The Waywards
An: I don't own Kickin' it
Thirteen.
Lively chatter surrounded Taylor as she waited for her friends. She glanced around the room, eyes focused on a random spot upon the cafeteria wall. The sound of a tray hitting the table caught her attention. She frowned softly. Carefully, she analyzed Kim's furrowed brows. A heavy sigh left the other girl's lips as she sat down.
"Everything alright Kim?"
"I'm going over to their place," Kim remarked.
"You are going where?"
"The new powered people. I'm going over to their place."
A bright smile stretched across Taylor's lips. The citizens of Seaford continued to talk about the new powered people. The different perspectives were very interesting. She didn't know what to believe. If she ran into the boys, she wouldn't mind. There was so much talk for a reason, right?
"Oh," Taylor giggled. "Why? Do you want to see Superman?"
Kim rolled her eyes. "Stop it. He can't even fly."
"Some of the girls in our grade saw him," she replied. "They say he is handsome."
"No," she said after swallowing. "I'm going to tell them to leave Seaford."
Taylor's eyes widened before a knowing expression fell across her features. Seaford wasn't a place for powers to live. The description wasn't what was on the label. There were secrets in Seaford. Seaford refused to share the truth in their sugary sweet advertising.
"They are good people and I think they deserve better," she smiled. "I met the older one, Rudy. He came into my sensei's dojo a day ago. At first, I thought it was weird that he was watching me but then I got over it. After my practice, Rudy pointed out some things to me. He knew things that I didn't even know. He told me I have this great potential and then just kind of walked out of the dojo."
A small smile fell across Taylor's lips. "He sounds nice. Well, good luck. You know how your father feels when a power tries to leave Seaford. He gets pretty upset."
"Taylor," she sighed. "My father he – he offered them a job as the family bodyguards."
"Really?" Taylor questioned, eyes wide. "Poor guys. Then there isn't much you can do at this point. Have they signed a contract yet?"
"No, if I could get in touch with them –"
A tray made contact with the table. Eddie stood before them, sighing heavily. He sat down, brows furrowed and lips turned down. She watched him poke at his sloppy joe. A few seconds later, he held his hand above the food item and a blue glow emitted.
"Wow, you've gotten better," Taylor grinned, analyzing the now frozen tray of food. "You froze your tray no problem."
"Special training from the Steins."
"Wait, isn't that Chad's family?" Taylor asked, confusion written on her face.
"No," Kim raised her head, eyes wide with fear. "But you've only had your power for a year."
Taylor watched Eddie bite his lip. Realization dawned on her suddenly. Moisture collected in her eyes. She remembered the happiness in Eddie's eyes. He had been so excited about his power. Unfortunately, he forgot he was 17. Teens didn't like the number 17. Teens with powers hated turning 17.
"Eddie, I'll speak with my father I'll—," Kim began.
Eddie raised a hand. "Don't worry Kim. We all come to realize our purpose sometime."
"But you've only had your power for a year!" Kim hollered. "How did this happen?"
"Chad told his parents about the freezing thing," Eddie remarked, sadness in his voice. "I guess they were excited and the rest – I start tomorrow."
"Oh Eddie," Kim frowned.
Kim wrapped her arms around the other boy, allowing him to release all his fear and frustration. This is what Taylor feared. She clenched her fists as the scene before her unfolded. Why couldn't Seaford leave Eddie alone? Why couldn't Seaford leave her alone?
"I'm going to change everything real soon," She whispered, patting Eddie's back. "I promise to you, Eddie and Taylor. Seaford won't be like this forever."
A tiny grin graced Eddie's lips. Taylor noticed the smile barely stretched across his face. Her own heart began thumping within her chest. She tried her best to cover up her own hidden anxiety. They had Eddie and soon they would have her too. She pushed her tray to the side. Suddenly, she wasn't hungry anymore.
Kim carded her fingers through her long blonde locks. An abundance of fellow pedestrians traversed across the crosswalk. She walked alongside Taylor, thinking of her current worries. After a few blocks, they emerged at the famous shopping center of Seaford. The Seaford mall sign beckoned them inside the shopping square.
