Parking in my apartment blocks underground lot I make my way to the elevators. I know I’m not crazy, but I feel like I’m being watched again. Ever since I first took Atlas home, I’ve had this uncomfortable feeling of being watched. My mind goes to what Jon said at the pub tonight and I get into the elevator pressing the floor beneath my flat and walking up to my floor. Stopping before the doors to the stairs close, I hear the other elevator doors ding open and a man steps out looking around frantically. So, Jon was right. Just who are you Atlas Winters? Closing the door with a soft click I make my way to my apartment, double locking it and putting on the chain. As much as I want a repeat of this morning, I had a feeling we’d have to be more careful. Well until she finishes her exams at least. Sighing I slump into the sofa sending her a quick message.
“Are you sleeping?”
“Nope.”
“How’s your body feeling...?”
“... I’m
The desk was the perfect definition of the man who sat behind it. Old. Clean. Yet somehow it gave off a solemn vibe that made the boy standing before them shudder as his eyes looked up from the photos on the desk.“And these were taken last night?” He asks, pointing at the collection before him.“Yes, sir. Before she got on the train.” The old man’s eyes moves from the boy to the photos again, frowning at the girl and the man she stood with.“I see. And where is she now?”“At the meeting with Mr. Price. It started a few minutes ago. Our man inside will be getting back to us about what was discussed once it’s ended, sir.”“Good. Good.”“But... Sir.” The old man’s eyes met his again and he swallows hard.“What is it?”“That man. The teacher. He seems... uh... I don’t think he’s simply a temp teacher sir.” The old man’s eyes narrow as he stares at him.
After my return, the days got hectic with preparations for the quiz after the Easter holiday. Although we see each other on the days for the study sessions, I still feel like I haven’t really seen him. Even after our run-in with Ren, he hasn’t changed one bit. I did expect him to hold back but he still comes over, like nothing ever happened. I don’t know if it’s possible to admire a man even more than I already do, but, I am beginning to.“Alright, guys. Mr. Fairchild has an important meeting he had to go to and so he won’t be going via coach with us.” A chorus of disappointed sighs echoes throughout the conference room. I mean, I understand the girls because they're missing out on eye candy but I had to hold back my laugh for the guys who also moaned. Popular much, Sensei.“Is he alright sir?”“Yeah, don’t worry. The Head just wanted to talk with him about tomorrow.”“Ah, alright.”“Now everyone. A
Sighing, I make my way to the Head’s office. Why did the old man want to see me today of all days? Stuffing my car keys in my pocket, I knock on the door and, wait.“Come in.” His deep voice seemed to vibrate through the door and along the empty halls, and I couldn’t help but feel uneasy as I entered the room.“You wanted to see me, sir?”“Ah, Jason. Come in, come in. I did ask to see you, yes.”“Is everything alri...”“Yes yes, everything’s fine,” he cuts me off, nodding to the set of leather sofas in his office, “Please.” Sitting, I remove my jacket laying it across the back of the single sofa.“So, although I spoke to the kids yesterday I also wanted to catch up on the progress with you.”“Ah, well from how our meetups have progressed I’d say they’re as ready as I hoped they would be sir. Atlas and Jackson were wise choices for completing the team.”
The minutes seemed to fade away and before long I was pulling into our hotel, giving the valet my keys. They should be here already but seeing that it's already after eight, I'm pretty sure they've already eaten and gone to their separate rooms. Or not, they're teenagers. Sigh, and I really wanted to see her tonight. Can’t believe I didn’t realize my tank was low and had to stop at the station on my way here. Sighing again I enter the hotel before finding our room, letting myself in.“Someone’s tired.” Through my yawn, I see Jon sitting in front of the TV in our suits living room.“Isn’t this a homey sight.” He laughs and I move to sit opposite him.“How was the drive here?”“Quiet. Had to stop for gas. How’d it go with everyone?”“Somehow we got here in one piece and they all settled into their rooms without any problems.”“That’s good then.”“What about you? I hav
“Ugh, why is it so loud in here?” I couldn’t help the smile that sneaks across my face at the girl mumbling beside me.“Well, it is a room filled with teenagers and overexcited parents.”“And that explains the noise, how?” I arch my brow and look from the crowd surrounding us to the girl at my side. It couldn’t be? Right?“Have you never attended one of these before?”“Why would I willingly come to a place like this?” Is she for real?“Okay. Have you ever gone to a theatre, cinema, shopping mall or... I don't know, marketplace?” Her brows quirk at me, as I stare at her in disbelief.“What?!” The word leaves my mouth louder than I intended, causing everyone to turn around and look at us.“What, sir?” Kevin asks, shock and confusion w
The first day of the competition goes by smoothly and we’ve made it to the final top ten. Tomorrow this stupid quiz is over and I can finally go home to my bed. Putting on my headphones I sink into the chair, studying everyone in the room. Myles: senior, playboy, annoying and he touched my hair so he must die. He's the iron-man of the group and I'm referring to him out of his suit. Nicole a.k.a. Nic: is our resident bad girl and rainbow rider. Quiet and respectfully minds her business except when peed off. In other words, she's the Pepper to our Iron Man without the love. Kevin, Tom and Julian: all three seem to be the muscle where their mates are the brain. However, they're incredibly good at physics and I suppose that's why they excel in their respected sporting circles for their tactical abilities. Captain America, Hulk and Thor, respectfully. And finally, we have Nick Fury and Black Widow, Casey and Julia: though it seems like the others haven't noticed, there seems to be someth
The smell of coffee hugs me as I enter the room and immediately ushered to the balcony."Good morning, Ms. Winters. Please, have a seat." Sitting opposite the woman before me, I thank the server as he pours me a cup of what smells like green tea."Good morning, Ms. Manning. To what do I owe the pleasure of this invitation?" I eye her over the brim of my cup as she closes her newspaper meeting my gaze."Hmm. You look more like your mother every time I see you dear.""Are you saying I'm beautiful or naive?" She chuckles into her hand before signaling to the server behind me."You are anything but a naive child.""Thank you for the compliment, ma'am." Breakfast is placed in front of us and she starts eating, motioning for me to join. We eat in silence and once we're finished, the table is cleared before her assistant places a folder in front of me."What is this?" I fr
The creak of his bedroom door opening made him look up from his laptop.“Ah. Sorry sir, I can come back later if you’re busy.” Smiling, he shakes his head motioning for her to enter.“No need.” The elder lady closes the door before heading to the wardrobe, putting away his laundry.“Thank you.” She returns his smile warmly, continuing with her work.“How’s she doing Master Ingram?”“As expected of my sister.” He couldn’t help the smile that formed across his face. Guilt tugged at his heart, but he knew his cold shoulder was for her own good. He knew of his fathers' intentions in putting a thorn in their relationship for his own selfish gain but having to hurt her by playing along hurt more than he cared to admit. She may indeed not be his full sister, but she was his sister none-the-less. Subconsciously his fingers reached out to touch her face as the camera settled on her group.“S