To The Stars (Book 1)

Chapter 13: Hurt (The day after)

When we got to the front step of the cafe, Bree was practically shaking with excitement as she fumbled with the key. I practically shot up the stairs and opened the door to Ryan's room.

"Hey Bree?" I asked.

"Yeah?" she called back

"I think this is his house."

"It is. Omgee, it's so lucky that he was just right by here!"

"Yeah, it is. I think i found his room."

I quickly threw some dirty shirts into his closet and grabbed a cup of water. A minute later, Nyx and Korey came up with Logan in their arms. I ran downstairs to the kitchen and started to make a cold compress. Bree stood a few feet away, clearly impressed.

"You know this place like the back of your hand!"

I looked up. "Yeah, the owner's daugher, Sayge I think, she gave me a tour with my friends."

Bree opened her mouth, but before she could say another word, Nyx came down.

"He's waking up."

"Okay. I'll go up. Bree, do you know how to make a compress?"

"Yeah."

"Can you finish and bring it up to me? Thanks."

I tiptoed up the stairs to Logan's room. I quietly sat down on the edge of his bed. He stirred and suddenly sat up.

"What? Where am I? What am I doing in my room? And who are you?"

"You're at your house, in your bed, we-by that I mean my partners-brought you here, and I'm Stella."

"Oh." He was too tired to talk anymore, and fell back into his pillow.

I sat next to him all night, whispering to him. Every now and then he would let out a big snore and roll over. Once, he let out a giant snore and threw his arm over his head. I smiled at Logan as Korey walked by with a cup of water. He saw me smile, and sulked away, clearly crushed. I looked up to see his downcast face disappear down the stairs. I instantly felt guilty. I had hurt Korey in a way that wouldn't be easy to fix.

I woke up in tears the next day. Why was I crying? What had happened? I sighed and wiped my face with the hem of my shirt. It was oddly foggy outside, so I grabbed my warmest, fuzziest sweater and my favorite jeans.

I stepped into the bathroom quietly, not wanting to disturb my parents and Logan. I turned on the bath and sank into the water. Everything was okay, the steam would blur out all my worries...

I was on the sidewalk waiting for Bree when my friend and lab partner Londyn walked by.

"Hey, Londyn!" I called, waving my hand.

"Hey Sayge!" Londyn called, her red braid flailing around as she jogged across the street towards me. "Did you hear about the Mugnich factory's literal demise? It totally collapsed! Like, there are no machines left at all! And Korey and Stella were there too!" Totally awesome!" Her tanned cheeks filled with a soft pink glow reminded me of Montana's warm summer days. I shook myself out of my thoughts about home.

"Yeah, Logan was the only victim. He's okay now."

"Woah, sick! Have you asked him what happened?"

"Uh,no..." I trailed off as Ryan walked past. "Not yet."

"Hey Ryan!" Londyn interrupted me.

"Oh. Hey Londyn. Hey Sayge." He said warily.

I smiled sympathetically and handed him a croissant. "Rough night?" I asked.

"Something like that." He smiled. I handed Londyn a croissant and we were off to school.