THE GIFTED

CHAPTER 9

HIDEOUS

Stephan

The morning sun brings with it a sweltering wave of heat. Apart from Caroline, Zalen and Candice the rest of us were forced into sleeping in one room. The horror! Last night sure was tiring, seeing Caroline like that really scared the crap out of me. But Candice was a whole new level of sick. There was a huge cut all the way from her shoulder to her elbow. Later on, Phoebe informed me that it was infected. Rashes covered her body. She had suffered an allergic reaction. Phoebe thinks the causing agent is Daisies. Candice's entire frame looked weak. She had been through so much to get to us, all for something that might not entirely exist.

After taking a shower all three of us – Alex, Andy and yours truly- retired to bed. Andy and I shared one bed whereas Miss Sleepyhead got one bed all to herself. When I woke up in the morning I angered the beast, Alex, by using the washroom first. I am really starting to doubt who the real royal is.

Everyone gathered to have breakfast in the Canteen. Zalen joined us after. He didn't seem too ecstatic about coming with us, I am only happy that I managed to convince him. The dude needs to chill out once in a while.

Phoebe helps get everything ready, refilling our medical, food and water supplies, enough to last us four days. About the amount of time it will take for us to reach the Cavern.

Carol looks much better today, well-rested and energetic. Candice is also in high spirits. She even looks beautiful. Her curly hair is a vibrant shade of red, tied into a high pony.

Her grey or ash (I can't tell) eyes look more alive, a smile on her face. As far as I know her she seems like a pretty cool person. At first, I thought she was a little bit too uptight but once you get to know her she can be really fun. She even cracked a joke or two during breakfast.

As we all get onto the carriage Phoebe comes over and hugs Zalen, at first he looks taken back but then hugs her back. It is exactly nine o'clock when we leave. The horses are well fed and trot along merrily not bothered by the extra weight. Zalen joins me in the front. Inside I can hear Candice, Sleepyhead, Andrew and Caroline talking, someone laughs accompanied by a snort. Sounds like Alexis.

(Note to self: Alex snorts, add one more to teasing points.)

Zalen is eerily quiet, looking over the maps. I like strategy but Caroline and Zalen take it to a whole new level.

The time passes quickly, the heat of the sun passes as a cool wind starts to blow. We're nearing the borders. The change in weather is the first sign. It is much colder. Soon it is noon. Around us, there is a forest, the trees shielding us from the sun. I pull the reigns.

The carriage creaks to a stop. Andy climbs out and flashes me one of his cheeky smiles.

"Nice driving Stephan. Um, you too Zale"

"Thank you, Andrew" Zalen says with a slight smile at the new nickname. By the end of the journey, I'm pretty sure Andy is going to give everyone nicknames. The girls emerge from the back of the carriage. Caroline gives me a smile. I know why. It's to say 'I'm alright. I'm here right next to you.'

"I was thinking this would be the perfect place to stop and have lunch," I say while taking out a picnic blanket and basket from the back of the carriage. "It could also be a good bonding time seeing that we might have to bear with each other for a while."

"As long as there's the food I'm fine with it," Alex says while rubbing her palms together eagerly. At that everyone laughs. Caroline helps me get everything set up. After some time all of us are seated on the ground.