Tomorrow's Gone (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 12: Release

*unedited*

I jerked away from Cosmo, my heart beating in a crazy rhythm. My mind was racing, I was still trying to make sense of what had happened. Why had I been so entranced by Cosmo's gaze?

Cosmo looked irritated. "She came here. She didn't think I'd be here," he said firmly.

Venus narrowed her eyes at me. "Why were you staring at her like that?" she demanded.

Cosmo cocked an eyebrow. "Like what?" he asked calmly.

Venus shook her head after a moment. "Nothing. Can I please speak to you? Privately?"

Cosmo glanced at me briefly. "Of course. Zoe, would you mind...?" he asked awkwardly.

I sprung to my feet. "Of course, I didn't mean to impede. I'll take my leave now," I hurried past Venus. As soon as I crossed the threshold, I heard Venus throw herself at Cosmo. I glanced back just before leaving and caught Venus crushing her lips to Cosmo's in a passionate kiss. Grimacing, I stole out into the dimly-lit hallway.

Not knowing where else to go, I walked aimlessly down the hallways. Eventually, I found myself in Daniel's hallway. I stopped outside his door and found him sitting on his bed.

He glanced up and saw me. Smiling weakly, he opened his glass door and stepped out. "What's up?" he asked.

I smiled halfheartedly. "Nothing. I couldn't sleep," I confessed.

Daniel smiled crookedly. "I couldn't, either. Do you want to go to the lounge?" he asked.

I scoffed. "Last time I checked, Cosmo had his tongue down his betrothed's throat," I muttered.

Daniel wrinkled his nose. "He's betrothed to someone?" he asked.

I nodded. "To this really mean girl named Venus," I confirmed.

Daniel chuckled but remained silent.

I clasped my hands tightly in front of me. "Hey, I have to tell you something," I began hesitantly. I needed to tell him about Phoenix, and how he was on his way to save us.

Daniel raised his eyebrows. "What is it?" he asked expectantly.

I sighed. "Can we talk about it somewhere more private? I asked.

Daniel nodded, and we stepped into his room. We sat on the bed.

"I-I have a connection with Phoenix. Remember him?"

Daniel nodded slowly. "A connection?" he asked.

I nodded. "I saw him in my dreams. He asked for the coordinates of the ship because the ship is invisible, so he needs to know exactly where we are," I explained.

Daniel frowned. "Well how ae we even supposed to get our hands on that information?" he demanded.

I bit my lip. "I already did. I sort of sneaked into the main control room of the ship and somehow Phoenix was able to see through my eyes," I mumbled.

Daniel seemed surprised. "Wow... that's great. Were you careful, though?" he asked.

I nodded. I'd better not tell him about my run-in with Cosmo. "Yeah, everything went well. I guess now we wait for them to arrive. Phoenix said he'd be checking in on me every day, but I guess only in my dreams. He hasn't checked on me today, though, because I couldn't sleep," I explained.

Daniel frowned. "Do you want to try to sleep to see if you can connect with him?" he asked hesitantly.

I nodded softly.