I woke up very early the next morning, Alea, Kai, and Leo still asleep.

I managed to slip outside, realizing I was still wearing the same clothes I had yesterday, and I had no idea where my bags were.

The sun nearly blinded me, and I suddenly felt homesick. A stabbing pain in my stomach. I sat on the wooden deck, holding my stomach.

“Homesick?” I heard someone say.

I turned and saw Leo standing behind me, wearing the same thing he had yesterday as well.

He handed me a clear glass bottle with a sloshy pink liquid inside.

“Uh…” was all I could say. Did he expect me to drink this?

He laughed and sat down next to me.

“Don’t worry, just a small remedy I made. Should help with the sick feeling.”

I reluctantly uncorked the bottle and took a small sip of the pink liquid. It was horrible. Like a bucket of the sour stuff they covered Sour Patch Kids with had been dumped inside my mouth.

He must’ve noticed my sour expression because he laughed again.

“Still have a couple of tweaks to work out, but it feels better right?”

I was so caught up in the taste that I hadn’t noticed the knot in my stomach loosening.

I nodded and corked the bottle, handing it back to him.

He stuck it in one of his pockets, and we sat in silence for a moment.

“Does it ever get easier? Being away from your parents, banished to some fantasy camp where you’re expected to live because you’re a ‘troubled kid.’”

He sighed and looked at his feet, then back at me.

“I’d like to say yes, but I want to be honest with you…”

It took him a long time to answer.

“No. No, it doesn't. I wish it did, trust me, I really do, but it doesn't.”

I stared at my hands so he wouldn't see the tears in my eyes.

“How long have you been here?”

He hesitated.

I turned red.

“I’m sorry, that's personal, I shouldn't have asked,” I said quickly.

“No, it’s fine. I've been here since I was seven.”

I tried hard not to gasp or look too surprised.

He had been here for nine years?

“I’m sorry,” was all I could think to say.

“It’s not your fault Cedar. Besides, I have Kai and Alea, and now you.”

I tried hard not to blush.

His beautiful fire-like eyes glinted in the sun, and I realized I was staring.

“Now, wipe that frown off of your pretty face, Alea might have some clothes for you.”

He offered me his hand as I blushed for the seventh time and stood up.