Chap 12

Anya POV

Coming to school on Monday after the weekend we had I was filled with anxiety. I wasn't sure how it was going to go after everything that happened. There were whispers from our classmates who were at the party about me always being aggressive. I try to shake off the comments, but it always brings me back to my childhood when I was constantly looked at that way and people would stay away…

I look around the first two periods and realize that Becky, true to her word, didn't come to school today. I pull my phone out on my lap and shoot her a text, letting her know I'm thinking of her and to call me later. By the time lunch comes and goes, she still doesn't respond. Which isn't like Becky since she always has her phone glued to her hand. Damian was quiet, but then again he usually was. I just wondered if he wouldn't be that way with me.

In science class there was caution tape covering the back two tables, the teacher was in the middle of seating arrangements since those tables were temporarily unavailable due to an accident that occurred in an earlier period.

I sat near the middle of the class in my usual seat where Becky would be with me, but since she's not here the seat is empty. The teacher motions for the students still entering to seats still available about the classroom.

When in particular I heard her say "Why don't you have a seat beside Ms. Forger." I lift my head realizing she's guiding Damian in my direction as she's giving the last few students direction as the final bell rings, signaling the start of class. I feel the blush go up my neck, but try to use the book that suddenly became interesting as a cover for it. He sits and nods in my direction acknowledging me as he gets his own text book out for class. His scent enveloped me, causing me to remember Becky's party which makes me blush more.

I don't know why I'm suddenly so nervous. I mean we talked a lot on the phone, I mean we're friends now right? I shouldn't be this nervous around him.

The teacher begins the class by asking us to refer to our syllabuses about the project we must complete for the semester which is a large part of our grade. But the kicker, because apparently there always is one in my life.

"The person you're seated beside is your partner for the project. Remember students science like life is a collaborative effort, and what you could learn on your own you could learn so much more together." she said, clasping her hands together enthusiastically.

I tried not to show any sign on my face if this was a good or bad idea, I was getting flooded with the thoughts of the students around us. As they were annoyed, happy, or angry about who they ended up with. But I look over at Damian and I just couldn't help but feel so lucky.

"Don't slow me down." Damian says curtly, throwing a comment out to me. There he is, the surly academic side of him is showing again. Maybe I'm not so lucky, if he takes over completely and doesn't let me help it won't be me pulling my weight and I will never hear the end of it from him.

"I won't!" I say clearly showing offense to his comment about being my science partner.

He reaches over his shoulder trying to rub at his back, wincing a bit when he does. "You okay?" I ask concerned, and he just nods his head and puts his arm back down fidgeting with his pencil.

The rest of class is the teacher explaining the expectations for the project as a whole and tells us by next week we should have our plan for our project chosen. I wanted to turn and ask him if he wanted to brainstorm after school, but saw he was zoned out ahead. I don't even think he was listening fully. Which isn't Damian at all, something is on his mind. Should I look? Or should I leave it alone?

Before I could decide the bell rang for the next class, he grabbed all his books in one fell swoop and tossed them into his bag as he practically bolted for the door. I looked around as some people snickered about me since they saw it. Some contemplated if I threatened him to do our project since I'm so aggressive.

I threw my bag over my shoulder holding my head high as I headed to Calculus. Unfortunately in this class we are seated away from each other so I don't have access to peer into his mind. Especially when I'm handed a pop quiz as soon as we're all seated.

Thankfully the study night with Damian paid off, it felt like I could hear his voice in my head teaching me about the proper use of formulas using the tips he taught me the other night.

I flipped my paper over signaling I was done, the thoughts of some of my classmates trickled into my mind, as they were shouting about their answers. I can hear a few of them second guessing themselves or some flat out guessing.

Suddenly I was feeling more confident in this class or at least for the moment, since I felt better prepared to take on the equations the teacher throws at us. I took extensive notes in the class when the bell rang. I gathered all the papers and books and didn't even bother putting it in my bookbag, I ended up just shoving it all in my locker and closing it before it could fall out.

I try to call Becky but she doesn't answer. I leave her a voicemail and text her one more time for good measure. Before I give up and head to the bus platform to go home for the day.

During dinner Papa was thinking about talking to me privately after we were done eating. So once we finished our food I asked Papa for some help with my school work and we came into my room to talk once we knew Mama was far enough she couldn't hear.

Papa tells me "I combed through the footage the device picked up on before it cut off, there was a confrontation.." he pulls out his phone and before he presses play he warns me "Anya I want to be transparent with you, this may disturb you what you may hear."

I bite my lip nervously seeing how serious he is in his face. It makes me wonder what the bug could've picked up on… "Is it bad?" I ask him curiously.

"Just let me know if at any point you want me to stop the recording." Papa pressed play and at first I wasn't sure what to listen for, until I heard the deep voice of what I assumed was Donovan Desmond. We heard the entire interrogation he did on his son, about me.

Is this why he barely spoke with me today? Is that why he could barely look at me?

When I heard him beg, before his father brutally punished him. I couldn't even form words on how angry it made me. Damian is such a good guy he doesn't deserve to be treated like a disobedient dog, his father just parades around for accomplishments or until he becomes useful.

