Pair of Kings: Turning the Tables

A Pair of Kings Fanfiction

July 17th, 12:35 AM Third Person

King Brady Duke- 15, King Boomer Duke-15, Mikayla Makoola-15

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Far away from the comforts of civilization, the island of Kinkow was bustling with activity. The few thousand men, women and children that inhabited the smallish island were all awake and active, running around the island with gusto unmatched anywhere else in the world. Women were busy in their homes, cleaning and cooking and watching over their children, or shopping in the different markets that were scattered around the light spiral. Men were tucked away in shops, building or renovating goods, and carving weapons and decorations of metal and wood. Children were running around the island laughing, playing and screaming in the way all children do. Teens were roaming in clusters, whispering and giggling about the latest gossip. Many were lying on the beach tanning, surfing, or swimming in the water.

High above the coast, situated on the peak of the mountain of the light spiral sat the Royal Castle. It spiral pattern mirrored that of the island perfectly, complete with the towers that served as its mountains. Guards and employees were scattered around the grounds. High up upon the tallest tower the Twin Kings, Brady and Boomer, were lounging in their shared suite, drinking milk out of coconuts and snacking on various fruits from a silver platter. The sharp crack of pool ball against pool ball rang through the rather large room, accompanied by various shouts of victory interspersed with moans of defeat.

"Hah! I got you now, Boomer! Watch this!" Brady plucked the pool stick from his brother's hands and took a shot at the last solid ball on the table. He missed. The cue ball ricocheted off the bouncer and into Boomers last two stripes, knocking them into a pocket, before running into the eight ball and following it into the pocket on the opposite side of the table. Boomer, who was staring dejectedly at the table, doubled over in laughter. He was laughing so hard that only the support of the Billiard Table he was leaning on kept him upright.

"Aw, man! I was so going to win that time!"

"Brady, brother, the only way you were going to win was if you were the only one playing!"

"Shut up, Boomer!" Brady snapped back at his brother, a scowl taking over his formerly downbeat expression. Boomer grinned slyly back in response.

"Aw, but Brady, it was so true, and you know it." Brady glanced over at his smug brother, and stated, "I never denied it, and I only told you to shut up."
That was the last straw for the dark-skinned twin, and he slumped to the ground in a fit of laughter.

Still laughing Boomer managed to stutter out, "You didn't even deny it! Oh my God, Brady, that's sad!" Brady had the grace to look sheepish, and crumpled onto his bed with a sigh. When Mikayla entered the room five minutes later she found one twin gasping for breath of the room floor, and the other staring dejectedly at the room ceiling. She decided it would be better not to ask.

"My Kings?" Brady jumped up off the bed and landed with a soft thud on the stone floor where he lay groaning in pain and rubbing the back of his head. Boomer, who had recently regained his wind, sat up at the same time as his brother and a chorus of 'What' broke through the silence.

"My Kings, I have something to tell you…"

"You have finally decided that I am the perfect man for you and want to know if I will go out with you." Brady interjected, looking hopeful. Mikayla shot him a disgusted look.

"No, Brady that is not what I was going to say. I am leaving for my Uncle's house tomorrow. One of my friends will be taking over for me while I am gone."

"Ohh, is she hot?" Boomer asked. Mikayla sighed, and shook her head.

"You know, I just won't answer that. Her name is Chloe, and she trained with me when my father was teaching me to fight, so don't go getting any ideas; either one of you." She was turning to walk out of the room when Brady said, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute. Just how long will you be gone?"

She swore under her breath and turned around slowly. When she was facing the two she took a deep breath. "I will be gone three years…"

Brady recoiled in shock. "Three years! What will you be doing for three years?"

"My Father is only a Martial Arts and Blades Master, so I am going to my Uncle to learn the art of Long Distance Warfare. You know, Bow and Arrows, Darts, the Javelin…"

"And that is going to take you three years! Mikayla, why can't he just come here?"

"If he came here it would take longer. The fastest way for me to learn how to use these is for me to go to him. Then I will have every hour of every day for three whole years to get these down. And besides, this was planned before you guys were brought here, and neither I nor my father is going to change it just because you came."

"Mikayla…"

"I have to go pack. Goodbye Brady, Boomer." She spun on her heel and marched out the door. Within seconds, she was gone.

