Sidelines

Chapter Sixteen: Hidden Secrets

I tried to avoid my friends. I really had too much on my mind and I didn't want to face them. I headed straight for the cabin I knew the Radiants were staying at, keeping my face down. It wasn't long before I realized I didn't really know where I was going. The camp was bigger than I imagined and it confused me. I looked over my shoulder to see of the infirmary cabin was still in sight but I couldn't even see the hospital sign that was built onto it. I frowned. I guess I had to ask someone then.

"Hey!" A loud yell caused me to turn around. I saw Bree's cousin- what was his name- Xavier walking over with an Asian guy. I desperately tried to look for a way out. I really didn't want to be in this conversation. "Kaya, right?" Xavier grinned charmingly.

I smiled awkwardly. "Uh, yeah."

"Okay good. I'm not too good with names." He said. His friend cleared his throat next to him. "Oh! This is Brian by the way. I was taking him to Sera just now. She was asking for him. Something about people meeting." He paused and studied me for a second. "You want to come with us?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, that's fine. I just need to find my way back to the Radiants' cabin."

Brian's face darkened slightly. "There is no such things as groups in this camp."

"Oh, sorry- I just meant the place, you know, where the new...people are staying and stuff." I sputtered, feeling embarrassed.

Xavier laughed and adjusted his glasses. Have I mentioned how big they made his eyes look? God, he was too beautiful to exist. How did perfection go to every single person in Bree's family? "Don't hurt yourself, all's good. Now, are you lost or something?"

I looked around, uncertain. "Um, maybe."

Brian cracked a smile, his earlier serious demeanor broken. "You're going the wrong way. Want us to walk with you there?"

"No thanks. Just point out which I need to go and I'll be fine." I didn't feel like embarrassing myself even more.

Xavier nodded. "Just go straight and then take a left turn behind the third cabin you see. It'll take you right to the computer cabin."

I smiled, less awkwardly this time. "Thanks. I guess I'll see you guys later."

"Want me to tell Bree and Sera where you are?" He called after me.

"No it's okay. They already know." If Sera heard me right now...

Xavier shrugged and and looked at Brian. "Alright, well we're gonna go before Sera gets pissed at us. See ya later."

I waved. "Bye." Then I followed the directions they gave me and thankfully, found the cabin I was looking for.

I walked inside. People were running around, trying to figure out the rooming system, and unpacking their things and just yelling half the time. I spotted Aunt Laurel yelling instructions and telling people where to go. I pushed my way through to her. It took her like a minute to notice I was standing next to her.

"Oh Kaya! Good, you're back." She smiled at me. "I need you to help me out."

All I really wanted to do was go to the room I was assigned to and be alone. But it would be selfish of me to not help out and I didn't want my newfound aunt to think I was a lazy pig. I forced a smile. "Sure."

Aunt Laurel watched me for a second. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Translation: I'm doing horrible and I just want to go to my room but you're about to make me do work and I kind of hope you get the hint and just give me my room and leave me alone.

She turned to someone who was asking her a question and quickly answered it before turning her attention back to me. "You just seem to be thinking about something. Why don't you help me out? It'll take your mind off of whatever your problem is." Translation: I sense you don't want to work but I'm going to make you do it anyway because I need the help and in my sick, twisted mind I think that it will somehow distract you from your worries.