"I'm thinking of getting new shoes. I'm just not feeling these sneakers as much anymore," Taylor commented. "I need something comfortable but wearable if that makes sense. I think it makes sense or maybe–Kim?"
She glanced at her best friend. Worried eyes met her own questioning gaze. A soft grin fell across her lips as she waved her friend on. The one-sided conversation continued. Kim chuckled to herself. Falafel Phil's came up beside them. She came to an immediate stop.
"Kim?"
"Just, one second," Kim commented. "One second, Taylor."
Kim threw open the door. Many eyes glanced at her. She gave them a sheepish grin before closing the door. She turned back to her friend, shoulders slouched and heart heavy. A warm and gentle hand landed upon her right shoulder. Briefly she analyzed her friend's face before turning away.
"Kim, tell me what's wrong."
"I thought they were working today."
"Maybe they had a short shift."
The statement made sense. Yes, they could have a shorter shift. She hadn't thought about that. Still, she felt like this was her only opportunity. She'd be sure to answer the door the next time the boys came around because she had to talk them.
"Do you want to go shoe hunting with me?"
Kim rolled her eyes. "I guess we could do that."
"Don't act like you don't want to come," she giggled, poking at Kim's shoulder. "I know you. You love shopping. And it isn't like I ask you all the time."
"Taylor, it's okay. No need for the speech. I'll come along."
They arrived at the store called 'Shoes, Shoes, N more Shoes'. A large red sale sign pulled Taylor away. Kim found a section reserved for shoe trying. A few little benches scattered the floor. She sat upon the chair, brows furrowed. If the boys signed the contract, there was no telling what would happen to them. Kim was more than worried. She had to stop them at all cost.
Kim nibbled on her bottom lip as she watched the teen boys enter her living room. Her father banned her from the living area. He didn't know she was watching from the stairs. She watched worriedly as the boys shook her father's hand. No, this couldn't be happening.
She shook her head vigorously. She watched a large grin stretch across Jack's features as he shook her father's hand. No, she had to stop this but – she remained frozen. The fear bubbling in her chest didn't allow her to move. What could she do? She was just one girl, one citizen.
"I apologize for the problems I may have caused your makeshift family," Chuck stated.
Her eyes shot to Jack who shrugged. "Rudy should know we do what we want. He is great but we have our own plans."
"We would be honored to protect your family," Milton nodded. "Though, some of our powers aren't fully developed."
He chuckled. "No worries boys. We have personal trainers on the ready, for any power. These individuals have special kinds of powers. They can stop any power from working, excellent for training."
The boys smiled at each other before turning to the mayor.
"Now boys, just going to needs some signatures," he remarked, offering thick documents to the boys. "Nothing too serious. It just says you will be available to protect my family at all times, in all forms, in all possible ways, excreta, blah, and blah. You are welcome to read it."
Milton scanned the document, nodding in places and shaking his head in agreement. "Sound document. I have no fault with it."
"Ah, just like you said, super intelligent," the mayor beamed. "Perfect. Yes, thank you boys. My daughter has been having trouble with some of the powered folk. This truly puts my worrying heart at rest. Really you boys will be nothing but good for us."
"Well , I've been told –, "Jerry began but was interrupted by Jack.
"Thank you again Mr. Crawford," Jack smiled.
"Feel free to call me Chuck," he grinned. "Now, I'm going to give you some new cellular devices. There are state of the art, high-tech."
"We already have phones," Milton remarked, holding up a worn out device.
The mayor laughed. "Forgive me for laughing but that is not what I had in mind. Here, try these on for size."
Kim's jaw dropped. She analyzed the cellular devices. They were the latest technology. She knew her father had connections. The expensive phones only brought a new pain to her heart. Nothing good would come of this. She knew it for sure.
"Excellent!" Jerry beamed. "Does this have all the cool stuff?"
Milton nudged Jerry in the side.
"Don't worry, it is very advanced," he smiled. "Friend's with the designer, therefore I got a nice deal. Now, my phone number is programmed into the phones already. The family schedules are in there too. You three boys will walk with Kim to school in the morning. During the day, you will be with me at my office or with my wife. You'll walk Kim home. Also, you will accompany my wife and I to any event we feel necessary but details will come as these events appear."
