One Last Time

22. Kai

Taya was walking alone. After Matt's statement, she needed some time to be think. Casey meanwhile had other plans. 

"Taya, you okay?" 

Taya brushed back her hair. "Yeah, magnificent. There are demons out to kill us, Adele might have led us into a trap, we are no closer to finding Kai and Matt just said I turn his world upside down. So yeah, it's all good." 

Casey scoffed. "Oh my. You have become optimistic. But, isn't turning someone's world upside down, a good thing?" 

She made a sound at the back of her throat. "I don't know. You tell me." Taya lifted her hands and let them fall limply against her side. 

Casey gave her shoulder a squeeze. "Oh, Tay. It's not that bad. I mean, atleast we know that Kai is out there somewhere-" 

"Oh really? He is out there somewhere? I had no idea." 

Casey pouted. "You don't wanna talk to me? Fine. I'll come back when you can try to show some proper emotion for somebody who loves you. Me." She stormed off, cursing under her breath.
Taya looked back, and felt guilt turn her stomach. She didn't have to snap at her, Casey hadn't done anything. Taya would say sorry, when they both were in a better mood, but for now she let herself wallow in her sadness. 

But it didn't last long. Pedro approached and she sighed. "Is nobody going to let me sulk in peace?" 

He ignored her. "Taya, I know this is a lot to take in but trust me you can do it." 

She raised her eyebrows at him. "What are you talking about?" 

"I was just trying to grab your attention. Now that I, uh have it, I need to talk to you." 

"If you want my permission to date Casey, then go ahead. I'd go with the flowers thing, she likes all of that." Taya scowled. 

Pedro grinned, "I'll keep that in mind. Now, tell me what's bothering you." 

She rolled her eyes. "What are you, a sage?" 

"No, but many people have said I give good advice." 

"People?" Taya laughed harshly. "You mean plants and fishes. You grew up with a pixette." 

Pedro's face darkened and Taya bit her lip. 

"Sorry, I didn't- I-" 

His face softened. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to offend me." Pedro gave her a small smile. 

Taya sighed. "I don't know you, so I don't know if we can trust you so yeah, I am having my doubts about you. On top of that I am worried about this mission and other things." 

Pedro's eyes sparked. "Thank God. Atleast there is one smart person here. Everyone just accepted me and I thought you all were such fools. You, Taya, don't trust me and I like that." 

She frowned. "You like the fact that I don't trust you? Weird. I mean, anybody could cook up a lie about being Theo's brother. Your alibi is great, almost flawless. I don't trust you, and I won't for a really long time." 

She drifted off, feeling satisfied. 

Pedro nodded to himself. "Clever girl. She knows what to do. I don't trust the rest either but, that one, Taya, I like her." 

"You like Taya?" 

He whirled around, startled. "Oh, Casey. It's you. I like Taya, but not in that way. I just feel a connection, of sorts, with her. Not romantic, of course." 

Casey pouted. "She's not the only smart one, ya know. I searched you up. Of course, you aren't there on Instagram or Facebook, but yeah I found you."