Chapter 21

I want to say thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed- they've been amazing!

Also, just a heads up, this is another long chapter! :)

"So how are you going to do this?" I ask, once we're at the ice cream shop.

"Oh I have my ways." She smiles, pulling a strange belt out of a bag I just realized she had. It's leather with a least a centimeter of machine sticking out. Multiple wires are weaved throughout the piece and the knobs and dials scattered across it only add to the steam punk theme.

I hesitate eyeing the device carefully, "I don't have to be worried right?"

She slips the belt (if you can even call it that) around her waist "No worries- this thing is harmless."

"What does it do?"

"You'll see soon enough" she says politely "Now, if you would, go ahead and step out of the car."

I comply, mostly out of curiosity.

She crawls over the middle console and into my seat. Quickly I glance around, making sure no one's watching.

"Ready?" She asks.

"Ready."

Honestly- it's a belt what could it do?

She glances down to place her fingers over the two largest buttons on the contraption. She looks back up at me and presses them. In an instant she's gone.

"Invisibility" I gasp, I was theorizing about that this morning. "But I-"

"Relax" her voice says with a laugh "It was your idea I just tweaked it."

My mouth drops, "I invented this?"

"Yes you did." I hear two feet hit the ground next to me.

I squint my eyes in an attempt to see at least a glimpse of...something. But she's completely gone. "And what did you use for the power source?"

"Anti-matter."

"Where on earth did you find that?" I pry.

"Oh look here comes Miss Bering!" She says suddenly and I jerk my head to see the side walk. Sure enough there's Myka walking towards the shop. "You don't want to be seen talking to nothing, do you?."

"You're right." I say stepping back to close the door. I stop at the last second though- I don't want to crush her "Are you out of the way?"

There's a tap in my shoulder. "Oh!" I jump and turn around.

Myka.

"Who are you talking to?" She asks amused.

"Oh-" I glance back at the door "No one."

"Ok?" She smiles a little confused. Confused or not though, it's still her smile.

I grin back almost dumbly, "Alright."

Please be gone- Please be gone. I close the door carefully, half expecting to hear Christina yelp.

Thankfully she doesn't and I sigh in relief.

"Everything ok? " Myka inquires.

I nod and try to do away with my odd behavior. "Never better."

She doesn't buy it. "Are you sure? You did sound a little weird on the phone..."

Well of course I did- it wasn't me! I am happy though that she noticed something was off- Christina's impersonation could fool even me. "I'm sure."

"Good." She smiles.

Now is the time we should be heading for the store but she caught my eye again when she smiled that smile, so the chance of me moving anytime soon is slim.

My heart, as expected, is beating faster in anticipation. I have the whole afternoon to spend with her- its only 12:30 after all. The thought sends my confidence level soaring. A lot can happen in one afternoon. Things like me getting lost in those seas of green over and over again- or her blushing furiously every time I comment on how absolutely breathtaking she is.

Nobody has ever made me feel this way- nobody's ever looked at me the way she does. Not even in my old life. It's a feeling I can't explain. Just like I can't explain how I know there will never be anyone else like Myka Bering.

I realize that's rather presumptuous considering this is only my second date with her but honestly I couldn't care less.

She glances away, breaking the spell "We should head inside."

"Of course."

"I don't usually eat sugar." She states out of no where before taking a bite.

I laugh a little "Only on special occasions huh?"

She turns sideways on the path were walking on and grins at me deviously "Only on very special occasions."

I do a small bow "I'm honored."

She begins walking straight again "Speaking of special occasions- how was your Thanksgiving?"

Thanksgiving? Oh goodness that was yesterday I completely forgot! "Fine." I say with a shrug, trying to sound honest. I don't like lying to Myka.

I must have sounded too distanced though because she called me on it "Fine?" She repeats.

"Well-" Don't give anything away. "I don't have any living relatives and I don't have any friends..." And I'm not really American.

"What?" She's stops walking and steps in front of me shocked.

"What?" I ask. Is it really that big of a deal? I just told her I don't have any friends or family... Ok, I can see how that's a big deal.

"But you're you." She stutters. "The charm you senseless, witty, over-confident, genius, writer/inventor!"

