True Love's Cry

Chapter 18

I head into town the next day, alone. Nakayla refused to come. Last night, Nakayla and I talked more. We mostly talked about her and the move in a few weeks. However, she did ask about the coronation. I told her it was the day before she left, which she was glad about. It meant she will be able to come. I know that is important to her, but I have a feeling things will be awkward up until the coronation and the day of.

 I am not really paying attention to where I am going that I almost run into a wall. However someone calls out to me.

 "Kierra!”

 I jump, not sure of who spoke. I turn around and see Mae. I let out a breath.

 "Look. I realize you may not like the town, but there is no reason to walk into a wall.”

 I laugh. "Oh. I really should pay more attention to where I am going.”

 "Hey, it's a good thing I was here.”

 "Yeah.”

 I look around and notice for the first time that she is all alone and we are at an alley on the outskirts of town.

 "Where is Blake and your husband?” I ask.

 "My husband is somewhere around here and Blake is with...Abbey.”

 I am surprised to hear that name. I still think about Abbey sometimes, but I haven't seen or spoken to her in years. I'm not how that is possible. We did live in the same colony, but I guess I did my best to avoid her.

 "That’s nice.” I say, not sure if I really mean it.

 "When was the last time.you spoke with her, Kierra?” Mae asks.

 I shrug. "Sixish years ago.”

 "That’s too bad. She is a lot different now. You know she asks about you sometimes. Anyways, I have to go.”

 I smile and she walks off. I head into the town thinking about Abbey. She and I used to be such good friends and then things changed. Sure, it was mostly Ryan, but I never really let her explain what happened. I just assumed I knew what was going on, but maybe I didn't. However she never seemed to try to find me, but again maybe I didn't give her the chance.

 I look up and see Cole on the other side of the sidewalk talking to Parker. I make my way over. It seems weird going up to them alone. I am used to having Nakayla with me. They do not notice me as I join them.

 "Hi.” I say, quietly.

They hear me and turn.

 "Hey.” Cole says, smiling.

 Parker asks, "Where is Nakayla?”

 "She didn't want to come.” I tell him.

 He nods. "Did she say anything to you?”

 I know what he means. He wants to know why she didn't, but Nakayla doesn't want him to know. Besides it is for her to say, not me.

 "No.” I lie.

 Cole says, "Hey, she’ll come around.”

 "I'm not so sure about that. She didn't seem okay. Something is going on, but obviously she doesn't want to talk about it.” I say.

 No one speaks for a moment. Apparently, we don't quite know what to do.

 Parker finally says, "So, you missed a lot. Apparently, when you aren't around to disregard everything they say, they can get things done.”

 I roll my eyes. "I'm a little concerned.”

 "Why? Just because they want to change everything about you doesn't mean you should be concerned.” Parker tells me.