***I have six more chapters left, but I've already hit my word count for this book...what is life? LOL AND read this: If you're triggered by abusive situations, do not read the part encased in bolded braces (they will look like this: '{' and '}'). No sexual abuse occurs. Okay, uh...hope you like :) ***

***(Kai's POV)***

Skylor sighs, burying her head in her hands. "You're not going to like this," she warns me.

"I wasn't expecting to. Your ex sounds like a jerk, Skye."

She wipes at her eyes. "He was." Then, she steels her face. "Kai, where did I leave off when I was last talking to you about this?"

"Uh, I think it was about how he took all your friends away, both boys and girls." I could knock this guy's teeth out.

"All right. Um, so anyway, he separated me from everyone I loved. He tried to tell me he could be it all, but...he didn't try to be it all. He was always late for our dates, yet he yelled at me when I was running behind. He made me call him at the same time every night, yet he almost never picked up. But when I failed to call, he told me I didn't care about him. He kept threatening to leave, but I didn't know who I was without him."

I find a rock and throw it as far away as possible, letting out a growl. "Skye, tell me who he is, and – "

"He's nobody, Kai. He doesn't matter. Not anymore."

My eyes search hers. "Did he hurt you physically?"

She sighs. "Not...really. Not the way that you think."

My eyes widen in alarm. "You're not telling me he – uh, for lack of a better word..."

She shakes her head. "No, Kai, he didn't...sexually assault me."

"Then tell me," I beg her.

She brings her head to her knees. "It all happened one night when we were supposed to be on a date. The sun was setting, and the color reflected off – why am I telling you this?" she frowns.

"Why are you – Skye, you have to tell me! I can't help you if I don't know – "

"That's not what I meant, Kai." She comes to sit in front of me, training her tear-stained eyes on my angry ones. "I can share my memories with you," she whispers.

I clear my throat. "If you can share things you remember, does that mean...since you read my mind and now have resulting memories, you can share with me the night of my parents' death?"

"No. I've tried that kind of thing before, but because I only have memories of memories...the experience only translates into associated emotions for the other person. So I could make you feel sad and in pain...but what's the point, if you don't get anything out of it?"

"Oh," I sigh. "Okay. Well..." I gently grasp her wrists. "Please share your memory of your ex-boyfriend with me."

She inhales deeply. "Okay." Her hands come to rest at my temples again. "Just relax."

"That's kind of hard to do when the best kisser I know is this close to my lips."

She doesn't laugh. "Clear your mind, Kai. This is serious."

"I know. That's why I'm trying to take the edge off things, but I guess only Jay's any good at that." I stare deeply into her eyes. "Skye...no matter what happened, I still care about you. You know that, right?"

She nods. "Okay. Here goes."

***Music Cue!***

I let go of the images in my mind – Skylor's smile, the sparkle in her eyes, the way she tells me what she needs, rather than making me guess.

In place of those memories appears a brilliant orange and pink sky. Spring leaves create a stark contrast, and I can hear crickets chirping.

The night is just as she had begun to describe it.

I look down and notice I'm seated next to a cooler. Bare grass tickles my toes.

A...picnic?

Yet why do I feel so nervous?

Footsteps sound from not far off.

"Oh, Shade, it's you," Skylor laughs. It has no real humor in it. "I'm glad you're here."

My stomach twists.

"Hey, Babe." He pops open the top of the cooler, retrieving a can of cola.

"Uh, Babe, maybe..." Skylor starts to say, but she doesn't finish.

"What?" her ex-boyfriend grumbles, looking up with cold eyes.

"Um, I was just going to say...maybe you can save dinner for a little later. I have something I need to tell you."

He laughs deeply. "Skylor, Honey, leave the thinking to me. Here, you should have a drink, too." He draws out another beverage, condensation dripping off his hand.

"I'm...I need to talk first. Uh, Shade...how would you feel..."

He pops the tab on his can, then pours a stream of liquid down his throat. I doubt he's even listening to Skylor.

"Hey, Babe, this is important," she tries.

The can crumples in his hand. "Much better," he sighs. "What did you bring to eat?"

"Some takeout from that new Italian place in town. I remembered that lasagna is one of your favorites, so that's what I got for you."

Her voice is timid. I've never heard that in Skylor before.

"Huh." Shade opens the box. "What kind of sauce?"

