Away From Home

Chapter 2- The Forbidden Cities

Chapter 2

Dex's POV

The look on Sophie's face when I vocalize my concern almost makes me want to take it back. Let Sophie feel the victory of our escape before the realization hits anyone else.

Thankfully it seems Biana might have a way out of this.

"Well..." Biana says "We could go to the forbidden cities. Amy could probably show us were a few restaurants and hotels are. Dex could hack an ATM to get us some cash, he is a really good techno path. He did it in London!" My heart skips a beat as my temperature rises.

"Wow Dex, didn't know you had the cute Foster blush!" Keefe remarks. And THAT is when I know I should change the subject.

"So you all know about the time I hacked the ATM in London?"

Wylie and Lynh are the only people in the chorus of 'yeps' and 'uh huh's' to say no.

Sophie frowns, "I meant to tell you I just-"

"Don't apologize," Wylie insists, "We have bigger things to worry about." Sophie slaps her forehead and hastens to pull out her Imparter to contact Amy.

***

"So these are your friends! I didn't know there were 6-no 7 of you!" Amy exclaims, inviting us all inside with an energy similar to Keefe's. The house is small and cozy and even though I've never been here it feels like home.

"Was 8 of us." Lynh says quietly.

"Oh... I am so sorry." Amy's words float around us as we stand in silence. We'd be standing there forever if Sophie didn't break the silence.

"We don't have long. Your parents probably will be back soon. If you know where the nearest ATM is that would be great!"

"Sure but isn't human money different than-" I cut Amy off.

"I've hacked into one before it isn't too- wait. That time I had an obscurer. This time I don't and to make another one would mean-"

"I have one." Keefe says plainly. Why does Keefe have an obscurer on hand? "Ever since I learned there were EL Fudges in the lost cities I've kept them on hand.'' Lynh and Wylie give Keefe a questioning glance. How could they not know about Keefe's obsession with EL Fudges? We have a lot to fill them in on!

"There's an ATM on Broadway Blvd," Amy says, "It's only a couple blocks from here. I'll show you!"

"Wait! We can't go like this," Biana says, gesturing to her cape and jeweled dress, "the obscurer can't cover us all!"

"Hmm," Sophie says, looking at us all one by one, "Boys you get the obscurer, Amy, are you okay with us borrowing some less... elveny clothes?"

"Yes!" Amy bounces up and down, "Elven makeover!" And as the girls are swept away I hear what can only be Sophie grumbling about makeovers.