Chapter Three: Underneath it all

March 16, 2052

The vibrating of my beeper, tickled against my hip. I looked down at the small device attached to the waist of my pants. Its small green screen flashed three unwanted numbers repeatedly.

911, 911, 911, 911, 911, 911, 911, 911….

Truthfully, I did not care about work right now, not caring for later consequences; I ignored the vibrating hum and ‘accidentally’ knocked the off button.

It was for a meeting at headquarters.

My evil phone began to ring.

Damn.

“What?!” I was beyond irritation.

“Sea?” Isabel’s voice echoed through the damned device.

“Yeah” I mumbled.

“Sea, ummmm… Johnson wants you down here ASAP.”

Can’t he tell I do not want to leave my house?

“Do I have to? He said he would give me a week off, it’s been four; count them, four days since…” I trailed off not wanting to finish the sentence.

“Hold on,” she replied.

The scraping of the receiver over something hard rang in my ears. Leave up to Isa not to cover the end of the phone.

I could hear everything she said.

“She sounds like crap, George, I don’t th-”

A male voice interrupted her “She is the leader; she has no choice, besides he is worse.”

Who was he? Johnson?

“It has only been three days since Eli’s funeral. That is too much to ask of her, she is not fit to lead us right now”

I am too!

I. Am. Fine.

“That has yet to be decided.” George said with the note of finality in his voice.

“You didn’t see her when she found out. George, she was a mess, she didn’t speak at all, it was like she was stone, and its going to catch up with her, and it won’t be pretty. I’m telling you she is not fine, I’ve know her for ten years! I know her pretty well to know how she is,” Isa sounded like a child; I could picture her with her arms across her chest and pouting.

“So have I Isa, I know that she is hurting, but she has a responsibility, and if she doesn’t fulfill it, than she will be replaced, or… removed.”

What?! I am going to be replaced?!

“What? They can’t d-” she repeated my thoughts.

“She won’t be, I’m sure; she’s the best there is…” I grinned at his praise even though he did not know that I was listening

“But if Johnson doesn’t see her to be fit than he wont send her back out in the field,” he finished.

My grin faded.

I need to prove to them that I can do this that I am unaffected, and that I can be just as good as before.

With my resolve set, I returned to their conversation.

“… sure?” Isa questioned.

“We need her Isa” George replied.

“And she needs us” she whispered, though I could barely hear her.

“I know”

Seconds later, Isa’s voice returned directly into the receiver. I knew that she was now talking to me.

“Sea, you still there?”

“Hmm? Yeah still here” I replied trying to give my dead voice life.

“Are you feeling better? You sound it.” Thank god I was a good actress.

“Yeah, much, I just needed to sort things out yah know… I’m fine now” I replied pasting on the fake sweetness to my voice.

“Okay…Well, Johnson wants you at Headquarters now.” She said, but I could still hear the concern in her voice.

“Now? Okay, I’ll be there in a few, tell him all rite?”

“Sure thing Sea” she replied, sounding much happier.

“Kay, bye” I said as I hung up.

Time to slap on a brave face, and put my acting skills to the test.

The show must go on….

Grabbing a pair of sunglasses, I grabbed my pager and ran out the door, combing my fingers through my hair for there was little time for a proper brushing.

Walking down five flights of old wooden stairs, I exited the building and started for headquarters at a light jog.

The spring sun’s warm rays greeted me, as I exited my apartment. Granted it was a small apartment and technically, I did not own it – the government did, for the place was my graduation present a year and a half ago.

I appreciated its attempt at a homey feel; with its white and brick front and warm red hues sloppily painted across the halls; but to me the white vinyl, over grown shrubs and mutilated whitish sidewalks would always be home.

My own building housed twenty government operatives, all graduates from Willowbrook academy.

Over thirty other buildings like my own made up the complex, civilian inhabited, but hundreds of passersby had no relative clue as to our true occupations.

