Chapter 10
Diego could not sleep. It was a warm, comfortable night, but Diego was restless and couldn't relax. He kept glancing over at Sid, who was snoring peacefully on a rock. A twinge of annoyance went through Diego at the sight of him. He remembered all to well the night that Sid had said that the next day was the day the vultures said everyone was going to die, and then went straight to sleep. Sid could sleep through anything. He never had nights where he was restless, and couldn't stop thinking.
He glanced over at Sid again, and wondered what it was that caused Sierra to make her…assumptions. Diego was so protective of his own feelings. He was so subtle, and so careful. His every move was meticulously thought-out, so that no one would have any suspicions, especially Sid. This in itself was becoming a problem. Not only was it becoming increasingly difficult, but Sierra had pointed out another issue that needed to be resolved. Diego never wanted anyone to know about his secret feelings for his friend, but if no one knew about it, no one could do anything about it. Nothing would happen. Sid would never know how he felt. As much of a relief as this was, it also made Diego wonder what Sid would think of him if he did know. And would it be good, or bad?
Diego wanted to roar in his frustration, but he didn't want to wake his companions. He felt bad for snapping at Sierra earlier, and wondered if she was upset with him now. Would she even show up to try to talk to him tomorrow? Diego felt so confused. She was smart, and she knew Diego. Almost better than he did. She wanted to help him, and he knew she probably could, if he let her. But did he even want to let her?
But here was another problem: letting her would be acknowledging his feelings, admitting them. Like that would ever happen. Diego barely let himself think about it inside his head; the thought of actually saying something out loud to another living creature, even one who already knew, was ridiculous.
Diego saw no possible way that this would work. There was no way anything would work.
Diego's sleepless night progressed into morning, and as his friends were stirring, he got up and got a drink from the nearby stream. When his thirst was quenched, he looked at his reflection in the water.
"Gee, Diego, you look awful. Didn't you get any sleep last night?"
He looked up at the friendly voice across the river. Her smile was nervous, but he was glad to see her. There had been many worries that kept him awake, and one of them was that she would be upset with him for yelling at her.
"You're certainly early this morning," Diego said.
"I know," Sierra replied. "I was worried you were still mad at me. I came here to apologize for yesterday. I knew you were uncomfortable with some of the things I was trying to talk about. I should have left it alone."
Diego shook his head. "You shouldn't have to apologize. I was the one who yelled at you. I'm sorry. You…" it was easier than saying the actual words, but it needed to be communicated. "You were right, you know. I'm sorry I was acting like a jerk."
She jumped across the river to his side and rubbed her head against his. "It was brave of you to admit that. But what are you gonna do about it?"
They heard some mutterings, and noticed everyone else waking up. Sid sat up on his rock and rubbed his eyes. Sierra nodded her head towards him. "Go on," she said. "Talk to him. Tell him what you told me."
"I didn't tell you anything except that you were right. That's the closest I come to saying anything."
"Show him, then," she urged. "Go like this." she leaned her head against him again.
"No!" Diego said, backing up. "We have a strict no-touching rule."
Sierra rolled her eyes.
"Listen," Diego said softly, "can we talk about this elsewhere? Where we won't be overheard?"
"Fine," Sierra said, running ahead not bothering to wait for Diego.