2. H O L Y W A R : Peacekeepers

CHAPTER XV

A week after the festival, D'kala tentatively poked his head into the art room.

It was completely quiet inside. Latika wore a concerned expression as she watched Addison work, while Gustav—on the opposite side of the room—gently shook MacKenzie by the shoulder, trying to get her back to painting. She had apparently gotten braces the day before and was unwilling to show anyone her face.

"Ms. Chokshi?" D'kala called, ignoring the sharp look he received from Gustav (who hadn't spoken to him or Addison since the festival).

Latika turned, giving D'kala a weary smile. "Ah! D'kala," she greeted him. "Come in, come in." She pulled him over and begged in a whisper, "Please tell me you made some progress with the boys."

"None," D'kala whispered back. "Addison's been speaking with me, as you know, but Gustav won't answer any of my calls—and Addison is too embarrassed to talk to him."

"Oh, ghatiya baaten," Latika fretted. "I feel so bad for them..."

"As do I." D'kala gave her an awkward look and asked, "I, er... I've been wondering, Ms. Chokshi... how do you feel about Addison's recent changes?"

Latika blinked, surprised by the question. "Well, I'm not quite sure what to think," she responded honestly. "It surprised me when he told me he was considering Christianity, of course, but I had no qualms with it." She smiled and added, "I'm actually quite relieved that he's found something to believe in. I believe religion is an integral part of every child's life—so I thank you for guiding him in the way he believes is best."

D'kala smiled back. "You're welcome. And while I'm at this 'guiding' business," he added, "I'll keep trying to restore his camaraderie with Gustav."

"You're so sweet." Latika patted D'kala's arm and told him, "Now, go get started on your next piece."

"Yes, ma'am." D'kala walked over to his space, glacing from Addison to Gustav as he did so. They're going to have to talk about it eventually, he thought grimly. Otherwise, this tension will keep building... until one or both of them explode.

-

"Hi-hi!" Kia said to D'kala cheerfully as he sat down next to her at lunch. "So what's the word, DK?" she asked, bumping him with a shoulder playfully. "We still on for tonight?"

"Well, my plans haven't changed thus far, so yes," D'kala replied, amused.

"What, you guys are going out again?" Damian snickered. "What are you, married?"

"Leave 'em alone, Dame," Sahara scolded him. "They're just experimenting with their relationship."

"Experimenting? They're dating, Sarah Sahara," Addison said, rolling his eyes. "They've been at it for like a month."

"They are also right here," Kia pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

"Really? Didn't see you there," Addison replied jokingly. Then he frowned, looking around. "Hey, where's Kenzie?"

"She's ovah there, luv," Kayla told him, gesturing to the table where MacKenzie had sat before joining the group of friends. "Lamenting her new look, I s'pose."

The others looked over at MacKenzie, who had her face on the table and covered by her arms.

"Oh, yeah. The braces." Zill winced. "Must be painful. Physically and emotionally."

"I'm gonna go talk to her," Addison said, standing. "Save my seat, Sahara."

Sahara gave him a thumbs-up. "You got it."