I walked across the street, passing the neighborhood pool, literally capable of giving one a chlorine overdose, and its crumbling rust covered iron fence. Upon the lifeguard tower sat Frank, the neighborhood sweet heart, but I was still amazed at the engineering of the lifeguard stand for supporting the large man’s massive weight.

Passing the pool, I finally made my way to the front gate, greeted Joe the elderly security guard, and paid the toll, which was a quick kiss on the cheek, and made my way to Headquarters as the main gates opened allowing me to leave the complex.

Eighteen blocks and ten minutes later, I arrived at headquarters slowing my light jog. Crossing the well-worn street I made my way to the entrance of the building in which so many missions had commenced.

From the outside, Headquarters seemed like your regular office building, with large ancient oak tree greeting visitors with arms of yellow green leaves, which shone like a thousand bright smiles in the vibrant sun.

In the front of the building one pair of massive mahogany and steel plated doors opened to reveal a white paneled, Victorian style staircase and foyer. The hard wood floors shone brilliantly due to a recent waxing, and low burning sconces gave the area a mysterious if not medieval feel. This in the end only helped to extend the mood of solemnity.

Right now, all I really needed was to get away and forget about my family.

No, I didn’t want to forget, only postpone dealing with it, right now I had bigger fish to fry.

I was ready for the performance of a lifetime.

Four doors lined the hall on each side, each with a name of a high ranking official as well as the nature of their job, walking to the last one on the left, I stepped around the Victorian staircase, and turned the cold pewter handle.

Another mission was why I was called here, but I knew that more than just my job was at stake, I couldn’t lose my job or my friends. Not now, not ever, because as of now they were my top priority. I glanced again at the sliver-etched letters that I was all too familiar with.

Mark S. Johnson

Senior Officer

E-5 Alpha Advisor

Reluctantly I opened the door, and my responsibilities once again flooded in.

My five companions, co-workers, teammates, best friends, family, what ever you wanted to call them- stared at me, I took a deep breath and began to walk into the center of the small room, carefully closing the door behind me.

Closest to me was Isabel.

I knew what to expect from her, after all, I knew her better than myself. So when I saw the look of guilt on her face, I nearly destroyed my happy façade to go over to her and demand what was wrong. Isabel Khensani Moiana never felt shame, she never felt embarrassment, only concern, and right now I had no clue what to do. I adverted my eyes from her brown ones, and noticed how her small frame sat perfectly poised in the uncomfortable metal chair. With her small mocha hands, she coaxed her finely braided hair behind her left ear, forcing a cascade of braids down her lean back, her blue button down crumpling in the process. Her gaze quickly darted to the floor, almost ashamed to meet my own. Never in my life had I seen her ashamed, never. She was too proud, she never took shit from anyone much less myself, and without warrant, she was acting like an emotional schoolgirl.

This might be harder than I thought.

This is just great, something is very wrong…

To her right sat George, his height alone was something to reckoned with, he was a solid wall of muscle and sheer brute force covered by an old, fire engine red shirt faded from years of wear paired with tan cargo shorts. He had chocolate brown eyes, which dripped with emotion and continuously displayed his caring if not soft side.

They always gave him away, thus he was a terrible liar.

It was in those brown orbs that I saw something very troubling.

Confusion.

It was funny really, he carried himself in such a manner that intimidated even the most hardened agents, yet he was our resident teddy bear, and unless enraged he could never hurt a fly. But if you have ever witnessed a bout of his rage, you would know that it is not a pretty sight. His curly dirty-blond hair was usually fairly short but was now in a desperate need of a haircut. His gaze barely met mine before it shifted down watching the carpet with utter amazement.

I am not even angry; I have no clue as to why they’re acting like this.

Unless there is something to be angry about…

On the other hand, perhaps they could tell that I was pretending to be okay.

I can do this…

I will not think of Elias right now, he would want me to go on with my life, and focus on my job, and that is what I will do.

