TGoF Chapter 7

"Who's staying in who's room?" Kyden asked.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the king of awkward! His eyes are red just like your ears will be after he opens his mouth!" Keb announced sarcastically.

"I'm serious! Do we room people by element, what?" Kyden shrugged.

"Ooh! We should go to two of those large spare rooms, girls in and guys in another, and do like a major sleepover! It'll be so fun!" Ana squealed.

Rory leaned over to me and whispered, "She's just like Terra!"

To compliment Rory's statement Terra started nodding enthusiastically.

"I guess I'm in..." I added slowly.

Ana grinned, "Guys?"

"Why do we have to do it?" Kyden whined.

Ana shrugged, "I don't know. It'll be more fun! We can eat candy, watch a movie, normal teen stuff."

"I'll do it," Keb relented. He looked over at Kyden.

"Fine," Kyden sighed.

Ana clapped. I grinned sweetly and looked at Calder and Gwyn, "Since you two are the guests, you guys have to do what your amazing hosts say and join in."

Ana gave me a high five as the guys started glaring.

Ana seemed to be the coordinator of this thing. I didn't mind at all when she split us up. Terra and I had candy duty so we ran down the the kitchen.

I wasn't entirely sure how the kitchen worked, all I knew was that it was magic.

"Where's the candy?" Terra asked, looking around the kitchen. I led her over to he pantry.

"Both the fridge, pantry, and cupboards work this way. So far I've figured out just hold the knob and want something to be in there, and it will be." I explained. She nodded in understanding.

"Wait, you want me to do it?" Terra asked timidly.

When I nodded she slowly took the doorknob of the pantry in her hand with a timid expression. She thought for a moment before pulling the door open.

Inside the pantry had grown in size. It was now like a large walk-in-closet stocked with candy.

"Ok, so Keb wants Reece's Cups, Ana wants SweetTarts, Kyden wants Sour Patch Kids, and I want Smarties...." I trailed off as I grabbed my friends favorite sweets.

Terra did the same thing and I grabbed a bag of kettle corn and then butter popcorn for us all to share.

We walked out and shut the door. I made the popcorn and poured them into separate bowls. Somehow Terra and I managed to not only carry everything but find where we were sleeping.

They'd found the perfect rooms. They each had doors the the hallways but also had a door directly connecting the two rooms. Once we were inside I dumped the stuff down and looked around.

Rory and Ana had dragged in four sleeping bags and tons of pillows. I set down the popcorn and we called the boys in. They had sleeping bags in their room and they brought games.

"What should we play first?" Calder asked once we were seated in a circle. I munched on a Smarty as I thought.

"Spin the Bottle: Truth or Dare!" Rory grinned. We all exchanged looks and nodded.

Basically it was truth or dare, but you spun the bottle to see who truth or dared who. Since it was Rory's idea she spun first.

"Gwyn! Spin and see who you get to dare!"

He spun. It landed on Calder. He asked, "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"I dare you to sit next to Cassie."

I started blushing. In order from left to right of the circle it was Keb, Rory, Calder, Kyden, Gwyn, Ana, Terra, then me. Keb and Calder switched places so now I was surrounded by Terra and Calder.

Calder spun the bottle now, when he reached for it brushing against me slightly.

I don't know if he noticed but I did. It was just slight. He leaned for the bottle and his knee touched mine.

"Cassie!"

"What?" I looked up. I had been... Daydreaming of sorts.

"Truth or dare?" Calder asked.

"Oh!" I thought, "Dare!"

"I dare you to eat as many of my sour Skittles as you can," he grinned.

I grinned back, "Deal!"

He grabbed the bag and tossed it to me. I started counting them, "Don't ask me but I know exactly 35 skittles can fit in my mouth."

I put them in my hand and threw them into my mouth. They burned at first but some crazy way I managed to swallow the sour and chew them before swallowing the rest.

"Nice!" Kyden cheered, giving me a high five.

I coughed, "Thanks." I spun the bottle and it landed on Ana.

Before I could even ask she mumbled, "Truth."

"I'm gonna whisper it," I explained. I leaned in and asked her quietly, "Do you like Gwyn?" I leaned back and she blushed and nodded before spinning the bottle.

We continued our game and ate candy for while. We just really did various games for the rest of the night. Eventually we couldn't keep our eyes open. The guys went to their room and we got into our sleeping bags.

The girls chatted and drifted off but I tossed and turned. The fierce storm was keeping me awake. I couldn't remember the official name, but my mom took me to a doctor and everything.

We had on a soft light so the room wasn't pitch black. We heard a loud crack of thunder, then the light flickered before finally giving out.

Only Rory was asleep. Ana shrieked and Terra stood up to tiptoe into the hallway. Soon Rory woke up, possibly by Ana's shriek or the thunder.

