Touched by Darkness (Young Creator Trilogy) by Christiane Shoenhair Page A

Chelsey to see if she
feels the same.
“I agree with Sam, Trish. He seems like a completely different person. I’m glad that he is
here,but I don’t really know if he is completely with this cause or not. Plus, he has been hanging
out with Eddie and Porsche. Enough said.”
“I’m so glad that I have you guys. Youknow I don’t think with my head when it comes
to Keagan. You have a point,I will make sure to keep my guard up.”
I realize that I only have fifteen minutes before I have to meet with Keagan, so I shovel
my food into my mouth, excuse myself, and rush to my tent. I find Keagan already waiting,
tapping his foot with impatience. “Finally!I have been waiting for at least ten minutes.”
I glance at my watch and notice that I still have five more minutes before I was supposed
to meet with him, so I shrug my shoulders and tell him,“I’m here now and it’s not like I’m late,
so quit whining, Keagan.”
I can see the rage that is about to consume him in the way that his eye starts twitching, his
lips press tightly together, and his breathing speeds up. I really don’t feel like being yelled at by
Keagan, so I decide to quickly change the subject to something I know will calm him down.
“So what’s Riley been up to?I haven’t seen your sister around at all today.”
Keagan takes a few breaths, calming that crazy temper of his, and starts telling me that
she has been put in charge of one of the groups and has been getting them ready for tonight. We
start walking, heading in the direction of the only exit in the valley. I know that it is going to take
a while to get to Haven. I remember the trip that Keagan, Sam, Kia, and I made after Haven was
attacked by Allecto and her henchmen. “How are we getting there?”
“You’ll see.” Keagan gives me a smile, and it’s a real smile. My heart soars in my chest
and hope starts to bloom where there has only been desperation to hold onto a memory that had
seemed so distant. Maybe Keagan is coming around and we can start by being friends again, then
maybe… one day. I know its wishful thinking, but I try to look at the positives; if there is a
chance for any sort of relationship with Keagan then I will take it. I just miss him, his laugh, and
the way his eyes twinkle when he is picking on someone that he likes.
We follow the trail leading out of the valley, then up the stairs that lead to the only exit. It
is a long, dark tunnel, which passes through the gigantic mountain that blocks our path. The
journey through the tunnel is harder on me this time. Riley was leading me last time, this time I
have to figure my own way, constantly stumbling over raised roots and slipping on slick rocks.
Keagan doesn’t wait. Instead, I find him leaning against the rock wall, chewing on a piece of
grass.
“’Bout time, what took you so long?”
“I’m just not as familiar with the tunnel as you are, so I was having some issues finding
my way. Thanks a lot for your help.” I roll my eyes, wanting him to know how annoyed I’m.
“Not my problem,” he tells me nonchalantly. I ask for patience when it comes to this idiot
that Ican’t seem to get out of my head, but I really feel like I’m about to run out. He has my
emotions all over the place; one minute I want to slug him, and the next I want him to hold me.
“Whatever, Keagan!You’re just being a jerk, but I guess I should not be surprised. Let’s
go, we don’t have all day.” I begin walking, not paying one bit of attention to Keagan.
“Where are you going?” I turn back around atKeagan’s question, discovering that he is
still leaning against the rock wall, not having moved one step.
“I’m walking to Haven, which is what we are both supposed to be doing.” I remind
myself to breathe and not start screaming my frustration at him.
“I guess if you really want to, you can. I’m going to get myself a ride,” he says, pushing
off the wall and walking toward the right side of the mountain, trailing his hand