RIKKI
March 7, 2014 12:00 p.m.
"Okay, guys, does everyone know what's going on tomorrow?" I asked as I set my tray down at our usual lunch table.
"Yeah, we wake up really early and meet at Zayn's at five," said Lance.
"Right," I replied. "Then we'll head up to Duluth, confront Carlos and Jeff, and get Taylor and Bailey back."
"You know, I'm still not to thrilled about riding in the Big Pumpkin. Those seats are not comfortable," complained Lance.
"Really, this again? Why is everyone always hatin' on the Big Pumpkin?" asked Zayn, pouting.
"Because it's a piece of- " started Kade, but I cut him off.
"Okay, okay, let's just stay on task. Everyone, don't forget to bring a change of clothes and some money for the trip. Who knows what will happen."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm pretty sure we've gone through this a thousand times. Now can we cut the chit chat so I can eat my lunch?" begged Zayn.
"Zayn, there's this thing called multitasking. You should try is sometime," said Tanya, rolling her eyes.
"Whatever," muttered Zayn as he shoveled some food into his mouth. "I thought talking with your mouth full was rude."
"It is, now keep your mouth shut, man. We don't need to see your chewed up food," laughed Lance as he shoved Zayn's mouth shut. The whole table errupted in laughed while Zayn sulked and grumbled to himself.
"Okay, is there anything else we'll need to bring tomorrow?" asked Lacey.
"I'm gonna bring my lucky baseball bat," chirped Zayn.
"Zayn," groaned Lance. "Why on earth are you going to bring a baseball bat?"
"Well, it's my lucky baseball bat, and you never know when you're going to need a bit of luck," Zayn explained.
"Zayn, leave the bat at home," demanded Tanya.
"No, the bat is coming along, and there's nothing you can do about it," he said firmly, crossing his arms.
"Fine, whatever, just don't break anything, okay?" I said.
"No promises," smirked Zayn.
"You, my friend, need help," said Kade.
"Don't I know it," muttered Tanya.
"Oh, you love me anyway, baby. Don't deny it," smiled Zayn as he put an arm around Tanya.
"Whatever," she mumbled, but leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Okay, go to bed early tonight, because we'll need all the energy we can get tomorrow," I said before leaving the lunch room.
"Rikki, wait up!" I heard Kade call from behind me.
"Yeah, Kade?"
"I'm scared."
"Scared about what?" I questioned. "Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I'm worried about seeing Jeff and Carlos again. Those months we spent together were the worst and best ones of my life. I wish I could just forget the bad parts and remember only the good, but that's impossible. I've been having nightmares about what might happen, and I don't want you to get hurt," he said softly, subconciously touching his formerly injured shoulder.
"Kade, you're not going to talk me out of going tomorrow. I'm going, and there's nothing you can say to stop me," I said, lightly touching his cheek.
"I know that, but I figured it was worth a try," he smiled. "You're strong, I know that. Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?" I asked.
"Promise me you won't leave my side tomorrow, okay? I'll need to know if you're safe or not, or I won't be able to think about anything but you."
"I promise. I wasn't planning on leaving your side anyway," I laughed.
"Good, and I promise you that I won't let you get hurt tomorrow. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you."
"Kade, you don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine. We'll all be fine. We've got a plan, and it's going to work," I said confidently.
Kade paused for a long time before saying, "Okay, I believe you. I'll see you tonight, okay?"
"Okay," I replied, lightly pressing my lips to his. Kade ran his hand through my hair and gave me one last smile before we headed in our separate directions.
Even though I didn't act like it, I was just as worried about tomorrow as Kade was. I was worried about him getting hurt, along with all of my other friends. I knew that the rest of the group looked up to Kade and me for advice, and with Kade being so unsure of himself lately, I knew I would have to step it up and put on a happy face.
"It's going to be all right," I whispered out loud to myself. "It's going to be perfectly fine."