Papa stopped the recording, I didn't realize a few stray tears were shed while I listened to him being abused because of what I did. I knew the man who sent the men after Becky would be upset, but I didn't realize I just pit Damian against his father at that moment. To the point where he was punished for it.

The next day at school I'm starting to get concerned, after the first few periods go by I notice Becky is out again. I text her, but still no response.

I'm getting really worried so I went ahead and started asking our teachers for the work she's missing to try and bring to her after school. Maybe if I pop up I'll get some answers.

Science class was easy today as the teacher let us basically have a free period to brainstorm with our science partner after she finished her lecture.

"Any ideas on what you want to do?" I asked Damian. He pulls out a paper from his notebook and hands it over to me to look over. "I drew up a list of ideas, if you want to pick one or if you have a different one?" He holds his chin in his hand while he waits looking at me while I go over his paper.

"Hmmmm" I hum pondering over his ideas, I take my pencil and circle one topic that says exoskeleton glove, sliding it back over to him.

"What would the glove do?" I ask curiously. He shrugs "whatever we want it to." I lean back in my chair thinking.

There was an episode of Bondman where he had special gloves that increased his combat abilities. Thinking back on the scenes where he punched tables in half or used them to climb to high places. Makes me think of all the uses it could have.

I wonder if that's something we could try and replicate, or if it's just in the show.

I realize Damian is watching me "any ideas then?" He asks, obviously getting impatient with me.

I face a fist and extend my arm in front of me "How about a super powered exoskeleton. The glove can provide support and increased strength to the user." He takes notes, "What benefits would that have?"

I already know if I mention the spy show he's going to make us go back to the drawing board.

"Medical Uses, to give paraplegics mobility back, possibly even prosthetics" I say quickly, "it could provide someone with a disability some increased lifestyle value than a plastic non functional placeholder." He nods, writing down my idea.

"But I want to be the one to wear the gloves, or even shoes!" I tell him excitedly, he rolls his eyes at that "of course." But the smile that graces his features, makes my heart race.

I was entranced by Damian for a moment that I didn't realize the teacher standing over his shoulder peering at our notes. "Splendid idea, I can't wait to see how it turns out." Then strides away, bringing about this awkward aura between us that makes me squeeze my legs together feeling unsettled.

"So when do you want to work on it?" I ask him nervously. He shrugs "Whenever you have time." He takes his pencil and does a circle "I'm always around here." True, it's not like he would risk taking me back to his estate. He lives on campus for a reason.

"Well how about my place on Saturday? My dad actually invited you over for dinner anyway…since he apologized to me."

Damian's eyes widened "he apologized?" I nodded a bit embarrassed that I just invited him over and he didn't respond to that part yet, feeling a bit rejected.

"Yeah and he said he would give you a chance…" I say in a whisper to him in case he didn't want people knowing about whatever this was.

He visibly gulped and I couldn't help but give him a small smile. "No pressure, of course. I could always come to the dorms."

He shakes his head "We won't have privacy in my dorm." The bell rings and we start gathering our stuff.

"So my house Saturday, 8 then?" I ask him again trying to confirm if he's going to come. After a moment he nods "Saturday's fine."

Usually even though we head to the same classes we walk separately. But after we made our plans we talked about our project as I tried to talk him into shoes and gloves, all the way to Calculus class.

As soon as we sat down the quizzes from yesterday were passed out. I cringed as the teacher passed them out face down on the desk likely for dramatic effect.

Once they gave me my quiz, I was mentally prepared for a D, if I'm lucky at least a C. I flipped it and a B was circled on top, with a note of great work scrawled in the corner.

I was shocked for a moment and I just stared at it realizing I did this on my own. Which gave me a great feeling of satisfaction of this small accomplishment.

I was so ecstatic I didn't know what else to do but to show Damian. I took a picture of it and sent it to him. I don't want to make it obvious and turn around and stare at him to know if he got my message.

My phone vibrated on my thigh as I tried to get the noise to be absorbed into my skin, so the teacher didn't see me texting as the lecture had started.

Damian: Good job, some things stay in your head. He replied teasingly.

I smirked at his reply but returned my attention to the lecture to take my notes. After class was over I went to the teacher and asked for Becky's assignments so I could bring them to her.

"I hope Ms. Blackbell feels better." He says as I exit the classroom. Hmm… is she sick? Or is it because of the party?

When I get to my locker to swap what I need for home I shoot Becky another text telling her that I'm coming over after school. Papa is going to pick me up outside so we can go over together.

I was a bit lost in my thoughts of worry over Becky. I didn't notice Damian approach my locker, which to my surprise I jumped a bit.

"Hey" he said a bit awkwardly, his nervousness pouring into me as his eyes flitted to the floor and my face. "What's up?" I say closing my locker to face him.

Some people see us and start whispering but I focus my attention back to him when he continues.

"Do you want to study again tonight? Together?" He asks me with a bit of a blush, I smile "of course! I could really use your help." I say admittedly.