Kim turned her vision to the top of the stairs. She wanted to sneak into her room. If her father caught her on the stairs, she knew she would be in trouble. The ban from the living room was there for a particular reason.
"Kim?"
She paused on the stairs.
"Why are you hiding darling, please," her father smiled, voice dripping with amusement. "Join us."
Kim nodded at the teens, hoping they didn't notice her looked to her father but turned away
"Remind me of your schedule again," her father asked.
"I have school at 8:30 am and karate in the afternoon every other day," she explained, a sour expression falling upon her features.
"Perfect, any questions?" Chuck asked.
The boys shook their head. Mr. Crawford sent the boys on their way, reminding them of their new responsibility. After he returned to his sofa chair. He reclined in his chair eyeing her. Her hands turned to fists as she approached him.
"Problem, Kimberly?"
"Please don't do this to them," she pleaded. "Dad, please, for me. Let them go."
"What?" he shot from his relaxed position. "You want me to let go an excellent opportunity?"
Kim bit her lip, eyes filled with unshed tears. Her father rolled his eyes before waltzing over to her. She felt gentle hands grasp her chin before lifting her face to look at him. A large smirk spread across her father's face. A shiver descended down her spine.
"If there are as skilled as I think," he smirked. "Then you shouldn't be worried, now should you?"
She opened her mouth to protest but closed it instantly.
"Kimberly, my sweet peach," he sighed heavily. "I'm doing this for you, for our family. You do understand I love you and your mother with all my life, right? I'd hate for anything to happen to either of you. And these powers – they are ahead of their time. Skilled fighting experience, telekinesis, mind reading, super intelligence, flying, and the power of persuasion. You want me to let these perfect powers leave without at least trying them out?"
She closed her eyes trying to block the smirk from her vision. Her father didn't understand. He never would but what could she do? No, she couldn't do a thing. She bit her lip firmly before giving her father a stern look. He laughed at her expression.
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes," she stated, tears trailing down her cheeks.
She felt a gentle pat upon her blonde head.
"Good, now the boys will be here at 8:00 am to walk with you to school. I'd let Taylor know so she doesn't miss you."
She nodded softly.
"And Kimberly?" her father called to her, back turned. "Don't tell them anything."
She didn't respond but it wasn't necessary. Her father knew her too well. When it came to Karate she could shock anyone with her ability but with her father it was different. Her father wasn't a bad man, no. He was an excellent father. Kim sighed inwardly.
After her brief conversation with her dad, she bolted up the stairs. She closed her door and dropped onto her bed. She beat her pillow repeatedly. Thirty seconds went by before she relaxed. She looked to her ceiling, her heart heavy in her chest.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, hoping her message reached the boys miles away. "Please forgive me."
Hey wonderfuls! Whoa! The feedback for the last chapter was amazing! I'm thrilled to see all the positive responses. This is beyond amazing. I truly enjoyed typing up this chapter for you all. Hopefully you all enjoyed it too.
Special thanks to reviewers:
Dreamcatcher19, thanks for the review. I'm glad you love the story. Yes, Kim is the mayor's daughter. Yes, you'll have to stay tuned to see where this story goes. Once again, I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Thanks for the support.
XoThatCrazyChickoX, thanks for the review. I'm glad you thought the line 'since when?' was funny. I try to put in some humor every now and then. Yes, they are bodyguards. Yes, Jack has finally learned some new things. I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for the support.
Maddyliza1234, thanks for the review. I'm glad you are taking a closer look at the characters. Chuck seems evil? You'll have to stay tuned to find out. I'm glad you enjoy the plot. It is a little different. Thanks for the support.
Justlovekickinit, thanks for the review. Wow, you are obsessed with the story? That is amazing. Yes, personally I don't think curse words or stuff like that has to be in the story. It may be like real stuff but I just take a different approach. I'm glad you like it. How many chapters? It all depends. It will definitely be more than 16. Thanks for the support.
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for being so amazing. Thanks for reading, following, leaving favorites, and reviewing. It means the world to see comments.
Now, the next chapter will be up real soon. The next chapter is 25% of the way done (estimated). So, what do you think of Mayor Chuck? Evil? Good? I'm interested to know what you think. Thanks again for all the support. You all are amazing!
Until Next Chapter
Bye