The Game | Completed

picnic

August 15 (1 month later)

I was pacing back and forth in my room when a soft knock sounded on the door. I paused and glanced at the door, and watched Ellie and Calliope enter.

"Hey Elle! What's up, Belly?" I whispered, trying not to wake Henry, who was napping on my bed.

"Do you wanna play with my new dollhouse?" She asked breathlessly. I put a finger to my lips and pointed at Henry. She nodded but asked again, "Do you?" Her eyes were filled with hope and I nodded.

"Of course I do!" I whisper-yelled. She beamed at me and all but ran into her room.

I followed her while Calliope smiled down warmly. She looked back up at me and whispered, "Ellie's lucky to have you." She winked and I softly smiled.

"Thank you." I whispered back and she nodded.

***

Ellie, Calliope, and I played with Ellie's dollhouse for hours. She was the best little girl and made playing dolls, as an eighteen year old, somewhat fun. I loved playing with her and nearly started crying when she had to go to bed.

Stupid hormones.

I tucked Ellie in and crept out of her room with Calliope close behind. When the door clicked shut behind us, Calliope asked, "Do you want to have a picnic?" I gave her a confused look but she continued, "Never mind, it's late. Just forget I asked..."

I cut her off, "No! Let's do it! It'll be fun." I told her.

I smiled softly and she beamed back. "Alright, tell Henry and alert a guard while I pack a basket. Okay?" She told me and I nodded. I dashed over to the bed where Henry was still asleep once she left.

"Henry?" I whispered into his ear, somewhat loudly.

He tried to swat at me, but was too groggy to aim, and mumbled back, "Ten minutes..."

I giggled quietly and poked him, "Henryyyyy?" I whispered again.

"Hmm?" He whined back.

"I'm gonna go hang out with Calliope, okay?" I told him quietly, and he grunted in response.

I yanked my phone off the charger, thankful that I finally got Henry to invest in a couple of iPhones. I tucked it into my bra after quickly answering Calliope's text.

U almost ready? -C

Almost. -L

I silently opened my door and caught my guards attention. "What are you doing out of your room?" Derek asked monotonously.

"I'm going with Calliope on a picnic...?" I told him cautiously.

Then, he asked, "Does Henry know?" His voice unwavering. I nodded quickly and he nodded back. A petite blonde dashing towards us caught my attention.

Calliope stopped in front of me, her smile matching the one she wore when she left me. "You ready?" Her voice carrying an unfamiliar tone. I nodded and she offered me her arm, I quickly glanced back at Derek who nodded. I roped my arms through hers and followed her lead.

She led me in the direction of the glowing garden, one arm looped through mine and the other looped through the basket. It was quite the sight, two young women being closely followed by an extremely intimidating man.

The beautiful door came into view and once we had stopped in front of it, Calliope turned to face Derek. "Sweetie? Do you think you could wait outside the door?" She asked. He shook his head. Calliope sighed and said, "Well," she turned to face me, "I guess he'll just have to hear all our conversations."