Cinder: A Close To Normal Life

Chapter 14

Cinder's POV

After getting home and making dinner I'm still thinking about how the Lunar government was tracking Kai's phone. So many questions swirled around my head I didn't even know where to start unpacking. Why would they want to monitor Kai? How long have they been? How did they add the extra programs?

I barely pay any attention during dinner. The last thing I want to think about is what dress style Pearl should wear to the dance and why "satin is so out nowadays." After everyone's done eating, I clear the table and wash the dishes. When I'm finally able to climb upstairs to my room, the first thing I do is fall face first into my bed and let out a muffled scream.

"Well someone's having a great day," Iko called from my backpack.

I sigh and get up to let her out, "Yep, best day ever. Iko, please tell me what in the stars is going on."

"Well, after school, you, Scarlet, and Cress went to the shop after school and Cress went 'type type type' and-"

"Okay okay, I know that but why is the Lunar government tracking Kai?" I say sitting down at my desk.

"Maybe they're fans?"

I groan, eyeing my bed and thinking about face planting again. But before I can Peony walks into the room, "Cinder, I need help deciding who I should go to the dance with- oh what's this?" She says after noticing Iko.

"Hi! I'm Iko! I'm a 10/10 shop project made by Cinder and Kai-"

Peony gasps, "Wait, the Prince Kai! Shut up!" She turns towards me, "Cinder you're partners with THE PRINCE KAI? No way! Why didn't you tell me?"

Because I knew you'd react like this, I thought but said "Umm well-"

"What's he like? What are his interests? What's his favorite color? On a scale 1-10 how likely is he to date an underclassmen?" Peony rambled.

"Uh I don't-"

"I can't believe you guys have class together, and you were partners too! Oh my stars, Cinder you are sooo lucky. Wait, that means you've got to love Kai too right?"

"Woah, hold on-"

"Understandable, EVERYONE likes him. Cinder, you HAVE to introduce me to him! Please, please, please, I'll love you forever," Peony said looking at me with big starry eyes.

How did I get into this situation? I sighed. But, I did love Peony, she's the only one that's ever been nice to me at home and she was so enthusiastic I knew I couldn't say no without feeling like I kicked a puppy. "Well, tomorrow after school he's coming over to the shop to work on a presentation with me."

Peony jumped up and down squealing, "Oh my stars, oh my stars, I'll be there!" She's about to run out of my room in excitement when she stops and looks back at me, "Wait, don't tell Pearl okay? I want to brag to her later that I talked to Prince Kai first."

I smiled then made the motion of sealing my lips and throwing away the key.

Peony squealed again, shouting "I love you!" before running to her room.

Iko rolled up to me, "I love that girl's vibe. She's like on the same wavelength as me"

I laughed, "Well tomorrow is definitely going to be a different wavelength of crazy."

Kai's POV

The next day, I walk into school and hope that Cinder's at our lockers. I could really use a pick-me-up after finding out my dad's going to die any day now. Sure enough, as I walk closer I see the swish of her ponytail and I feel my lips forming into a smile. "Good morning," I say as I reach my locker.