Can You Hear the Stars Calling?

Everything in the Open

I sniffled and held tightly. I never wanted this feeling to end. Tears stained Milo's shirt.

When would I ever stop crying?

***

After a few minutes of hugging and crying and laughing at our hugging and crying, Sam, Milo, and I all sat together on the blue couch.

Though it felt good to get everything out in the open about last night, there were still more things to discuss.

Where was Sam for the last two days? Is there any news from what Mateo is doing? What are our plans for the future?

First things first. I had to make sure I got all of the answers I needed. "I'm going to ask you questions. Both of you," They looked to each other nervously. "And I need a straight answer without you holding anything back. I need answers. No more of me being left out, alright?"

Being left in the dark didn't do me any good. No matter what they say, it won't change the fact that Mateo is still after me. It would be better to be prepared than 'safe' in ignorance.

Even though they were nervous about the truth, I knew it had to come out. They were going to tell me know matter what. Both of them nodded.

"Good," I said. Without another thought, I jumped into questioning. "Where have you been for the last two days, Sam? Not only that, but when you're gone most afternoons where are you?"

Sam didn't take a second to think about it. "It's my job as a Holy Angel, your guardian Angel, to keep you safe and protected," She stated matter-of-factly. "With the threat of the piece, I've been working to try to find a different spot in case this one is discovered. Not only that, but I've been trying to track down the piece." She wrung her hands nervously, her mind lost in thought.

Track him down? Does she have a death wish? No. I took a breath. Don't get angry. You know why she has to do this. You can't get angry with her for doing what she was made to do.

I looked at Sam. Even though I couldn't get angry, that didn't stop me from being worried. Last time they fought she won, but what about next time? "Did you find him? Mateo, I mean."

She looked down. "No. I didn't." Her eyes were hollow and she looked tired. Really tired. As if she hadn't slept in days. I'd never seen Sam look so hopeless.

"But that doesn't mean we're completely helpless," Milo intervened. Sam and I turned to him. "As long as we have somewhere to stay and hide, we have somewhere to protect. And someone inside to protect, too." He smiled his warm smile patting my head.

I returned his smile. Right. We're safe and sound. I have two of the best people in the world here to protect me.

But, there was still the main question. "What are we going to do now?" I asked nervously. "We don't know where Mateo is, or when he'll come back."

Milo and Sam seemed at a loss for words. Neither of them had any clue what to do next. I didn't blame them, I had no idea either.

"I guess," Milo started, "we'll just have to play the waiting game for now. Lay low and think through our moves carefully."

Sam nodded, lost in thought. I looked at both of them anxiously. Just sit here and wait? There had to be something better than waiting here like sitting ducks.