Jenalyn: From the Inside (#3) [Complete]

Chapter 50: Hayden

Wednesday, 8:46 P.M. EST

Ren must think we’re friends or something now because I had a semi-normal conversation with her earlier. 

There are still red-hot embers burning beneath us, ready to ignite themselves into flames the moment one of us steps out of line. But for now? The calm is at its most calm.

“Sascha is a great mentor to have,” Ren states matter-of-factly as she folds one of her cardigans and places it on her dresser. “She does this because she wants to. It's not for extra TV time or something. You know?”

I nod in agreement, and mention Sascha’s ability to relate to all the stories I told her today. I sum it up by showing satisfaction in my new mentor.

A pretty normal conversation, if I may say so myself!

For a moment, Ren seems a little too interested in my words. She says nothing though, so it’s easy to look past.

Silence falls over the room when we both run out of things to talk about. She probably wonders the same thing that I do; Is it time to draw our knives? 

We’ve both grown a little defensive when it comes to each other…

I don’t want to be the first to break the silence. I can’t help a voice, assumingly Jena’s, in the back of my head from reminding me to keep my friends close, and enemies closer though.

Now doesn’t have to be the time to strike… right? I wonder.

Ren saves me the contemplation and breaks the silence herself.

“You know.. if we teamed up?” she begins, pausing for a moment to choose her wording. “If we teamed up, we could probably run this whole ward.” 

Words can’t describe the surprise that overcomes me hearing her say that. That was pretty unexpected! Did she really suggest that we team up?

I can’t help myself from laughing out loud, but cover it up by agreeing. “Definitely!” I tell her with confidence. "We could!"

Ren laughs too, but more so to mirror my response with skepticism. She doesn’t continue any further, leaving me time to the thoughts in my mind.

I’m not sure what I did, but this is perfect.

I offer Ren a friendly smile, all while listening to Jena cackle in the back of my mind.

"Top dogs” don’t team up, she snickers. Jenalyn doesn’t team up.