I open the door to find Corin draped in blankets playing video games on the tv and system I think he must of stolen from Tye. His eyes are bloodshot and he really doesn’t look all that well.

“Uhm Corin, are you okay buddy?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He said without peeling his eyes away from the TV screen.

“Did you even sleep at all last night?’

“Sleep not good. Sleep for weak. I am Corin. I are strong.” He replied in a neanderthal fashion.

Suddenly I’m back in the Sahara and we’re all sitting around a fire. Tye’s passed out using a sleeping Brent as a pillow. Mr. Lancaster and his manservant are sleeping in the rover. I’m just waking up myself. I can’t remember what sort of dream I had but I know it wasn’t a good one.

There I see Corin up by himself and staring into the fire. He looks so tired. He always looks so tired nowadays. I mean, who could blame him? With what’s all happened I know I’ll never understand. I don’t ever want to.

“Hey man, have you been up all night?”

“Huh, oh hey Locke.”

“I said: Have you been up all night?” I say as I reposition myself onto my arm facing him and the fire.

“Yeah, I can’t sleep. Nightmares. No… not nightmares… memories… happy ones…” He looks at me and I think I can see tears in his eyes, I can see his mouth moving but I don’t think my heart is willing to allow me to hear what it is he has to say.

And now I’m back and Corin is looking at me confused.

Obstacle Nine. 

**Corin Orion**

I don’t know if it’s the tired talking but Locke looks kind of far away. Like lost in whatever it is he’s suddenly brooding over. I don’t know, I’m so tired. Drinking so much last night was not a very smart idea at all for the success of my “never ever sleep again” plan.

Oh, wait, it looks like he’s finally returned to us mortal folk…

“Well, I made breakfast if you're hungry.” He states then collects himself, puffing his bangs and adjusting his glasses. Turning in step and purposefully retreating from my company. 

Breakfast? By that I’m almost positive he means he made eggs. I think Locke would be content to eat an egg sandwich where the bread was substituted out for an omelet, sort of like the all meat sandwiches but with just eggs, singularly for the rest of his days.

Either way, an egg did sound kind of good right now. It might just be the energy I needed to restart my never sleeping again plan…

OoOo

Coming back up the stairs with some food in my stomach definitely felt amazing. I’d brushed my teeth when I got us home last night and drank a couple energy drinks but that’s definitely no substitute for warm food.

I can’t say I’m all that surprised to find Tye in my room, in my bed, wrapped in my comforter and playing video games. Hell, I’m just happy he’s not making a big deal out of me stealing his TV and system for the night.

Walking over in complete silence I plop down right next to him placing the cup of water I had with me on the table. We both reached simultaneously. Me for the other controller and him for my water. He takes a drink while I join the game.

“New challenger descends upon the battle grounds!” A dramatic voice calls out from the television alerting all the other players of my introduction. This game is so cool…

“Careful, Los2U19 is camping the southern spawn point.” Tye says after gulping down another swig of water.

______________________________________________________________________________

**Gwen Alistar**

I wake up to the phone going off in front of my face. The caller ID reading Uncle Dan, which translates to The Leaks, which translates to work, which translates to I think I might be in trouble?

….

I don’t know, it’s still kinda’ early and I was up really late last night closing the bar. I shift my line of sight away from the phone and bury my head back into my pillow and blankets.

….

You know when you’re awake and doing things but you’re not actually “awake” awake yet? Kind of like sleepwalking or more like zombie mode? Then all of a sudden your brain flips on and bam! You’re now awake and wonder how the hell did you get here?

Well that’s definitely how I felt as I looked at myself in the mirror while brushing my teeth. The bags under my eyes are a bit deeper shade of hungover than usual. Since Tye and them had gotten back I’ve been out every night drinking. Either at work or running around with Tye catching up on things. 

He’s kind of a dimwit but he’s undeniably fun. Anyway he’s a nice friend to have around after the whole crap show that was my prior relationship/ex friend group. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me feel so depressed. How did I manage to surround myself with such fake people? 

Rinsing my face off is quick. I tend to not wear too much makeup anymore. It’s just not something that interests me nowadays. I’m not trying to pick up any of those old farts at work. If I present too nice I’m only going to get rewarded with the leering eyes of a decades old patron. 

The thought sends a shiver down my spine. Then,  if I’m not working, I’m here at home surfing the internet or helping out around the house. Honestly, I’m really just tired of relationships in general. 

Looking at the mess that is my reflection I can’t help but sigh…

“You’re getting back into school now Gwen. Life is getting better.” I remind myself. Mantra as it may be. 

