Moving Forward

[Mal and Evie's dorm room. 9:24 pm]

Evie's POV

I laid in my bed, crying heavily after the argument we just had. I can't believe this. I cannot believe what just happened. Mal and I, we got along so great. What could've led this to happen? I got up and looked out the window, hoping to see Mal. But I didn't. Even if I did, she wouldn't have noticed me and there would be nothing I could do to stop her. I wanted her to come back. I wanted to tell her that I was sorry for all that I had said. But it would be no use now. I'll have to wait until she comes back. Hopefully she comes back. I continued to cry until I fell asleep.

The next morning, I got up and looked at my phone and saw it was Friday. I looked around the dorm and seen no signs that Mal has returned back. I looked at the clock and saw it was seven. I know that I must get ready for school. So I did. I took a shower. While in it, I tried to relax by enjoying the feeling of the water spraying on me. It worked a little bit. I dried myself off and applied makeup, straightened my hair and got dressed and ready. I looked at the mirror and saw that I looked great, but of course, I didn't feel that way.

I grabbed my things and my bag and headed out to the cafeteria. As I was walking there, I saw it was almost eight thirty, and at this time it would be too late to go to the cafeteria, get what you want, come back to the dorm, eat, then come back to the campus. Last time I did this, Mal was with me. So I know I will get question to where she's at. And I'll have no choice but to tell them the truth. Or would I?

[Auradon Prep. 8:35 am]

Carlos' POV

I saw Evie walk into the cafeteria. She had her hands folded in front of her and was walking in slowly. She seemed fine to other students, but I could tell something was bothering her. I carefully approached her.

"Morning, Evie." I greeted.

"Good morning, Carlos. How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"I'm also good."

Evie was acting so good, she could've fooled me.

"Good. Would you like to hang with me for a little bit? I already ate, but I'd like to keep you company if you don't mind." I said.

"Yeah, okay, sure." Evie said.

She grabbed a plate and put some eggs and sausage on it and I led Evie outside where it was nice and quiet. We sat down on some stairs and I waited until Evie had finished eating before I ask her what's bothering her.

"Oh, I forgot to get something to drink. Do you mind getting something for me?" Evie asked.

"No, of course not. What would you like?" I asked.

Evie shrugged.

"Orange juice?"

"You got it."

I walked back inside. After I filled a cup with orange juice, I returned back to Evie. She had finished eating. After handing Evie the cup, she took a few sips and sat it down next to her and looked out into the scenery in front of her. I decided now's the time.

"Where's Mal?" I asked.

Evie hesitated to answer.

"Mal and I…"

"Had a fight?" I asked.

Evie quickly looked at me.

"How did you know?" she asked.

"I've seen you act this way before. Except it was a long time ago. Back when we were younger and were still living on the Isle. Remember back? You and Mal had a few arguments."

Evie sighed.

"Yeah, but none of them compared to last night. Last night was the worst."

"You want to talk about it?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Not really."

"That's okay. Where's Mal? Back at your room?"

Evie closed her eyes for a couple seconds. After opening them, there were tears visible.

"I don't know where she is, Carlos. She left last night because I suggested we should take a break." she said.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"Because I thought it would be good for her. For her to have some space so she can focus on what she needs to do to help herself feel better. And instead, I more likely made her think we broke up." Evie replied.

"Evie, it's not your fault. You were trying your best, that's all."

"No, it is. I also said some mean things that I care not to talk about right now."

Evie was getting a little flustered.

"Okay. You don't have to talk about it anymore. But one more thing. When is Mal coming back?" I asked.

"I don't know, Carlos. All I know is that she left her phone behind, so I can't track her."

Evie then started to cry a little. I put my arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry. I guess I had no right to ask you all that." I said.

"No, you did. Mal's your sister. And you have every right to know what's going with her. If you want to try and find her, you're more than welcome to." Evie said.

"It's okay. Mal will come back when she's cooled off. Like I said, I've seen you both like this before. Mal probably found a good hiding spot. Like she did back on the Isle. She likes to be alone sometimes. And she'll come back when she's ready." I said.

"But what about school? She's going to miss her classes."

"There's nothing we can do about that right now. She'll come back. She always does."

"Right. It wouldn't make much sense in trying to find her. Better to just leave her be."

"Yes, but in the meantime, you're my sister too. Is there anything I can do for you?" I asked.

Evie softly smiled.

"I'll be okay. Well, actually, when lunch time comes, and if Mal isn't back, which she most likely won't, may I be with you at that time? The last time I had to eat lunch alone, it didn't go so well." Evie said.

"Of course, Evie."

