7:12 A.M.-
Second day here in the penthouse. I've gotta say, it's pretty impressive. I haven't done much exploring here yet; I don't want Nine to catch me checking his place out... Anyway, I'm not a huge fan of John's plan of "laying low" and "staying here until the we know where the Mogs are for sure." He's just being wimpy because of the city. He's not used to the hustle, I guess. Probably doesn't trust it. I don't care what he says...I'm not putting reality on hold for a little vacation in some big-ass penthouse. I'm gonna be ready for whatever Setrákus Ra is planning. I'm currently in the training hall, and I'm just about to start stretching. I'm gonna practice some tucks and rolls, something quiet. (Everyone's still sleeping.) Actually, Marina is in the kitchen, probably preparing breakfast. Man, she's something else! I've never had such a good home cooked meal since Katarina. So yeah, I'm gonna finish up in here; I'll write later.
9:31 A.M.-
So I just took a shower after training, and had breakfast. Marina made some of her 'comfort food' this morning- a traditional Spanish breakfast. You should've seen Ella's face when she saw the cupcakes for breakfast. Speaking of Ella, Marina was saying that last night Ella woke up sweating buckets, obviously scared. Ella couldn't tell any details and Marina doesn't wanna press her for information. I get what she's saying but we really gotta know the seriousness of the dream; I have a feeling like it might happen again. Nine was talking about showing us around the city today. (John was of course not a huge fan of that idea.) Ella wants to go to the beach, so we're preparing everything to go to Lake Michigan. Marina's packing a picnic, Nine and Ella are getting all the beach stuff. Malcolm said that we could all use a break...I guess maybe I've been majorly-stressed out since things have started to get serious, but now it's cooled down...right? I just need to chill.
12:29 P.M.-
Nine told us that the beach wouldn't be crowded since it's a Monday, so there's no need for disguises. John and I packed some, just in case. We're in one of Nine's less flashy rides- which ended up being a Dodge Challenger. This dude has some issues. Gotta go, almost at the beach.
3:07 P.M.-
Nine was right. This side of the beach is completely empty. It's a nice day; everyone's having a good time. Eight and Marina are splashing each other in the water. Sarah and John are walking around taking pictures. Ella is wrestling with Nine on the sand. Sam's sitting near me, fiddling with some wire, occasionally glancing at me. I'm glad we got to come out, we all definitely needed some time to chill out.
5:14 P.M.-
We're still at the beach. The boys are sitting at here at the camp, having some snacks. Marina and Ella are walking along the shoreline, collecting sea shells. They're calling me over. I'm gonna head over, walk with them.
8:57 P.M.-
We're at the penthouse now, back from the beach. Nine's gonna order us some "World-Famous-Chicago-Deep-Dish" pizza. Right now we're all about to take showers. There's at least 12 bathrooms in this place- seriously. Marina keeps telling me about the heated tiled floor and how spoiled she feels using the bathrooms here. She says that in the orphanage, the showers were buckets of frigid water, dumped over her head, and her wet feet were splinter-magnets when she hobbled across the uneven wood floor. And while I was struggling to find shelter, with no Cêpan to guide me, Nine and his Cêpan were here, living in a mansion. I smiled at her, hoping to convey "We're past that now. You're safe."
9:43 P.M.-
There's a reason why that pizza is famous- because its damn good. Man, I'm just now realizing that there's so much that I haven't experienced, yet. Okay- ew, now I'm getting sappy. Anyway, Eight and Marina are doing dishes. I'm going to walk Ella to her bedroom so she can change into her pajamas. (She's scared of the dark.) I want to be soft with her, like Marina is, because I know she's been having a rough time, with all she's been going through... Crayton and her bad dreams.
9:46 P.M.-
Alright, I'm back. We've all gotten changed, well, all except for Nine, who is shirtless 24/7. I hurled a pillow at him, at least 50 mph, and screamed, "Put some clothes on!" Ella was a giggling (and blushing!) mess. We're heading into the screening room which is, of course, the size of a theater. There's a concession stand and ticket booth, too. This makes me wonder if Nine and Sandor actually had guests over, or if they just wanted it all, for no good reason. Marina is insisting to Nine that Ella is not allowed to watch anything past PG-13. John's suggesting "Fast and Furious" so I think that's what we're going to watch.
12:04 A.M.
Today was fun. I've forgotten what it's like being normal. Today helped me calm down a bit and I enjoyed spending time with my friends. I might go up to the roof for a little while. I'll write tomorrow.
-6