I exhale again, this time trying to push all the bad emotions out of my system. Leave yesterday’s problems to yesterday and today's problems for today. Oh and if you see that cheating piece of crap Charles and that backstabber Jenna you’re going to rip his silly sunglasses off and pull all her weave out…

A fire lights within me again. Okay, I’m pumped and ready to take on the world!

At the moment I’m staying at my dad and mother-in-law’s house. After all that had happened with them I basically ended up homeless and friendless. Thankfully, and ashamedly at that, my parents offered me Corin’s old room upstairs and I moved in. 

I’ve been here getting back on my feet for the past six months. It’s been strange because before I was a visitor in passing. This room wasn’t mine it was someone else’s. Someone I had meant to keep at arms reach. Now I’m literally living in their dwelling. Since they’ve been gone for so long it didn’t matter so much but now with their return this room suddenly felt a little less my own again. 

Which made me reflect on how long I’d actually been here. I’m not sure when it shifted from getting back onto my feet and into staying out of convenience. The memory of Jill confiding into me a couple weeks ago of how much she enjoyed my company soothed my fears. 

She said it’s been lonely here and that my dad and the dog only offered so much in regards to female companionship. Honestly, I really like being around her too. I’m not too proud to admit that. I really enjoy having a matronly figure around. It isn’t something I had growing up with and well, put simply, I’m determined to take advantage of it.

She really seems so perfect for my dad. They are vomit inducingly adorable. In the very best way possible of course…

“Oh Gwen finally up? I made some bacon for your dad this morning and the leftovers should still be in the microwave.” Jillian called out from the front room as I passed through the main hallway and into the kitchen.

Yeah, I really like Jill. I mean “step-mom”.  Grabbing myself a plate I throw some bread down into the toaster. The smell of bacon had been masking it but now standing right in front of the toaster and thus next to the coffee machine… Oh gosh, and there’s about a cup's share left too…

“Do you mind if I take the last cup of coffee?” I call out through the house.

“Of course silly, I had made it for you anyways.”

Yeah, I fucking love my step-mom.

It doesn’t take me long to fill my mug with coffee, cute and red with a little penguin on it with little aviators and a scarf with its fins spread out running. The words “Even Penguins have dreams.” split above and below it. Yeah, I know, be jealous. My toast and bacon plated and I’m on my way to sitting on the opposite side of the couch with mom.

Mom, Jillian Alistar, or just Jill is my step-mother. Her and my adopted father tied the knot two years ago. They’d been together officially about six months after Corin’s father passed away. My dad, Dr. Arnold Ray Alistar, was Corin’s dad’s brain surgeon and primary doctor leading up to Corin’s father’s death. 

It all was really awkward at first honestly. My dad had done all he could but the tumor had just progressed too far and all my dad could do in the end for Corin’s dad was to prescribe him the strongest painkillers possible to make his last days at least comfortable. Corin’s dad had managed to stick around for about three more months before the end.

I used to be really close with Corin and his girlfriend at the time and had seen him near the end. Me and my father even attended the funeral. The two promised that they’d found a spark between them a few months later when they’d bumped into each other at a supermarket. I just pray it’s true.

Looking at Jill and it’s not hard to see why my dad was so attracted to her. They were both in their late forties and Jill really carried it well. Natural dark auburn hair cut into a cute bob. She worked at the post office for nearly twenty years now. Retirement on the horizon if she so chose.

She’d been trying to get me to apply for a post office job. The waiting list for such a job is unreal. It was like a decade but since my mom was one of the higher ups I’d get pushed to the head of the line. I don’t know, it kind of just felt wrong to do…

Besides, I'm getting back into college and finishing my undergrad before going to med school like my father. I don’t think I want to be a brain surgeon like him, general practice maybe or maybe work at a medical research lab?

Which reminds me that Tye offered to come along to get my books if I’d come along with him to get his. Tye and them all had gotten into the same university when they got back and it’s semester started next week Tuesday. I was re-entering pre-med school. After finishing I’d go to the medical school either here or one much closer to the equator. 

But before all of that I’ve gotta go call Tye before I forget again. Excusing myself and up the stairs I go to retrieve my phone and get ready for being out in public again. Checking the phone shows I’ve got three missed calls and a text from uncle Dan… Shit…

______________________________________________________________________________

**Corin**

It’s now day three and I’m pretty sure this was a horrible plan…

I’m not actually sure of much else. It’s really hard to concentrate on one thing over the other, or over my overwhelming desire to sleep. 

I’m pretty sure the guys have noticed and began conspiring against me. Ever since yesterday when I screamed as I watched Brent peel off his outer casing to reveal a mecca suit operated by squirrels. It sort of explains his unnatural abilities to communicate with animals and animals that aren’t Tye.

