Tundra (contains errors)

Part 7

Chapter 88

{Em's POV} Matt and I take our seats quickly. I notice the couple we ran into earlier was staring at us. I nudge Matt, who was smiling and talking to Blake. "Huh?" He jerks his head towards me. "They're staring again..." He looks up. "Wait....is that?" He stutters. "Brandon." I whisper. How did I not notice earlier? I recognize that girl. She was almost ranked as high as Sadie in training. She was good, but Sadie was better. Well, Sadie and Andrew, they're about even. Brandon notices me staring and he excuses himself and beckons for me to follow him. I look at Matt worriedly. "Go ahead; you know I'll be there if something happens." I nod and slowly stand up. I walk over to Brandon. His expression is soft and gentle, it's him. The guy who I woke up to that morning not the menacing villain I saw earlier. "You look beautiful." He says smiling. "Thanks, you look really nice too." I clear my throat. "So uh, who's your girlfriend?" His blue eyes turn to hurt. "Well, I had to take someone...her name's Sara." "What's going on with that scar?" I ask. "She doesn't like to talk about it." Brandon answers uncomfortably. "Okayyy.... Why were you guys staring at us like we were enemies?" Brandon coughs. "She kind of hates Sadie.....you know why and you're her best friend so she doesn't like you too much either." "So that means you have to hate me now." I finish for him. The anger I feel is masked by my sadness. "She’s changing you." He touches the side of my face affectionately. I look at his hand. "Em, no-" I slap his hand away. "You're different already. She changed you!" I storm away hurt. He's gone. I don't cry I can't. I just sit down next to Matt and sit quiet as Lizzie announces Sadie and Andrew. Matt touches my hand that's on the table and holds onto it. I smile a little and pay attention to our friends onstage.

Chapter 89

{Sadie's POV} Lizzie introduces us and the crowd cheers. She smiles at me encouragingly and I step up to the podium. "Training has come to an end; we will now receive tasks and explanations tonight. It is important that we carry over the things we have learned. This program has not only prepared us for the future, but also gave us the time to make decisions, such as choosing team members, relationships, and much more. Most importantly I discovered the guy I'd like to spend the rest of my life with, my fiancé Andrew Gray." The crowd roars, mostly the ladies. He smile and begins to speak. "Yes, I too discovered the person who inspires my heart and keeps me going. I also found some good friends along the way." He looks directly at Matt at Em, smiling. "Being a leader is an important responsibility. Many people look up to you. For example, recently my friend asked me for advice on an important topic, that I feared to give her the wrong answers, but she is happy now with her choice. Thank you all for listening and working hard." The audience applauds. Lizzie steps back up to the microphone. "Now, enjoy your dinner. Groups will be announced later along with another announcement." She smiles at us. "That was an amazing speech." She congratulates us. "Lizzie, why are we here?" I ask like an innocent little kid would. She frowns. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you right now. You'll find out soon enough." She walks us to our seats. "You look pretty." I say. It's true, her hair that is usually pinned up frames her face making her look younger and her dress suits her perfectly. She laughs. "Thank you, Sadie." Andrew pulls out my chair. "You look gorgeous." She says quietly before taking her own seat. "You did it." Andrew says smiling. "No, we did it." I say. He squeezes my hand. I know he wants to celebrate by showing his affection in another way, but right now we can't. Matt comes around the table. "You guys did great." He says beaming. "What's Em up to?" I ask after Andrew thanks him. "Talking to Rachel, don't worry I didn't leave her alone with my mom." I laugh. "Well, I better get going." He says and walks away quickly. Then, they serve us dinner, which goes by smoothly. Everything was fine until Matt and Em took the stage. "My son and his girlfriend have some important news to share." Lizzie says expressionless. Matt steps up to the microphone. "Em and I have been dating for a while now. I love her more than I can explain in words. I think we both want something more permanent so....." Matt gets down on one knee and holds out a ring. "Emilia Cambell, will you marry me?" Em is in tears. "Yes." They share a kiss and then Em starts to speak. "I just wanted you to know there is a reason for getting engaged so soon. Matt and I are expecting." The crowd starts buzzing with reaction. Brandon can barely be held back, although I'm sure he knows. Andrew and I sit there emotionless. "Now for the groups. You will soon learn the reason why you're here. Until then, be ready for your new skills to come in handy." Lizzie starts rattling off names. Brandon is in the group with his 'girlfriend', Sara who supposedly hates my guts. "Last but not least, Andrew, Sadie, Matt, and Andrew will be a group." I am not surprised, but relieved. After the banquet officially ends Brandon approaches Matt, with a look of pure anger on his face. I look at Andrew concerned. Brandon throws a hard punch at Matt's face. Sara shoves Brandon out the door, before a full fight breaks out. Matt clutches his nose, obviously bleeding. I rush up to him. "I'm fine." He says through clenched teeth.