Chapter 10

For a minute, we all just stood there, watching the building, which was bathed in the light of the setting sun.

Finally, Leon spoke. "Who would build a building all the way out here?"

"It was probably built before Xera. I learned about the world before Reapers, and people lived everywhere." I explained.

"So, it's abandoned?"

"Probably."

We stood in silence for another moment before Blair asked, "Should we stay here for the night?"

We all looked at Casey. He sighed.

"Ok, we'll spend the night. But, it's only because the sun's setting. Tomorrow, we leave."

We raced out towards the building. As we got closer, the building looked taller than before. We saw a sign that says, "Fairen Luxury Suites".

Casey slowly creaked the door open, revealing the dark lobby. In the dark, the hotel didn't look too luxurious, despite the title.

"Um, maybe we can find another shelter-" Leon started to say.

But, Blair immediately dragged him inside, and Casey, Kiana and I followed.

I could barely see anything, except the setting sun out of the windows. I could barely see Casey pacing around.

"There must be some lights in here, but I don't see any-"

Suddenly, I hear a thump. Then all of a sudden, blinding lights filled the room faster than I could blink. As I looked around, dazed, I saw Kiana by a set of switches.

"Looks like Kiana found the lights." Blair said as she rubbed her eyes.

Now that I could see, I finally knew that Fairen Luxury Suites lives up to its name. The lobby was big, bigger than 4 of my houses combined. A big chandelier sparkled on the ceiling. A huge desk was against the opposite wall, and a bunch of couches and chairs were in the corner on the right side. On the left side, a staircase led to the floors above, and there were more chairs, and an elevator door.

For a minute, all of us stared in awe.

"Now THIS is luxurious." Leon breathed.

"You can say that again." Blair said softly.

…

After only a few short hours, we explored the whole hotel, and found out that along with hotel rooms, they had a pool, spa, gym, game room, dance room, and too many cafes to count.

When we met back in the lobby, Blair said, "So, this is what a Xera councillor's mansion must look like."

"More like the HEAD councillor's mansion." Leon exclaimed.

Casey looked at them. "Okay, don't get too carried away with yourselves. We still have a long day of travel tomorrow, so sleep well. Don't stay up the whole night partying."

Leon groaned. "We're staying here for only one day? Why not more?"

"Didn't we tell you the reason why we can't stay for long in one place more than once, already?"

"But, it's a luxury hotel!" he complained.

"I don't want to hear any buts. We're going tomorrow morning."

"Casey's right." Blair agreed, "Might as well make the most of our time here if we're leaving tomorrow."

Leon sighed. "Fine."

"Ok, so remember our hotel room is on the-"

"5th floor." he grumbled.

"Ok. You can go have fun now."

Immediately, Leon went from sulky to hyped up. "Cmon then, Blair! I want to check out the pool first!"

Leon sped out of the lobby, followed by Blair and Kiana. Casey watched them go, shaking his head and laughing.

"I swear, taking care of them is like taking care of two 10 year olds!" he exclaimed.

I chuckled. Then, I realized with a start that Casey and I were alone yet again. How many times was this going to keep happening?

I decided to go and catch up with Blair, Kiana, and Leon when Casey said, "Well, since they're off enjoying their night, I guess we can enjoy it too."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Casey gave me one of his smiles. "Meet me in the dance room."

Then, he walked off, leaving me in the lobby. For a minute, I stood there, baffled. Then, I realized that I can't squirm my way out of this one. ARGH!!

…

I slowly walked towards the dance room, thinking. Why didn't I say no?! I should've gone with Leon, Blair, and Kiana when I had the chance. Well, since I'm with him, I'm gonna have to make the most of it. And, not freak out.

I stood in front of the door to the dance room. When I was exploring, I didn't go inside of this one, so I was curious about how it looked. When I creaked open the door, I got my answer.

The dance room was beautiful. Another chandelier hung in the room. A mirror covering the whole wall faced me. The dance floor was completely empty, except for a single radio in the far corner.

