Follow the Arrow

Chapter 17

Poppy, flanked by Carina, Rona, and Alex, is leading what seems like the entire youth of this village down a path away from the area of residence. After settling down in our rooms, she spoke with all of us and insisted she try and make us feel more welcome. She said that wherever she's taking us is a common hang out spot. My friends being who they are, agreed. I here because when I turned it down, Poppy pressed me to go. Not to mention my teal haired friend insisted on it.

So here I am.

"We're almost there," she chimes from the front of the group. "It's just over this hill. Prepare to be amazed."

Everyone's buzzing with excitement as we make our way up. Some of the smaller children run ahead, and then gasp at the top then run down the other side I admit that makes me curious. I walk a little faster, still staying at the back of the group. I am truly amazed when I get to the top. It's a huge open field, much larger than the one we had back home. But what’s making the view so spectacular are the hundreds of fireflies lighting up the area.

"Oh! This is better than I could ever imagine," squeals Poppy.

"Wow," I say under my breath. It's a beautiful sight. I've never seen so many fireflies at once. Especially this time of year. I'm dazed by the many tiny lights as I descend to ground level again. Without thinking, I reach and let one land in my hand and stare at it, smiling. I remember my parents used to say magic made them glow, but of course, I know that’s not true.

Someone taps on my shoulder from behind. "Excuse me, Orchid?" I should have expected it to be Zane. "I think I'll head back to our cabin."

The firefly takes off again. I turn to my attention to him. "Ah, why don't you stay out here? It's a gorgeous night. You can relax." I smile teasingly. "It's the first night we don't have to worry about you getting jumped by my friends."

"While that is true, I'm sure everyone else would prefer it this way." His eyes flicker to the people around us. I notice no one is within a ten foot radius of us. "It's for the best."

"But, Zane–"

"It's fine. I want to go to bed. I'm dead tired." He pretends to yawn. I'm not falling for it though. So he repeats, "It's fine. I want to go to bed. I'll see you later."

I wish he'd stay. "But–but…" I need an excuse. I yank him back before he can go. "But I need to be with you at all times, remember?"

"I'm just going to bed. If I'm asleep, I can't plot some maniacal plan or whatever they think I need a chaperone for. Besides, you should enjoy yourself here." He gestures to a small circle of my villagers. "Have fun with your friends. I insist."

"I want to have fun with my friends, but–"

"I know, I know, I'm your friend. Touching moment. But I meant your other friends, Orchid. The ones you had before this mess. Before you and I met and…" Before I was captured and tortured. Neither of us wants to say it, but we both know that's what he implied.

I fold my arms, unsure on what to do. "Are you sure?"

He nods. "Yes. I don't want to spoil anyone's fun by being here." I frown. He's spoiling my fun.

"Okay, but if anyone asks why I'm not there, feel free to throw my name out there. Make it clear I was okay with this. I'm not, but you don't need my permission. You just shouldn't be the only one who suffers the consequences for this."

"There will be no consequences to suffer."

I bite my lip nervously. "Actually… maybe I should go with you."