Caught in Between

-21-

Keith and I were in the middle of watching a scary movie in the living room on the sofa. My head was rested on his shoulder and my hands tightly clutched around his right forearm. I suddenly lifted my head off his shoulder and he had a confused look on his face. "Can I ask you something?" I spoke up, and he tilted his head slightly while raising an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

"Why were you guys gone? What were you two doing that took so long?" I watched him as he took a moment to think hard about what he was going to say next.

"We had to take care of multiple things and overcome some challenges," he answered, beating around the bush.

"Is it something you can't speak with me?"

"Nothing like that. Just don't want the wrong ears listening," he told me and my eyes went wide.

"Do we have people with us right now? Are they outside watching us?" I grew panicked, assuming they could attack us at any moment.

"Yes, only a small group, but they are outside in the trees, watching and listening to our every word. I'm sure when they go report back to whoever is in charge of them, their report will have nothing but bullshit. We're not doing anything nor talking about any information they can use against us," Keith explained, but he slightly raised his voice, trying to make sure the ones outside could hear him loud and clear.

"Will they attack us?" I whispered while covering my mouth with my hand.

"They're probably thinking about it, but they won't. It's too risky right now. Any small move on either side will immediately throw us all into a war. But when Kaleb and I have the chance, we'll tell you all about what we did while we were gone. You were on the right track earlier; we were readying our forces, making sure all our ducks are in a row. But there is one thing I can tell you, which won't make much of a difference if anyone hears it, but let's wait until Kaleb returns."

I nodded my head as I let my body get comfortable once again. I laid my head on his shoulder and turned my eyes toward the movie on the screen. I felt myself yawning and my eyelids grew heavy.

***

I awoke to voices going back and forth. I realized I was tucked under the covers in my bed and I sat up, rubbing my eyes until I felt awake enough to pull myself out of bed. I wasn't sure how long I was asleep for, but it was already evening and the moon was out. I crept toward my bedroom door and leaned my ear against it. I could hear Keith, Kaleb and Jen talking. I slowly opened my door and tiptoed down the stairs, trying not to interrupt them.

"How was your sleep?" Kaleb asked out loud, his voice carrying from the kitchen. I sighed as I relaxed and let my heavy feet hit the steps. I trudged to the kitchen and all three of them had their eyes on me from the table, and they watched me as I came up and placed my hands on top.

"My sleep was great," I answered in a sassy tone while glaring at Kaleb. "What were you guys talking about? Anything important I interrupted?" I glanced at all three of them and Jen just stood there with a blank expression with her arms crossed.

"Nothing of serious concern. We just finished up, but how about we tell you what I mentioned earlier? Have a seat," Keith said as he extended his hand out toward the chair next to him. I sighed as I walked over and plopped myself on the hard and uncomfortable chair.

"So we were investigating something that is very unlikely," Kaleb started and Jen scoffed.

"'Unlikely'? More like impossible. Don't understand why you guys wasted your breaths on that," she commented before turning her head the other way. Kaleb chuckled while shaking his head.