Looking for the Light Through the Darkness

Chapter 59: Team or Individual?

About two hours later, I sit at what I believe is the center of the forest with Gabriel's phone in my pocket in case of an emergency. This little slice of forest was beautiful. I honestly didn't think a place like this existed in New York. I was glad the boys had brought me here. The warmth of the sun and the soft breeze against my bare arms made me smile. 

It was as if I was meant to be here. 

After roaming the forest blindlessly for the first hour, it was as though I could now see as clearly as one of the boys. It had taken all of my concentration in order to determine a map in my head but the floor plan was complete for now. A bush there, a tree here. Everything was mapped out thanks to the number of times I had tumbled or had been scratched.  

But I was still in one piece, at least I believed, and was pretty happy that I had convinced Gabriel to give me older clothes. He didn't have any for me but he said that the boys wouldn't miss some of their crapy clothes. I had debated it for a while in my head when Gabriel sounded ever so excited about going through Luke and Dr. Green's closets but I figured I could make it up to them.

Sitting down against the trees, I let out a slow controlled breath and relaxed against the warmth of the sun letting my brain take a breather and relax. The last time I had played hide and go seek was with Marie back when we were little enough to think everyone around us was our friends. Back when mother... step-mother used to tuck us into bed at night and read us bed time stories. What a long time ago...

After a long break, I stand back up and begin to explore the branches above. Putting my hands straight above me and make my way back across the forest touching different branches before stopping. Standing in front of a large oak tree, I slowly began to climb farther up into the tree a smile spread easily on my face. 

How I wish I could see the view from above just as a bird would from its nest. Feeling the wind pick up slightly,  let out a sigh and climb back to the ground before moving back to the safe house. Stepping out of the woods, I heard the soft sound of a door opening. "Princess?"

Smiling, I wave toward the voice and begin to climb the stairs onto the deck. Hands catch my hips drawing me closer as I am pulled into a hug. "Hey Victor." I answer wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him tight. "Can you tell me what time it is?" I ask as the hug slowly ends. 

"Of course." There is a second of pause and Victor's voice reappears. "About 10:30." He states and I nod leading the way back into the house, I hear the television on and Kota and Nathan both talking. Turning left before I get to the living room, I fumble around for the fridge and pull it open. I can help but smile as my fingers run over a couple of bumps on a container. 

Feeling around for a few more seconds, I find a water bottle and pull it out. Dr. Green had definitely out done himself last night. Closing the fridge door, I turn back and feel Victor's presence. "What were you doing outside Sang?" He asked confused having probably noticed my clothing and I can hear the television behind me disappear. 

"Only two hours Sang?" Nathan's voice has a hint of the smile making me smile in turn. Almost instantly, I can feel his hand ruffle through my hair making me giggle softly. I assume Kota takes a seat on one of the stools since there is slight hint of spice wafting throughout the room. 

"Two hours for what?" Victor asks again confused and I open the cap of the water bottle. Taking a long gulp of water, I pull the water bottle away from my mouth and smile.

"Exploring the woods." I state excitedly and move to lean against the counter. "Kota and Nathan wanted to play hide and seek today in the woods." Taking another long sip, I cap the water bottle and feel Nathan's hands wrap around my hips. But before I can swallow, I am lifted up into the air and placed onto the counter top. 

Coughing, I swallow the rest of the water in my mouth as I balance. "Nathan careful." Kota warns and a soft hand pats my back. Coughing the last of the water out of my lungs, I smile weakly at Victor whose hand continues to pat my back. 

"Sorry Sang." Nathan states and I shake my head letting him know it wasn't a problem at all. 

"Can I get in on this game of hide and seek?" Victor asks curiously and I smile nodding instantly. 

"Hell. If Victor gets to play then I fucking get to." Gabriel's voice appears from the living room and I smile softly. Putting down my water bottle, I look to Kota figuring he would be in charge. 

"What are the rules?" I ask curiously. 

"Okay. So we can play this two ways..." Kota states and I know all eyes are on him. "We can do teams or we can play individuals." There is a pause letting us all think things over. Teams would be fun especially since I would be able to rely on someone to see but the thrill of being independent would be fun as well. Biting my lip, I continue to think over the options. 

"My vote is Team." Nathan speaks up and I glance toward his voice. 

"I would rather Individual." Victor states and I glance toward him. 

Gabriel takes a breath beside me his voice excited and bouncy. "Fucking team."

That leaves Kota and myself. Glancing toward Kota's direction he responds "Individual." And thus a tie. Biting my lip, I glance from guy to guy unsure what to do and I sigh as my fingers find the hem of my shirt. 

"Individual."