I roll my eyes, "I'm sorry to disappoint you darling but I'm just english teacher."

"But you're so much more than that!" She exclaims desperately.

She obviously hasn't let it sink in that I'm not the old me. I don't mind though- being around the old me obviously made Myka very happy.

"What about that student?" She asks "She looked like she liked you- Are you close to her?"

I stiffen. Did the regents tell her to ask me that? Is this whole thing a set up? "She's just my student." I snap.

Myka pulls back "Sorry." She tries to hide her emotion but I hear the hurt in her voice.

Great job genius. You made her sad!

I sigh and throw my empty cup away "No no I'm sorry Myka. I had no reason to snap at you like that. Actually she and I are friends, in a way." That's an understatement. I hear Christina's voice say. "It's just- I'm her teacher, she's my student we aren't really supposed to be 'friends'"

She smiles. Does that mean I'm forgiven? She gets rid of her own cup and prods further "But you are."

"You could say that."

"Ok then tell me about her." She encourages happily.

I'm silent. I would love to talk about Christina but she works for the Regents- What if she's just a spy? What if this doesn't mean anything to her? I run my hand through my hair. "Myka I need to ask you something."

She tilts her head "What is it?"

I lead her over to sit on a bench. With a deep breath I face her. "Are you only here because the regents told you to get information from me?"

She hops up quickly, "How do you know about them."

"Myka please- just answer the question." I plead standing up with her.

"Emily, you're not supposed to know-"

"I know I'm not but I do and if you're their spy or something I don't think we should continue seeing each other like this-"

"No. Don't say that" She cuts me off sharply and then adds softly. "I don't want to stop seeing you."

"But-"

"I'm not a spy, ok? I do work for them but not like that." She explains earnestly taking a step towards me.

I stare at her for a moment "And you won't tell them anything about me?"

"I won't even tell them I've seen you." She says "I promise."

I know she's telling the truth and that fills me with unimaginable happiness. She wants to be here. Now I'm just thinking about the way she said 'I don't want to stop seeing you'. Does she feel the same way about me? Does her skin feel like it's on fire when she stands next to me? Do my eyes make her want to drown in them? Does her heart flutter every time I smile? Does my laugh echo through her dreams at night? Does she adore me as much as I adore her?

I reach for her hand. Our fingers mold together as perfectly as they did the other night "You're absolutely stunning." I say quietly.

She bites her lip, trying to cover the grin on her face. "You're not so bad yourself."

I move a step closer and squeeze her hand. "Is it ok if I hold your hand like this?" I ask allowing myself to glance at those lips for only a second.

She blushes and my heart skips a beat. "It's better than ok." She whispers honestly.

I glance down and lightly run my thumb back and forth on the back of her hand "And if I kissed your check again..." I look back up at her. "Would that also be ok?"

She nods slowly.

I don't hesitate. I lean over and place my lips on her perfect face. The quick peck I intended it to be soon turns into, more than a couple, lingering kisses and it takes all the self-control I have not to move over a simple inch and a half... If her cheek tastes this amazing I can't even imagine how delicious her lips would be.

I can hear her let out a shaky breath "Emily." It's not warning, quite the opposite actually...

I leave one last loving press on her face and move my head back to look her in the eyes again "Myka." I say softly.

She lets out another breath, "How do you do that?"

Again I'm lost in her emerald eyes "Do what?"

"Make me feel..." She trails off leaning her head forward. Then her lips touch my cheek and I know exactly what she's trying to say.

My eyes close as I focus on that warmth spreading from my face to to the rest of my body. She doesn't stay there nearly long enough.

"Just like that." I sigh.

She blushes again and I can tell her instincts are saying look away but she doesn't move.

"I'm sorry I doubted you." I say rubbing circles on her hand.

She glances down at my action."You had a reason too- it's alright."

"You're sure?" I keep my voice hushed.

"Positive."

She gracefully sits back down, making a point for me to sit next to her- right next to her. Meaning no space between us at all.

It takes a minute for me to get over the feel of her figure pressed against the side of mine, but some how I do it.

"Now tell me about this wonderful student of yours." She nudges me slightly with her shoulder.

