Paying The Price

"... are you alright?" These were the only words that Wayne could find at the time.

A slight smile appeared on Diana's face, she looked into his eyes then replied "I'm good."

About five seconds of silence lasted and non of them knew what to say. Wayne sighed before saying "I'm here to take you home."

"I'm not going." Was Diana's response.

This caused Wayne to frown deeply "It isn't safe for both of you."

"I know."

"Then why don't you want to leave?"

"Cause no where is safe." Sure, he was here to take them home, which home was he referring to? Anyway it doesn't really matter with the new plan at hand.

Wayne seemed a little lost, he understood what she meant, but that doesn't mean he'll let them run towards danger. "I'll protect you." He said.

"For how long? My parents ran and hid, where are they now? What about when we're no more, who'll protect Pearl?"

"Simeon can't leave that long."

"What about who's next to him?"

Wayne stared at her in disbelief "You think things work that way?"

"If they didn't work in the first way, why not try the other?"

"You want to try? And die? You're putting your life in danger. If you can't think of yourself what about Pearl?"

"We'll be fine."

"What do you mean we? You're not planning on taking her along are you?"

Diana remained silent and that was evidently a Yes. Wayne felt a strong headache instantly "Diana listen to me...."

"Listen! Oh I'll listen, if you would talk." Wayne kept quiet not knowing how to reply.

"You know what Wayne, this has always been our problem. You never talk, even the dumb finds a way of communicating. But no, not you. You who is gifted with speech."

Diana tried to catch her breath for the emotions were staggering her, she turned away from him to control herself and Wayne noticed her depression.

"What if you don't feel you need me?"

"Then I won't call you."

That ached Wayne's heart badly "Diana, this world you're entering along with Pearl, it can change you. Pearl is too young to be involved."

"You were involved when you were young and don't you give me that crap that it's what changed you cause Zach has also been involved when he was young."

"My life was far different from his."

"So you're saying you had a special case. Oh Wayne, just.... just follow, I need you to go back and pretend I left like before. I'm sure you can cope with that since you did the last time, and wait for my call. Please. Cause if you tag along it would be more difficult to reason with him."

Wayne looked intently at the woman who couldn't understand him "I let you go the last time cause I overheard you say that's what you really d.e.s.i.r.ed...."