Leanna

[Fly with Me]

Cain's laughter competed against the hissing wind, clearly enjoying my agony.

The wind was rushing all around us, smacking my face. My heart rate increased more than ever, making me tear up. Falling at around one hundred thirty miles an hour was like standing in front of a wind tunnel.

In less than twenty seconds, the ground came into view, the parachute came out, and we glided through the air at a gentle fifteen miles an hour.

Gliding into the open skyline, awe and amazement replaced the nervousness and panic I felt. Seeing nature in its raw beauty in a new perspective brought a new sense of overwhelming emotions.

Is this what the birds always see? Is this how they see the world? I wonder.

Cain guided my body to the right aiming at an open field.

A smile spread across my face as we were now drifting downward with my face skyward and our feet earthbound.

The ground came closer and closer.

It looks solid. Definitely able to break some bones.

I panicked and tightened my grip on the parachute like it was my lifeline.

"C-Cain . . . i-if I d-die . . . t-take care of my family," I said, full of fright the words came out incomprehensible. I was on the verge of crying again.

"Leanna, If you die, I'll die with you. Then we can get married in the underworld." Cain chuckled.

I couldn't believe this guy could still joke at a time like this! We are still a thousand feet above for heaven's sake!

"Don't worry, I got this," Cain said near my ear with a confident raspy voice.

Usually, my underwear should have fallen to the ground by now –– if not for the air pressure that pushed it up!

Eventually, we landed or should I say –– Cain landed perfectly on both feet while carrying me in his arms, princess style!

I imagined how he was standing in a cool position while carrying a damsel in distress in his strong arms, complete with awesome music playing in the background.

I wiggled myself free from the parachute and his embrace, and ran in the open field, stumbling and staggering along the way while laughing hysterically.

I gazed over at the sky and smiled –– a sense of accomplishment flooded my heart.

"I'm alive!"

I went down on my knees and kissed the ground. "Yes! Yes! I love you ground!"

Then I stood to my feet as fast as I went down and beat my chest.

"I'm a tiger! Hear me rooooaaarrr!"

I shouted at the top of my lungs till my voice turned hoarse.

Cain laughed his heart out while Russell shook his head, amused. Cedrick and Two just threw a side-eye at me like I needed mental help.

After a moment of letting out my adrenaline spike, Cain tapped my shoulder and grinned.

"Want another round?"

"Nah-uh!"

I escaped his clutches and ran towards the forest like a crazy woman.

Cain chuckled before he sprinted, going after me.

After a peaceful silence, startled birds flew from the trees as our laughters and giggles echoed in the forest.

----

[Zoe]

[Strange Feeling]

Before the Dance.

"Hello, Leanna? Can you come to my dorm? I'm working on something, and I want to know your opinion."

I placed down the brush and stared at the canvas at different angles.

"Zoe, I'm sorry. I can't. Estela and I are going to fetch Cain."

I blinked.

Cain Fay!

I got excited about the idea of meeting the elusive man.

Without thinking, I shouted, "I want to come with you!"

I stood from my stool and ran to my closet.

"Hello~! Zoe, be here in Azure Sky in an hour," said a melodious harp-like voice.

"Estela? Where are we going?" I stumbled, trying to get out of my pajamas.

"Oh~! Don't worry. It's not that far~ tehehehehehe."

"Alright. I'll be there in an hour. Wait for me here," I said and ended the call.

----

I should have known talking to Estela Fay would either infuriate me or left me dumbfounded.

I shouldn't have trusted her words when she said it was near.

It's a whole fucking seven hours to Vegas!

All the while, I was in awe and amazed at the things I saw in Vegas. Sparkly buildings. Hyper crowds. Fast-moving cars. And this . . .

An enormous, elegant Casino!

I forgot myself at the grandiose in front of me. Good thing that Leanna grabbed my hand and pulled me along.

Inside, I didn't know which to take in first. The cosplay of people. The extravagant high ceiling. The large dance floor, or the delicious mouth-watering food.

I'll go with the latter.

I made my way towards the food section when Leanna walked forward.

"Hey! Leanna, where are you going?" I said, intending to grab her hand when Estela stopped me.

My attention shifted to Estela's charming face and noticed her pretty eyes were locked forward. I turned to follow her line of sight.

I knew somewhere in me, I didn't believe Leanna was going out with THE Cain Fay. I mean, no offense to Leanna, she's pretty –– but Cain Fay was like a whole new dimension altogether. I even thought Estela was not a Fay . . . for many reasons.

But seeing it now.

Leanna was dancing intimately with a man with a silver mask. Just one look, I knew it was Cain Fay. I could never forget such a charismatic man. That silver hair. Frosty eyes. And that intimidating air surrounding him. A man who demanded respect. Demanded attention.

Is this what real love is?

Watching as the two dance in their own little world, radiating warmth and happiness.

I didn't know Cain Fay could be so warm.

I felt a pang in my heart.

I knew what it was –– that heavy, unpleasant, suffocating feeling.

Jealousy.

Don't get me wrong. I was not in love with Cain Fay. Just a crush. Just a silly admiration for him, like any other female, when they saw the handsome guy. I was jealous of Leanna because she was experiencing love, and also . . . proud and happy for her.

What a strange feeling.

I couldn't take my eyes off them as well as the audience –– the two where mesmerizing. I didn't even notice Estela, who was busy taking pictures of Leanna and Cain (where did she even hide that thing?).

WOAH!

I held my mouth as my lips twitched upward into a broad grin when THE Cain Fay embraced Leanna in front of the sea of gaping people.

But I was jolted awake when the cold man led Leanna out of the Casino.

agh!

I was about to chase after them when out of the corner of my eyes, a beautiful young boy flashed into my view.