Matthew Silver and the Monster Hunters, Book One: The Darkest Waters

Chapter Fifteen

JadeCHAPTER FIFTEEN

Jade was vaguely aware that Matthew had said something. She figured that she had probably said something embarrassing in return. She couldn’t help it. Her mind was on autopilot.

In reality, she had been going through a silent debate. She was agonizing over her decision.

Should I tell him?

Yes, now!

No, not yet!

What’ll he say?

He’ll just get angry!

No, don't think like that. He's your best friend.

I’ll wait until later, not now…definitely not now…

NOW!   

He’s gonna miss the turn!

“You’re gonna miss the exit.”She almost smacked herself for sounding so boring and robotic, because on the inside, she was losing her mind.

“Whoops!”

Hooooonnkkkk—Screeeeeee!

Even when distracted, her senses were still intact. No one could accuse her of being absent-minded.

The drive seemed to go on and on. Matthew did try talking to her, but she was too preoccupied to talk. Soon she found her eyes slowly closing. She really needed some sleep. Her body felt rested, but her mind was exhausted. She accepted sleep warmly.

Jade woke from a nightmare with a start with her head against Matthew’s shoulder. She got up, slightly embarrassed, feeling sweaty from the bad dream. Matthew, of course, didn’t notice a thing. He had good control over his emotions, which made him a good Hunter…and an annoying thickheaded guy.

They arrived at Fort Augustus, which was right next to the loch. It wasn’t actually a fort, but more of a small Scottish settlement. Rolling hills covered the very green terrain. Welcome to the Highlands, she thought.

“Nice driving,”commented Sandy.

Matthew dramatically sighed. “I was a little distracted. Don’t get on my case.”

“Hey, kid, I thought you were supposed to be good at driving. I’d hate to see you do something you’re bad at,” Scott said.

“One slip up in years doesn’t change anything.”Matthew argued.

“Sure, kid, but that’s one more slip up than I’ve made, I’m sure.”

“Beg to differ?”offered Jay.

“Thank you!”Matthew nodded to her.

“You should’ve just let me drive,”Scott pressed. “You look too young. One mistake is all it takes to get pulled over and arrested for being an underage driver.”

“Like you could’ve done any better,”Matthew said. “Now are we going to keep arguing or start making camp?”

“I don’t know,”Sandy yawned. “I like a good argument.”

“The kid’s right.”Scott said, relishing Matthew’s grumblings at being called a kid once more. “We’re behind schedule.”

There really wasn’t a schedule or a specific time that they were due back at the Virginia Sector. If they stayed out too long, they’d simply be declared dead or MIA. But the fact that they had wasted over six days before even getting to the Loch didn’t sit well with any of them.