Hey everyone! Here's chapter nine! Get this: this is probably the shortest chapter, but took me longest to write. I went into the longest block I've ever had (which is actually only three days). Yeah! Well, just go on and read now, and when you finish reading, check out www . GallagherAcademy . ning . com! Keep writing! Peace!

~Eyes for Eternity

The Life and Times of Zee Lynn

School was officially the most boring thing on the planet. Well, unless it was spy school. That can be exciting. But, after seven torturous months of Lansing Middle School, watching paint dry would be exciting. Seven months. Stupid Circle of Cavan.

"Zee, come on! Last day of school, don't want to be late Cammie called from she and Macey's room. I finished blow-drying my hair, and walked out to the waiting bus, with my navy blue bookbag. I had never really taken notice or cared before, but I had little Navy, like the Army branch, pins all over the strap. Ha, a Navy navy blue bag.

I stepped on the bus, and went to sit at the back. Unfortunately, the only seat with any room also had Chad in it. I swear, if we have to move to another school after this, I was going goth or something. There were trains of boys flirting with me, asking me out, trying to kiss me. Jacob was one thing. He was one of my friends, and it was only playful, friendly flirting. With everyone else, it was desperate, begging flirting. And with Chad…well, with him, it was the egotistic, "I really don't see how you would turn me down, no other girl would" seducing. Not flirting. Attempts at seducing.

"So, I'm having a party this weekend. You know, end of school and everything. Wanna come?" Lover-Boy asked. I rolled my eyes.

"First of all, Chad, I'm getting sick and tired of your flirting. I do not want to go out with you. Ever. Not for a million dollars. Second, we might leave for vacation tomorrow," I said, voice cold. He looked appalled. I shrugged.

"Well…fine then. Be that way. But when you become desperate, don't come running to me!" he said, turning away. I smiled in satisfaction. At least one good thing that came out of the day.

By the end of my last class, I was practically begging the Heavens to send me home. All the last day involved was report cards and parties. The bell rang, and a roar erupted from the halls, of kids squealing and screaming. I walked out into the hall, and over to my and Jenna's locker. She was already dumping her stuff into her backpack.

"Oh! Finally, school's over! Okay, I so need your cell number, we have to text over the summer! You coming to Chad's party tomorrow?" Jenna asked.

"Okay…crap! I forgot my phone. Sorry, I have such terrible memory I can't even remember my own cell number. But I have yours, I'll call you. And no, we're leaving for vacation tomorrow morning," I lied. She nodded. I dumped my locker contents into my bag, said goodbye to Allie, Jenna, and Jacob, and went to get on the bus. I stepped up onto the vehicle, but froze when I saw it. A man, dressed in black, smirking, looking straight at me. Not to mention the fact that he had a comms in his ear and a gun on his belt. I hurried onto the bus, and texted Zach.

To: Smirk

Zac got suspicus activty the skool. Wer r we goin 2moro?

-NightOwl

I just hoped he would understand my speed texting. I never spent time on spelling and grammar unless I was writing an official document. The reply came a few seconds later.

To: NightOwl

Yeah, we've got some subjects here too. And what's up with the spelling? I thought you were a spy. ;-) We're going to DC tomorrow. Memorial.

-Smirk

How did he type all that so fast…? Whatever, we definitely had tails. And I had to go to my mother's memorial service at HQ tomorrow…my mood was immediately brought even farther down. But then my sadness turned into disgust as I looked at the seat across from mine. Jessica and Chad were on top of each other, making out. I actually think I saw Chad's arm up Jessica's shirt. Ugh. Scary thought. The bus took off, and soon we were at the apartment building. I hurried off, Chad following. I ran through the door, and up the stairs. I didn't have time to wait for the elevator I pushed the door to the apartment open, to see Macey and Zach debating over which way of transportation to use on the way to DC. Cammie was reading.

"When we leaving?" I asked, heading to my room.

"Tonight," Zach replied. I stepped through the doorway and tossed my bag on my bed. I walked in the closet to get my duffel bag, to find it pre-packed at the back. Macey.

"Macey, did you at least pack appropriate clothing? I know you probably didn't for Cammie, but…" I asked, beginning to dig through the bag.

"Yes, dearest cousin I did. For one, you aren't developed enough to look good in a miniskirt like Cammie and I can, for two, dumbo here would kill me if he saw any guys looking at your butt," she said. I was fuming. For one, I thought I, no matter how…undeveloped, could look somewhat acceptable in a miniskirt. For two, I really didn't want to know what Zach would do to her if any boys took interest in me, much less what he would do to aforementioned boys.

But, my luggage came out clean. Just t-shirts, jeans, socks, and undergarments. She didn't even bother putting much Aero or Hollister in. But, she did pack about seven different pairs of DC's and Ecko Red's. Don't even get me started on the Gucci accessories. My poor, shopaholic cousin. And it was a one week trip to DC.

We finished stuffing our bags into the trunk of Zach's car. And I mean it when I say stuffing. I had, like, five bags, just of computer equipment. And gear. And espionage books. And then there was Macey's wardrobe. Eight bags. Eight. Did I mention we had one of those Uhaul trailers, too? I sat in the backseat, with Macey. Lover Boy and his girlfriend sat up front, holding hands. They started making out once Cammie got in the car, and I had to throw my (incredibly durable) phone at brother dearest's head. He shot up, and rubbed the back of his head.

"What the hell Zee!?" he demanded. I shrugged.

"We should get going. You do realize the airport if three thousand miles away, right? Oh, and I want my phone back," I said. This would be one heck of a trip.