"Oh where to begin..."

I tell her everything about Christina. Of course when I say everything I mean I told her about all her amazing qualities, not that she's my daughter or that she was trained by the regents. Some things still need to stay in the dark.

Myka listens quietly with a content smile on her face. She doesn't stop me half way through and say I'm rambling and she doesn't question why I'm bragging on a student I've only known for three months.

"She sounds like you." Myka decides once I've finished.

"Yes I suppose she is, a little." I lie uncomfortably.

"I don't think I could do it." She says.

"Do what?" I ask.

"Teach kids." she explains, "I mean how do you do that?"

I laugh, "Well not successfully I assure you- most of my students can't stand me."

She shakes her head "I'm sure they love you- teenagers just don't like to learn any more, its nothing personal. Besides I know for a fact you're great with kids no matter what the age."

"Oh I am? And how do you know that?"

It's a least the tenth time she's let something about the old me slip. But this is the first time I said something about it.

She brings her hand to her head "Emily, I'm sorry."

"Myka I told you before I don't mind" I assure her squeezing her hand. "Now tell me why you think I'm so great with children."

She freezes "Oh uh-"

I hold back a grin. She looks absolutely adorable when she's flustered. I'll get her to tell me I have a daughter someday...

Out of no where a drop of water falls on her cheek. We both look up to see a dark cloud stretching out across the sky.

"I didn't even notice..." Myka trails off and in seconds it's pouring down rain. Both of us hop up immediately and run for the nearest shop covering. And of course the nearest store is all the way across the park.

We sprint through slushy wet grass and quickly forming mud. Occasionally flinching at the loud booms of thunder and bright flashes of lightning.

By the time were under a porch awning both of us are soaked and freezing.

My first thought is Christina.

"Oh my gosh!" Myka exclaims shivering. "That came out of no where."

I nod absently, desperately squinting through the storm looking for another running figure.

"What's that?" Myka asks pointing in the opposite direction.

I jerk my head to see the rain drops bouncing off a moving space. That darn invisibility.In an instant I'm out from under the covering and meeting my currently see through daughter. Once I feel her next to me I put my hands where I expect to be her waist. Finding the two buttons she used to turn the device on I press them and she appears in front of to me.

We both come it back to a stunned Myka. "What?" She manages.

Christina laughs and pushes a damp curl out of her face. "Well that was unexpected" The accent is gone.

"Are you alright?" I ask anxiously leaning down to inspect her face, making sure she's not hurt in any way.

"Emily I'm fine" she smiles "It's just a bit of rain."

"Everyone just hold on a minute!" Myka says loudly over the storm. "What in the world is going on?"

Christina and I glance at each other. 'Be honest- but not too honest' I say silently.

I put my hands on my daughters shoulders, "Myka this is Chrissy, the girl I was telling you about. She's staying with me over the break while her uncle is on a business trip."

Christina sticks out her hand "It's a pleasure to officially meet you Ms. Bering. Emily's told me a lot about you."

Myka shakes it hesitantly "Likewise..."

"If you remember, we actually met briefly the other day at Emily's apartment."

"Oh yes." The beautiful agent nods. "You're the girl who briefly had possession of my partners gun."

"Oh goodness." Christina sighs. "You aren't going to arrest me, right?"

Myka laughs "No I'm not going to arrest you."

Thank goodness they get along. Suddenly I feel another chill run through me, and I remember we're standing in the middle of a raging thunderstorm storm.

"I hate to interrupt but- I'm freezing." I cut in reluctantly.

"Oh right- we should get going" Myka says. "It was very nice to see you again Emily I had a great time." She turns to Christina. "And it was wonderful to meet you Chrissy" Then, just like that, she begins to walk towards her car. Is she really leaving without even saying goodbye properly?

"Wait!" I catch up with her, thinking on my feet- a little rain is not going to cut this afternoon short "Don't tell me you're going to attempt to drive all the way back to South Dakota in this weather."

"Well I-" she tries.

"Do you know how dangerous that is?"

Myka starts again"I-"

I cut her off "Not to mention you should really get out of those clothes." I add perfectly aware of how it sounded no matter what I meant. She blushes the deepest shade of red yet. "You don't want to catch a cold." I explain.