I’ve decided to avoid the kitchen, the beasts layer, for the time being…

I think me and Tye are on a mission to retrieve some sort of fuel, maybe liquor. I told him to make sure I didn’t fall asleep. That it was of dire importance.

But then just a few moments ago while inside with him I think I started sleep dreaming or is it called not sleep dreaming? 

I was standing in one of the isles when the building's roof and walls disappeared and I found myself standing in the middle of an endless field of golden grass. It was probably the most peaceful and unsettling moment of my entire life.

Well I was pretty beside myself so I turned to look for Tye when I spotted this building where the entrance should be. White marble maybe? Or maybe it was black? It might have been on fire. I don’t know, it’s hard to concentrate right now on the little things…

Anyway, I hear something coming from the building. Something that makes me both want to cry and soil myself at the same time. It’s like a banging noise. It's unnaturally loud and every time it sounds I can feel it vibrating through my entirety.

That’s when I hear Tye calling me and it’s loud, freaking loud, like he’s yelling at me or something.

I jerk, jumping backwards into a cooler door. Tye’s like right in front of me staring at me like I’m insane. I don’t blame him, I probably am at the moment.

“Dude, don’t freak on me. You really need to just get some sleep or something.”

“I’m… I’m nt trdd….” I slur out at him. That’s new…

He just shakes his head at me while he grabs a case out of my hands. When the hell did I get a case of beer in my hands? 

“Here, I’ll just hold that.”

I just nod and look away into my reflection. I’m staring at it when I notice my eyes are a different color and while I’m pretty sure both men and women have boobs the long hair cascading down my shoulders is a dead give away.

I scream and turn looking at Tye with my eyes wide and probably not hiding the waves of panic flowing through them.

I’m pretty sure that’s when he tells me to go sit in the truck. I’ve been here ever since. Watching my reflection making sure it doesn’t change on me again like it tried to do last time...

But I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open…

...I’m so tired...

_____________________________________________________________________________

**Tye Lancaster**

Corin is definitely out of it. The idiot hasn’t been sleeping. It’s been days now and he hasn’t been willing to admit why. I’ve given him a wide berth up until this point but honestly doesn’t the idiot know you have to sleep. It’s like not an option?

It’s been entertaining up until this point. Especially the moment earlier today when he freaked out at Brent. Mumbling something about squirrels. I mean it was really funny but maybe a bit alarming?

On top of that I’ve been setting up random traps for him when he’s back to normal all around the house…

He was so out of it this morning I even got him to help me set some of them up. Do you understand the level of awesome it is to take your incoherent pranky and trick them into getting themselves at a later date? I am so going to win this prank war before it even begins…

So yeah, I’ve been having a lot of fun with this but even I can tell when enough is enough. I also am starting to think it’s got to do with some real heavy stuff he’s been avoiding for some time now. Something he should probably be at home getting help with from family or like a therapist.

I mean, what we four have is basically family but I’m talking like mother and father support, maybe even professional. Corin’s my best friend and all but he’s got a lot of unresolved issues. If there was ever a more perfect example of a person who runs from their problems I doubt it.

So I called Gwen before driving him out to the old corner store by his mom’s house. He’s so out of it he didn’t even realize where we were. She should be here shortly and there’ll be an intervention of sorts. 

I was originally going to just hand him off to her in the store but after Corin freaked out on me I got worried he’d start breaking things and walked him outside back into the truck. Told him to stay. He looked like he was on the cusp of passing out. Good.

I guess I could just buy this case here, drive Corin to his mom’s house myself and just carry him inside. I don’t think I should make Gwen have to do it.

Speaking of which, my phone buzzed while waiting in line. Gwen was already here in the parking lot. I’ll let her know Corin’s probably passed out in the truck and I’ll take him back to her house myself.

After I’d finished sending her my plans I couldn’t help but glare death beams at the four people ahead of me. Mostly focusing my assault on the old lady trying to buy a fifth of gin and holding up the line swearing she has a coupon for it…

Kill me now...

______________________________________________________________________________

**Gwen**

So Tye told me Corin’s been refusing to sleep the last couple of days and it’s getting to the point that even he’s starting to worry. We decided if he hadn’t slept again last night that Tye would bring him back home to us. 

When I told mom she just shook her head and started setting up a space for him to crash in the guest bedroom. Neither of us said anything beyond that. It’d been years but for him to still be like this only proved what we’d argued with him from the beginning. You know, before he left all of us behind to follow Tye around the world.