"'Bye Mikayla…"

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July 18th, 9:35 AM Mikayla

The next morning found me at the docks, a pile of bags next to me and my sword swung diagonally across my back. My father stood next to me, his hand clasped on my shoulder with his eyes fixed on the approaching boat. I had heard the footsteps approaching from behind me, but I paid no attention to them, figuring it was just another dockworker come to double-check the knots that tied the ships to the port or something. Quite a few of those had come by. So imagine my shock when a familiar voice broke the silence that had reigned between my father and me for the last half-a-hour.

"Mikayla, can I talk to you?"

"Brady! Of course," I turned to look at my father, who was still staring out into the horizon, "I will be right back, Dad." He nodded in response, and I turned and walked over to the boy king.

"What are you doing up this early? You are never awake until noon at least." Brady shifted, and turned to look at me. I was surprised by what I saw there. Sadness, caring, love…. Love?

"I just wanted to say goodbye, that's all. Mind if I stay until you leave?" I was still speechless, so I resorted to nodding my acceptance. Together we walked back over to my father, who glanced over at us and raised an eyebrow. Brady met his gaze, and they nodded to each other. Confused, I just turned and looked at the approaching ship. For the next forty-five minutes we stood in silence, staring out into the ocean.

When the ship docked two men disembarked and loaded my bags, and as they retreated back onto the ship Uncle appeared and motioned for me to board as well. I had stepped forward with every intention to do so when a hand slipped into mine, tugging me backwards. I glanced down in surprise, and half-turned to look at Brady.

He whispered, "I'm going to miss you, 'Kayla."

"I'm going to miss you too, Brady." Before I could let go he pulled me into a hug; one I surprised myself by returning. I leaned into his embrace and snaked my arms around his stomache. Affection coursed through me, followed by a pang of sadness. I was really going to miss him while I was gone, and Boomer and Chloe too. They might be annoying at times, and Boomer and Brady might act like stupid teenage boys, but they were my friends. I sighed and pulled away, whispering, "I really have to go now, Brady." I pulled away slowly, regretfully, and turned to leave. As I boarded I called out over my shoulder, "Dad, please make sure they don't kill themselves while I am gone. And for Gods sake, don't do anything stupid. Any of you."

When I boarded the ship, I didn't look back. I walked straight into the cabin I knew to be mine. Looking back wouldn't do any good, it would only make my leaving hurt more than it already did. As I crashed down on my bed, the boat sailed away from the only home I had ever known. The only comfort I got was the thought that my father, Brady and Chloe would be waiting for me when I got back.

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July 18th, 9:00 AM Brady

The alarm I set on my phone went off right on time, making me groan and roll over in discomfort. As it continued to ring my eyes shot open, and I carefully climbed out of bed, making sure not to wake my brother up as I got dressed and creped out the door, closing it quietly behind me. I got a few odd looks as I walked through the halls, probably because I was awake before noon, and I was I never awake before noon. I simply nodded at their senders and continued on my way. I made it outside at 9:11, and began to carefully dodge the guards as I made my way across the grounds and to the path that led down to the city.

I actually knew the island pretty well, well enough to navigate it on my own. Boomer and I wandered enough to have it down. The difference between us was I actually paid attention to my surroundings, at times, and he doesn't. I only pretend not to know where I am going because I like watching Mikayla as she walked, and she was pretty hot when she was mad. The clumsiness, however, was not one of the things I pretended to be. That was all to real, so I as I made my way down the incline that made up the trail I had more than my fair share of slips and stumbles. Somehow, I managed to keep from hitting the ground, and escaped the path unscathed.

Finally, I emerged out of the forest and walked into the slightly congested streets of Kinkow's closest town and the keeper of the only dock on this side of the island. It was impossible for me to go unseen here, so I was stopped more than once to shake someone's hand and say hello to children. I didn't mind, really, because the kids were cute, and very sweet. Even the parents and other adults seemed to like me, or at least tolerate me, despite the many misfortunes I had brought upon their home with Boomer. A small smile of gratefulness stretched across my face; I couldn't believe they still loved us, they were so loyal. At that moment I decided that they deserved more than we gave them, they deserved real kings. They deserved Kings that were willing to lay their lives on the line for their people, kings that could ride into battle and emerge unscathed and victorious, someone who could run their kingdom and actually do it right. I would be that King. I needed to be that king. I would make them love me.

