The Crystal Chronicles: Book 2

Camouflaged

     When I was woken up by loud bombarding noises it felt like I'd only been asleep for thirty minutes. Groggily sitting up I attempt to rub away the sleep that's clinging to my eyes for dear life. Smelling something appetizing for breakfast. I'm pulled over to the kitchen like a magnet. My angry stomach reminded me I skipped dinner last night. Wyatt smiles warmly at me when I walk into the room. Like nothing life changing happened the night before.

"Good morning, Alex! How did you sleep?" Wyatt said pleasantly even though his stance is too straight and rigid. The complete opposite to his normal relaxed slouched stance. Perhaps I was wrong and the events from yesterday are still affecting him.

"I slept fine, thank you." I finally answered before I scooped up a plate and retreated to the bed. Once I have eaten my breakfast and gotten ready for the day, I plaster a determined, yet withdrawn look on my face and strut out to the others. Walking over to the map I begin to give my plan.

"We are approximately 750 miles from San Jose California. If we take my original route, we should be safe from Ravenna's scouts, but with four of us walking it will take longer. I'd say it'll take about 11-15 days if we travel at night." Matt nods his head as I run my finger across the map collectively showing the group my pre-planned path.

"It's a good thing we won't have to walk the whole way." Matt said with a sly grin. Puzzled by his reaction,

"What do you mean?" I questioned him suspiciously. Matt gives me a large crooked toothy grin but refuses to give up any details. Mischief flickers behind his eyes like a wild flame. My jaw drops at his hidden motives, but I quickly close my lips and nod my head. He doesn't owe me anything. After all, now we are nothing more than colleges at this point. He's not required to tell me anything.

Turning away from the group, we quickly busy ourselves with packing what we need. Once my backpack is full, I walk over to my weapons wall and try to figure out which bow to bring. I already have my quiver ready and extra arrowheads packed in case I run out. Sighing in disappointment, none of these can replace the one I left at Matt's safe house. I finally picked a newer carbon fiber compound bow. Honestly, when I saw Matt and his little group, I was hopeful that they had brought my stuff, but I was deeply disappointed. Just as my hand grips the bow, I hear Matt's voice cut through the room.

"No, don't bring a bow you won't be needing it." My chest tightens. It threatens to suffocate me at the thought of not having my best weapon. Anger boils deep in my stomach and I clench my fist to rain in my furry,

"Can I bring my knives and quiver?" I hissed through clenched teeth.

"Sure, I don't see why that would be a problem." Matt grinned while his blue eyes twinkle in amusement. Unfortunately, for him my anger drowns out the slight sign of confusion in his voice. I busy myself by angrily shoving my knives into their holsters and muttering under my breath. Due to the fire coursing through my veins, I don't pay enough attention to what I'm doing and accidentally sliced my thigh. Cursing at the sting of the cut I continue and ignore the slow stream of blood running down my leg.

"Alex?! What did you do?!" Matt demanded before he rushed to my side. Annoyed by his sudden show of unwanted affection. I turned away and tried to continue what I was doing. Unfortunately, for me Matt ignores my cold shoulder and pulls my leg toward him. The longer he inspects my wounded flesh the irritated I become. Shrugging him off,

"I'm fine. If and when I need your help, I'll ask for it. Until then leave me alone." I snarled with the force of all my hurt feelings and anger wrapped into one. Matt shrinks away from me at the tone of my voice. Hurt clearly flickers behind his eyes, but I could care less. None of it was real. The feelings. The special moments. They all meant nothing. He only ever wanted to use me. Why should I be nice now? Matt looks at me like a dog whose master just kicked it. Turning away from his pitiful puppy dog eyes I finish getting ready and open the safe house doors. Standing in the warm sun I wait for the others to filter out before I seal the door with my fingerprint. All four of us stand there awkwardly staring at each other. It seems we are still unsure of our next move.