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Now that all that messy trial business is over, it’s game time! Specifically time for soccer (or football for the non-American folk). Even Jeb and Maggie join the game, and Mel is irked that she can’t play because of her Kyle-inflicted injuries. Ian tries to sit out the game to keep her company, but both Wanderer and the rest of the players insist that he play.
Wanderer tries to move out of the way before the game starts, but due to her bum leg she almost falls but is caught by strong hands. I looked up a little rueful, to thank Ian. The words caught in my throat when I realized it was Jared whose arms held me up. Wanderer is a little incoherent still when it comes to talking to Jared, but Jared initiates a genuine conversation with her. He asks her about her feelings for Jamie and Ian and she admits she cares about Jamie and when Jared probes further about Ian she says: “Ian is… Ian believes me. He watches over me. He can be so very kind… for a human.”
Wanderer thanks Jared for defending her during the tribunal. She’s finally able to get something off her chest: “It’s true that I would never do anything to hurt anyone here. Not on purpose. I’m sorry that I hurt you when I came here. And Jamie. So sorry.” Jared tells her that Jamie is actually better since she showed up at the caves and this relieves Wanderer greatly.
Jared seems to be at the place where he can finally believe Wanderer. He asks her if Mel is still present, if she can hear, if she talks to Wanderer. Wanderer is finally able to tell Jared the truth, but does so delicately. He finally asks what Mel is thinking, and Mel asks what has changed to make Jared finally believe. He cites Wanderer’s kindness to Walter and Kyle…
“But when they started attacking you today… well, I snapped. I could see in them everything that shouldn’t have been in me. I realized I already did believe and that I was just being obstinate. Cruel. I think I’ve believed since… well, a little bit since that first night you put yourself in front of me to save me from Kyle.” He laughed as if he didn’t think Kyle was dangerous. “But I’m better at lying than you are. I can even lie to myself.”
When asked, Wanderer tells Jared that the connection with Melanie is direct. “He touched my face again, softly, a caress. “You don’t know how sorry I am.” My skin felt hotter where he had touched it; it was a good heat, but his words burned hotter than his touch. Of course he was sorrier for hurting her. Of course. That shouldn’t bother me.”
The group takes a granola bar snack break and Jamie comes out of the food frenzy with extra for Wanderer when Ian shows up with some for Wanderer and then Jared shows up with some for Wanderer. Kyle comes over to steal some of the extra granola bars all the boys have given to Wanderer. First, he has a confession “I’m not sorry. I still think it was the right thing to do.” At this point Ian and Jared are about to kill Kyle. Kyle continues, explaining that although he doesn’t regret his actions, he won’t try to kill Wanda anymore because she saved his life. “Life for a life,” he says.
