**Sang**

Silas and I spent the rest of that day in bed. I never told him the thought and feelings swirling around my head, although we never really stopped to talk for long. We didn't go any further, too spent from our previous passion filled session. Instead, we got redressed as to not tempt fate, and laid in each other's arms, watching tv and stealing kisses.

He convinced me to stay and play hooky with him as we ate snacks that he had stashed. It was the perfect day until he told me he'd miss me. When I asked why, he told me that most to the guys were leaving to go back to Charleston to be with their family over the holiday. Somehow, I had forgotten about Thanksgiving and was sorely reminded that it was only two days away.

I knew that Kayli and I were staying here over the break, and somehow, I suppose I had assumed that our guys would be staying too. And now I find myself sitting here in my Business Management class, not really paying attention as I look at Owen and wonder why none of them told me.

Professor James has us split up into teams of two to work on an assignment to pass the time. I'm working on it with Axel, when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out quickly, unlocking the screen and seeing one new message.

Unknown Sender: Yellow

I stare at it in confusion for all of 2 seconds before I remember how random the way we've gotten our Academy assignments have been. Random means Academy.

Me: Lotion

Unknown Sender: 33.8399N, 79.0487W

Unknown Sender:112316-2127

What!? Ok, I may be smart, but this is just way too much secrecy. What the hell is up with all of these numbers!? I exit out of the message, and go back to doing my work.

"Oh come on Sang." Axel mumbles next to me. "Don't tell me you're confused."

I tilt my head to the side and look at him. He has a smirk on his lips and a twinkle in his eye. Something tells me that he's not talking about the problems in the book.

"I'll figure it out." I tell him with determination.

"I'm sure you will. But will Kayli?"

With that, he turns back to the book. I look up at Owen and see him already looking at me. His eyes ask if there is something wrong. Being around them so much, I'm finally starting to understand their eye speak. I do a slight shake of my head, to let him know everything is fine, even with the thought of them leaving me, and go back to my work. A few minutes later I feel my phone vibrate again.

Kayli: Did you just get a message with a bunch of random ass numbers?

Me: I'm in class, we'll talk later.

I lock my phone and put it back in my pocket, ignoring it when it goes off again.

"Things still bumpy between you two?" Axel asks me.

"Something like that." I sigh and run my hand through my hair.

"Didn't she apologize?"

"Yea, but what she failed to do, and still won't do, is tell me why I was her target in the first place. And she still hasn't apologized to the boys. They didn't deserve her pointless aggression."

Axel doesn't say anything more and neither do I. Soon enough, class is over and I'm walking out with Owen. We're walking out of the building with Axel behind us, and I'm about to ask him about their impending departure when I see Kayli standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Sang we need to talk." She says with her arms crossed, determination written all over her face.

We get to the bottom of the stairs and Owen pulls me into his side, kissing my temple as he hugs me.

"I'll see you later." He tells me.

"We need to talk," I nod as I hug him back, and release him.

He gives me a small frown before nodding and walking off towards the Academy house with Axel.

"What is it Kayli?" I ask as I situate my messenger bag and head back to our dorm.

"Can you please just forgive me already!?" She pleads.

"You already know my answer to that." I tell her.

"Sang please! I said I'm sorry. Can't we just move on?"

"Kayli it's more than that and you know it."

I unlock our door and throw my bag on my bed.

"Fine whatever, don't forgive me. But we need to figure out this numbers thing." Kayli says as she plops down on her bed.

"I've already figured it out." I tell her while sitting on the window seat.

"No shit!? Well tell me."

"Why should I? I've been helping you get to every Academy meeting, and not once have I received a thank you."

"You said we would do this together." she pouts.

"And I'm not seeing a lot of togetherness. All I'm seeing, is me doing the work, and you getting the rewards."

"Sang, please...I need your help. I'm not as smart as you are. I'm good at a lot of things, but puzzles aren't one of them. I need you."

"Fine," I say with a roll of my eyes. "But this is the last time."

"You won't regret it." she smiles. "Now what are they?"

"They're coordinates and a time."

Kayli had no response to this, just sat there staring. So after I mentally went through all of the boys schedules, I leave my room and go down the hall to Kota's. He opens the door after a couple knocks, and behind him I can see a few duffle bags laid out on the floor of their room, already full.

"When were you going to tell me?" I jump right into it. At his confused look I continue. "You guys are leaving for break? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh God!" he groans. "Sweetie we thought you knew."

"Well, I didn't." I pout. "Are all of you leaving?"

"I think Owen and Sean are the only ones staying."

"Well thanks Kota, glad to know I matter."

I turn around in a huff and race through the dorms to the sound of Kota calling after me. I know that may have been a bit childish of me, but this would've been my first Thanksgiving with my actual family, and now it's not. I'm more than a little disappointed. I just hope that them forgetting to tell me things doesn't become a trend.

I hide out in the library, ignoring all of their text until I'm sure they've left campus. When the texts stop coming in, I know I'm safe, and head back to my room to mope until it's time for me to head into town for tonight's challenge. I can only hope that they won't take up too much of our time. I want to get back to wallowing as soon as possible.

Kayli and I leave the campus that night with enough time to get into town on my bike. The coordinates led us to the Horry County Historical Society. I park my bike a few feet away from the back door and see that it's been left open for us. The door opens up to a staircase that leads down into a basement. We were the first to arrive and I took point on surveilling the area; it would do us well to know the ins and outs of this place. Besides the door at the top of the stairs that we entered from, there's an open space that we're standing in, and a door on the opposite side. 6 more initiates made it inside before the outside door closes promptly at 9pm. I expected this, however Kayli, being the hothead that she is, did not.

"Hey! You can't just lock us in here!" She screamed to the walls.

"Would you for once in your life, just be quiet and listen?" I hissed at her.

I was not going to lose this opportunity all because Kayli couldn't keep her mouth shut. She looked stunned for a moment before hurt overtook her features. I crossed my arms and looked at the door in front of us, I couldn't let her affect me again.

"Interesting choice of words Ms. Sorenson." A voice I'd come to recognize as Mr. Buble's announced. The door in front of us opened, and out walked Mr. Buble, Dr. Roberts, and Ms. Rose. "Not exactly what I'd expect from you but it got the job done."

I raise my head a fraction to indicate that I heard his words. He gives me a slight nod and looks towards Dr. Roberts.

"For those of you who have made it here, congratulations. You are all one step closer to achieving your ultimate goal. Now I'm sure you all are wondering why we have you meeting in the underbelly of a historical society, the night before Thanksgiving. Well, the answer to that is simple. The whole purpose of the Academy is to help others any and every way that we can. That is why we are here tonight. The purpose of Thanksgiving, is to gather with friends and family to show appreciation for all that you have accomplished, and to show what you are thankful for. Unfortunately, for some folks out there, there isn't a whole lot to be thankful for.

"That is why we as Academy members always try to remember that there might always be someone out there who has it worse than you. So every year, we get together, and provide food and basic necessities for the holidays, to those in need. Now as you all know, there is no possible way for us to help everyone, so we do what we can, and help those in our area. This year, you as initiates will be joining us. You will stay here over the long weekend, and tomorrow you will help us box up and distribute the food to the local homeless shelters. And for those who choose to stay, Friday shall begin your training.

"Family is a choice. The Academy, is a choice. We will not take away your free will, but know that for those who choose to leave, this is the end of the line. Those choosing to stay, can meet us in the rec center gymnasium at 7am sharp. You are dismissed."