Shoving my useless emotions to the back of my head, I shifted my eyes to view another person in the room, slumping in a nearby chair was Dane, George’s twin. Granted they were not identical, but their appearances were close enough, with the same brown eyes and blond hair, but you could still tell that they were brothers. The only difference was that Dane’s height was less impressive, not quite the 6’5” of his brother, but still a good 6’0, and was of average weight, compared to his brother’s giant proportions.

He was only an inch taller than I was, I smiled at this thought.

I’m going to convince them that I am fine if it kills me.

Where as George’s hair was very curly, Dane’s was straighter with mild waves that fell into his eyes and he too was in a desperate need of a haircut.

Standing behind Dane was Jeremy, he looked like your average nineteen year old, as we all did; his medium brown hair and grey eyes, athletic but wiry build made him look more like a soccer player. Like the twins, he came from Irish decent, but only being half- Irish. His mother was born and raised in Beijing.

Living up to the Irish stereotype, he was always loud, and had a fierce temper, but honest and kind, most of the time anyway. If one looked hard enough one could glimpse his Asian decent, perhaps in the eyes, but they were far overshadowed by this father’s rugged good looks and Irish charm.

In addition, he had the accent down pat, trust me, no girl can resist the Irish accent.

Again, I laughed to myself, if I ever said that aloud he would probably agree, and then make a crude joke.

Trust me when I say, he can make a crude joke about anything.

Eerily quite, Jeremy remained standing, most likely due to the lack of seating and his chronic pension of lateness; he simply leaned into the wall. Although now his gaze was intently boring into the back of the seventh person’s head. The one I pretended not to see.

Finally, I watched as Masara sat closest to the dark wood desk, her gorgeous eyes, the ones that rivaled the brilliant cerulean of my own, shone vibrantly in the soft lighting. They were a grass green surrounded by orange brown, resembling a blazing emerald. Her calm and tentative nature reflected in those eyes, those that so greatly accented her naturally tanned skin and midnight black hair. She was brilliant, and true to her Indian heritage, she was relatively shy. However, she never ceased to amaze me; in the field, she was completely different, confident and focused so unlike her regular self.

Finally, my gaze settled upon the one thing I had tried to ignore…

Officer Johnson was conversing with a man with raven black hair, he was shorter than George, yet his height was still enough to tower over my own 5’ 10 frame. His skin had a healthy glow, which only accentuated his taunt muscles rippling beneath his weathered tee.

I knew who he was even before he turned around; I silently prayed that he was imaginary.

Ever since we were ten years old, Tavien Cavaricci and myself have been the utmost rivals, quibbling like siblings we never seemed to agree on anything, but unfortunately, for myself, Tavien was always friends with George and Dane, and his best friend just so happened to be Jeremy, thus his presence was always lurking on the side.

Normally ignored might I add.

Yet he never seem to leave me alone.

He even lives in the same apartment building as me, although thankfully there are three floors separating us.

Back at Willowbrook, I always managed to best him, I always had better grades, I was the best female at hand to hand combat, equal to himself-although he would never admit it, I was a force to reckoned with on the firing range, and a talented equestrian. With all of my accomplishments, I finished on the top of our class, followed closely by Tavien.

He has never forgiven me for beating him for the top position in our graduating class.

I mean I was just doing my best, beating him in the process was only an extra accomplishment.

At this point I didn’t care if his best friends were dead I just want him to go away.

Okay that sounded really mean…

Regardless of his loss, he could please disappear?

I’ve used up my nice quota for the day.

Go Away! I mentally screamed at him.

I doubt he heard me.

Johnson's and Tavien’s quiet conversation ceased as they both turned to acknowledge my presence, a courtesy I did not return for by this point my attention was like George amazed by the nothingness of the carpet.

