, “You know he's been trying to make things better between all of us. He's sorry about what happened back there and he doesn’t know how to approach you. At least let him try and make it up to us.” She said to Dane.
Dane let out a long sigh as he turned his head away and agreed with her, “Fine.” He said simply.
Dane was ignored amid Addie's glee to his answer and finished his meal. Today was going to be great regardless. He had tried to make their living room as comfortable and guest ready as possible for the night. Dazing off in his thoughts, he wandered back to Quinta and wondered what kind of movies there were in Jamaica and if Quinta would be excited for what he had in store. Addie noticed that yet again her brother had zoned out in the middle of her chatter. She couldn't help but take a moment and smile to herself because if it wasn't for Quinta, if not for their teamwork, he wouldn't be across the table from her today.
“Oh, I'm so excited to see them! I'm going to run out and find Leon now, okay? Okay!” She answered for him.
Finishing her last bit of eggs, Addie hurried over to the sink and dropped her plate within. She ran her palm over her brother's forehead and kissed him there before she grabbed her bag.
“Be back soon!” She called as she rushed out.
After his sister left, Dane slipped another bite of food in his mouth, “Called it.” He commented to himself. Leaning back, he yelled after Addie, “Hey! And tell him to come over without that stupid fish!” A little too late, she already gone on her way and his tone fell silent, “He needs to act like a normal damn person on from time to time.” He grumbled.
After he finished up his breakfast,
Dane got himself properly dressed, and carried a television out of his bedroom. With that he set up a video player and five movies in front of the couches on the opposite wall. Testing both the player and the television, a proud smile drew along his lips in his excitement. He checked his surroundings one last time before he got up to leave for Quinta's house.
Quinta had spent a few of her days tending to the greenhouses just to release stress. Even though she enjoyed it for the most part, she felt a bit of unease in her stomach. She lived alone. Did things alone. And unless there was the off chance that Addie and Dane were around, she was mainly alone. Outside on her small balcony, Quinta sipped on a freshly brewed cup of tea. Over the months she had gathered herself a treasure trove of assortments to meet her daily need. Sitting back, she enjoyed the simple pleasure of the sunrise before she lifted her mug and toasted to her family. With her feet propped on the rails, she tapped her finger across the mug and tilted her head to the side with a sigh.
She was quite satisfied and happy with the way things played out. Dane seemed to be well, his supply was still stocked, they had the money to replenish him if they needed, and she was more than relieved that Addie was able to have her family. A small smile touched Quinta's features as she took another hearty sip of tea. Clenching her jaw, she swallowed and licked the remnants from her lips. Despite all of this, she still hadn't mustered the courage to give him the very thing he deserved more than anything else.
A thank you.
Feeling as though these unsaid words had gone that way for far too long, she knew that tonight would change that. Even if for a small amount of time she could have a moment alone with him, she would do the honorable thing and let him know how appreciative she was of him. That his last decision helped their lives move forward for the better. Of course, there was another conversation that needed to be expressed but one at a time.
Dane stopped in front of her apartment complex only to glance out towards the horizon. He was just in time. Going around the back, he glanced up at her window with a squint and saw her there with tea. As she took the last long sip of her spiced, ginger tea, Quinta closed her eyes and leaned her head back. The fall breeze from the ocean proved to her that this was going to be a chilly day and being that she was from Jamaica, she was frigid. This was refreshing from the heat. Suddenly, she heard a certain and all too familiar voice call beneath her.
Stepping back until he could see her properly he gave a wave to grab her attention, “Hey. Did you forget or am I early?” He asked rhetorically.
Dane remembered that he had told Quinta he wouldn't be to her house until later that day. Though, he realized that she could have not been available until the time he se. In all honesty, he just wanted to be alone with her before the other two returned.
He tilted his head while he pointed up at her, “Can I come up? Or are you coming down?”
Lowering her feet, she stared at Dane through the bars, “It all matters 'ow yuh look on it. It's a bit early in da mornin’ to be out lookin’ for me don't yuh tink? But me can 'ave visitors, come on. I'll meet yuh at da door.” She answered him with an over exaggerated wave.
She disappeared from the balcony, placed her mug down, and proceeded straight through her space towards the door. She was pleasantly surprised to see him so early and her stomach was in knots at the prospect to see him again. Dane couldn't stop the smile that pulled across his wide lips in an uplifted state. Backing away, he hurried around the building only to trip over his own feet.
“Shit.” he muttered before he continued up the steps.
Unlocking the latch, she pulled the door opened and poked her head out before she smiled at him once he was in view.
With a laugh she bickered at him, “Now, what do yuh want from me today?”
Even though she laughed and he felt as though she saw him almost eat the dirt, he acted as though nothing happened.
Stopping directly in front of her, his frame shrouded her in his shadow, “Dinner? Well uh lunch and dinner. I'd actually like your help making food for everyone.” He answered.
The moment she heard that he wanted help to cook, she couldn't help but uncross her arms and put her hands on her hips. Her shoulders jut out towards him as if she were ready to accuse him of using her.
