Knuckles sat sullenly in the plane, concentrating on flying it. It wouldn't do any good to have any kind of harm come to Sonia while she was with him, all because he was distracted. He could see her next to him, out of the corner of his eye, biting her lip, trying to keep a hold on her emotions. He was certain she had an idea of what was wrong and just didn't want to accept it. He was equally certain she had the wrong idea.

"Oh, Knuckles, I can't take it anymore. What's wrong? We're more than half-way to the island and you haven't said a word since we left the palace. I'm getting worried," Sonia informed him.

"I'll tell you when we get there," he muttered.

Sonia sat back, shocked into silence. He had never treated her like that before, and the look in his eyes troubled her. Usually she felt extremely shy under the gaze of his handsome, deep violet eyes, but today she felt tense, uneasy, on edge, like something was going to pounce on her. Wait a minute… could it be that…

No, this is Knuckles, Sonia reminded herself. What if that didn't matter, though? What if…

What if he had fallen in love with someone else?

This thought was new and disturbing. Sonia felt like if it were true, her life would be at an end, even though she had her mother…

Her mother. What would Aleena do in a situation like this?

She would speak right up and ask.

"Knuckles, I have to know. Are… are you seeing someone else? Because you know, if you are, I wish you'd just tell me, instead of putting me through all this," Sonia stated firmly.

Knuckles sighed. A sign, Sonia wondered.

Finally, Knuckles spoke. "No, Sonia, I'm not seeing anyone else. I was afraid you'd get that idea. Unfortunately, though, it's just as bad. Now, please, be quiet. I am a little distracted right now, and I need to concentrate on flying the plane because I don't want anything to happen to you while you're with me. I promise, you'll know everything as soon as we get there."

Sonia sighed in relief. Nothing could be as bad as potentially losing her perfect match.


Well, here's Chapter 2. Chapter 3 just needs to get typed up and I'll have it posted for those of you who want to read it. It probably won't happen today, and if it does, it'll be a miracle. I'll certainly do my best but don't be surprised if I don't get it up.