R.O.N.A.

Chapter 30

I felt bad, but Aris decided to stay with Rexan while the rest of us went to the party. Rexan was still in a coma and I could tell she was really worried about Rexan’s condition, so even thought I didn’t want to, I left without Aris.

            I didn’t tell Aris about being able to go home yet; I didn’t want to worry my best friend even more. I couldn’t make up my mind. I kind of wanted to go home, but I had stronger ties to Zenix now. The other thing that plagued me was what Zena had said about Nylie and that Tyzon could never like me because of it. Everything was swirling around in my head and I wanted to finally get definite answers.

            Lexy had insisted on doing my hair and makeup for the celebration and I willingly let her. I figured I might as well try to have a little fun despite everything going through my head.

            Lexy, Blythe, Tyria, Sarin, Zander, Malina, and I walked to Aria together. Zander and Malina led the pack; they had become attached at the hip. Lexy and Blythe followed and Sarin and Tyria walked behind them. I stayed at the back, too worried about Rexan and what Tyzon would tell me to be able to follow a happy conversation.

            When they walked in the club, I instantly sensed something was different; the music wasn’t on. Usually I could almost hear the music on the street outside, but the large, dimly lit room was silent.

            We headed over to the right corner where we normally sat, but it was empty. The thought made me a little sad. Rexan was injured, Talon had betrayed them, and Tyzon was doing something on the stage. It reminded me of all the things that happened since Aris and I had arrived. So much had happened between all of them, but I still felt happy and hopeful that the future ahead would be even better.

            Suddenly the music started and when I realized what was playing, I was so incredibly happy; I knew what Tyzon’s surprise had been. My favorite dance song off of the music player I had given Tyzon was now pulsing through the speakers.

            “A little music from a different planet,” Tyzon announced, “thank you to Sephora for the music.”

            The crowd looked at me and I felt embarrassed, but happy. I grabbed Lexy’s arm and drug her out to the dance floor. I wish Aris could be here, I thought again. I danced and danced to the music that was so familiar and it made me feel at home.

*Aris*

            I blinked my eyes, trying to make them awaken. I had fallen asleep while resting my head on Rexan’s bed. I rubbed my face, willing myself to not be so sleepy, but it was hard. I looked at Rexan and watched him breathe steadily.

            Suddenly, I saw his hand move. I rocketed up out of the chair, but when nothing else happened I remembered that people in a coma sometimes moved, but that didn’t necessarily mean they were out of it.

The back of his head had been hit pretty hard during the fall, but I had forgotten to tell the others. That was the most likely reason for him being in a coma. I hoped the swelling would recede quickly.

I was about to sit down, but I realized I was hungry, so I decided to see if there was any food in my office area. I found something and brought it back with me. When I came back, I nearly dropped the food in my hand. Rexan’s eyes were wide open.

“Aris?” he mumbled weakly.

I threw the food to the ground and raced to his side. “Rexan, thank God! I was so afraid…”

“What happened?”

“What’s the last thing you remember?” I asked him expectantly.

“I think I remember being stabbed… and then I fell to my knees, but I don’t remember anything else,” he said his voice sounding unused.