"We should get the boys in here. What if Brogan tries to attack when the powers out? What if he caused the outrage?" Terra speculated.

"Then you go get them," I murmured. She did just that, and moments later the boys shuffled in with their sleeping bags.

Kyden and Keb went to grab flashlights and something else I didn't quite hear. When they came back with flashlights they handed them out and we lit up the room to arrange sleeping bags.

It was just a semi-organized jumble of kids. I ended up across from Calder and between Terra and the wall.

Nobody really talked other than the occasional word or two. By now we just wanted to sleep. Even my eyes would shut slowly but then they'd open when I heard the sounds of the storm.

When I was sure everyone was asleep I felt uncomfortable and started to shift positions in my sleeping bag.

"You're still awake?" The voice that belonged to Calder asked.

"Gosh you scared me!" I started, "Yes. I... Can't sleep."

"Afraid of the storm?" He asked. I got this funny feeling at the time of his voice. He was honestly concerned. There wasn't a single thing that would make me believe for ta second that he was teasing me.

I confessed, "Yeah."

"It's fine," He assured, "I'm not a big fan of storms either."

I climbed out of my sleeping bag and sat against the wall. I could see Calder faintly. He was laying on his back and staring at the ceiling. He bent his head back to look at me.

"I felt like me sleeping bag was a straight jacket," I explained. He laughed and got up to sit next to me. He hugged his knees to his chest while I was sitting Indian-style.

"Nice simile."

"Thanks."

We sat there in comfortable with the calming sound of the rain. The rain didn't bother me, the lightening did. Just as I was thinking that a bang of thunder rang out, making me jump.

Calder put his arm around me, "I'll protect you from the big bad lightening."

I laughed at his weak attempt to make me feel better, "You'd get struck by lightening for me? I'm touched."

He chuckled and I leaned my head on his shoulder. He stiffened very slightly but didn't seem to be bothered by my move.

We talked for a long time it seemed. We talked about anything, but mostly storms and hurricane stories. I found myself drifting off to sleep.

Calder noticed this, I felt him look at me. "Goodnight," he mumbled.

"Goodnight."

Not long after I heard him whisper something. It was so quiet it could've been the wind, but I doubt it. Very quietly he practically breathed, "Cassie... I think my friends are right. I think I have a crush on you."

I was startled but didn't move, I was too tired to even react. Since I obviously wasn't supposed to hear this I could pretend like Id never even heard it.

My dreams had other ideas that night. It was just replaying over and over. I woke up before everybody else. It was still storming but it was about four in the morning.

I sat up and shook Calder.

"Wake up..." I whispered. He didn't move.

I groaned in frustration. "Calder if you don't wake the fu-" I stopped myself. He'd started laughing.

I shoved him and he looked at me, "Sorry."

I grabbed his hand and pulled him up. We walked carefully over the sleeping forms of our friends and I pulled him into the hallway.

I took a deep breath, "I know what you said earlier."

"What?"

I looked at the ground.

"It was just the wind."

We stood there in silence. I waited for him to walk back inside but he didn't.

"You know I did actually say something... Never mind. Just forget it," he answered. He turned to walk back in the room.

I couldn't blame him for regretting what he said. I wasn't supposed to hear it, anyways. I still couldn't help but feel hurt.

I didn't know what to say. I'd never been in a position anywhere close to this.

I quietly laughed bitterly to myself, "And I just wanted to say that my friends say the same things and that they were right too."

"Really?" He asked quietly. He had stopped walking but hadn't turn around.

"Never mind. Just forget it," I mocked bitterly. Bitter and bitter was all I felt.

Calder turned around but I was looking away. "Cassie... Please look at me."

When I didn't look up he stepped closer and titled my chin so I was looking at him.

"What?"

He sighed and let me go before walking away. He ran his hands through his hair before walking back.

"I'm sorry. I should've at least let you finish," he apologized.

"Yeah," I bit back.

"So you really meant it?" He asked carefully.

What I said next wasn't completely my fault. I was angry and I loose control of my mouth.

I've done it plenty of times to Rocky and I've gotten grounded for it as many times too.

"No. I enjoy toying with your emotions."

He smiled and shook his head. "Maybe one of the reasons I like you is because you're stubborn and sarcastic."

"Can we just quit being so cryptic?" I finally asked. He laughed and nodded.

It was quiet for a moment.

Then he asked, "Ok. I guess then... Cascata, will you be my girlfriend?"

My heart stopped. He was really asking me out?

Let me remind you of our situation. If just learned he was on the bad guys side even though he was actually good. My friends were being help captive and one of them was unconscious, causing a major storm. I was also about to go with him and join my "enemies" side. Not the best of circumstances.

