Chapter 13: The Prank and What Followed

Dylan and I have an unspoken truce now. Whenever Rudy shows up in our room, I suddenly need a shower. And my shower is usually a long one, to give them ample time to finish up whatever they're usually doing, about which I never ask.

Today, a week after Leo's birthday, I was chatting with Dylan. I knew from experience that Rudy would appear soon, so I wasn't surprised to hear a knock on the door.

"That's my cue," I sighed, grabbing a towel.

Dylan gave me the "thanks" look she always gives me when I leave them alone.

Rudy stepped in, I stepped out.

I walked to the bathroom. On the way there, I was suddenly doused over the head with ice cold water. I gasped and froze. Tinkering laughter was heard, and I clenched my teeth in anger when I spotted the tattered remains of a balloon at my feet. I looked about, but no one was to be seen. The prankster must have fled down the stairs.

I gave chase.

As I clattered down the stairs, I almost collided with someone. "Sorry!" I yelled over my shoulder. I had seen the prankster! It was a girl a few years younger than me, and I was going to get her for this.

Well, I would have. If I wasn't pulled back by my wet arm.

"What!" I snapped in frustration and annoyance.

"Hey, that's pretty rude you know?"

Jayden, my other-voice cooed. He's hot.

I ignored that. "Jayden? What do you want?"

"To know why you are running in the hallway in wet clothes."

Okay that was blunt and straightforward, which I must say I liked. "Do I look like I'm doing this for fun?" I snapped at him.

"How should I know?"

I huffed. He was quickly getting on my nerves. He thought too much of himself.

"None of your business," I snapped.

"Hold on," he said, leaning towards me and picking a strip of torn balloon from my hair.

"Thanks," I said grudgingly. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to go."

"Not so fast. You'll not catch up with her now, so why bother?"

"So what are you suggesting?" I grit.

He smirked. "Why don't you repay a prank with a prank? Water balloons are no joke, and she should know that."

That honestly sounded like a wonderful idea, but I couldn't get back at her if I didn't know who she was, now could I?

As if he had read my thoughts, Jayden continued, "Her name is Willow. You can catch her on her way to school tomorrow."

I nodded slowly. "Thanks, I guess," I said awkwardly.

"Anytime."

He walked away.

Well that was... awkward.

See? That went well. Things always go well when you decide not to be a bitch to others.

When was I ever a bitch?

You're always a bitch with your goddamned ego.

I rolled my eyes and tuned out the dumb other-voice that was strangely active these days.

I plodded up the stairs again, then stopped. I couldn't go back into our room. I had already taken a shower with my clothes on. I needed to change, but the pj's I had were drenched too.

I took a deep breath and dragged my feet to our room door. My mind was already conjuring up possible occurrences, worst case scenario being something I could never unsee.

I shook out the images and knocked.

I heard nothing. I knocked again. Still nothing. I gulped and opened the door a crack. I hesitated before peeking in.

It wasn't worst case scenario, but it ran a close second.

Both Dylan and Rudy were on Dylan's bed, looking expectantly at me. They sat with their backs to the wall and the blanket covering them. Both looked like tomatoes.

"What happened?" Dylan asked.

"Got doused before I could get there. A water balloon prank." I told her briefly as I chucked the wet things in the laundry basket. "I'll go wash these," I said and scooted out as fast as I could.

Phew. That wasn't so bad.

Yes it was. You were blushing harder than the pair who were caught in action!

Action? Really? Was that the best you could come up with?

Should I give details?! My inside voice threatened.

No, no, I could do without them.

I stopped suddenly. Am I seriously bickering with my own mind?

I'm not your mind, dumbass.

And when did my mind develop such a foul tongue?

Your mind doesn't have a tongue.

Just shut up okay!?

What if I don't?

That's not an option.

Then why must you tell me to?

Because you're an ass!

See where I learned such words?

I groaned and made my way to the laundry room. I found Lexi there with Vivian, one of our friends. Vivi didn't look very happy, and Lexi was trying to make her feel better.

"Hey Vivi, what's wrong?" I asked.

"Cindy? What are you doing here?" Lexi exclaimed.

"Gonna wash laundry. What's going on here?"

"Why are you not with Dylan?"

I stared blankly at her, until Vivi chuckled mirthlessly through her tears. "I don't think Dylan would appreciate a threesome, Lexi," she croaked.

Lexi's eyes rounded, then thinned to slits in annoyance.

"So what's wrong Vivi?"

Vivi sniffled. "Never mind, I'll be fine," said she.

"I find you crying into Lexi's handkerchief and when I ask you say never mind?!" I scolded. "Come on, tell me. Why are you so upset?" I cooed.

Her pretty grey eyes met mine for a second, filling with tears. "I'm scared," she whimpered. "I know I'm being a coward, but I think I'm not David's mate," she whispered.

"That's not being a coward," Lexi told her firmly. "Everyone fears that."

"And many are proven correct," countered Vivi.

"Yes but David loves you. I bet you're his mate."

"But what if I'm not?"

Lexi was at the end of her wits. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"Vivian," I said sternly. "Mates are specially chosen by the goddess herself. If you are David's mate, well and good. But if you are not, that's okay too. You'll find your mate, it's just a matter of time. Don't hang all your life on him when you weren't perfectly sure. Now promise me. If David finds his mate and it's not you, you will remain calm, remain hopeful, and release him without a grudge. The goddess does not make mistakes."

She stared at me for a moment, then dropped her gaze. "I promise," she said in a small voice.

I smiled.

"And thank you," she added.

I hugged her, while Lexi stood there and watched intently. It might have been just me, but I thought I saw her eyes go plain white.

Vivian stood up, smoothed her clothes, and smiled weakly at me. "That made me feel a lot better. Thank you, Cindy."

She left, and I began to empty the basket into a washing machine. Lexi was strangely quiet.

"Is... anything the matter?" I asked.

"No," she said. She must have wanted to add, but her phone beat her to it. It rang.

She looked at it and cursed softly. She picked.

"Hey... Yeah, I kinda got caught up in something... I know, I'm so sorry... What? Of course... Look, I can't explain... You know why not!... Sean, this is different. She needs someone... I try, but it's difficult, you know... But I can't be in two places at once... I had no choice..."

I couldn't help listening as I loaded the machine. At this point, Sean must have exploded, because I heard his voice shouting through the screen:

"Hell yes you had a choice! You had a choice, and you chose that pointless surveillance over me!!!"