Fire And Ice

Chapter 17- Dark Side

"Katherine Keller, where on Earth have you been?" Nana asks when I finally get my footing and am able to stand.

"It's a long story, and I don't think you really want to know. Long story short, Kye is a jerk, we aren't going to find the others, blah blah blah. What has happened since I left? Is everyone alright?" I ask giving everyone a once over to make sure no one was hurt.

Both Sam's exchange a glance before looking away.

It is Sam Two that speaks first. "Rebecca is gone."

I freeze. How do I tell them that it was my fault that she is gone? They will surely blame me for everything that happened. But if I hide it from them and they find out, won't they be even more angry? My head swims with possibilities.

And then suddenly my eyes fill with tears.

"I'm so sorry you guys." I sob dropping my head into my hands.

"It's not your fault sweetie." Nana says placing a hand on my shoulder, trying to calm me down.

"No, it is my fault! I'm the reason she's gone! Kye told me I had to choose some one to even out the score because Nana is here and I chose her. If I had just stayed here with you guys she would still be here." I cry falling to my knees.

For a moment no one speaks. I'm not sure what they are thinking, but I can only assume they are trying to decide what to make of me.

And then Sam One comes over and sits down beside me. Sam Two follows and they both wrap their arms around me. I can't help but cry harder at everything that I have caused the others to go through. They should hate me for what I've done.

"It isn't your fault Kat, it's Kye's. He made you choose and you made the right choice. Rebecca was getting on our nerves, and she wasn't really helping us. It's probably better this way." Sam Two assures me.

"Yeah, and besides, she was the one who wanted us to sacrifice ourselves so you could get your hints. At least now she is doing what she wanted to do." Sam One says.

I sniffle a nod and they help me to my feet. Nana is staring into one of the mirrors, almost as if she was examining her reflexion. I don't know what she thinks of me, and to be honest, I don't really want to know anymore.

"Did Kye say anything important? Maybe a hint on how to find the others?" Nana asks without looking back.

I remember him saying how I could find the others, but I don't say anything. If the others knew what it would take, they would want me to give up Nana. And at the moment, I need all the family I can get to keep going.

"No, he didn't say anything important." I lie.

"You didn't notice anything at all that might have been helpful?" Sam One asks, I can see the hopefulness in her eyes. I know they are looking for anything they can grab onto.

"He looked... worried." I try.

"Worried?" They ask say at once.

"I think after the fire insident he is worried I might close in on the others." And all I would have to do is give up Nana. "Maybe we really are getting closer."

And maybe I will find a way to find the others while still holding on to Nana before Kye can take the others away from me. It may have taken him a few hundred years to be able to control more than one puppet, but he doesn't have the determination that I do. I will get them back before he gets them, and that is a promise.

"So we really are getting somewhere." Sam One beams.

"Yeah." I say returning her smile.

For once hope fills my chest. With the information from Kye that I have the power to save the others, and the fact that I somewhat remember how to find the room, I am one step closer to getting out of this house.