I made it to the docks and scanned the horizon, trying to spot the hulking form of Mason or the slighter, yet just as dangerous form of Mikayla. It took me a moment but I eventually spotted both, and quickly made my way over to where they were standing. Mikayla was leaning against a post at the end of the dock, staring out into the ocean at an approaching ship. She was wearing jean shorts and a white blouse, with her machete swung across her back.

They were quiet, and I stood behind them for a moment; reluctant to break the silence that had fallen between the two. It didn't take long for me to get uncomfortable to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore, so I spoke out softly.

"Mikayla, can I talk to you?"

She turned around, and her expression insinuated that she was startled. "Brady! Of course." Yep, definitely startled; I rocked on my heels as she turned around again and whispered to her father, who nodded in response to whatever she said. Then she turned around and walked over to me. I stayed silent as she approached.

"What are you doing up this early? You are never awake until noon at least." Guess I wasn't the only one thinking that.

"I just wanted to say goodbye, that's all. Mind if I stay until you leave?" She stared at me for a second, and nodded. She turned, and together we walked over to Mason, who looked at me with an eyebrow raised. I met his gaze, and an understanding passed between us. I felt Mikayla shift to face the ocean, and did the same. We stood there in silence for about forty-five minutes until the boat that was approaching docked. Two men disembarked and picked up her bags, before walking back onto the ship. An older man, who looked scarily like Mason, her Uncle I hope, waved at her and she made to follow the two men onboard. Feeling brave, I reached out and grabbed her hand before she walked too far, giving it a slight tug to catch her attention. She turned around, her eyes questioning as they met mine.

"I am going to miss you, 'Kayla." I whispered. I wasn't quite sure where I got the nickname, but it fit her. I was surprised when she answered me, and whispered, "I'm going to miss you to, Brady." Happiness coursed through me, and I did what felt right, I hugged her. She wrapped her arms around me and her head rested on my chest, and she stayed there for a few seconds. But all good things must come to an end, and so a few seconds later she pulled away.

"I really have to go now, Brady." She pulled her hand out of mine before turning away and striding towards the ship. A few feet away she called out over her shoulder, "Dad, please make sure they don't kill themselves while I am gone. And for Gods sake, don't do anything stupid. All three of you."

I smiled softly, and my eyes trailed her boarded and made her way into one of the cabins, disappearing from view. A large hand fell down upon my shoulder, gripping it firmly. I looked over my shoulder to see Mason, his expression solemn as he looked down at me.

"You love her, don't you." It wasn't a question, but a statement. I confirmed it anyway.

"I do, sir."

He smiled down at me. Well, not smiled so much as grinned wryly. "Well then, you will need to be able to match, if not best her in a fight if you expect her to date you."

"Well, sir. I was hoping you could help me with that. Mason, would you teach me how to fight the way my father fought?"

"I can do that, Brady. But are you willing to put in the effort to become the best warrior you can be?"

"I will do more than that, Mason. I want to learn how to do more than just fight. I want to be the best King I could possibly be. I want to learn, Mason."

His face cracked in a smile. "Well then, we had better get started. You two have a lot to learn."

"Us two, Mason?"

"Well, Boomer had better get ready to get his ass whooped into shape. If I am going to be teaching you, I am going to teach him, too. You two are a package deal, can't get one without the other, and I intend to keep it that way."

"Boomer isn't going to like that, Mason. I may be lazy, but physical exercise doesn't bother me, I am actually pretty fit. Boomer, on the other hand, loathes it."

"Well, I am sorry he feels that way, but he isn't going to get away from me, not matter how hard he tries. Besides, I am going to be having you two do more than just train to fight; I am going to train you to rule. Depending on your weaknesses, you will each spend a certain amount of time with tutors and with me."

