The Awakener
Page 43
Eden carefully closed the door, trying not to wake anyone. Thinking of the free breakfast waiting for her downstairs, she spun around to find herself face to face with Andrew. After crying herself to sleep once the other girls were out, she’d made up her mind she’d have to talk to Andrew. But I didn’t think it’d be at 6:30 in the morning! My eyes are still puffy!
“Eden,” he said, when she turned to go. She stopped. “Can we talk?”
Relieved his voice didn’t sound angry, she nodded.
“How about over breakfast?” he offered.
“Sure.”
She piled her plate with fruit, a yogurt, two pieces of bacon, and, trying to decide between a poppy seed or blueberry muffin, grabbed both.
He was already sitting at one of the small tables. She sat across from him, noting he’d gone with only cold cereal. He glanced at her plate. “That’s one thing I always loved about you. You weren’t afraid to eat.”
Trying to reply while chewing the cantaloupe she had just popped into her mouth, she slurred, “Thanks, I think.”
She was glad to see there was no sadness behind his smile. “So, yesterday wasn’t very much fun for either of us,” he said right off.
“No, it wasn’t.” Thanks to you ignoring me all day.
“I don’t want it to be like that between us. I hate seeing you upset. You should be having fun.” He stirred his cereal around without taking a bite.
“Don’t worry about me.” She paused. “I’m actually surprised you came. What happened to Florida?”
He gave her a lopsided grin. “Caitlyn wouldn’t let up with it. Kept telling me I had to come. And well, my dad came home early to deal with an emergency at work, so I figured, why not?”
Thank you, Caitlyn! “Well, I’m glad you did. Hope you’re not regretting it.”
“No, I’m good. Maybe you were right. Maybe we’re supposed to be just friends, I don’t know. What I do know is we can’t keep ignoring each other. I don’t want you to feel bad anymore. I’m doing fine.”
She searched his face, his eyes. “I would love to be friends again, but I understand if you need more time. The timing of this,” she gestured to the room, “wasn’t the best for either of us.” Without thinking, she added quietly, “I’ve missed you.”
Seeing something cross his eyes, she inwardly berated herself. What am I doing giving him hope? She knew it was partly true, though. How could she expect to spend every day with someone for almost five months and then suddenly never talk to him again? Although, what she missed and what he missed were probably two very different things.
His expression was hard to read, his emerald eyes conflicted. “I’ve missed you too,” he admitted finally, and then he forced a smile. “So truce then?”
She was both saddened and relieved. “Yes, please.”
The truce over breakfast seemed to filter through the day. The day at the amusement park was fun. Being an odd numbered group, they rotated partners. Everyone rode with everyone. Though partnering with Damon and Andrew was extremely awkward for her, she loved when it was Micah’s turn. The other highlight was seeing Willow tug on Damon’s hand. His expression made her giggle. He wasn’t annoyed, more like stunned. He would lumber after her while Willow practically bounced on her toes.
Trent was quiet most of the day, almost somber at times. She knew he was worried about Micah.
Hours of twisting, dipping, cork screwing, going upside down, backwards and sideways, left Eden’s head throbbing. They all stopped for a drink break. As she drained the water bottle in three long swigs, Andrew walked up, holding a pile of churros, which he handed out. There was enough for everyone, but after Andrew took a few bites, he offered his to Caitlyn. She shook her head no.
That’s odd. They always share food, which is kind of weird now that I think about it, Eden mused as she pressed her fingers into her temples.
Strong hands rubbed her shoulders from behind. “Have a headache?” Micah asked.
“Yes, my head is killing me.”
She glanced at Andrew, nervous he’d be able to see through their charade, but he was staring at Caitlyn. Willow studied Andrew and then Caitlyn.
What’s that’s all about?
A few hours later, they called it a day. Eden wasn’t the only one with a headache and sore feet. Surprisingly, the one who didn’t want to leave was Micah. He’s like a child, prolonging his bedtime. She grinned and then realized why he might be prolonging the day. Tomorrow loomed ominous to her.
Once back at the motel, Micah wanted everyone to pile up and watch a movie together. Willow settled next to Damon, leaning against the headboard on one bed, with Caitlyn lying across the foot of the bed on her stomach. Andrew plopped down in front of Caitlyn, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Eden didn’t care what anyone thought, she sandwiched herself between Trent and Micah on the other bed. Trent got up, opting for the lone chair at the table. Halfway covered by blankets, she was in heaven when she felt Micah’s hand slide over to her, securing her fingers in his.
As they watched Will Smith kill aliens in Independence Day, Andrew leaned his head back towards Caitlyn and murmured, “Come sit by me.”
Caitlyn clambered down next to him and Eden wondered why her face looked anything but happy about it.