The Last Emerald

Chapter Eight:

Callista’s Point of View:

“Rise and shine people!” Odessa shrieked from the bathroom. I grunted and opened my eyes. Clara was already sitting up and getting out of bed, but she didn’t look entirely awake as she ran into the couch.

Brennen grunted as she dived on top of him. “Get off of me!” He grumbled, pushing her onto the floor.

“Oww!” She whined, standing up and rubbing her elbow. I chuckled as Clara started to hit Brennen repeatedly with the pillow. I walked over to Odessa, who looked all ready to go, as usual.

I did notice the dark circles under her eyes as she smiled at me. “Today will be a good day. I can feel it.” She said happily.

I smiled at her knowingly and raised my eyebrows. “Or do you know it?” I muttered to her as I claimed the bathroom right as Clara started walking towards it again. Odessa nodded and tapped her temple.

“Maybe a little bit of both.” She replied as I closed the door and proceeded to brush my teeth and get dressed.

I threw my knotty brown hair into a messy ponytail and called it a day. As I walked out I saw Clara running towards Brennen, tackling him to the ground hardly.

Odessa was clutching her stomach and laughing and I couldn’t help but join in.

“Clara wins!” Odessa declared.

“What were you doing?” I asked as Clara got up, brushed off her shoulder, and skipped into the bathroom.

“We were seeing who was a better tackler.” Brennen grunted from on the ground.

“And she beat you?” I asked incredulously. He nodded sheepishly. I rolled my eyes and sat down on the couch next to him.

A knock came upon the door and Lukas walked in, smiling at us. “Good luck today guys.” He said, looking at Odessa steadily. “Make sure you trust your instincts.” He continued. Odessa squirmed slightly in her seat and I frowned at her reaction.

Lukas leaned up on the wall next to the TV and engaged in a conversation with Brennen.

A few moments later Clara walked out, all ready for the mines. “Let’s go down to the lobby.” She said, motioning to the door. Odessa and I got up and walked to the elevator. We were silent on the ride down and when we reached the lobby Easton was waiting for us.

“Morning.” He smiled. I shied away from him and was the last person to exit the lobby to the parking lot.

“You guys ready to go?” He asked as we got into the van.

“Sure. We haven’t had breakfast yet, but we won’t be staying that long this morning.” Odessa said. I raised my eyebrows at her and she just shrugged.

“Alright then. The procedure is the same as yesterday’s; I’ll be waiting outside.” Easton said.

“Are you sure that you don’t want to come in with us?” Odessa asked.

“Positive.” He replied, his tan face getting a bit paler. I bushed it off and grabbed the vests, pulling them into my lap as we pulled up to the mines. “Where are our hats?”  I asked.

“The construction workers that let us borrow them wanted them back. You’ve got flashlights for now.” He said, pointing out two flashlights that were on the floor. I picked them up.

I got out, handing a vest to Odessa, then a flashlight and vest to Clara.

“Ready?” He asked, rolling down the window. I nodded.