“Anytime.” He stood, took a step, then he turned back. “Charley—about Thad.” My stomach did a little flip at his name. “Don’t give up on him, okay?”
“Okay,” I said. But I thought,You’ve got it backward.
“I mean it,” Rives said, watching me. “He’s solid. Give him a chance.”
My emotions were obviously as clear as the Cove, because Rives said, “Look. Thad’s done a lot for the City. Since he’s been Leader, no one’s been hungry and no one’s gotten seriously hurt—until Rory. Thad’s all business, twenty-four seven. But with you, it’s different.”
Wrong again, I thought.He treats meexactlylike everyone else. And that’s what hurts.
“You’re a great wingman,” I told Rives. For the first time, I saw a resemblance between Rives and his twin, Natalie. Both cared for Thad like a brother. That thought made me smile. “Listen, Thad and I are fine,” I lied. “He helped me get settled, and now I’ve got my hands full figuring out how to pitch in. No time to waste.”
“True.” Rives nodded. But his usual grin was gone.
An hour later, Julio was enthusiastically explaining the baking pits when Thad and Talla returned, walking side by side, laughing. I feigned interest in baking, but at that moment I couldn’t have cared less about sweet bread. I just wanted to get away.
“Thanks, Julio,” I cut in, forcing a smile because Julio was a nice guy, and to land here at fifteen would have killed me. “I’ve got to go. See you later.”
Talla caught me before the beach path. Thad was, of course, nowhere in sight.
“Charley.” Talla’s voice was tight, like her overfull chest wrap, like her abs. “I don’t know what’s going on with you and Thad. And part of me doesn’t care. But you need to talk to him, because he’s kind of a mess.”
I stared at her, stunned. “I’vegot to talk to him? He’s avoiding me, in case you haven’t noticed.”
“Really? Because you’re the one who stalked off when we gotback.” Her gaze was intense, and I realized I’d never seen her look any other way. Talla had a fierceness about her, a competitive spark that spilled over into even the most average moments, like now. “All I’m saying is that you two need to work it out, because he’s so distracted that he’s not helping anyone, especially himself.”
I felt defensive, and I resented it.
“Talla,” I said, keeping my voice level, “I don’t know you. And while I think you’re trying to help, there’s nothing to help with. Really.”
Talla cocked her head, making the muscles in her shoulders ripple like cords. “You’re as bad as he is. Freaking awesome.” She sighed. “Well, this is going nowhere. C’mon, let’s run. Jillian’s waiting. Maybe a good workout will clear your head.”
Myhead is just fine, I thought, but surprising myself, I agreed. It felt good to push my legs and focus on running, or rather, adopting Talla’s pace, sprinting like a swarm of yellow jackets was on our tail. I held my own, but Talla was faster.
Jillian quit first, and although I didn’t admit it, stopping was a huge relief. “I’ve got to check the pulp,” Jillian said as she slowed. “See how it’s drying. I’ll see you two later.” With a warm smile and a wave, she turned toward the Shack.
Talla nodded to me. “Good run.” Without waiting for a reply, she jogged away, no doubt ready to tear into someone else about the latest City infraction.
I grabbed a firewood sling and headed south, down a path I’d never seen. Collecting tinder as I went, it felt good to explore and be productive. The path ended at an opening in the cliff. Light glinted at the far end.
A tunnel, I thought.
It was more a cavern than a tunnel. Dim light came from both ends, bouncing around the walls, making them glitter. Halfwaythrough, I slowed, totally awed. Crystals lined the walls; they winked at me, playing tag with sunlight. More crystals lay scattered on the ground, some muddy, some clear. One loose piece near the exit looked like a perfect cube of sugar.
With my mind consumed by Thad and Talla and rock cave crystals, it wasn’t until I spotted the black sand beach that I realized I’d emerged near where I’d camped my first days on Nil.
I looked back, observing how easily the cavern blended into the cliff.A shortcut, I realized, making the City closer to Black Bay than I’d thought. The irony of the City’s proximity was as laughable as the island mini I’d first sported.
Pausing to listen, I picked out muffled ocean sounds, the occasional bird, and the rustle of wind. I thought of the skull, and shivered. I’d just decided to walk to the Arches when Natalie’s words rushed back.Make sure to meet Jillian, she’s the best at identifying paper trees.
An idea burst into my head, fully formed. I spun around, and taking the same shiny shortcut, I ran straight to the Shack. Jillian stood exactly where I’d hoped she’d be.
“Jillian!” I said, eyeing the sheets of pulp. “Quick question. How do I get some paper?”
CHAPTER
27
CHARLEY