The show must go on…

“Sienna,” Johnson began, yet I still did not look up, for whatever reason Tavien was required at our mission assignment I did not want to know nor did I care, for his presence is always related to something bad. “I am sure that you are aware of the situation that the E-8 Alpha Unit is facing, thus a disbandment and relocation for all remaining members is required” he said referring to the others members of Tavien’s team, three of which were killed in the subway explosion, and Tara, the another member of the group recently found herself to be pregnant. Richard, he was also in the group, I wonder where he is…

Relocated probably…

Oh, well sucks for Tavien, what does this have to do…

Oh no, not good.

I tried desperately for fear and despair was over my face.

This was way too much to handle.

Now I understand why everyone felt so uncomfortable.

They knew, I was not going to be okay after this.

“Thus until a new unit can be formed, Cavaricci will be joining your team as a regular member.” Johnson added, speaking in a tone of finality, which meant no matter what happened I could not charm or dissuade him out of his decision.

At this point, I really wanted to destroy something.

I am pretty sure he knew all of this when he showed up at my apartment three days ago… and Isa and George during their conversation…

Tavien was the he, Tavien.

Tavien is going to be a part of my team?! My team and Tavien?!

This is going to be hell, and right now, I was picturing what Johnson’s face would look like if I smashed it in right about now.

Kinda scary.

I worked my ass of to get this position. I was not going to give it up to anyone, especially not him.

I am going to go insane trying to lead the team with him, he just brings the worst out of everyone, he pisses me off to no end, and him and Jeremy together, you might as well shoot me now. I can imagine it now those two along with George and Dane, well let’s just say that the jokes –which are never funny- will never stop.

If I find that they do anything I will kill them, trust me I do not want a repeat of when we were ten. Setting a bag full of live crickets in my room, is not funny, Jeremy and Tavien offered their “utmost apologies” and would not shut up until I agreed to let them “take care of the horrendous mistake.”

Tavien walked around for a week saying that a horse kicked him, because of the shiner I gave him.

A horse my ass.

I guess I was smiling or laughing or doing something weird, because everyone in the room was staring at me like I was going to blow up. I tried to look calm and wipe the smile off of my face, but looking around me I saw that Masara looked like she was holding her breath and slowly turning purple, and George was looking at the carpet so intently I thought her was going to burn a whole through it. Meanwhile Officer Johnson and Tavien just looked at me like I was crazy.

I was just very, very stressed.

Kinda like emotional overload.

I covered my face in my hands, took a deep breath, and stood perfectly still, looking straight ahead to officer Johnson. Who gave me a weird look, then continued talking.

“Okay then,” he said hesitantly eyeing me again as to make sure I was not explosive. “I have a mission for you” he said pausing making sure that everyone was paying attention. “Two weeks ago as a result of your capturing Zamora Mathombe, we have received information about terroristic dealings in Dubai; apparently that is the location of an arms dealer that has been working closely with La Entrada, the group who has taken credit for the bombings in New York. Therefore I am sending all of you to obtain as much information as possible on the whereabouts and other dealings of their contacts.” he explained. “If we plan on destroying them it will have to be from the inside out. You shall be going undercover as clients, and a meeting will be set up.” He added glancing up at me then back at the papers lying dormant upon his desk.

A moment later, his attention returned upon the fourteen eyes staring at his grey form. He shifted his glasses upon his crooked nose, and running a calloused hand through his cropped silver hair, he began to give our field assignments.

“Lenin, you are assigned to the field and weapons as well as the responsibilities of team leader.” He stated briefly looking up from the paper before him. “Cavaricci I wish you to assist Miss Lenin in the field and also you are in charge of planning and strategy. Kabir, you are working on customs and research, as well as field,” he said referring to Masara. “O'Shea, George- transportation, Dane-tech support.” he added, trying to hurry things up. “Moiana, I have you on...” he said studying the paper once again. “You’re assigned to infiltration and cryptology, though I doubt you’ll need much use of the second on this mission. And Connolly I have you on field and medical.” He finished pausing to glance at Jeremy.

Like me everyone was surprised at his announcement that I would be working with Tavien.

I however was more enraged than surprised.