I saw Casey in the corner, fiddling with the radio. When he saw me, he smiled.

"You're here." he said.

"Yeah." I said, leaning against the door frame. I'm a little nervous to step in. "How come you invited me here instead of the other places in the hotel?"

He walked towards me. "Because, it's been so long since I've danced. I kind of missed it. Maybe, I could dance with you?"

I felt my whole face go red. Of course my face goes red. "I'd like to. Only, there's one problem."

"What's that?"

I took a deep breath. "I don't know how to dance."

That was the truth. I never had the time to. I was too busy taking care of Naomi and fearing my sacrifice that I never learned. It was pretty embarrassing because everyone knew how to dance, even Naomi.

Casey smiled. "I could teach you."

When he outstretched a hand to me, my heart felt like bursting. Why did I always feel like this around him?! It made no sense! Finally, I found myself putting my hand in his, and letting him pull me into the dance room.

For a minute, we stared at each other, trying to figure out what to say. Finally, he lets go of my hand, and goes to the radio. When he lets go, I feel like whining, but I push that stupid feeling away.

Suddenly, music flowed through the room. I found myself nodding my head to the beat. This song wasn't like the ones I heard in Xera. It was fast and energetic, not slow and solemn.

All of a sudden, Casey started to dance, sliding across the floor. I couldn't help but laugh as he stumbled.

"You say that you know how to dance, and yet you're stumbling." I giggled.

Casey grinned. "Hey, I never said I was good!"

"Isn't that what dancing is about? Being good?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Nope! It's about enjoying yourself, not being good."

He stops dancing for a second. "You try!"

For a minute, I hesitate. Then, I try sliding my feet.

"You call that dancing?" he said, smirking.

I stop, and jokingly roll my eyes. "So? What do you suggest?"

"You have to let loose! Actually look like you're having fun!" Casey suggested, as he twirled.

I twirl, laughing when I stumble.

"See! That's dancing!" he exclaimed as he hopped around.

I smiled. That felt good. I started to twirl more, waved around my arms, and ran around.

"That's it!" Casey laughed.

Soon, the song ended. I collapsed on the floor next to Casey, laughing. I'm out of breath, and yet I find myself laughing continuously.

"Did you have fun?" he asked with a smile.

"Yeah!" I replied, grinning.

"Me too." he said, grinning alongside me.

Suddenly, music filled the room again. Only, this one was slow and pretty, not fast and energetic.

"What song is this?" I asked as Casey got up.

"This is another song we're dancing to." he replied as he helped me up.

"You mean prancing around like idiots?" I asked.

Casey chuckled, but took my hand in his again. "This is a different kind of dancing."

Yet again, I feel my heart beating fast. He leads me to the middle of the room, and takes my other hand. We start to glide around the room, and I stumble against him.

He laughed. "Don't go too fast. Dance to the beat of the song."

I followed his advice, and listened to the song. Soon, I'm gliding at the same pace as him. It's not like the last dance, but I like it nonetheless.

"You know," Casey finally said, "for someone who never danced before, you're surprisingly good."

"I guess dancing's my secret talent." I joked.

He smiled. "Yeah, I guess."

We danced for a little more. As we do though, something's on my mind.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked.

Casey frowned a little. "Why not?"

"I've been nothing but mean to you. Why not do the same?"

He smiled a little. "Because, I know that you're not mean or cold every day. I learned that when you danced earlier."

He sighed. "My mom always taught me to give second chances if the person deserves it. You deserve a second chance, so I gave you one."

I can't help but look up at him.

"Your mom seems like a nice person." I said quietly.

"She is. She would've loved you."

Suddenly, we stop, the music echoing throughout the room. I feel myself leaning in. Finally, we kiss. After a moment, I pull back. I feel electrified.

"I like you," Casey finally said.

I nod. "I like you, too,"

I still feel the same way as we kiss again, our feelings electrifying the air in the room. I might not be ready for a relationship, but if it meant it'd be with him, I'm willing to try.