At last, I have finished the final chapter. Now that means I can release these next few chapters ahead of the normal schedule.
Enjoy, and I'm also curious on how this chapter in particular is received.
*****
Rachel and Katie emerged in the main lobby, all nice and clean, to find no one there.
"Hm, I wonder if we beat them this time?" Katie asked.
Rachel shrugged. "Who knows? I'm going to step outside, care to join me?"
"Sure, it's a nice day outside, and I haven't been able to enjoy the sun in a while." Katie responded.
Both girls stepped outside, to find Alan outside randomly swinging his sword, and Liz observing him.
"Never mind, you guys did finish first." Katie remarked, catching both Alan and Liz's attention.
"What are you guys doing?" Rachel asked.
Liz turned her eyes back to Alan as Alan spoke. "Nothing else to do really. I'm just practicing some stances and movements, and Liz decided to observe."
Liz huffed. "He's lucky that's all I'm doing. I would have kicked his ass twice over already for his sloppy work."
Katie let out a somewhat awkward laugh, while Rachel brushed off the comment.
"So, did you have a good time?" Rachel asked.
Alan stopped, and went into brief thought, causing both Katie and Rachel to stare at him curiously.
"I'm outta here." Liz said suddenly, standing. "Again, I told him not to say too much, and I don't want to be caught up in the middle of your sex conversations." Liz finished as she turned and walked inside.
Katie's eyes followed Liz. "What is her deal?" Katie wondered.
"She's..." Alan began, but stopped himself. Rachel held a little suspicion in her eyes as Katie turned to Alan.
"Did something...significant happen?" Rachel asked.
"...you could say that." Alan answered. "B-but, it's not that big of a deal. I mean, things went a little differently this time and..."
"Relax. I'm not going to blow you up. I'm just puzzled about how she keeps making you keep her secrets. I was under the impression that she's the type who doesn't really have any secrets." Rachel said upon seeing the panic on Alan's face.
"Well, I don't know if I like it. I mean, just what is going on? I think as the people closest to him, we have a right to know what's going on. Especially if it concerns him." Katie said to Rachel.
Rachel turned to Katie. "Katie, you know Alan isn't going to intentionally hurt us, right? Let's be honest, the fact that he's keeping her secrets safe even from us is a good thing. He's true to his word, and we should respect that."
Katie pouted, but accepted it. "Doesn't mean I have to like it."
Rachel turned back to Alan, then an idea suddenly clicked in her mind. "Well, I'm going to leave the two of you alone."
"Huh?" This came from Alan as Rachel turned to Katie, and gave her a wink before turning back to Alan.
"Katie asked for some alone time with you, so I'll go ahead and get out of your way." Rachel said as she turned and went inside.
Alan and Katie stared at each other for a few moments, with Katie looking unsure of herself.
"Well, what's up?" Alan asked, curious and concerned.
"Umm...how about we find a room first?" Katie suggested.
"Ah. Now that I think about it, we've never had a time just for us have we?"
"It's not that...I actually...want to talk to you about something. Something important." Katie said as she turned and went inside, followed by Alan.
Katie led the way to one of the rooms, and Katie shut the door behind Alan.
"What's wrong?" Alan asked.
"Let's...sit down first." Katie suggested, as she moved and sat on the bed in the room. Alan sat next to her.
Alan watched as Katie stared at the floor for several moments.
"What is it? Whatever it is really seems to be bothering you right now." Alan said.
"Well...I'm just...not sure how to begin. Alan...what do you plan to do?"
Alan raised an eyebrow as Katie turned to him.
"Do you...still intend on getting revenge on Caleb?" Katie asked.
Now Alan was the one who turned away. "He killed my family, Katie. I refuse to let him get away with that without doing something about it." Alan answered, his voice going a bit cold.
"I see." Katie said, now turning away from Alan.
"I just, I'm worried about you. And so is Rachel, we both are worried about you."
"Why?"
"I think you know."
The answer caused Alan to turn to Katie, who continued.