Chapter two: A Change in Command
"What happened back there?" I asked Scott as we helped john to the sick room. "I'm not really sure but there was a loud crack and suddenly John was pinned under the beam, and then, not long after that, you showed up with Virgil and Gordon. You must have seen through my eyes as I noticed that john was in trouble." He said as we reached the sick room. Grandma burst in as we were getting john settled in "Oh No, John!" she cried, rushing to his side, I shot him a smile as I turned for the door. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Shadow, she's the one who brought extra help." John said, grandma spun around and saw me trying to make an escape. "Shadow! Oh, my little girl's finally come home" she bustled across to me and pulled me into a bone crushing hug, I shot John and Scott a pleading look over her shoulder, John smirked but luckily Scott took pity on me. "Grandma, Shadow really should be going to debrief with dad, seeing as I've handed over the team leader role to her." He said, shooting john a look. "Yeah, dad's gonna want to talk to her" john added, getting the hint. "Oh, of course, how silly of me to forget, well off you…. What have you done to yourself girl?" she demanded, finally noticing my tattoo sleeves. "I'm a Tattoo Artist Grandma, I kinda need to look the part" I said, turning to leave "I'll be back to check on you later John" I said, motioning for Scott to follow me.
Dad noticed my ink and piercing's the moment I walked in. "Well, I think I've finally figured out why you haven't been home in a while" dad said, a frown creasing his brow. "Dad, don't start, or I'll go back to college and leave you one man down, it's my choice what I do to my body, not yours" I said, getting irritated "Besides, I'm a musician, it comes with the territory. Anyway, john's broken a hip at least, and there's some pretty bad muscle damage, but I think he may be up and about soon" I said, sitting down next to Scott on the couch, dad nodded "Virgil's has told me that your team leader now" he said, I shrugged as I rested my head on Scott's shoulder. "The boy's seemed to think it's a good idea" I replied, making Gordon snort in amusement. "Good Idea? The instant we got John free, you instantly took over" he said, and Virgil nodded in agreement "Yeah, and we listened, it's an excellent idea. We're all in agreement here." Virgil said, smiling at me "Ok, if that's how you want it to be, then I'm not gonna argue" I replied, yawning, for some reason I felt exhausted. Virgil came over and sat on my other side. "You look tired." He said, I shrugged in response "I think I'm gonna crash." I replied as I climbed to my feet. "Go see John first, you said you would" Scott reminded me. I nodded as I stumbled from the room, leaving the boys to debrief dad.
**Virgil's PoV**
"So, how did it go?" dad asked, turning back to us after he watched Shadow leave. "After Shadow got there? Went great, she just… took over, and managed it like she'd never been gone. She has always been a better team leader. She was the one to think of taking out the corner of the gym, we got them all out fine, no casualties." Scott said, stretching his long legs out. "How come we didn't notice her ink before Alan?" Gordon asked, a look of deep thought on his face, and honestly, it looked painful. "She was in a leather Jacket, she only took it off when she got in thunderbird one" Scott said, a grin spreading across his face. "I can't wait to hear how Grandma takes this" Gordon said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, both Scott and I laughed, Grandma was gonna hit the roof when she saw the extent of her tattoo's. I was a little worried about Shadow though, I knew it wasn't her tattoos or piercings' that kept her away, but her on again off again boyfriend, a musician in a very popular rock band. "Is it just me, or did she seem a little sad?" I asked softly, everyone turned to stare at me. Gordon shrugged but Scott looked thoughtful. "Yeah, she did a little, wonder why" he said, a frown of concern on his face. "She and her Boyfriend are in an 'Off' period right now and she's a little upset at the thought of him with other people" lady Penelope said as she walked in. "Huh?" Scott and Gordo asked at the same time, as I got up and walked to the window and looked down at the pool. "Doesn't Zack know what an amazing girl he has?" I asked turning back to look at Penny. She shrugged "Shadow is extremely strong willed, and Zackary isn't the type of guy who will take her attitude lying down. But… I get the feeling that this is gonna be the last off period. I am pretty sure he has marriage on his mind" she said, making Scott's and Gordon's Jaws drop in shock. I smiled, happy that Zack was finally getting what a lucky guy he was to have a girl like Shadow.
"So, you've been having him followed?" I asked her, lounging against the window sill. "Naturally, your father and I wished to know what kind of man your sister was dating. He doesn't see other girls when they are dating, but in the off times, he does. He has also been to very talented Jewellers in London while he was on tour, getting an engagement ring made from a sketch Shadow drew, then picked it up before flying back to Huntington Beach for a break. His band mates are also upstanding Gentlemen" Penny said, sitting down on the couch. "What about this boys Family?" dad asked, looking concerned. "Excellent family, sister's married with two children, brother is a musician, and parents are both very supportive and absolutely adore Shadow." I said, ignoring the Accusing glares from Scott and Gordon. "What do you think of Zack's Family?" Penny asked me. "I like them, the accept Shadow for who she is. They all want Zack and Shadow to get married and have lots of kids. He's the kind of guy who you'd want her to be with" I said, looking at Dad. Dad nodded thoughtfully "Penny?" he asked, "I agree with Virgil, the only problem I have is that he's a musician, but then again, so is Shadow. They are a good couple" she replied, brushing a stay strand of blond hair over her shoulder. "How come this is the first we've heard of this guy?" Gordon asked, looking angry "Shadow didn't want us meddling in her life." I said, turning to stare out the window once more.
**Shadow's PoV**
"Hey Johnny" I said, wandering into the infirmary. "Sup." He said, using my faveourite expression. I grinned as I crawled onto the bed and curled up next to him. "I'm glad your home Shadow" John said, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close. I snuggled up to him. "Me to" I said, closing my eyes, and drifting off to sleep.
I woke some time later, to find John and Dad talking. "Yeah, I wished she would move home permantly, but she has her own life. You have to let her grow up" john told dad. "I'm just not sure about this boy." Dad said. "You and Penny had him followed, so what did you find out, and don't lie to me dad" I said, sitting up. "Not a lot. He's the rhythm guitarist for a band called Avenged Sevenfold, owns his own company called Vengeance University, but other than that, nothing that make's me think he's suitable for you" dad said, his disapproving expression getting worse from the word Guitarist. "Well, you know what, it's my decision who I'm sleeping with, not your's. This is why I haven't been home in two and half years" I hissed, climbing off the bed and stomping out of the room. "Way to handle that dad." I heard John say dryly as I slammed the door shut behind me.
