UnEarthed

Chapter 27

The team purchases their tickets and look around the crowded carnival. No one says a word but they are all thinking the same thing: crowded areas means less protection. It will be harder to spot the demons. Max gazes at everyone's expressions and takes a deep breath in and exhales.

"Let's try to have a good time." He utters. "How about that caramel apple?" He asks Kenzy and holds out his arm, gesturing for her to hook her arm under his.

"Yes please." She grins and walks with Max to the nearest concession stand.

"Charlie, I think the bumper cars are calling our names." Theresa nudges him.

"Let's go." He answers and the two walk away as well.

"Kenzy looks happy." Trojan's voice breaks Rob's concentration on her.

"Huh?"

"I haven't seen her smile like that before." Trojan adds.

"I have."

Hope and Trojan look at Rob and then at each other.

Hope smiles. "Oh really?" When?" She meddles for the juicy details.

"After she found answers about her dad. She seemed like it was her life mission and she conquered it." Rob says with his eyes still glued to Kenzy who is standing 50 feet away, next to Max.

Trojan giggles. "Yeah, and I haven't ever seen you smile so I wonder what it is that you just conquered."

Rob then notices the beam that is consuming his face and immediately stops. "I smile.... All the time."

Trojan and Hope laugh.

"No you don't." Hope places her hand on Rob's shoulder. "It's okay. We will keep your secret." She and Trojan walk away, leaving Rob with his thoughts.

Everyone makes their way through the carnival, soaking up the relaxation that they know will not last. As soon as they leave, the fun will be over and it is back to hunting. Kenzy tries relentlessly to get Rob on every ride she sees but he will not budge.

"Rob, you are being a party pooper.... And a pain in my ass." She grimaces, her eyes narrow and stern.

Rob folds his arms over his buff chest and glares back, taunting her. "I don't ride rollercoasters."

"I'll ride with you." Charlie says as he walks up to the two lovebirds in denial. "What do ya say?" He holds out his hand.

Even though she is completely unenthused by him and his attempts to act smooth, she has ridden rides with everyone else and she knows Rob hates him. Secretly hoping Rob will interject and take her on a ride, Kenzy agrees to ride with Charlie and takes his hand.

"Let's go." Charlie snickers and looks back at Rob, mocking him.

Once again, Rob watches as the girl he has feelings for walks away with someone else while he stands back with his stubbornness. Vulnerability is not an expression he enjoys showing and it drives him insane that she is able to bring it out of him. The heart in his chest pounds harder and harder, almost as if it is trying to force his legs to move. Go after her, you idot! His subconscious screams at him but instead, Rob stands still with his hands tucked into his jean pockets.

Commotion behind him disturbs his inner-argument and he turns to see the rest of the group gathered at a table talking and laughing. He wonders how everyone can be acting so carefree knowing every second they are not on guard is another moment they are in danger. After giving up hope in getting to leave, he finds a seat next to Theresa.