§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§ Three Years Later §§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§

May 14th, 7:43 AM Mikayla

King Brady Duke- 18, King Boomer Duke-18, Mikalya Makoola-17

It was early, I knew that much, but I didn't know just how early it was. All I knew was that I was leaving today, going back to Kinkow, and that I couldn't sleep any more. I was too restless, anxious, excited, and a whole other boatload of emotions to sleep another wink. By eight the balloon would be here to take me back to the village, and from there it was only a forty-five minute hike (because of my luggage) up to the castle. Home, that sounded all to perfect to me. I love my Uncle, don't get me wrong, but three years on a secluded island with him, and being the only other person within a three day hike, made me tire of him quickly. I was ready to leave within a month of arriving. To tell the truth, I missed my friends a lot more than I believed I would. And the people I thought that I was close to, I tended to miss the least, with the exception of Chloe, of course. Chloe, Boomer, Brady…. I would have killed to see them just once. Brady in particular surprised me, I never in a million years thought that I would miss him the way I did. He rivaled Chloe on that account.

A whoosh of air caught my attention, and I spun around and sprinted towards the nearby clearing where I knew the balloon would land. Sure enough it was sitting right there, and the guard pilot it was busy loading my bags and stacking them on the far wall of the wicker basket. They were heavy, with weaponry, both old and new, so we would have to be careful while flying or we will flip the basket. Movement on the far side of the balloon caught my attention, and my hand inched towards the light, blackwood bow on my back. I caught a glimpse of green eyes, and a flash of amber hair whirled into my sight. A cry of, "Mikayla!" rang across the clearing and I I dropped my bow immediately, running towards the girl who was currently rounding the wooden basket of the balloon. I knew that voice!

"Chloe! Oh my GOD! You have no idea how good it is to see you!" Chloe rocketed around the balloon and tackled me in a hug, one that I happily returned.

"I missed you so much! It has been the longest three years ever! It has been sooo boring with you gone," she released me, and took a step back, scanning me. "You look good. Wow, your Uncle really pushed you, didn't he?"

"Oh yeah, I didn't have a moment of rest. When I wasn't practicing, I was learning something new, and when I wasn't doing either of those I was eating or sleeping." I laughed, "Although, it was probably for the best. It kept me from missing you guys too much."

"Come on, we have got to go. We will be leaving any minute, and we want to make it back by eight."

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I laughed, as she dragged me aboard the balloon. She walked over to guard, still dragging me behind her, and told him to take off at will. Five minutes later we were in the air, flying towards Kinkow. Towards home.

"So, what happened while I was gone? Anything important?"

"Well, umm, I am kind of… Well, Boomer and I are… Boomer and I are going out…"

I started, choking on the water I was drinking. I dropped the bottle and stared at her with wide eyes. "You and… and Boomer! For how long?"

"About nine months. He was flirting with me since about a week after you left, though."

"Why would you go out with him?"

She glanced over at me, a grin spreading across her face. "They have changed since you left, Mikayla. They are so much, well, more."

"More what?"

"More everything, I will be surprised if you recognize them right away."

I smiled and shook my head, " That sounds like him. I am surprised that Brady didn't join him. But why would you go out with him? He isn't your type, too immature and lazy for you."

"Mikayla, they have lines of girls coming up to the castle and begging the two to go out with them. And, some of the girls are actually hot! They have changed since you left. Since the day you left, Mason has been training Brady in the art of warfare, and a week later Boomer was pulled into the picture as well. When they weren't training, the two were with scholars and learning all about the history of Kinkow, Politics, the neighboring kingdoms histories, and English and Literature. They barely got any rest until about a month ago, when they had learned all that was possible to learn about the subjects. All though, to tell the truth, I think they have started covering botany and zoology on their own, because they are in the library with books about them all the time. I think Brady may even be going into anatomy and anthropology to help with his fighting techniques."

I gaped at her, my mind refusing to believe what I was hearing. I was, quite literally, frozen in shock. A few seconds later, when I mustered up enough of my wit to speak, I managed to choke out, "you mean to tell me the two willingly learned something important and payed attention? And that both of them got up off their lazy asses to learn how to fight from my father! And that they have women throwing themselves at them?'

Chloe tilted her head and stared up at the cloudy sky with contemplative eyes. "Well, I guess that is a little hard to believe, if you havnt actually seen or spoken to them the whole time, or watched them change like they did. Well, it doesn't matter; you will see when you get there. Oh, and before I forget, you have a surprise waiting for you when you get back."