"Marinara. And there's extra cheese on the side."

He grunts, and I suppose that means "thank you".

Skylor clears her throat. "I was wondering if maybe we could talk about the future of our relationship, Shade."

He waves her off. "What's there to talk about? I'm graduating this year, and I'll be going to work at the local paper plant. It'll be another two years before you can finish...unless, of course, you drop out of high school and pass the General Education Development test." He scratches his chin. "I hadn't thought of that before."

"Um, Shade...that's not what I mean."

"You're not smart enough for college," Shade goes on. "So maybe a GED is something we should consider for you."

Panic rises up in me, and I almost can't take what's going on anymore. I want to lug that idiot in the face with –

"Kai, I need you to clear your mind," Skylor says softly, bringing me back to the present.

"But – that...jerk," I exclaim. "You can read my thoughts. You know how I feel about him."

"No, I don't, Kai. I'm not just going to read what you think about me, and I'm certainly not about to read your thoughts regarding Shade."

"Why?"

"Because it's not ethical, Kai. I'd only flatter myself if I read your mind and saw how angry you are with my ex-boyfriend. Please, clear your mind."

I sigh and do as she asks.

Shade shoots me with a frozen glare. "Stop interrupting me. You know I only want what's best for us."

Skylor rasps, "Shade, I'm...I'm breaking up with you."

He looks skeptical, then laughs out loud.

"I'm serious," Skylor says. "We're over."

"And I'm sure you'll expect me to take you back after a few days. Again," he sighs. "You don't deserve my forgiveness."

{{{Not for individuals trigged by physically abusive situations}}}

{{{"I deserve something far better," she says with new strength. "You're a jerk, Shade. I'm not going to let you – "

Something collides with the side of my face, and I taste blood.

"Shut up," Shade rumbles. "You're out of your place."

I watch as feet not my own rise to a shaky stand. I see stars.

"I'm going home," Skylor states. The ground wobbles in front of me as she walks away.

I feel someone grab me from behind.

"Let me go," she pleads, her voice hysterical.

Something cracks over the top of my head, and I grunt. My body lurches back against the assailant, and we go flopping to the ground.

"You are mine," seethes Shade. "You're not going – "

Skylor's foot swings right between his legs, and Shade moans.

"You know what I was doing all those nights you failed to pick up my call?" Skylor shouts. "I was training to defeat you. Surprise, surprise, Shade." She teleports right in front of his face. "I'm an elemental master." Her fist lands on his nose.

Strangely enough, he laughs. "Oh, Skye. You're not the only one full of surprises."

Suddenly, he disappears.

"W-what?" Skylor cries.

I feel hands squeeze at my throat, and I gasp.

"Honey," he chuckles, "I'm the master of shadow."

I could – }}}

{{{Okay...the abuse is over :) }}}

I blink at the sunlight that shines in my eyes. There's Skylor, right in front of me, searching my eyes.

"Are you okay?" she questions.

I nod. "Yeah."

She sighs. "You started breathing heavy and broke out in a sweat, and I got concerned."

"I'm fine. Take me back."

"No, Kai. You're getting too involved. It won't work if you think too hard outside of my memories."

I sigh. "Then, what happens next?" My fingers stray to her neck, gently stroking the skin there. I can't imagine Shade –

"What happened next, Kai, is that I beat Shade at his own game. He revealed he was the elemental master of shadow, but he had no idea I could imitate elements other than smoke. Since we'd obviously touched on numerous occasions, I disappeared and ran off."

"But – that's essentially what you did with me," I frown. "You lied to me about your powers." I hold her face in my hands. "Skye, you didn't really think I was like him, did you?"

She shakes her head. "No. Not telling the truth about my element...it's a bad habit I have now." Her gaze goes distant. "And I'm never using the power of shadow again. It reminds me too much of its horrible elemental master."

"Did...did he hurt you badly when the memory ended?" I murmur.

She closes her eyes and smiles a little, a single tear falling onto her cheek. "Nope. Let's just say he got another blow where the sun doesn't shine."

"And...that was where your affiliation with this guy ended?"

"For the most part. He blew up my phone with messages and even came to my house a few times, but I never said a word to him again. And my dad has a killer security system, so the time or two he tried to sneak in, we found him out."

