Only Exception

Chapter Nine: The Catch

It didn't even click that they were having us meet up again.  I was too determined on finding Colton and Maggie and Phillip.  I worked my way through the crowd, looking for Colton's jacket.  I caught sight of one, but it was Chase, looking upset.  There was a crowd of other people from his room surrounding him, some in tears.  Three had been cut.  I prayed that it was the only one.  I continued pushing through, searching for Colton.  Instead, I found Phil and Skylar, both looking relieved.  Phillip was the first to pull me into a hug.  I didn't flinch, because honestly all these hugs were super therapeutic for my freaking out brain.

“You ok Nat?” he asked, awkwardly patting my back.  I assumed he'd seen my breakdown earlier, and nodded.

“You're both through?” I added.  It was their turn to nod.  I grinned, forcing all the thoughts about Jack to the back of my mind.  Now was the time to worry about my friends.  I owed them that much,

“I don't get why they're having us meet up again.” Skylar frowned, “It's supposed to be Vegas next-- Final judgment.” I shook my head.

“Maybe giving us some sort of instruction?” I suggested halfheartedly.  She shrugged, still looking slightly worried.  Phil released me from his hug, and looked around.

“You know what rooms got cut?” he asked nervously.

“I think three.  I don't know what else.  But Colton was in your room, wasn't he?  And Schyler was with you... What room was Maggie in?” I suddenly asked, worried.

“She was with me.” Skylar reassured me. “But Chase was in three, right?” I nodded, cringing.  She looked slightly upset, but not heartbroken.

“Well the real mystery is where Colton, Maggie, and Sky disappeared to.”  Phillip said, still looking around.

“That'd be right here.” I jumped as someone caught me in a hug from behind, but steadied as I recognized the feel of Colton's chin resting on my head.  My skin tingled.  “You're all through?” he asked, still holding me in the hug.  Skylar nodded.  I let out a sigh of relief as Maggie, Sky, and Heejun appeared in front of us, all smiling.

“Didn't I tell you?” Colton breathed in my ear.  I could practically hear him wink.  In response I just leaned into him, resting my head on his chest and sighing dramatically.  I felt the laughter shake his stomach.

“Thank you, though.” I muttered quietly, so as not to let anyone else hear.  I seriously contemplated telling him about the messages, but quickly decided against it.

“It's what friends are for.” he replied sincerely. 

“Do any of y'all know what's up with the meeting in the auditorium?” Skylar still sounded worried.  I felt Colton tense.

“It's gonna be some sort of twist.” he said, “It's sick how they do this.  Give us all hope, but then shoot it down.”

“Wait... What?” I asked.

“Just because we're safe... Doesn't mean we're safe?” Heejun translated, sounding slightly confused.

“Basically.” Colton sounded disgusted.

“But it's so late!” Maggie looked at her watch. “They aren't gonna make us sing again, are they?” I felt him shrug.

“Changes every year.”

“Alright everyone, head for the auditorium with whoever is left of your groups.  Stay close with them, because you'll all be lined up together.” megaphone man sounded even more crabby than usual.

“Oh... Brielle is through.” I said to Sky and Maggie, who were already headed for the theater.  They nodded and went off in search of her.  Colton slowly released me and turned to Skylar.