Instead she smirked and rolled her eyes with a smile, “Just like me mother told me. If yuh feed dem, dey will never leave yuh alone.” She said to him.
Watching those pretty eyes that held the life he yearned for, he chuckled at her with a nod, “She was a brilliant woman. You must have had the neighborhood at your door. But , that thing I told you about, I want to show you before the others get to the house. So, will you come over?”
Looking at her with a half expectant glance, he figured that Quinta would be curious enough to drop any plans she had for him. At least that's what he had hoped. He started to back away from her as though he wished to coax her into the final choice and follow him. His excitement for tonight was clear.
Biting down on her thumb nail, Quinta watched him descend the steps one by one and could tell what he wanted her to do. With a smirk held on her features, she waited to see how far he'd go before he gave in. Dane knew she wanted to test him and yet he continued about his way. Once he was almost from view she caved just as he knew she would.
“Fine!” She huffed out.
Reaching back within her home, she pulled the keys from a small hook in the wall before she shut and locked the door. She rushed to meet up with him before she paused at the top of the steps and stared as he stood there. There was a certain clench in her stomach which caused her to wet her lips. Pressing her hands to her thighs, she kept the black fabric of her skirt close to her thighs before she paced down towards him one by one. Dane’s eyes widened the moment he saw her entire form make its way down towards him. He turned his gaze forward towards the exit of the complex and clenched his jaw. A sweet sensation in his chest throbbed with his heart.
Stopping in front of him, Quinta grabbed his hand and placed her keys in his palm and closed his fingers around them, “'ere, me trade yuh. Food for me keys until tonight. Let's go on and see dis surprise.”
Dane went to hold Quinta's hand back for a fleeting moment when she put her keys within his palm. He stared at them for a second before he stared in her face. The odd way of trade was to be expected of Quinta though he didn't know what to make of it. Or perhaps he was over thinking the situation? Was it her own way of a joke to get him to hold her things? Or was she giving him a key to her home? Regardless he was willing to comply.
Putting them into his back pocket, Dane led the way in front of her, “Oh gee thanks, you can have the key to my house if you can pry it from Addie's fingers.” He bantered back towards her.
“Ah no. That'll be just what me don't need. Addie raidin’ through me panty drawer like she did da first time we slept ova Leon's place.” She huffed out with a laugh.
Laughing with her, Dane's mood settled into contentment while slowly his fingers hooked around hers. Quinta stared straight ahead and released a soft sigh all while she tried to stop the smile from her face. After a fifteen-minute walk in mostly silence, Dane glanced at her a few times. The long sleeves on her arms and the flowy fabric that danced across her legs in the wind made it hard to resist. To see her in a dress after so long was odd. He was so used to her being dressed in practical gear like shorts, pants, and tank tops that he liked this. Really liked it. He found that with every step he took, he felt a growing anticipation and excitement within him once they got to his place.
Without perception on how Dane stared, Quinta took the time to look around the little town they walked through. With the slight change in weather some people had the leisure of bicycles and rode through the streets on their way to designated jobs. On the roofs of the taller buildings there were armored snipers that patrolled around and kept a look out for signals from the ones along the walls.
It wasn't until she found herself giving in and glancing in Dane's dire
ction did she notice that he was staring at her just as much as she was him. Far too paranoid to stare back, nor come up with the words to start the conversation for an apology, she played ignorant. Within another five minutes they had arrived to Dane’s apartment.
Unlocking and opening the door for her, he led her inside and allowed her to notice the difference on her own, “So what do you think?” He questioned.
While Quinta walked in ahead of him her eyes adjusted to the shade only for her eyes to fall instantly on a television. Her mouth dropped as her feet instantly stalked to the wall. She hadn't seen one of these up close and personal in almost two years. Shutting the door behind them, Dane tucked his hands in his pockets and watched how she sifted through the films he picked up.
Dropping to her knees, she pushed her twists over her shoulder, “Yuh didn't 'ave dis da last time me came around. Dis is amazin’, 'ow did yuh afford it?” She questioned.
He held off explaining, “You don't want to know...” he whispered.
Grabbing the stack of movies, Quinta tilted her head as she read over the titles, “Titanic, Sleepless in Seattle, Forest Gump, Dark city...” Trailing off, she stared at the last movie. She couldn't help but curl her lips in before holding it up with a grin, “Did yuh really 'ave to grab dis one? Dun be a menace to south central while drinkin’ yuh juice in da 'ood? What do yuh know about dis movie Dane?” She chuckled.
He stared her in the eyes and shook his head obliviously, “Nothing, the guy who sold the player had these movies so I grabbed them. Though I admit that I found that one in an empty house so I took it for myself. Why? Do you like it?” He paused. His eyes glanced between her face and the tape, “I always wondered what kind of movies they had on your island. I know how you miss it back home so I wanted there to be something that reminded you of it.” He finished with a half-smile.
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