I raise a brow. "How do you find a guy who can turn invisible?"

"You get creative and uses your other senses to determine his presence."

"Huh. And...how do you think Yang found out about him?"

She shakes her head. "I don't know, which is why you and I are going to find out."

***(Skylor's POV)***

Nya falls at Kai's feet. "May I please go to the beach party with you tonight?" she begs, batting her eyelashes.

I smirk. I taught her well.

Kai sighs. "Sorry, Sis, but it's just Skylor and I tonight. You can stay here and hang out with the guys, though."

She flops down on the ground. "You've got to be kidding me! They've been training all day! You really think any of them is up for anything?" Her hand gestures toward her team. They're sprawled out across the movie room's huge couch.

Jay weakly raises his hand. "I-I'll hang out with you, Nya."

Lloyd's voice is louder, and it drowns him out. "Don't worry, Nya. You can try to beat my score on Prime Empire."

"You have Prime Empire?" Cole shouts.

Jay sits straight up. "Really?"

Nya moans. "See? The guys aren't doing anything interesting! Let me come!"

I cough. "Kai, remember that bargain we made?"

"Oh, yeah." He scratches the back of his head. "Uh, Nya...tomorrow is your birthday and all, and Skye thought we should do something to celebrate."

She plants a hand on her hip. "Here we go with the nicknames again. Are you two dating?"

I blink. "That's...that's an off-topic question."

"Yeah," Kai sputters. "We're, uh..."

"Casually seeing each other," I help him.

"Anyway," Kai smiles sheepishly, "we're going to the beach tomorrow for your birthday, and Skye suggested you bring along a friend."

Nya beams. "Really? Lloyd, did you hear that? Do you want to come?"

He brushes his shaggy hair from in front of his eyes. "Uh, Nya, I'm sorry, but I actually have dinner with my mom tomorrow night."

"Oh," she sighs, her face falling. "Um..."

I elbow Kai. "How about we just generally invite everyone on the team?"

"No way! I have enough trouble keeping track of her with one guy around!"

Cole rolls his eyes. "Come on, Kai, we're her team. We want to be there for Nya. Plus, if there's a party, there's cake."

Jay frowns. "Kai, do you automatically think we're all out to steal Nya's heart?"

I chuckle. If that's the truth, Jay's got a lot of competition.

Kai rolls his eyes. "Of course, not. Okay, maybe a little. But – "

"Let them come, Kai," I bid him. "Nya deserves a good sweet sixteen."

"I'll be there," Cole smiles. He offers Kai's sister a high-five.

"And I, as well," Zane adds.

Jay blushes. "M-me, too."

Nya seems to feel a little better. "Thanks, guys. Lloyd, since you won't be able to come...I guess we can play that videogame you were talking about."

He pumps his fist in the air, then winces at a sore muscle. "Great. I'll get it set up."

Nya slowly wraps her brother in her arms. "I love you, Kai. See you later."

He frowns. "When did you become all touchy-feely?"

She smiles slyly. "Well, while you were busy snoring last night, Skye had me take this quiz on her phone. Apparently, there are five love languages (disclaimer: I do not own the Five Love Languages, etcetera, and the web address is www.5lovelanguages.com), and the test said mine was physical touch, so..."

Kai's forehead furrows. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"It means she likes hugs," I put in, coming to join their group embrace.

"That's my love language, too!" Jay cries, taking part in our giant hug. "Well, I'm actually bilingual. My second language is words of affirmation, and..."

"Here we go," Cole sighs, putting his bulky arms around us. "Jay and his feminine side."

"Hey, emotions keep you human," Jay shoots back.

"I suppose I shall participate this circle of affection," Zane states, coming closer. "Though I can't see any logical reason to do so."

That's when Lloyd farts from the couch.

I grab Kai's hand and pull him toward the door. "This is getting really awkward, really fast. I'm out of here."

He laughs. "See you later, Losers!"

Nya shoots him a kissy face, then closes the door behind us.

"Ready for this party?" I smile up at him.

His lips twitch a little. "Yeah, I guess. Um, Skye, just because of my reputation..."

"I get it. Girls are going to be all over you, and I'm going to have to be okay with it."

"Well, I mean, you can always play my jealous girlfriend and chase them off."

"I'm not really the jealous type, Kai."

