Cousins in Arms

[Gifted]

"We need to decide if we're trying or not. If we're trying, we need to go now. If not... I'm just going to call him and tell him the truth. He's going to be harder on us if he finds out we kept lying when he caught us, you know he will. We're going to be in so much trouble anyway..." Willow was still very uncomfortable with getting in trouble with anyone, and arranging these outings was essentially the only time she ever broke the rules.

[Raven]

"You can decide," Kailen decided. "What would you like to do?"

[Gifted]

She shifted uncomfortably. "I don't want to get in trouble." She said anxiously. "But if we're getting in trouble either way... it's better to actually enjoy the time we've got left. I don't know if we'll have this chance again for a while, he'll be so mad..."

[Raven]

Kailen sighed. "Yeah, he's going to be upset," he agreed.
'Willow?'

[Gifted]

"He's texting me again..." She started to shake. She had been away from her father for a few years now, but it didn't change the deep fear she felt whenever she did something wrong. She'd completely frozen up. "What do I do...?"

[Raven]

"Tell him I'm really struggling in one of my classes, and we'll see him later. We're excited to see the surprise."

[Gifted]

Willow nodded and shakily texted him back. 'Sorry. I'm working with Kailen. He's really struggling in a class. We'll see you later. We're excited to see the surprise.' She looked up to Kailen. "Okay, let's hurry, then."

[Raven]

"Let's go swim," Kailen said, smiling and leading the way.
Hardly fifteen minutes later, Adam called her, worried what was going on if they weren't where they said they were.

[Gifted]

Willow hadn't been able to have any fun at all since Adam had texted. She'd gone on the water slide first, but finding that she couldn't keep her mind off things she'd gotten out of the water and sat with her things, watching Kailen have fun. He was in line for another water slide when Willow's phone rang.
Heer hand began to shake. No... should she answer? What would she say? It would just be worse if she didn't anser, wouldn't it? But how would she talk to him if he did answer? He knew, he'd be so upset, she didn't know what to say, or to do... "Kailen." She called. "Kailen!" But Kailen was too far away, he couldn't see her. He couldn't help her. What could she do? She was going to be in so much trouble if she answered.... she didn't have a choice. She'd be in even more trouble if she didn't answer. Tears were already dripping from her eyes as she fumbled with the phone and pressed the little green button. She couldn't lie, what could she say?
"H-hello?" She whispered.

[Raven]

"Willow, where are you?" Adam asked immediately.

[Gifted]

"In the library..." She didn't know what else to say. She needed Kailen. She was a poor liar hen put on the spot because she got far too nervous.

[Raven]

"Really? Because I'm there, Willow," Adam said.

[Gifted]

Willow was silent for a minute, her mind racing and her heart pounding in her chest. She was certain Adam could feel her tension on the other end of the line. "I... we went out." She finally admitted.

[Raven]

"Where?" Adam asked, his voice calm.

[Gifted]

"...Please don't get angry." She said guiltily. "And don't get mad at Kailen, it was my idea..."