A Parallel Universe

Chapter 18

I woke up late at night at the soft rustling of bushes. I was drowsy and wanted to go back to sleep but what I saw caught my eyes. Mayla was tip-toeing out of the tent. What was she doing awake this late at night? Something was definitely up...but I couldn't care less. After all, my curiosity has gotten me into enough trouble already.

I laid my head back on the soft ground and tried to sleep, but couldn't. Mayla's situation was really bugging me. I got up and slowly walked out of the tent, careful not to wake up Skyla. This isn't curiosity right? This is just me trying to feel comfortable. I tried to find anything that would lead me to where Mayla might be but found nothing, I was about to head back inside when I heard soft whispering. I walked toward the direction of the voice and hid behind some bushes.
"Are you sure you have nothing to do with this," Mayla asked a hooded figure in front of her.

"No we don't. This must be the work of Itzel. She is definitely trying to recruit them to her side. How have we failed to see that," the figure replied.

To whom was she talking to? What were they talking about? Who was Itzel?

My head was swarming with questions, but I sat still and waited to hear the rest of the conversation.

"I told her what you asked me to, and she believed it," Mayla said.

"This is great. The last thing we need is her sniffing in our business."

"Are you sure we are doing the right thing? I feel really bad lying to her."

"This is for her own good. She doesn't know anything and it is safer this way. I want you to keep an eye on those two you told me about. They sure have something going on."

"Okay. But just so you know, I won't be doing whatever you tell me forever."

"When that day comes, we will talk about it. Now if you would excuse me, I have to report back to the Head."

I heard a little "tick" before the figure vanished into thin air.

What was all of this about? I was about to come up with some theories when I saw Mayla heading back to the tents. Oh no! If she didn't find me there, she would know that I followed her! I started rising slowly, while carefully hiding behind the bushes. I took quick paces so that I would reach the tents faster, and I also kept an eye on Mayla. The girl was walking really fast like someone was chasing her! Finally, the tent came into view. I triple quickened my pace and hurriedly went in. I dropped to the ground, took a comfortable position, closed my eyes, and tried to calm my racing heart. Just moments after I entered, Mayla came in and moved slowly to her spot. Phew! That was close! I started thinking of the things I have heard.

Were they talking about us or someone else? Who am I kidding, of course it is us. There is no one except us in this cursed place.
Was this "her" they were referring to me or Skyla and who are the other two they were talking about? As far I was concerned, the others could all have a part in this.

Maybe they weren't as innocent as I thought. Perhaps they were trying to bring me and Skyla to their leaders so that they could get out of trouble. Whatever the reason was, I had to keep my eyes peeled for anything out of order. I especially have to keep a close eye on Mayla, because she might lead me to what I want to discover.