The Awakening

Chapter Thirteen

After James had had that conversation with me, I was starting to take him seriously. With everything. For the rest of that day, he was in a sulking mood. He didn't even play his video games or come down for dinner. Looking at his vacant seat made me feel really guilty. I was beginning to comprehend this place a little more. They seem fun and friendly, but their backstories are extremely dark. I couldn't understand how Kira could be so cheerful all the time. And James with all of his so called jokes, I realized that he was probably trying to ease their minds and make them not worry as much. In most situations he doesn't bother being serious to anyone, seemingly on the outside he also appears as fairly lazy, but when I see him fight I can tell he's very strong. Up until then, I never thought much of him, but now I see that deep inside he is an intellectual with many secrets that I'd hate to further burden him and others with. When it comes down to it, he can be extremely serious when he's hurt, and will stop at nothing to get revenge. After all, it's not like he can runaway from all of this. I know that I certainly can't. Not after seeing how much pain and sorrow they are in. I want to be the one who frees them from all of it. To lock their darkness away. I couldn't help but respect James a lot more too. Joking around just to make sure that the ones you loved are happy, it's a valiant thing to do.

The next day, James was sitting on the couch, playing his video games. I was filled with relief at the sight of him there. I didn't like it when he wasn't himself.

"'Sup Leila?"

Yep, he's James alright. "Good morning," I greeted.

He furrowed his brow, "Hey... aren't you supposed to be with those elemental sorcerers today?"

My eyes widened as I looked at the time. Oh no! I overslept! Derek will be here any minute! I ran back to my room, trying to get changed and do my daily morning routine before Derek arrives. Then, I gathered everything I would need to spend three days there and packed them up. After I had it all together, I rushed back, only to be confronted by Derek and James, who were giving each other death glares.

"Really Leila, making me wait with this hot head." James scoffed.

"Why thank you good sir." remarked Derek, "I'm quite flattered. I know I'm hot, but no one has ever told me that before."

James snorted, "Wonder why." Derek's face went back to a scowl, "What? You fell right into that one."

"Even so, you called me hot. If I'm so ugly, then you must have terrible taste."

"Psh, YEAH! I mean you are a guy so... and Derek, I think you have a case of schizophrenia. I never said you're ugly. I might've been thinking it, however-"

"Whoa schizophrenia!? James, I think that's the biggest word you've ever said! I wasn't prepared for this! I-"

"Quit it already you two," I mumbled, "Can't you two be nice to each other?" No reply. "Well that's reassuring. Not to mention last time Derek body slammed you into the table."

"Yeah," James shot Derek look, "and Sam was all like, 'Oh no my tableeeeeeeee!'"

"In my defense, you tried to tackle me."

"You keep playing that 'tried' card. But mark my words, I will beat you. I am James! THE CONQUEROR OF ALL-"

"James!"

A trio of tired people stood in the living room entrance.

Lita and Kira yawned as Sam rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Don't yell this early..."

"This early... what!? Sam, it's almost lunchtime!"

"Is it?" He asked, "Wow, I sure am tired then. The twins and I were up late last night playing a card game-"