Chosen One

Explosion

Daniel's POV

My heart was racing as Leo and I carried the heavy device out of the cave. I could see Hayley and her mom hovered in the corner of the cell with worried looks on their faces. I told her I wasn't going to leave her here which I absolutely meant. Truth is I really cared for Hayley. I don't know when these feelings started to develop, but somehow she has crept her little way into my mind.

With all of our might, Leo and I threw the bomb into the air towards the ocean. We stood there to see what was going to happen and within seconds I heard a loud "BOOM!", and I immediately flew back with my arms and legs completely in the air. As I hit the ground I also hit my head. Once I came to, I smelled smoke and could hear the crispness of the fire. Before I could open my eyes I came to the realization of what just happened. Did Leo and I really throw the bomb and save Hayley and her mom?! *Groans* My head and body hurt, but I knew I needed to get up. As I opened my eyes and started to move slowly, I realized that the key was still in my hand.

Once I was able to steady myself I saw Hayley's frantic face. She sighed very softly then turned up a slight smile. Seeing her safe gave me the muscle I needed to walk back up the rocky hill. I didn't even get a chance to stand all the way up before she ran to Leo and I and draped her arms around us. Even though she was hugging both of us, I could feel her head buried into my shoulder.

I wrapped my arm firmly around her body. I could feel her face inches away from mine. She tensed up and grasped us even harder as if she was holding on for dear life. In that moment, I relaxed in her embrace, closed my eyes and held her even tighter. I wanted to hold her forever.

I felt my wall come down completely, butterflies in my stomach and my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Yes, I was grateful that we were all alive, but that was the moment I realized I had feelings for her. I don't know if it began the night we met up to talk after she called the device I found in my mom's purse or constantly being around her these last few days while we investigated. Maybe it was when she got angry with me and almost walked away the night we met up.

I knew that she and I needed to figure out what was going on, but I was too stubborn and said "So I think this is a little much for me to handle right now." I regretted it soon as I said it because seeing Hayley's reaction and hearing her say "Fine. Whatever! I'm glad to see you got your priorities in order!", made me feel like a jerk instantly. I knew she was right about everything which is why I laid my ego aside and called her to come back. I will never admit this, but I kind of liked the fact that she stood up to me.

I don't know what made me open up to her about the expectations placed on me by everyone, but I found myself letting my guard down with this girl I definitely hated. Before I knew it I was pouring out my feelings to her in a way I've never done before. She attentively listened to me while I vented and then offered me some advice that made me look at her differently for the first time. As I looked into her beautiful and sincere hazel green eyes, I felt my wall coming down even more. I didn't want to show too much vulnerability so I nodded to let her know I really took in what she said and then put my wall up again so that she wouldn't think I was going soft.

As we shook hands in agreement to work together, I somehow knew things would be different. She pulled away from hugging Leo and. I knew that she needed to be comforted in another way. I raised up my arm, smirked and said "Thought you could use a souvenir." I then handed her the key. I was right because she immediately behind what looked like were going to be tears, smiled and giggled like I've never heard her do before.

She shyly looked me into my eyes, blushed and slightly bit her lip. As she bit her lip, I found myself wondering how it would feel to kiss her lips again. I mean I know the other time we kissed was to keep Leo from being suspicious, but I still felt something. Now that I have feelings for her I'm sure it would be even better. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard "MOM!"

I then saw Alex racing down the side of the cave towards his mom. He engulfed her in a hug so hard that he knocked her off balance. As a guy, I knew how it felt to want to protect the women in your life. Unfortunately for me, my mom wasn't going to get my protection because she lied and betrayed me.

Alex stated "I can't believe this is happening!" His mom in turn said "Me neither sweetie!" I sighed in relief and became glad that Hayley and Alex had their mom back. After all I did tell Hayley that her mom was a great person and a hero. Before I could realize what was going on, I heard the words "I think it's time we had a proper introduction. Hi I'm Ryan Woods."

Leo immediately stuck his hand out to greet her as he said his name. As nervous as I was, I stuck my hand out and told her my name. What I didn't see coming was what she said next, "My daughter has good taste!" I couldn't do anything, but blush and smile. Hayley looked my way and I noticed she was wearing the same facial expression I was.

Leo then said "There's someone else to see you too!" We all turned around to see Hayley's dad running down the side of the cave. He bee lined straight to Ryan. He pulled her into a hug then began to touch her face as if it wasn't real. I'm sure that's how he felt because I couldn't believe it when I saw Ryan either.

As I watched Hayley, Alex, Ryan and Mr. Woods hug each other, a tinge of jealousy hit me because I knew that I would never have that. Although I am happy for Hayley and Alex, but especially Hayley.

Hayley's POV

As mom and I were holding each other tight, I was praying that Leo and Daniel made it safely outside with the bomb. Suddenly I heard a loud "BOOM!" As Marcus let us out of the cell, I franticly ran outside the cave to see if the guys were ok. I anxiously looked around, but I didn't see them. Then as I was about to lose it, they both walked up the hill tired, beaten up and with dirt all over them. I've never been so happy to see someone, well besides my mom of course.

Without hesitating, I rushed over to them and threw my arms around them. I found myself leaning more towards Daniel. I did it without even thinking. Does this mean something? I know I shouldn't feel this way about him because technically he's my archenemy, but working with him these last few days has changed my perception of him.

He went from the guy I loathed the most to the one I know will protect me and that I could rely on. He's got his arm wrapped around me firmly and in this moment I've never felt safer. Gosh the muscles in his arms are so defined and solid. I can feel his veins practically bulging out of his arms.

Every time he touches me my heart jumps a little and I lose my breath for a second. I'm nervous, but he also makes me feel at ease. Up against him and my face buried in his shoulder this way feels so natural. Hayley what are you doing?! This is Daniel we're talking about here. Although when he scored at the game then looked directly at me and smirked, I couldn't help, but smile and blush a little bit. I know Leo saw us, but there's something about Daniel that intrigues me. Maybe he's not the rude, bullying jock I thought he was.

I reluctantly pulled away from Daniel and rested my hand on his shoulder as he said to me "Thought you could use a souvenir." As I grabbed for the key, a big grin ran across my face and I let out a light chuckle. Somehow he always knew when to make me laugh in the toughest situations. My mom came from out of the cave when we heard "MOM!" As Alex wrapped his arms around her, I couldn't help, but feel relieved and happy.

I loved my mom, but I knew that Alex definitely loved her more. Once she was done hugging him, she politely turned around and introduced herself to Leo and Daniel. As Daniel was shaking her hand, a sense of contentment came over me. Then my mom stated the unthinkable, "My daughter has good taste!" Clearly my mom still hasn't lost her boldness. I couldn't do anything, but blush and giggle like a little girl because I knew she was right. Suddenly Leo mentioned that someone else was here to see her too and we turned around to see Dad rushing down the side of the cave. Dad immediately enveloped mom in his arms then began touching her face as if he couldn't believe it was her.

As I stood watching lovingly, I settled my head on my little brother's shoulder. He followed suit and laid his head on mine. Together we watched our parents embrace one another and we couldn't help, but smile because we never thought he would see this day. Once mom and dad were done hugging each other, they both turned around towards us and we instantly joined them in a family embrace. At that point in time I had never felt so overjoyed to have my family back together.