Everyone waited for finial instructions, shifting uncomfortably in their seats and trying not glance at me.

Noted they tried.

But right now I was ready to got off and decapitate the poor old man, or should I say evil bastard.

What was he thinking trying to stick me with Tavien? Granted he assigned each of us our usual jobs, but sticking me with Tavien was not very nice, or funny no matter how twisted his humour is.

I plastered an innocent smile on my face as I glared at the devil himself, and returned to pretending to be fine with this suicidal situation.

“You all should be field ready and I expect you to be back here in thirty minutes to depart for your flight.” He said dismissing us to go and pack for the long flight half way across the world.

I was relieved the Johnson hadn’t wanted to talk to me.

It seems that my acting skills are pretty damn good.

I left the room not even looking to see who followed, passing the staircase, I paused to open the tarnished brass knob intricately bound to the door blocking my escape into the world. So desperately I needed for the sun to warm my face, the grass invading my sandals, to hear the soft song of leaves in the wind, but all hope was cut short when a mocha hand forcefully yanked me backward.

Isabel returned her hand to her side and looked down at the area rug covering the coffee coloured floors.

“I’m sorry” she whispered as her brown eyes met the tortuous sea of my own. “I’m sorry” she breathed again. But her breath caught again as the others filled out the door, wood and brass almost crushing us in the process. We darted out of the way and resumed our conversation, or her unorthodox apology.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I robotically answered.

“Don’t lie to me, I saw your face when you saw him here, don’t tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about,”

“I’m not lying, but I would be if I told you that I don’t want him here, I don’t like him, he is a hindrance, a distraction, and excuse for them to slack off.” Her eyes met mine once again in a clash of rock and sea.

“I know…” she paused staring at me, all traced of shame now gone, replaced by resolve. “ I know that it is a lot to deal with, especially after…” she paused looking for the right words to be sure that I would not kill her or anything like that. “… this week…I know that he hasn’t been all that great in the past, but give him a chance, he has gone through a lot, imagine losing three of us, people you are responsible for, people you care about, and then learning that me or Sara were pregnant and leaving, imagine how you would feel.” She paused recollecting herself then continued her lecture “ I know things seem pretty shitty right now, but I’m just asking that you give him a chance, that you see things from his situation, he is willing to do his best and try, I mean he will be taking orders from you. Do you know how much he has to hate that?! I’m just asking that you give him a chance,” she paused “for the rest of us, we just want peace.” she added.

I knew that Isabel was right, that he was going through a lot, but I didn’t feel sorry for him, I hate him far to much to pity him, sure his situation sucked, but perhaps his conceited attitude and his gloating were merely catching up to him. Karma was finally coming to bite him the ass.

No one deserves to go through four funerals.

I sighed and let my anger go, its time to be the bigger person here.

“Fine” I said, none to reluctantly, “I will go easy on him, but Isabel, I swear if he messes up or distracts them or anything-”

“You will have my permission to wipe the floor with his ass, I know, but just try to be nice to him” she finished and started to walk out the door.

Better said than done…

Following Isabel’s example, I too exited the building and started to walk home.

Looking at my watch I realized that it was seven forty, more than an hour had passed since I last left my house, and in twenty minutes I had to be back here...

By now, the sun was starting its downward spiral leaving behind brilliant splashes of red and gold. Tiny fireflies could be seen, glowing their neon green to attract their mates. The summer’s heat was still prevalent, and a soft wind carried with it the smell of hot dogs and funnel cakes. Apparently the annual fair was setting up early.

Eighteen blocks until home, and I still had twenty minutes to pack, and get back here, as it was it was a ten minute walk either way. So due to the precious commodity of time, I ran home, shearing the ten minutes of walking time into three. When I reached my apartment I kicked off my shoes and stripped off my shirt now stuck to my sweat drenched body. Easily enough I found a towel and quickly sponged off the rest of the watery mess.