He was just running from his problems, albeit a really horrible problem, but running nonetheless. His ghosts literally chasing him around the globe. Tye told me he was like this for a while during the beginning of the trip. Not to this extreme but maybe for a day or two at max here and there, restless. Usually there was some excuse to do it but Tye said he knew it was related to what had happened.

That in the beginning Corin seemed like he was running from his shadow all the while chasing after a ghost.

A shiver ran down my spine as I threw the car into park. Wiping a few hot tears away from my own eyes. Corin was always running somewhere. Sometimes I had to wonder if it was from a problem or after…

Tye’s text jolted me back and it was a little hard to read at first through the blur that was my eyesight. Making myself take a deep long breath and then slowly letting it go. 

Corin’s in the truck huh?

I spot the truck near the entrance of the front doors to the Corner Store and make my way to it. It’s strange, with every step I take my heart begins to pulse a little faster. The world feels a little slower and everything around me feels more aware. Both me of it and somehow it of me. 

Reaching Corin I’m not sure what to expect I’m going to find. With a noticeable amount of caution, peering into the open window, I see the gleam of a familiar necklace around his neck. A glow of light breaking from it as the Corin I knew slept and changed from man to woman. 

The process takes mere moments and I gasp. It comes back to me that I'd seen this girl before. She was definitely the one leaving their place the day I came over.

I don’t know when I had opened the door or even how the golden band at the end of the necklace had gotten into my hand. I just could feel the hot tears streaming down my cheeks, and the last time I truly could remember seeing Corin with a real smile.

A warmth from within me begins to stir and I’m not really sure if it’s any distinct emotion just yet. Whether it be rage or grief or elation. I just know as I prepare myself for it to really hit me is when we lock eyes.

“Hey Gwen” The girl before me says in an overly dreamy state. Her eyes almost like a funnel through time. The smile on her face could be described as someone at peace with themselves.

I just nod at her, too overwhelmed to reply. She just smiles and continues.

“Don’t tell her okay? It’s still a surprise.”

I barely squeak the words out of my mouth. “Tell who?”

She looks at me perplexed, shakes it off and giggles, “Why Melory of course, who else?”

“Corin” I reply trying to construct a sentence as the world around us dissolves into what could only be described as a memory. Me standing above him as he’s sitting at the kitchen table at what isn’t quite yet my dad and mother-in-law’s house. Except it’s her sitting there and it's all word for word.

“I’m serious, if she catches wind of it it’ll ruin ev~” Corin stops mid sentence frozen in alarm. 

“If she catches wind of what?” A voice calls out and I’m turning to see it. Turning in disbelief and in pure desire. I’d said my goodbyes but I hadn’t actually meant them. It wasn’t the goodbye any of us ever wanted to be forced to give.

There she stood, in one of her signature white sundresses with that stupidly oversized wicker sun hat, giant bug eyed sunglasses. Her hand flipped that same hair back and out of her eyes.

I’m suddenly back and on the ground in front of this girl back in reality. I’m crying so hard I can’t breathe and she’s hugging me. She’s telling me it’s going to be alright. It’s at this moment I know who it is, as crazy as it’s going to sound. How unbelievable as this whole thing has been.

I try for words but they abandon me washed out between the tears. This is the pain of love loss? For how many years?

“Yeah Gwen, I’m here with you.” Corin soothes me. 

I sob even more into her, him, them…

It’s when the moment is ruined by something outside. I can feel its presence looking at us, at me. Corin holds me closer to her as it’s eyes scan over just me. I can feel its unending focus. 

“It’s beginning.” She whispers into my ear. “Don’t worry I won’t let it get you.”

“What’s beginning?” I ask. 

“Can you take me home to mom’s, I’m so tired…”

“What? Yeah of course but what’s beginning, Corin?”

I’m looking at her again so confused and utterly lost.

She just smiles at me and pushes. I fall what feels like through one reality and back into another. Back stage access to all the plays. As a monstrous thing comes crashing down at the Corin who once held me. With the unconscious blink of my eyes I’m standing over her again. I stumble as if falling back into myself latching onto the truck door for support. 

I’m not sure what possessed me to believe that everything I just saw was real. I mean, I’d rather it be real than me going crazy. Either way, I pull her out of the truck and carry her to my car. I think about telling Tye for a moment before deciding better of it. 

A lot of shit just went down and I’m not sure if I’m really following even the beginning of it. All I know is I know without a shred of doubt that this girl sleeping across from me in the passenger seat of my car is my brother-in-law. 

I know how crazy it all sounds but… call it intuition? I just know I have to protect her. I wonder if this is how a mother feels for her child? I wonder if Corin’s mother could ever feel this way for me? Malory…