Ryan and Kim didn’t seem to have the same problem. Even though his mattress was noticeably close to Claire’s, she made a point of keeping her distance now that we were all safe. As the days wore on, Ryan grew less happy about her cold demeanor, and the grumbling turned into full-blown arguments.
It was difficult—after we’d spent so much time dodging and preparing—to sit and wait. As much time that went into planning our escape into this tomb, no one, it seemed, had planned for the suffocating time spent underground.
Jared and I tried to make the best of it: talking to my belly, spending quality time together, discussing the birth. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jared delivering our baby, but of all the people trapped in the tomb with us, Jared was my top pick.
After thirty days of darkness, tasteless rations, and the same close company, life in the tomb began to wear on all of us. Even Bex’s bright and cheery demeanor began to show signs of waning. Poker and gin rummy only entertained for so long, and radio reception was hopeless in the deep of Israeli rock. Stories in the evenings were something I looked forward to, and it gave me a chance to get to know everyone better.
“So, that was the first time I bested Dad, although I’m pretty sure he let me win,” Bex said with a broad smile.
“I remember that,” Claire said. “He didn’t let you win. He wouldn’t stop talking about it after you went to bed.”
“Really?” Bex said, his eyes bright.
“Really.”
Bex’s smile faded. “He died four days after that.”
Everyone lowered their chins, unsure how to advance the conversation.
Jared finally spoke. “That must’ve been hard on you, Bex. I don’t think I ever asked you if you were okay.”
Bex shrugged. “I was, I guess. What else could I be?”
“In pain,” Claire said. “We were all so wrapped up in our own, we didn’t even try to help you through it.”
“I missed him. And then...I missed you guys. I was glad when Jared brought Nina around. The family kind of came back together, then. Now we have Ryan.”
“We don’t have Ryan,” Claire said.
Ryan shot her a dirty look, and then softened his features for Bex. “Yes you do, man. I’m here if you need me.”
Claire rolled her eyes. “What would he need you for? To help with a school bully?”
“To talk to,” Ryan said. “You know, what we used to do before you became so hateful and mean.”
Claire crossed her arms over her knees. “You don’t give me a choice,” she mumbled.
“What?”
Ryan’s acerbic tone lit Claire’s eyes. “You don’t give me a choice!”
“C’mon, guys,” I said. It was far too claustrophobic, even in the large cavern, for anyone to fight.
Ryan stood. “What kinda choice would you like? The one that includes you stalking me all day without us talking? Or the one where we get along?”
“We can get along without you trying to land the unattainable blonde!”
Ryan’s mouth fell open. “Is that what you think I’m trying to do?”
Claire stood, meeting his glare. “Just...back off.”
Ryan took a step forward. “I love you. I love you, and you act like I’m some random frat boy trying to get lucky.”
Jared sighed. “I should have packed ear plugs. I have nowhere to go.”
“You just….” Claire trailed off.
I knew she must care about him. She had bit her tongue to keep from hurting his feelings, which Claire never did.
Ryan took another step. He was only a few inches from her face. “Say it.”
“I’ve told you. A million times! It’s not going to happen.”
He shook his head. “No, say you don’t love me. Say you don’t see me in that way and I’m just a helpless human to you. Say you hate me! Say something! I’m tired of your vague excuses!”
“I don’t need excuses!” she yelled. “I don’t want that!” She pointed to us. “I don’t want a family like I had or they have! You want children! You want a normal life, Ryan. I’m not it!”
“I just want you! Whatever that is, I want it!”
Claire frowned. Her body shook with anger. She grabbed his collar with both fists. Ryan leaned away slightly and winced, waiting for her to land a punch on his face. Claire’s lips pursed together, and then she pulled him to her, pressing her lips against his, hard.
“Agh,” Jared said, turning.
Ryan paused in shock, and then his body melted against hers. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, and she wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck. The kiss was so intense that it looked nearly painful.
Bex giggled, but they didn’t hear him. After a minute or two, it was uncomfortable to watch, so we all meandered to the other side of the cavern. Jared seemed to be in a foul mood, which bothered me. Why he was so against Claire and Ryan was a mystery to me. They were perfect for each other, and clearly loved each other.
“I wonder if that will happen for me,” Bex said, glancing back.
“Don’t look. No telling what’s going on back there,” Jared said, picking up a rock and throwing it.
“It might,” I said, smiling. “Don’t listen to Jared. He knows I’m the best thing that ever happened to him.”