She manages a laugh "Oh right- a cold."

I smile and place my hand back where it was five minutes ago. "You know- You look very beautiful when you blush." I say.

As if it was even possible her blush deepens. She recovers though and looks me in the eye "You look very beautiful when you are trying to make me blush."

I began to defend myself, to say I was doing no such thing, but she brings a finger to my lips, successfully stopping the words.

"Don't bother denying it- remember Miss Lake I know you very well."

I bring my free hand up to lightly grab her wrist, slowly I move her finger away. She watches my action intently, all of a sudden very quiet. I place a firm kiss on the back of her wet hand and let it too, rest in mine.

I don't know how long we stand there staring into each others eyes but I do know that its a loud clap of thunder and a lighting strike not one mile away they breaks the moment. We both jump in surprise and the grip I have on her tightens.

A second later she laughs.

"What is it?" I ask.

She shakes her head "You were scared."

"No I wa-" I began.

"Emily." she laughs again.

I pout, "I hardly think it fair to accuse me of that- considering you were absolutely terrified."

"I was not terrified." She defends.

"Oh yes you were."

"Was not."

"Was too." I shoot back.

Then her lips are on my cheek.

She pulls back as fast has she leaned forward. "Fine- I was scared but only for a second."

I can't help the dumb grin that spreads on my face. Her lips are so soft.

I gain my composer and put on a serious face. "I really don't like the idea of you driving back in this storm."

"Alright- then what do you suggest?"

She knows exactly what I'm suggesting but this evil woman is going to make me say out loud anyways, just to mess with me.

I steady my voice "Well I live only ten minutes away- and I have a fresh set of cloths you can change into..." That's all it took.

She smiles and nods "Okay." And after she squeezes my hands once more and let's go to head for her car. "I'll just follow you." She calls.

"Ok" I yell back with a thumbs up.

Then, turning around I head for my car but instead I'm met with one very smug Christina.

I completely forgot she was there. Excellent parenting you love struck idiot!

"Well someone looks rather happy." She crosses her arms with a smirk.

"Oh be quite." I say as I start to walk.

"Very. very. happy." she punctuates every word firmly, shivering like crazy.

Now I know what she's really getting at. I slide into my seat with a sigh. Here we go.

She gets in on the opposite side, slamming the door in the process "So happy in fact I think you forgot all about how bloody freezing it is to stand in the middle of a freaking thunderstorm!"

I almost say I'm sorry but then I remember something "Wait a minute- isn't that a swear word in England?" I ask sternly.

She lets out a huff and slumps in her seat "Kind of." She mumbles.

"Hmm" I start the car. "Did you really think you'd get away with that?"

"No" she sighs. "I'm sorry."

"And don't think I didn't hear that wonderful American teenager expression also."

"Ughh" she moans putting her head in her hands "Please don't tell Charles."

"I won't" I laugh. "Now if you're finished yelling I would love to talk about that impressive belt of yours."

"It has to be impressive- you invented it."

"Yes but is that one around your waist mine?"

"Well technically I built it, but you-"

"Nope- not what I asked" I say "I'm very impressed that you built that regardless of who came up with the design."

She sits up "Really?"

I love hearing that excitement in her voice "Yes, really."

"Thank you." She smiles.

"Your welcome."

She plays with her hands in her lap "And by the way I'm really happy about you and Ms. Bering - I've never seen you smile like that before."

"Really?" The childlike excitement is in my voice now.

"Really."

I glance in my review mirror at Myka driving behind me. Her eyes are focused on the road, She looks gorgeous when she's focusing.

Christina leans back with a loud sigh. "I just have to figure out what I'm going to do for all of those wonderful hours you two will spend gazing into each others eyes..."

"Oh be quiet" I mutter playfully.

"Yes I suppose I could try that." She says pretending to be in thought "But it would get rather boring after awhile, don't you think?"

I roll my eyes, Great noes I'm having trouble for using on the word- what with my overly dramatic daughter on my right and one Myka Bering just sitting there in my rear view mirror, not to mention the thunderstorm. I'll be lucky not to crash.