The Dark Hour

--------Ridge--------

(a week later)

I was in the infirmary for a checkup before I went home. Gabriel shined a light in my eyes and I followed it.

"Ok I think your concussion is gone, just be careful," He said softly. I nodded and he let me leave. I quickly went to my room and Lalna was zipping up his suitcase. He looked up at me and smiled.

"Are you ok? Can we go home?" He asked quickly. I nodded.

"Yeah, we're good." He smiled and hugged me.

"I can't wait to get home and spend some time outside. I like the garden but it's not as good as outside is." I nodded.

"I know." I heard a knock on the door frame and I turned and saw Skyla.

"Hey you two, you guys ready?" I nodded.

"Yeah I just have to get my stuff together."

"I already did that," Lalna said quickly running to the room. He pulled out my suitcase and smiled. "I thought it would save us time."

"Ok well I'm going to get Ryan, meet us in Michael's office," Skyla said walking away. I sighed and Lalna grabbed his suitcase.

"Um I got to go talk to Valerie, I'll meet you guys there ok?" Lalna nodded.

"Ok, I'll take your suitcase."

"No you don't have to."

"It's fine. If it's down there you won't have to drag it with you or come back for it." I sighed.

"Ok, be careful." He nodded.

"I will." I smiled and quickly kissed his forehead before I walked out of the room. I headed down to Cas's faction and went into the garden. I saw Cas talking to some of the kids and I smiled.

"Heads up!" I quickly ducked as Riker flew over me and landed into a tree.

"Riker! Are you ok!?" Valerie yelled running over to the tree.

"I'm good!" He said just before he fell out of the tree. "Ok, maybe not." I smiled and walked over to them as Valerie pulled Riker to his feet.

"Seriously take it slow and don't hurt yourself. You're almost as bad as Layla."

"I was being careful."

"Hey guys," I said softly. Valerie looked at me then smiled.

"Hey Ridge, how are you doing?"

"Better, my concussion is gone. I just wanted to tell you I was going home." She looked at me confused.

"Home? What do you mean home? I thought you were going to live here."

"No I still have to go to school and Lalna needs to see his mom sometimes."

"So you're leaving?" SHe asked softly.

"Not forever, I'll come back during holidays and sometimes in the summer." She nodded.

"Ok." She quickly hugged me and I hugged her back. "Be careful, ok?" I nodded.

"I will be, just as long as you are." She let go of me and giggled.

"I'll be fine."

"I got the lemons!" Layla's voice yelled.

"Hey Layla Ridge is leaving!" Riker yelled.

"What? I thought that you were part of Michael's faction?"

"I have school and Lalna needs to see his mom. I can't stay here all the time, I'll come back and visit though."

"You better, I'll be stuck with her." Layla said pointing at Valerie.