Thankfully I had already started to pack a small suit case a few days before when I wasn’t busy, but sweater and long pants weren’t going to be very useful in Dubai.

Flipping the suitcase over, I emptied it of clothes, and stared with the basics, unfortunately Johnson failed to tells us how long our little visit to Asia would be, therefore I packed ten pairs of underwear and bras, three pairs of jeans, two sweaters and a light trench coat given to me by my mother a pervious Christmas.

In went toiletries, socks and work boots, followed by various spy equipment, ha I love saying that!

Spy equipment, it’s so cool, even though I’m a little childish; no one else has to know.

Along with these things I packed two revolvers and thigh strap holster as well as a jean skirt and another sheer fabric skirt Masara brought back from India for me. In went earrings and other shoes, and finally along with two books I carefully placed my Nanowear into the pile.

Nanowear was a lifesaver in the field, it was composed of a stretchy black material that was extremely light, and helped to reduce sweat from sticking to the body. It came in the form of a skin tight shirt and leggings, with belt holes to allow for gear to be attached. Also tiny microfibers allowed for a computer to monitor one’s vital systems, building in a personal tracking device; useful to tell if someone in the field was hurt or exhausted. In addition to the microfibers, the suit also had attachable Kevlar pieces that worked like armour for potentially rough or dangerous situations.

Slipping on my sandals I grabbed my keys and locked the door on my way out.

On the step of my door, I looked at my watch once again noticing the time, it was now seven fifty four, and if I didn’t hurry I would be late, trust me Johnson does not appreciate lateness. I knew I couldn’t run like before, not with my suitcase, perhaps if I jogged, I could-

“Do you actually think that with that thing you will be able to make it back in time?” a gruff voice drawled behind me.

I whirled around only to find myself facing the chest of a familiar dark-haired boy. Lifting my head I looked Tavien in the eyes, not noticing or caring before, I observed his light green-blue eyes fitted in a blank stare, void of emotion. I returned the motion and stared back. Then remembering that I had to be back at headquarters in –looking down at my watch again – three minutes, my brain went into panic mode.

Truthfully I had no clue what Tavien was doing here, but it was then that I remembered that he too lived in this building, somewhere on the first floor, along with the twins who lived across from him.

Tavien found my panic funny, although I did not appreciate the fact that while began to trudge my suit case down the four flights of stairs he simply stood there arms crossed over his chest, chuckling.

“How long were you standing there?” I asked as I jogged down the steps leading to the seconds floor.”

He grinned and chuckled quietly.

“Long enough to know that you should close the door to your apartment before getting undressed.” He replied.

If I had not been late and scared of what Johnson would do to me if I were late, I would have punched him or turned red.

I just ran faster hoping that he would leave me alone.

Once on ground level, I broke into a frenzied jog, and began to wonder what my punishment would be for being late this time.

Soon footsteps echoed my own, and I groaned as I realized that the chuckling idiot had followed me to the sidewalk. Now at a moderate jog, I glanced to my side barely noticing Tavien’s presence. Planning on ignoring his annoying antics of becoming my very own stalker, I continued to jog down the street. But as always my plans of ignoring him were soon trashed as one of those sun-kissed hands grabbed my shoulder, turning me around to face his solid frame once again.

I was definitely late now…

And he is going to die a slow and painful death.

“You’re not gone yet?” I asked with annoyance.

“Let me give you a ride,” he said once again staring into my eyes.

God what is his problem, staring at people tends to freak them out, especially if you follow them down the street, and into the middle of a parking lot.

“What?” I asked completely surprised, because here was the person who had decided that their ultimate goal was to wreak havoc upon my life, was standing next to me offering to give me a ride.

Thank god the world was still spinning.

But this was also my chance to be nice, and if it would make the people I love happy than I guess a little personal sacrifice was needed.

Well, maybe later…

I opened my mouth to tell him off, but just as I began to form words, he grabbed the suitcase from my hands and cradled it like a baby, then took off running.

