43| Great Escape (pt. 2)

                                    

                                          
Part one of our escape had gone to plan, aside from the fact that we now had to use plan B. I'll admit, having the leverage of our own gun would have made things much easier, but there was no going back now.
Luckily for us, we did end up having a rabbit in one of our traps that Jake could return with. This would sell the fact that he and Luke had, indeed, went to check the traps. It gave me hope that everything would work out. 
Jake and I were quick to return to camp. We held hands as we ran back, but we had to part ways so that we wouldn't return together. He walked me all the way to the waterfall so I could grab my dishes before leaving me with a quick kiss and disappearing back into the forest. 
Adam and Wes locked eyes with me immediately when I returned to camp. I could tell they were curious if we got our hands on a loaded gun. I gave them a slight shake of my head. I could see the disappointment in their eyes, so I tried to give them a nod and a slight smile. I still had faith in this plan, and I wanted them to believe in it too. 
"Cassie!" Wayde boomed from inside the cave. 
I stiffened. Why was he calling me? I locked eyes with Wes and Adam again who both looked as equally puzzled as I felt. Both of them stood up, and Adam pointed to the cave mouthing, "go ahead." 
I knew the two of them would be right behind me, so I took a deep breath to calm myself down, and I entered the cave with confidence.
I found Wayde already in the cave laying down on his makeshift bed. He sat up upon my entry. "What the hell took you so long? I thought you were washing dishes." 
I wasn't usually a good liar, and I wanted to panic at his accusation. However, focusing on keeping my voice steady I replied, "I was washing dishes." 
Wayde stared at me before responding, "I don't believe you." 
I set down the clean dishes in the cave and locked my hands together to try and hide the fact that I was trembling. "It's true. The stew hardened to the bowls, and I had to soak them for a bit before I could get them clean." 
Wayde stood up off the ground, walking over and standing directly in front of me. My tongue was glued to the roof of my mouth, "What are you hiding?" He commanded. 
I gathered up all my courage to look him directly in the eyes as I spoke next, "Nothing. You asked me what took me so long and I told you. I don't know what else you want from me." 
Just then, Wes and Adam entered the cave. I was sure they were listening in on the conversation and felt they should interrupt at this point. "Wayde? Jake's back from the traps," Wes informed.
Wayde stared at me a moment longer but seemed to accept my response. "Great. He is still not to sleep in here though; make sure that he stays outside," he said as he took a look around, "And where the hell is Garret?!"
"I saw him leave with Luke. Jake said the two of them went to the far trap," Adam replied. 
Wayde just rolled his eyes at this response and silently made his way over to the rock door. Since he had such a large build, he was able to easily push the rock closed on his own. Why was he closing the door? This wasn't part of the plan. 
I shared a panicked expression with Adam and Wes as we watched Wayde make his way back to his sleeping area and silently lay down.