I eyed her with suspicion, "Surprise? From whom?"

A grin spread across her face, "Well, from the kings. Brady, if you want to be specific." I allowed my head to loll back onto the basket edge. A sigh escaped my lips, "Well, why doesn't that surprise me?"

"Don't worry, it isn't anything stupid." Again, I eyed her.

"It isn't a song, is it?"

She shook her head, a grin still in place. "Nope, but you are happening to come home on one of the two days each month he plays a concert on. You seemed to be lucky, today." I smiled a little, I really did miss this; the bickering, the closeness, the happiness that comes for being with a friend, especially one your own age and gender. I laughed a little before stretching out across the basket and leaning against her, bumping her shoulder with mine. I closed my eyes and relaxed, grinning again when she returned the favor. " I guess I am, Chloe. You know, I am tired, and we have another six hours before we get back to Kinkow, what do you say about taking a nap?"

"A nap sounds superb, 'Kayla. I am actually pretty tired myself. Leonis, wake us up when we land, will you? And for both our sakes land in some secluded clearing near the castle, neither of us waant to deal with the cooing boys, nor do we want to get mobbed by ecstatic villagers."

" Yes, miss Chloe. It is good to have you back, Mikayla."

I yawned, and murmured sleepily, "It's good to be back, Leonis…." Then I drifted off into a light sleep.

…...

I don't know exactly how long I was asleep; all I know was that by the time I was woken up, we had already landed, so it must have been at least six hours. Chloe must have woken up already, because I heard her whispering with someone off to my left. A rather large, calloused hand settled onto my shoulder, and I stiffened.

"Come on, Mikayla, you have to get up. I know you are awake, I saw you move." The voice was deep, obviously male, and oddly familiar, though I don't recognize it. I must at least know its owner, or he wouldn't dare to touch me, and none of the guards would dare to touch me anyway. It was definitely not my father in any case. That effectively cuts out over three fourths of the island. That only leaves Boomer, Brady, and about eight other guys who had yet to hit puberty when I left. I glance at the hand told me that the owner was dark skinned, and that only leave one person.

"Boomer? Is that you?" An echoing laugh escaped from the man, and I could tell he was smiling. I heard Chloe say to him, "See, I told you she would recognize you. It took her less than a minute. You lost the bet, Boom, and you know what that means…" Her voice trailed off suggestively, and I shuddered. She may be my best friend, but I do not need to know about her sex life.

"Chloe, please hut up. I don't need to hear that." She laughed, and I knew that if I looked at her she would be grinning cheekily at me.

"Welcome back, Mikayla. It is good to see you again." I quickly stood up and hugged him, "Its good to see you again, too, Boomer." I pulled away, but not before Chloe could make a playful remark about me trying to steal her boyfriend. I stuck my tongue out at her and laughed, telling her she could keep him. When I faced him again I looked him over quickly, pleasantly surprised to find that he was indeed in shape, and that he was carrying a sword. He towered over me now, at least six foot, and he had muscle! I knew that Brady did, but Boomer was always chubby. I smiled up at him, "Well, Chloe wasn't kidding. My dad really did a number on you two, didn't he?"

Boomer laughed and shook his head, "Wait until you see Brady. I am pretty good with the sword, good enough to beat all the guard, but I don't stand a chance against him or Mason. Brady has Mastered the sword, and the knives, and pretty much anything else Mason taught us. He can actually beat your Father; whenever they fight, a crowd gathers around them to watch. You know that Brady started up the Kinkow Tournament again? Every first Saturday each month, he takes on anyone who wants to try and beat him. No one ever wins, but it is funny to watch them try."

I blinked in surprise and looked over at Chloe, who looked smug. I shook my head, and spoke softly, "I am sorry I doubted you Chloe, I guess I owe you something now don't I?" She pumped her fist in the air, screaming YES! So loud that I am sure the whole island heard her. As soon as the echo stopped she bragged about winning two bets on the same day, and turned to walk towards the Castle. We had landed about a half-mile away, so it wouldn't take long to get back. I turned to grab my bags, only to find them already gone, so instead I picked up my bow and quiver and slung them across my back again, and attached my machete to my hip. I glanced over at Boomer, who was admiring the bow, and yelled, "Race you back, bet I can beat you two to the castle!" A shriek of challenge sounded ahead of us, and I took off after Chloe. She had a head start, but I was always faster than her. I remembered her saying that she was faster than Boomer in a letter, so I wasn't even worried about him. I was going to win this time! Then she would owe me a new Ipod.