What did I say?

Yes?

No?

"Yes."

He genuinely smiled at me. "Really?"

I gave him a skeptical look and he laughed.

"Shouldn't have asked that." I looked at him. His eyes were brighter than they'd seemed earlier and his hair was a mess. Maybe that's why I said yes, but I didn't regret it.

I hugged him, "Then if we're dating I can do this."

He laughed again and hugged me back. "I think all of that... Cryptic-ness was worth it for this."

I grinned and held him at shoulder length.

"What time is it?" I asked. He looked at his watch.

"Around five thirty... Why?"

"So I know how long until the others are up. Come on!" I said happily. I grabbed his hand and ran with him down the halls. The storm had calmed down but it was still raining.

I didn't let Calder question me before I pulled him into the pouring rain. We were soaked in about a minute but I didn't let that stop me as we ran up the hill.

It was still dark out but I knew the sun was about to rise. I walked over to the cliff edge and sat with my feet dangling off it.

"Are you crazy? We're gonna get pneumonia and that cliff could easily fall out from under you!" He shouted over the pouring rain.

I looked up at him and grinned, "Yes. And you've jumped off the cliff and it was certain you'd fall, but for me it's only a possibility!"

He shook his head and I thought he'd walk away, but instead he sat down next to me carefully.

"Think of this as a first date!" I shouted over the rain.

He leaned over to me and whispered, "I think I'd like to remember our first date as our first date, not the first time I got pneumonia."

He sent shivers up my spine and butterflies in my stomach. I nodded at a loss for words.

"You are coming to live at The Force anyways," he reminded me.

I looked down at the raging gray ocean below us. I wasn't rethinking my decision, I'd already done that. I was sure that I'd go now.

"Speaking of that... Oh gosh I don't know how to say this..." I mumbled.

I could tell he was growing uneasy next to me.

"Can we not really tell anyone until at least after I go to The Force? I don't want to deal with Kyden who's bound to blow up..." I explained.

Calder nodded.

"I can understand that. Is there something else bothering you?" He asked.

I looked away from him. He automatically knew I was hiding something.

I felt his hand touch my shoulder.

He sounded a little hurt, "Will you please tell me?"

"My little brother is probably dead because of me," I hissed, "because I'm here."

I looked over at Calder, "What do you mean?"

I wiped the mixture of rain water and tears out of my eyes before looking at the horizon.

The sun was just barely starting to rise.

I pointed, "I brought you out here to show you the sunrise."

Calder looked where I was pointing and we both became quiet as we watched the sun somehow peek through the clouds.

We watched the sunrise in complete silence, at least I did. I blocked out the sounds around me just to focus and be calm for once.

When the sun was finally hidden behind another cloud I knew we should go in. Calder was right, we didn't want to get sick.

"Let's go inside," he mentioned softly. I nodded and looked down at the water once again before standing up.

Calder had his back turned and didn't notice it but I precariously teetered on the edge. I looked out before jogging to catch up to him.

We were walking together quietly. When we got inside I told him where there were clothes for him before going on my room to change. When I was done I wrapped my hair up in a towel and sat in the waiting room to wait for Calder.

"Sorry if I was being to nosy," he apologized.

I shrugged, "It's fine." I was picking at a loose thread on the couch.

"We should probably go back to the room so they don't know we're gone. I think I'll try and get more sleep," Calder suggested.

I nodded and threw my towel in the hamper on the way. We were about to go in the room when Calder stopped me.

"What?" I asked. I looked him in the eye this time. The sapphire in his eyes showed me so much.

"I asked you what you meant when you said your brother was probably dead because of you. Will you please answer me?" He asked.

I looked him in the eyes, "My little brother has a hole in his heart so I always had to look out for him..."

I looked away and squeezed my eyes shut.

"I understand. Let's go get some rest," he suggested. I nodded and we tiptoed into the room and got into our original spots.

The storm had stopped so I fell asleep rather quickly. After what felt like a few hours I was being shaken awake. I opened my eyes to see Kyden.

"It's time."

I knew exactly what he meant. I got up and realized the room was empty.

"Where's everybody?" I asked frantically. We scrambled out of the room.

"Getting prepared," he explained.

I nodded and scrambled off to my room to get ready. I threw on a pair of clothes before taking one last look at my room.

Id be coming back.

I saw a backpack peeking out of the closet so I made a each decision and threw in a few items, including the pendant I'd made with Ana.

I took the backpack and ran down to the kitchen to grab an apple before running outside. I avoided the throne room entirely.

When I got outside it was inky drizzling. The guys were working on getting the boat into the water while the girls were waiting under an awning type area.

"We're ready!" Gwyn shouted. The boys ran up and we looked amongst ourselves.

