It Runs in the Family Ch. 21
(Ch. 21)
Artemis knew she shouldn't have done it, but, she did so anyway. It was the right thing to do after all. Looking at the caller I.D. showing on the screen of the phone. Listening to it ring and vibrate a little longer. Before answering it.
"Hello? Oh, hey May. No, April isn't here right now. She is actually out. On a mission? Well, in some ways yeah."She stops to listen to her cousin's sibling's words."She left her phone here, that's why I answered. Yeah, where she went doesn't get the best reception."She adds a little bit of humor. Letting out a deep breath and leans upon the counter.
Pinching her brows slightly."Yeah, yeah I'll let her know you called. Everything good on your end? I heard you were assigned to go to Rome, how was the mission. Oh, I see. Well, I'm sure there is a reason. Actually coming over might not be the best thing, I'm getting something done to the place."
Keeping herself calm and her voice smooth so to arise any sort of suspicions. Kept the simple casual conversation going. Finding ways to advert May's attention elsewhere for now. This would be much easier if one she didn't call so much, then again after what April told her about the two of them. It made sense. Second, this should really be April's job, but, she understood why her cousin was doing this. Before April left, she instructed Artemis on what to do and say. She knew she could not disclose the mission to May in fear of her reaction. Actually, she couldn't disclose any of the mission they went on.
Glancing at the clock Artemis wraps up the talk."May, I've got to go. Don't worry, I'll let April know. Okay, bye."Pressing End on the phone hangs up, not a second too late another call comes in, from April."Hey."
Artemis quickly takes out her laptop and opens it and suddenly receives a message of photos through a disclosed file. From April."Yeah, I got them. Whoa, what is that stuff? On the news? Hold on."She turns on the television and there clear as day news coverage about: "Radiation Spill off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean."
Bring the phone back she informs her cousin."It's on the news. Someone leaked out the information. Don't worry, I just got a message from Batgirl."She stands and heads to her room."Let me change first and I'll see you there. Okay, bye."She hangs up just as she finished changing into Tigress.
That was it, that was all. Artemis ended the call and conversation. There was something her voice seem rather evasive, just a little. You weren't sure what it was, if you was important you'd look into the matter, but your real desire was talking to your sister. There was something that seem rather off and there was something you needed to tell her.
But, she was not available. Looking at your phone tuck it away. "Yo."A hand comes down on your shoulder, it as Malcolm's."Come on, we're boarding now."
Nodding you pick up your suitcase and follow him through the terminal to meet with the others. On the departure flight. Back to the states. The mission was over. Cancelled. It wasn't going anywhere, the last two days nothing was happening. Even with keeping eyes and ears on the ground, there was nothing. So what choice did the group have?
You and Malcolm meet up with the others. Karen does a quick head count to ensure everyone was here."Good. Let's go."She takes the lead with Malcolm right next to her.
Everyone pretty much walked in pairs, you walked next to Tim. While Jaime and Virgil walked together. Tim noticed you were oddly quieter than usual and your mind seem to be occupied with something ridden. It stayed that way all to through baggage and security check. Even to the seating on the plane.
"Here."He offers and helps to put your luggage in one of the overhead storage areas, where you and he would sit. He secures it and takes his seat. It wasn't first class, which was fine.
The mission did require for everyone to fly in as a tourist. Even if the hotel was a bit much. It didn't start any alarms. You put your seatbelt on and remained staring heavily at the seat in front of you."You okay?"Tim finally asked.
His question managed to get through."Hmm? Oh, yes I am alright."You answer back. Turning and looking out the window. Ignoring the steward's instructions. There was really something plaguing your mind.
Tim began to wonder if maybe...no it couldn't be. There were no signs that showed. So what was it? A deep sigh escaped you just as you turn and try to distract yourself from it, taking out your laptop. Opening it and being using it. Tim just opened up a book to provide a sense of entertainment. While subtly keeping a watchful eye on you.
Sticking UBS drive into your laptop and access the files on there. Your fingers begin to type rapidly that Tim wasn't able to follow. Your eyes read the information at the same speed. Going from one file to the other.
It was homework, Tim believed. You did it during the stay in Rome. Still, observing your body language, he was able to piece together you were anxious and felt horrible about something. Your eyes reading you needed to rectify it. Some way. The way your finger slightly twitched just a little. From the thoughts in your mind on the right decision to take with this.
Not to mention how your eyes kept constating shifting to the back of the seat in front of you to your keyboard. Your behavior was starting to make him nervous. Setting his book down and opening his mouth, when you quickly shove your laptop into his lap. Stand and lean over the seat nearly frightening Jaime and Virgil, who almost choked on his flight snack.
"Whoa!"Jaime nearly freaks. Alarmed by your presence over him. Feeling rather uncomfortable he addresses you."Ummm, yes?"
Without thinking, you using a bit of your strength pull his seat back forcefully. To where he was under you. The way your eyes intensely looked into his, made him rather uneasy. He could feel his heart racing, only to race faster when you rested a hand on his chest.
"Calm down, Jaime."You tell him. Clearly talking to his the Scarab."I mean you no harm."Virgil with the help of Tim managed to avoid choking. You lean in a bit closer to Jaime. Your eyes mellow down.
Jaime just remained still. And let you do what you needed to. Inhaling your eyes remained focused on his until you started to speak. Did they weaver to the side rather sheepishly. Like some sort of child who knew they had done some wrong.
"..."Slowly you start to cringe remorsefully and your voice dropped rather low, almost to a whisper."Jaime, I wish to apologize to you. For my lashing outburst at you. A few days ago. I had not realized you that you were just trying to be kind."
"What?"He said back confused. When the Scarab speaks and he understood."Oh, that. It's cool."
Tim and Virgil look at each other wondering what was going on. Lost. A row away in the middle, Malcolm noticed what was going on."What in the world?"He chuckles to himself at the sight before him.
Karen hearing him, looks and sees it too. She wasn't sure what to make of it. But smiled anyway.
"I appreciate you accepting my apology. Even so,"you rebuff."I believe it is only correct that I make it up to you. For it is only right."
"No, you really don-"He tries to decline.
"Please, do not be modest. I shall correct this."You said firmly."When we return back I shall be the one to take you out. To enjoy a time of gander. Alright?" He didn't know what to say, lost from what you said and not able to formulate his own words. You took it as a yes and smile pleased."Wonderful."
Set him back upright. "What just happened?"Jaime asked finally speaking. Trying to wrap his mind around it."Seriously? What just happened?"He looks to Virgil and Tim for some sort of confirmation. Which neither of them could give him really
Being lost themselves."Okay, let's not jump to conclusions."Tim tries to calm the whole thing as rationally as he could."Don't read too much into her words."A stun Jaime pretty much wasn't able to.
"So then what do I read?"Jaime nips back, running his fingers through his hair."Cause, I'm not sure if she meant those words or understands them. Shut it!"He hisses at the Scarab. And lets out a long sigh, sliding down in his seat.
Back with you, you felt it was right what you said. You owed Jaime for him trying to be kind to you. He just wanted you to enjoy yourself and you refused it. Angry at what he had done. When it was all with good intentions. Looking out the window, with your reflection looking back. A pair of red eyes suddenly flash in your vision. Rubbing your eyes a bit, look again finding your reflection staring back.