He sighs. "Okay. I'll just have to find a way to not be charming." He shakes his head. "A greater feat I have never attempted."

"Haha."

He loops his arm around my shoulders, and we walk out to his car like that.

"Um, so..." He starts off as we climb inside.

"What's on your mind?"

He scratches the back of his head, a quirk I'm beginning to find cuter and cuter. "Uh, nothing. Just...what's a love language?"

My face breaks out in a huge smile. I can't help it. "Aww, Kai, you big sweetie. I told you that you're a teddy bear."

"Haha. No, seriously. If Nya's into – "

"Oh, no, you don't. Don't turn this around on your sister."

He backs out of the driveway. "Okay, okay. I'm asking because I find it incredibly stupid and – "

"I'm not telling you until you give me a truthful answer."

He sighs heavily. "Maybe I want to love my sister better? And...give you the kind of relationship you deserve?"

I bounce up and down in my seat. "Kai's heart is on fire! Kai's heart is on fire!"

He blushes red. "Whatever, Skye."

"All right, so a love language is essentially one of five ways you give or receive love best. Your sister's language is physical touch, and you heard Jay mention words of affirmation. I'm acts of service." I squint at him. "I'm thinking...you're probably quality time."

"And what's the last love language?"

"Receiving gifts."

"I'm glad that's not you, Skye. Money's tight with my family."

I shrug. "Gifts don't have to be expensive, Kai."

He thinks for a moment. "So...how do I make you feel loved?"

My heart sings. "You're already there, Kai Smith."

"Aww." He grabs my fingers and drives one-handed.

We spend the whole car ride to the beach in pleasant silence, just enjoying each other's company.

I like that I don't have to talk to be comfortable around him.

There's already a bonfire lit by the time we arrive, and the party's in full swing. Kids I know from school are dancing, night-swimming, and chowing down on dollar-store snacks.

Kai and I walk hand-in-hand to the cooler. He grabs a Sprite for me, then fingers a can of beer.

"Do you mind?" he whispers. "I know with all that your ex put you through – "

I squeeze his hand. "It's okay. I trust you. Just...don't go crazy, okay? Tomorrow's your sister's birthday."

He nods. "One can."

That's when a blonde who looks like a goddess runs up to us, sporting a string bikini. "Kai!" she squeals. "How are you?"

"Uh...good, I guess." He gestures to me. "Skye, meet Harumi. Harumi, meet Skylor."

She eyes me. "Kai's latest conquest, I see."

Excuse me? "Uh-huh. I guess you must be his second-latest." Okay, maybe I get a little jealous. I'm not that bad, though.

She laughs me off. "Oh, you're funny. Kai and I never dated. I mean, he's so hot and all, but he's way too old for me!" Her tipsy giggles fill the night air. "But last time he came to one of our parties, we went skinny-dipping together. Anyway, just wanted to say hi!" She dances off.

I raise a brow. "Skinny dipping?"

He clears his throat. "One of the many reasons I will not be getting drunk tonight."

I smile. "Got any other secrets you'd like to reveal?"

"None at all."

We continue to mingle with a few friends of mine for around half an hour.

That's when a beast of a boy walks toward us.

Oh, boy. He does not look happy.

"Kai Smith," he growls in a European accent. "Plan on having fun with my girlfriend again?"

"Oh, hey, uh..." Kai smiles. "Sorry, I forget your name. But no, I don't plan on hanging with anyone but my own special lady tonight." His arm comes around my shoulders.

The burly kid moves his gaze to me. "Skylor Chen?" he asks.

"Hey, Karloff. How's your summer been so far?"

He shakes his head. "Why are you spending time with the likes of him?" He shoots Kai a pointed look.

My spine straightens. "It's really none of your business."

"Okay, well, let me tell you as your friend: He's bad news. I caught him – "

"Well, nice seeing you again," Kai says loudly, waving. He practically drags me away.

He tosses his beer can in a nearby trash bag. "Let's go for a walk, shall we? I don't know that I entirely fit in."

"Uh, Kai...before you do that..." I tug on his arm.

He gawks. "What is Zane doing here?"

I close my eyes, knowing this can go nowhere good.

"Better question, Kai: When did Nya learn to dance like that?"

***So. Things are about to get pretty interesting in this story. Either the next chapter or the one after will have a scene I've been waiting for since weeks ago :) ***