The members of The Force said quick goodbyes before leaving so I could have a moment with my friends.

Ana wiped a tear out of her eye, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

I nodded and she gave me a small smile before I enveloped her in a hug, reminding her to stay strong.

I did the same with Keb, telling him to look out for Ana.

The goodbye with Kyden might have been he hardest.

"Stay safe," he whispered. I nodded and wiped a tear out of my eye to before we had a group hug and I walked off.

I ducked under the cover they had fitted over the small motor boat and set my backpack under the bench I was sitting on.

Calder hopped out of the boat to push it into the water before jumping back in as we sped off. I didn't look back.

"How longs the ride?" I asked out if curiosity.

"It's a good bit of time but not too long," Gwyn explained. I nodded.

The boat skipped a bit on the choppy water but we were calm. The boys talked in the back while they took turns steering while the girls walked towards the front. I was just in the middle.

I pulled out my book and sat on the bottom of the boat instead of the bench. My back was against one of the sides and it was much more comfortable.

I found myself dosing off pretty soon. The movement of the boat was relaxing. When I couldn't keep my eyes open I stuck my book in my bag and crossed my arms over my chest.

When I woke up I felt myself being carried. I could feel the drizzle on my skin though, so we must've just come out of the boat.

I started to stir be a voice stopped me.

"Just fake being asleep. Brogan's gonna flip..." He insisted. It was Gwyn.

I did as he said and listened in on the little conversation they had with Brogan. He didn't seem too suspicious, I got the vibe that he was excited for another little minion to help fight with him.

I didn't actually see Brogan but Gwyn walked through the throne room without stopping. If I didn't talk to Brogan then our plan was more likely to work.

"Gosh, your heavy," Gwyn sighed when he put me down. I glared and smacked him on the arm, making him laugh.

I turned to the others, "Where did Brogan say I'd be staying? I guess I'll wait in there for a while until 'wake up'."

"Brogan insisted that, since the spare rooms are unusable, you room with Calder," Rory explained. I nodded but was slightly preoccupied with looking around.

It was like a darker version of The Guild's castle. The hall we were standing in was ornate but a little dustier and duller and was done with darker colors.

"Are you coming?" Calder asked, snapping me out of my daze. I nodded and followed him.

We walked until we reached a sitting room outside of rooms with the same doors like the one outside our bedrooms and The Guild's castle. The only difference was that Brogans door was inlaid with a black diamond, the same color as his eyes.

"Well, this is my room..." Calder swung the door open and we stepped in. I set my few belongings down by the door as I looked around.

It was slightly brighter than the rest of the castle. It was blue, like mine, but different in a few large ways.

The first thing you saw was the huge blue bed. Other than that he had a large desk with various things scattered on it, a bookshelf against one wall, and various other small areas I scanned over like his dressers and such. It was slightly messy but not dirty.

"This suits you," I stated. He smiled as he stepped over to the closet.

"Thanks. And this can be where one of us is sleeping if you're fine with that," he told me, pulling back the closet door to reveal everything was stored on the top with something similar to my alcove on the floor.

I smiled at the cozy space and Calder pulled me inside to show it was bagged than it seemed. We both fit at separate ends comfortably, enough room for one of us to stretch out and not fe cramped on night

"This is my favorite part..." Calder said nervously as he shut the door so it was dark, "I hope you don't think it's weird."

I looked where he was looking and saw the shelf just above our heads was covered in those glow in the dark stars.

I grinned widely, "This is awesome."

He smiled a little more comfortably. We were looking at the ceiling when we heard someone at his door.

We climbed out of the closet just when Rory walked in, giving us a skeptical look.

She teased us, "You guys weren't making out, were you?"

Calder and I shared a look. Could she know we were dating?

"Nope," Calder finally answered casually.

She smiled and shook her head, "Anyways, I just came to check on you guys and let you know Brogans 'busy and not to be bothered' so don't mess with him."

We nodded and she walked out. I walked over to a side of Calder's room with two chairs and sat in one.

I looked over the desk while I asked, "Why'd she put air quotes around the fact that Brogan's busy?"

"It's just unimportant, menial tasks," Calder responded immediately.

I didn't let my suspicion show when I nodded.

"If Brogan's busy... Then can I see Are and them?"

I looked at over and saw him staring at me with a shocked expression, "Are you crazy?"

I shook my head. "How come you can sneak onto another island with three others but you can't sneak me into the cells?"

I saw the conflicted look on his face so I walked over to him. He was rolling his lips in his mouth, that must be the tell that he was nervous or unsure about something.

"Please? That's why I came," I pleaded.

He sighed, "I guess." He spoke up again when he saw my excitement, "Not now though, it'd seem too suspicious."

I didn't care. I'd get to see my friends that we'd been so worried about.