I got this out pretty quick, eh? Review for the timing?

Cammie's POV

When a month passed, and no sign of Aria came, we decided to lay low. We were all doing our research. I was sure of that. But none of us told each other about it. Late at night, you could hear the light tapping of keys as Liz researched.

Jessica developed a strange case of insomnia. I only knew because after a week, we decided to room together. It seemed crazy. Eight of us in one room.

But it was comforting.

So while Liz was typing away, and Jess was staring out the window with a thoughtful expression on her face, everyone else was sleeping.

Or…pretending to sleep.

Every time Dawn drifted off, she would thrash around, screaming out Aria's name. Kat and Bex were no better. They ended up sleep fighting a few times, and it took all six of us, plus Zach, Grant, Jonas, and Tristan to pull them apart.

I found Dawn sitting in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest last night. As always, the light shone on Liz's face and Jess was by the window sill.

I got up to check on Dawn, but Macey stopped me. "Don't even bother. We all tried it. She's unresponsive."

Out of all of us, I think Macey was taking it the easiest. She didn't have nightmares, or sleep disorders, or anything. But you could tell there was something off about her.

I guess it was just because she was used to hiding everything. Years of practice pays off after all.

"Get the hell off of her…"

We all turned to Kat, who was mumbling. Since it was impossible for us to sleep next to her or Bex, we put them together.

Kat's arm lashed out and whacked Bex on the cheek. Bex, who was still asleep, rolled over and slapped her back. "Bloody imbecile…"

The mumbling went on and on until they were thrashing around, beating each other up. None of us had the energy to get up and stop them, so we let the two fight it out. Bex ended up pinning Kat down to the floor, twisting her arm—hard.

By the time morning came, we were worse than ever. Grant and Jonas worked together to drag Zach and Tristan to class, because they didn't feel like getting out of bed.

"Ms. Morgan?" Mr. Solomon's voice rang out.

"2,749," I answered, not really knowing what the question was.

He nodded and returned to his lecture.

Life without Aria hasn't exactly been the same at Nightingale, if you haven't noticed.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO JUST

IN CASE YOU GET KIDNAPPED

BY AN ANCIENT TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

1. Go to the bathroom. (Because it takes time to whine until they let you go)

2. Master the art of expressionless faces.

3. Perfect the Rachel Morgan my-daughter-was-almost-kidnapped-and-you-want-me-to-calm-down glare for when number 2 doesn't work out.

4. Eat while you can. (Because stale bread doesn't seem half as appetizing as a nice apple)

Aria's POV

"Hey," I called. "Hey, dude."

My voice was weaker than it had been when I got here, and there were multiple marks on my body. But that didn't change my attitude.

The guard looked at me and snickered. "You think you're so tough, don't you? Well, if you're as tough as you think you are, then why are you still in here?"

I shrugged. "Being tough doesn't mean that I'm invincible. It means that I can stick through it."

He let out a bark of laughter and scrutinized me through his gaze. "You still believe your friends are coming for you."

It wasn't a question. It was a straight out statement. And all I wanted to do was pound his face in. "Of course they're coming." My voice dropped to a mocking whisper. "Don't you remember who they are?"

"They're idiots," he told me.

I shook my head and smiled wryly. "No. They're family."

"What does family have to do with anything?" he spat. "Last I checked, we killed your only family."

Ouch. I leaned against the cold stone wall and let my gaze wander. "Last I checked, the Circle has no idea who my family is."

"Is?"

I nodded. "That's correct, Mr. Guard Person. My family isn't just a girl who was born by the same parents as me. My family is much, much bigger than that."

"And who might your family be?" He was interested now. Leaning forward, eyes concentrated on me.

"That's a very good question," I said. "A very good question indeed."

And with that, I let myself fall asleep.

Review for Aria's inspirational words?

Review for her nickname for the guard?

Forever and Always,
Me