Unseen

Chapter 13

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:29)

"So how's it going?" Kayta spoke as she entered Eloise's bedroom.

"I think we've got it.  The demon base should be..."  Eloise pointed to the huge screen in front of her.

"Right there," Xale and Eloise said in unison.  They high-fived and turned to Kayta.

"Well then, let's go tell the others!" she said, happy that they had found a solution.

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"So, when do we go?" Eloise asked the group.  Everyone shifted nervously.  She sighed, exasperated.  "Okay, what's up?"

Star gave Eloise a knowing look and Kayta spoke up.

"Ley and Ashim got into an argument..."  She glanced around at the others, wanting to say more on the topic, but instead she went straight to the point.  "Ashim wants to stay behind, he thinks it's too dangerous."

Eloise shrugged.  "I guess that's okay.  Ashim can stay here and monitor our progress."

"I'll stay with Ashim," Xale said, smiling at his best friend.

"I guess we're set then," Eloise concluded.  "We'll leave tomorrow morning.  Everyone meet at my house.  Anyone want to stay overnight?"

"I should probably go home, my mom will be worried," Star responded, flinging her bag over her shoulder. 

Kayta nodded. "My grandma will be worried too," she said.

"Can I stay over?" Jem asked.  "I don't wanna go back to the orphanage and be questioned about Milly."

"Of course," Eloise nodded.  "There's a spare bedroom upstairs."

Jem ran up and Eloise escorted everyone to the door.  Ashim had forgotten his bag so he ran back inside to get it.

Xale waited near the doorway with Eloise.

"Where are your parents?"

Eloise averted his gaze nervously.  "They're scientists and sometimes they stay overnight at the lab..."

Xale nodded.  "That's why you're so smart," he said, smiling.  He blushed and looked down at the ground.

Eloise returned the smile.  "Thanks."

"For what?" he asked, looking back up at her.

"For your help in finding the demon base."

"Oh," he looked up at the sky.  "No problem."

Ashim ran back with his bag.  "Okay, we can go now." he said.  Xale nodded and they walked out.

Eloise closed the door and looked out of the window.  She saw Xale salute to her from the sidewalk and she laughed.

Ley ran up to Kayta, whom he had been walking behind for the past 10 minutes. 

"Hey," he greeted her, out of breath.  She smiled and waved back. 

"You walk really fast," he said, panting.

Kayta laughed.  "Or you walk really slow."

"I walk fine.  You walk fast," he shook his head, making her laugh again.  He liked making her laugh. It was the kind of bubbly laugh that made him happy, especially when he knew he had caused it.

"Hey, what was that argument about earlier?" Kayta asked.  "When you all went silent?"

"Oh, it was nothing."  He shrugged it off.

"It didn't seem like nothing," she mumbled, kicking a pebble on the sidewalk.  "Am I missing something?"

"No no, you're not missing anything," he said hurriedly, waving his hand.  "I guess Ashim just pushed my buttons."  He could see her frowning, but she kept quiet.

"Are you taking the bus home?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yeah," she replied.  "This is my stop."

"Oh, okay."  He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.  "I gotta keep heading this way.  I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yup," she said, plunking down on the bench.  

Ley nodded and was about to keep walking, but turned around.  He sat down next to her instead.

"Hey, sorry about that argument earlier.  I didn't mean to make you upset," he said, looking into her bright, green eyes.

She sighed and looked at the ground.  "It's okay. I just don't like secrets."

"No more secrets from now on?" he said, holding out his hand.

She exhaled and shook his hand.  "No more secrets."

The bus came down the street and that was Kayta's cue to leave.  

"I gotta go now," she said.  "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll see you."  Ley stood up.

"Bye Kayta."  He waved as she stepped up the stairs onto the bus and then watched it wistfully as it drove down the street.

Everyone else knew.  But how could he tell her?