Evie smiled again. Except this smile was bigger. The passing period bell sounded off.

"Thanks, Carlos. I love you." Evie said.

"I love you too, Evie."

We got up and hugged. I helped Evie with her bag and we both waved bye to each other as we went separate ways. I was going to offer to walk Evie to her class, but her science class is in the opposite direction of where my first class is. And I didn't want to make her worry that she might make me late.

Evie's POV

The rest of the day went horrible for me. The teachers all asked me where Mal was, and I lied and told them she was sick. But I know I can only do that for so long. Every passing period, I spend a few minutes trying to find her. But I know she's probably nowhere on campus. I spent lunch time with Carlos. And he tried his best to cheer me up. And the only responses I gave was a soft smile.

After school, Carlos had me come to the tourney field to watch him and Jay practice playing tourney. Carlos filled Jay in and he tried his best to cheer me up, but a soft smile was all he got as well. I so tried to put my mind on a different thought, but it didn't work. Later, the three of us ate dinner together in their dorm room. Which felt nice, since we don't always eat together, but in the middle of eating, I had the thought of Mal being there as well and envisioned us four being together again. I started to cry again. Carlos and Jay tried to comfort me the best they can.

After dinner, they invited me to spend the night with them. I declined the offer, but they insisted. They didn't want me to be alone and cry myself to sleep, which was a good possibility. I accepted the offer and went back to my dorm to change into my nightdress and grabbed my makeup bag and brush, as well as a few other things. As I was walking back to the boys' side of the dorm building, I was worried that someone might see me and question me. And I didn't feel like explaining myself. Luckily, no one was around since it was starting to get late. I arrived back at Jay and Carlos' room and walked in to them arguing about where I should sleep. There were only two beds, and they both agreed that it wouldn't be right for me to sleep on their couch.

"I think Evie should sleep with me." Carlos said.

"Well how come you get her? You're always hanging out with her. I think it's my turn to spend some time with her."

"Boys, please. Don't argue anymore. I've had enough of that." I said as I sat in a chair to take my shoes off.

"See? Look what you did. You made her even more upset." Carlos said.

"Me? We both did. Don't pin this all on me." Jay said.

"Boys, please!" I said again.

"I'm sorry, Evie." said Carlos.

"Yeah, sorry." said Jay.

I sighed and grabbed Carlos' left hand and Jay's right hand.

"I really appreciate you both. Thank you." I said.

"You're welcome, Evie." said Carlos.

"Yeah, whatever you need from us. We'll be here." Jay said.

I gave them both a hug and walked back to the chair to grab my phone and charger.

"That's a nice looking nightdress, Evie. Did you make it yourself?" Carlos asked.

"I did." I replied as I plugged the charger into an outlet.

"Did you make one for Mal too?" Jay asked.

"Yeah. But she's probably sleeping outside for the second night, on the ground...With no one to comfort her...And to kiss her goodnight." I said.

Carlos hit Jay in the arm.

"Nice going. Our goal is to help her. Not make her feel worse." he said.

"I wasn't trying to. I was trying to help her by getting her to think of a happy memory, that's all." Jay say.

"And I appreciate that." I said.

I went to the bathroom to remove my makeup and brush my hair. I then walked out and saw Carlos and Jay both standing in front of their own beds.

"Not trying to pressure you anymore, but who are you going to sleep with?" Carlos asked.

This was kind of uncomfortable for me. I mean, I don't need to worry about either one trying to make a move on me since they both have girlfriends. That's not what I'm worried about. I don't really know how to explain it. I know they're only trying to help. Jay is right about something. I do spend more time with Carlos than I do with him. And I felt bad about that.

"I'll sleep with Jay tonight." I said.

"Sounds good." Jay said.

"Is that alright, Carlos?" I asked.

"Yeah, that's fine. Whatever is good with you." he said.

Carlos got in his bed and cover himself with his blanket. I hugged him and kissed him on the left cheek.

"Goodnight, Carlos. Love you." I said.

"Love you too, Evie. Goodnight." Carlos said.

I walked over to Jay's bed and laid on the left side, while Jay laid on the right.

"Where's my kiss goodnight?" he asked.

"Hmm? Oh, right." I said.

Felt a little embarrassed that I forgot. I kissed Jay on the right cheek.

"Goodnight. Love you." I said.

"Love you too. Good night." Jay said.

He turned off the light and the boys fell asleep sooner than I did. I laid awake for about an hour. Thinking about Mal and wondering where she could be. I looked at the clock and saw it has been twenty-four hours since she left. And I was hoping that wherever she is, she's alright.