"I'm going to go and try to see Becky, but I'll call you later?" His hands go to the straps of his bookbag and he squeezes it trying to release some tension. He nodded his head and for a moment I wanted to lean over and kiss him. Or maybe he thought it and I saw he thought it? Or did I really think it? I'm confusing myself.

But either way, kissing at a party is one thing. But at school? It says something completely different. But ultimately we both turn and part ways.

Meeting Papa at the pick up area I got in his car and we talked about school and I was able to tell him everything. I was so proud and showed him my quiz, even though he did ask me if I used my powers. Which I assured him I did not, it was the study session with Damian that helped me.

I also mentioned how we're working on the exoskeleton glove for our science project, and that Damian agreed to dinner.

"What's the objective of going to Becky's?" Papa asks me to make sure I'm focused on the mission as we get closer to the Blackbell estate. I hold up the bug he wants me to place at her fathers office entrance. Which is almost invisible to the naked eye.

"How about for Saturday's dinner?" He continues to ask about our most recent goals. "For Damian to feel safe coming to us, so when he's in danger he can hide out here."

"Showing him were his allies, will motivate him to aid us in our mission." Papa says factily.

As we approach Becky's estate I take off my bracelet which I slide in my bra. Papa eyes me, but doesn't ask.

Once we enter through the gates, we realize security has doubled on the property. We even had to have our belongings searched before we entered.

The senior butler greeted us after the various levels of security which I could only compare to an airport.

He lets us know Becky isn't available at the moment. What he doesn't know is that from the moment he came into view I was reading his thoughts.

Which were flooded with worry about Becky.

I wasn't sure as to why at first but then it hit me. The words of Donovan saying they needed to make another opening to get to Becky.

But it can't possibly be true. Did Donovan kidnap Becky? Did he succeed in his plan regardless of my efforts? I try to keep my voice even, as I can hear his worried thoughts about her safety.

"No problem, I just didn't want her to fall behind at the beginning of the year." I gave him the packet of school assignments.

I peer up at the stairs that lead to the level where her bedroom is, but most of all her fathers office. "Did Becky leave my bracelet with you? She told me over the weekend she left it on her dresser for me to grab." He nods his head no.

I take a step toward the stairs and the butler takes a step forward as well. "I'm sure another time-" he begins to say but I turn to him "Sir it was my late mothers bracelet, and her birthday is tomorrow and I've never, not had on her bracelet for her birthday." I force some tears to the brink of my eyes. The butler's eyes soften at my false admission.

"Quickly Ms. Anya." I nod and head up the stairs as I can hear Papa's thoughts of where I learned to be a good liar.

While I know he's keeping the butler busy I grab the bug and walk along the hall until I reach the door all the way to the end. Some murmurs of voices could be heard from outside but I know better than to linger.

I stick the temporary bug along the frame of the door but close to the keyhole where sound will likely be filtered through.

I stopped by Becky's room for good measure, it was more me confirming that she's really not here. I walked around and noticed the dresser was off center and the items on her dresser were half strewn across the floor. I took out my phone and tried to take photos without disturbing it, much like it was a crime scene. I took pictures of all the windows and doors and different angles in the room. The condition was drastically different from when I was last here.

What also stuck out, was Becky's phone that was in the middle of her bed. I grabbed it and pocketed it before heading out realizing I'm taking up too much time.

Once out of the room I grabbed my bracelet from my bra and fastened it back on. As I made a grand show of how I wish I could thank her for finding it when I returned to the foyer.

Papa and I take our leave and head home where we try to listen to the bug. But other than Becky's father working from home from the sounds of it, there was nothing incriminating as of yet.

Papa continued listening as I grabbed a handful of peanuts to snack on while I headed to my room.

I plugged in Becky's phone since I haven't been the only one looking for her. Me being her Best Friend we know each other's passwords. So getting in was easy, the feeling of peering into her personal life, not so easy.

She has plenty of missed calls from various people. I take a deep breath and try to focus, the last time I talked to Becky was Saturday night when she was texting me about not going to school.

I go into spy mode and grab a notebook and start a timeline from what I could piece together on her phone and social media. It doesn't take long to realize she was sick of the staff hounding her after the attack. When it looks like she was making plans to meet up with her boyfriend.

Her phone being left behind is something Becky wouldn't do, ever. They're had to be something in here that could help us. I stared at the phone and took down her boyfriend's information. Feeling the need to add him to my suspect list, I need to figure out what his role is and question him. I forwarded a picture of the two of them together to my phone so I had a picture of him for reference.

Deciding I should give the phone to Papa once it's charged in case he can search more deeply into the phone.

I scroll onto a picture Becky took of us over the summer, we were both smiling widely and genuinely carefree. When things were simpler...

I rub her face in the picture, "Becky…I'll find you." the clock in the living room dongs making me realize the time. I need to call Damian for our study session.

The phone rang a few times and then Damian's voice came through. I'm not sure why but I wasn't sure if he was going to answer for a second, but he did.

He asked about Becky and I wasn't sure if I should tell him that she's possibly been kidnapped by his dad.

But I'm sure that won't fly over well, so I decided against it. I don't want to involve him unnecessarily, especially after last time. I don't want Damian to be punished like that ever, not because of me…