It took me a whole two seconds before I started screaming at him.

I took of running after him sandals beating the crumbling pavement beneath my feet. He was twenty feet ahead, but I was closing in on him, now only ten feet away, he stopped, opened the back door of a nearby Jeep threw the suitcase in on top of seemingly his own. Slammed and locked the door and then jumped in the driver’s seat and stared the engine.

Putting the car in reverse he backed up and made it so that the car was parallel to where I was now standing. Rolling down the window he beckoned for me to get in.

He expected me to get in a car, with him?

Determined to continue my decision to ignore him, I simply walked around the car, and headed toward the front gate.

Sure enough he followed me, going about two miles per hour, but incessantly beeping the horn.

“Sienna get in the damn car!” he yelled.

I could imagine his frustration building, but I refused to acknowledge him and his stupid car.

“Please get in the car” he asked again.

He received no reply.

We had already passed the pool and the main entrance to the complex was ten feet away. There in the small booth sat Joe reading a magazine.

“Hello, dolly” he said smiling at my sudden appearance.

“Hi Joe” I said as I gave a peck on the cheek and he motioned to open the black iron gates.

“Is that fella honkin' after you” he asked pointing to Tavien’s car.

“Unfortunately, yes.” I replied through gritted teeth.

The gates opened, and I slipped out and stared walking down the sidewalk, crossing the street bordered with storefronts and dotted with the occasional tree or bench.

Apparently Joe had stopped Tavien, but he merely postponed him, because I know that mule would never stop pestering me until I either got in the car or we reached headquarters.

Leave me alone. Leave me alone. Leave me alone…

Thirty seconds later, his car drew even with my jogging.

“Sienna it is Seven fifty nine, if you want to have some semblance of punctuality then I suggest you get in the car,” he said partially leaning out the window. How he managed this and still drove I will never know.

“Go to hell!” I replied flipping him the bird, only increasing my pace further.

So much for being nice…

“You first” he said

“Shut up!” I screamed while running.

“No”

“Then go away”

Please listen to me; I don’t want to deal with this.

“Not until you get in the car” he shouted.

“Not until you die” I retorted.

“How about if I pretend?” he asked.

“No”

“Come on, we’ll be there a lot quicker”

“NO!”

“Your gonna be all sweaty and gross”

“Good” I rolled my eyes.

“Get in the car or I will wrestle you into it,” he stated.

“You do that and your parents will never become grand parents,” I screamed back.

“Fine, then I will just have to tell Isabel that you’re being mean” he threatened, as he feigned a hurt look and began to speed up, almost passing me.

“Fine!” I yelled as he slowed his car once again. “Illgetinthecar” I mumbled.

“What’s that?” he mocked feigning innocence.

Can’t he just leave me alone? I mean he has threatened to assault me and has hijacked my suitcase; he’s not being very nice….

I jumped into the car and slammed the door as hard as I could, the entire frame shifted, and I noticed Tavien grimace when the door squeaked in protest of being slammed so hard.

Refusing to acknowledge him once again, I simply stared out the open window; I rested my hand out it, welcoming the soothing breezed running through my hair and across my face.

“Stupid idiot always has to get his fucking way” I mumbled under my breath.

He chose to ignore this.

I was finally relaxed, and I slowly began to inspect Tavien’s car. Without moving my body, my gaze slowly turned to admire the impeccable leather seats and wood-inlaid dash. It was then I noticed the glowing green numbers foretelling the time that I noted that we were already seven minutes late.

Realizing that no matter what I was going to be late I calmed down and resumed my staring out the window. A cold sensation began to spread along my arm. Looking down I realized that the window was going up; Tavien was raising the window with my arm still outside.

Now I am seriously going to dismember him.

Once again the soft chuckling I had endured outside my apartment resumed, much to my dismay.

It was then that I realized that I had gone a whole forty minutes without thinking about Elias.

I think this little trip will help me forget some of the pain.

I ignored him for the rest of the ride.