Transformers Rise of the Beasts

Chapter 25: Ray

The crimson flames licked at the wood.

    Hugging my arms to my chest, I stared at the campfire-readily taking in the warmth it was giving off.

    "Hey Ray,"

    There was a crunch of stones underfoot as Noah sat down beside me on the log.

    "What's up?" I asked him, hugging my knees up to my chest.

"Look, I was thinking...." breathing in deeply he gazed at the fire. Then he looked at me. "Once this is all over...."

    It was strange-I felt my eyes captivated by Noah's as I stared at him-all time seeming to stop. The fire reflected in his dark eyes and warmed the features of his rather nice looking complexion.

    "Once this is all over," I felt something warm grip my right hand and watched as Noah held it in his own. "I...."

    "Ray?"

     A new voice cut in.

To my surprise I turned to see Alex come up behind me.

"What is it?" I asked, smiling up at my friend.

"I–uh," Alex stammered. "I..." the nineteen-year old's cheeks were red from the heat of the fire. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Uh...." I glanced at Noah then back at Alex. What was wrong? "Sure." Standing up I realized Noah was still holding my hand. I freed my hand and nodded at him.. "I'll be right back." Then I followed Alex as he led me to the edge of the campsite.

"So...." I raised an eyebrow at my friend. "What's the matter?"

"I..." Alex ran his hand across the back of his neck. "I'm sorry."

    I looked at him bewilderedly. "Sorry?"

    Alex nodded. "Sorry for not making sure you were behind me-for letting Scourge get you; for fighting with Noah about you."

    "Scourge getting me isn't your fault and if I was more careful I would not have gotten lost," I tried to quell the boy's worries as I put a hand on his shoulder. "There is nothing to be sorry for-but even if there was or is, I forgive you." Suddenly his last sentence struck me. "Wait, you and Noah were fi-"

    "It doesn't matter," Alex cut me off. Taking my hand off his shoulder he squeezed it. "Look I'm happy for you two," his brown eyes were bright as he smiled. "Thank you for forgiving me."

    Without another word, Alex stood up and walked away.

    I was more than a little shocked at his words. Wait, what the heck had Alex just meant?

Turning I stared after the boy in bewilderment. Alex sat down besides Elena at one of the campfires.

"What did he mean?" I marveled ,glancing around at my surroundings. My gaze caught on a figure standing alone-at the edge of the nearby cliffside.

With no hesitation, I walked over towards the metal leader. He was staring off at the countryside below-the stars shining above him and dimly illuminating his red paint coat.