I skidded to a stop in the castle courtyard, panting and gasping for breath. A few seconds later Chloe slid to a stop next to me, and Boomer behind her. She wheezed, and leaned on me for support. I yelled in indignation and slumped to the grassy ground, where Chloe promptly fell on top of me.

"See, no one has, uh, given me that much, of, a challenge, in THREE, YEARS. I am, out, of, shape." She gasped. I pushed her off of me, and she slumped onto the grass next me. "Well then, I guess, we are, going, to, have too, do that, more, often." I rolled onto my knees and sat up, leaving poor Chloe in a panting pile next to me. With my wind back, I managed to look at a laughing Boomer. He looked about to fall over he was laughing so hard. Wow, never thought I would really see a ROTFL moment from him. Chloe stood up and slapped him across the head, and he hit the ground with a thud. When he stood up he was no longer laughing. I was standing next to Chloe, laughing with her about his gob smacked expression when a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist. I immediately stopped laughing. Chloe and Boomer were watching me carefully, for some reason. My hand inched towards my machete at my left hip. I gripped the hilt, and waited.

"Well, what have we here?" Great, another guessing game. Again, I didn't recognize the voice, but it sparked something in my memory and in my heart. I ignored that. The guy, whoever he was, had gone too far by hugging my waist. I unsheathed my machete, and stabbed behind me. The man jumped back, and I spun around and slashed diagonally across his chest. The man was tall, I noticed, but I was fast. The strike should have put him out of commission, but somehow he managed to unsheathe his own sword and blocked my attack. I spun to the side, feinting up and his head, and switching direction at the last second. My blow grazed his leg as he jumped, and before I knew what was happening I was parrying another blow from him. I slid to the side to dodge another, extending my sword to black any other incoming blows, and leapt to my feet about five strides away. I lunged at him and made an uppercut towards his shoulder, intending to sever the muscles and leave him helpless. Not many can wield a sword with both hands. To my dismay he blocked the blow by catching my blade on his hilt in a small, thin cut with a curved blockade to prevent the opponent form retrieving their sword. My blade went in perfectly and got snagged on the blockade when I tried to release it. With a flick of his wrist, my machete was sailing through the air and landed, quivering in the grass ten feet away. I stood, shocked, staring at my weapon. I gasped when the tip of a blade was pressed to the skin of my throat.

"Now, 'Kayla, is that any way to treat an old friend?" I recognized the voice now, and when he pulled the blade away and I heard the shiiing of a blade being sheathed I spun around and slammed my palm onto his chest. He didn't move, he only grinned down at me. "Brady! Why did you do that! You knew how I would react!"

"I was bored."

"You were bored!"

"Yep; I spent the last two hours setting up for the concert, and now that we are done, I was bored. I saw you land, and thought I would be fun to come say hello. I thought you would look before you attacked, though." I laughed, and wrapped my arms around his waist in a hug. He pulled me against him, and I whispered in his ear, "I missed you to, Brady." We stood there for a moment, just enjoying it. I pulled away about a minute later, and hit in the chest one more time.

"Thanks, I was already tired from racing Chloe, but now I am exhausted."

"Aww, is Mikayla tired?" He cooed. I glared up at him.

"Yes, she is. Sleeping on a balloon isn't exactly restful. I spent more time awake than I did asleep. It doesn't help I got absolutely none last night, either."

From behind me Chloe called out, "Yeah, but at least you won! By the way, nice fight." I stuck my tongue out at her again, and she grinned cheekily at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Boomer looked about to die from mirth. I opened my mouth to ask what, exactly, was so funny, but before I could say anything I was swept off my feet, literally. Brady had picked me up, and I was too stunned to do anything about it. He turned away from the others, and started walking towards the castle. All the while I just gaped up at him; he really had some nerve, doing this. If my dad caught him, he would be dead. He always was protective of me. We were halfway to my room when my father stepped out of a room and caught sight of us.