"I can handle a long story." I said to Colin. He still looked extremely mad. "Colin?"

He looked back down at me, "what?"

"Why do you look so mad?"

"Because you weren't supposed to know yet." He said the words like it was my fault the he was taunting me, like it was I forced him to walk out of woods.

"It's not my fault you kept taunting me and watching me."

He ran his hand down his face, "I know that, Ace. But they said to do that. So it could make you more aware."

I thought over what he said. "What do you mean 'they'? You act like there are...more people." I swallowed as I awaited his answer.

Colin rubbed his hand down his face and groaned. "It's nothing. I'll pick you up tomorrow at ten. Be ready." I nodded and he turned and walked back into the forest.

~~~~

The next day I woke at seven to take a shower. When I got done I grabbed my gray skinny cargo pants and a maroon tank top. I went back to the bathroom and put some make-up on to cover the fact that I didn't sleep. When I got down stairs I put on my oralee-s style combat boots.

I walked into the kitchen and my mother sat at the bar eating jellied toast.

"You're up and dressed early considering it's the holidays." She sneered. "Where do you think you're going?"

I pulled my box of frosted flakes off the fridge before responding. "Out." I poured the flakes into a bowl and grabbed a spoon and a glass.

"You aren't allowed to go out."

I poured milk into the cup and began to eat the dry cereal. "With friends. I'm going out by myself." I grinned at the loop hole my dad didn't see in his punishment or he did it see it and he left it there for a reason.

"Acel-" she began but my dad walked in and cut her off.

"I did say with friends Meredith. I didn't say she couldn't go out by herself." He said to Mom. "Where are you going though, Ace? I'd like to know."

I shrugged while a lie formed. "To the beach I think. And I ripped my favorite cardigan I just got so I wanted to go get a new one." My cardigan wasn't ripped but it was a good excuse. He knew how I loved that cardigan.

"Ok, do you need some cash?" He offered. That is what I love about him.

"Nah, it's only fifteen dollars. I've got enough." I smirked at my mother. I got allowance from Dad and she thought I shouldn't. Thankfully Dad strongly disagreed with her there.

Dad nodded and I finished my cereal before retreating back to my room to play on my computer while I waited until ten.

My phone started to ring and I picked it up. It was a blocked call. I didn't normally answer blocked calls but I had a feeling about this one.

"Hello?" I said.

The person on the other end hesitated which made me panic slightly. But then they answered. "Ace. It's Colin. Listen change of plans. Can I pick you up in ten minutes?"

I glanced at the time, it was eight twenty. "Sure. But would you mind picking me up at the end of my street?"

"Uhh, sure?"

I laughed slightly at his confusion. "Thanks. See you in a minute."

I got up and grabbed my bag and slung it across my body over my pea coat. I ran down stairs hoping not to raise any suspicion. "I'm leaving now!" I threw myself out the door before my parents could respond.

It took me a couple of minutes to get to the end of the street. But when I got there Colin was already leaning up against his car. He was wearing black jeans, converse and a light blue t-shirt. I stared at his bare arms. It was obvious that he worked out but that's not why I stared. It was at least thirty two degrees outside.

"Aren't you cold?" I asked but wondered if he was doing it just to show off.

Colin shrugged, "nah. Now let's go." He opened that passenger door of his navy blue Camaro.

"Nice car." I acknowledged when he sat down.

He grinned at me. "Thanks."

He cranked up the heat and began to drive. "So," I said conversationally. "Where are we going?"

His lips became a thin line before he answered. "Headquarters."

I gaped, "headquarters! What do you mean 'headquarters?!!" I realized that I was almost yelling the words.

Colin ran a hand through his hair. He looked away from the road to hold my gaze for a second. "You'll see." Then the car started going faster than was legal.

----

Hope you liked that! *kisses*