Chapter 6
3rd POV
It was last lesson. Mr Flatley was going on about the Nazis and how they affected Britain. As usual, no-one apart from Rose was listening. Carrie was sat with her eyes closed, humming the Varsouviana, a Russian Polka to which her latest gym routine was to. Everyone else was talking or just sat doing nothing. Oscar and Kittie however were sat looking at lots of sheets of paper that were covering the desk and laughing quietly.
"So let me get this straight, you got Stark fired from MI6 last year because you crash landed through the roof of a building?"
Kittie shook her head. "Not just any old building, the houses of parliament which was totally where I shouldn't have been. Last year, my cousin called saying Edie and co. needed help – they're my Uncle's team. So I took a leaf out of the Alex Rider books and parachuted through the glass roof."
Oscar laughed. "I wish I could have seen Stark's face."
Kittie smiled and pulled a picture out of the pile. "You can. I had a camera in my badge and Red pulled off a still from the film afterwards. Stark didn't know what hit him, see?"
Oscar burst out laughing, unable to keep quiet any longer. Everyone turned and stared at them, looking confused. Carrie stopped humming and leant over to see what was up. Avril scowled.
"Oscar, is there something you two want to share with the rest of the class?" asked Mr Flatley.
Oscar shook his head. "Um, not… not really sir."
Kittie pulled another picture out from the pile and pushed it in front of Oscar. He glanced down at it and smiled. "It's this, this picture a British cartoonist drew of Hitler. It's, it's, well why don't you show everyone sir," he held it up and looked at Kittie. "Thank-you" he mouthed and she smiled slightly.
Mr Flatley took the picture and smiled. "Yes, I see what you mean. Class, why don't you pass it around. Where did you get it from Oscar?"
Oscar shuffled in his chair nervously. "Um, it's not mine, it's Kittie's, hence why I laughed."
Mr Flatley turned to Kittie. "Oh, okay, where did you get it from?"
Kittie frowned. "I got it from my grandfather. He was a publicist thing and he got copies of the pictures for me. I had to make a portfolio for my old school and I got lots of pictures from him about loads of things, cartoon drawings of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and plenty of other Nazi leaders." She blushed and looked down at the desk, moving the pieces of paper around.
Mr Flatley smiled. "It's alright. Do you have any more pictures on you?"
Kittie nodded. "Uh, yeah. I have it all with me. I didn't know what I'd need. We always had to bring it with us at my old school." She pulled a folder out from the pile and handed it to Mr Flatley.
He looked through the papers and smiled. "Do you mind if I keep this for a bit?"
Kittie shook her head. "As long as I get it back before the exams sir."
Mr Flatley turned to the white board again.
Oscar looked at Kittie. "Don't you need it back? Isn't it MI9 stuff?" he whispered, making sure this time they wouldn't get heard.
Kittie shook her head again. "No, it really is a portfolio I did for Barclay on the Nazis. It's fine. What we want is here, in front of us." She smiled up at him and waved the picture of Stark around.
The bell rang and the two of them gathered all the papers together and put them into a folder.
"Alright, everyone, you can go," said Mr Flatley, turning to face the class again.
Kittie picked her bag and the folder up and stood behind the chair nervously as Oscar put his books into his bag. "Uh, did you want a lift home Oscar?"
He looked up. "Uh, sure. How… oh yeah, I told you earlier. Yeah, that'd be great. I just need to find Duncan and tell him, not that he'd care if he didn't know where I was."
She nodded. "Sure. He's uh… over there," she said, pointing towards the door.
Oscar looked at her confusedly. She sighed. "You told me earlier when he and his friends ran into us and you yelled at them for flirting with me."
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well you're new here and you shouldn't have to put up with that, especially from him. He's such a jerk, especially to uh pretty girls. "
She laughed lightly and put a hand on his arm. "Oh, so you think I'm pretty then? Look, don't worry about him and I'm sure it's not that bad. You can always stay over at mine if you want to get away from him. We have plenty of spare rooms what with it being a hotel and all. Then again… maybe not. Uncle Tristan would have a fit, well both of them would. Uncle Max didn't like Robin staying over."
Oscar smiled. "Thanks. Don't worry. Come on then, let's go speak to him before we go."
They walked to the door and stopped as Duncan and his friends sauntered past. One of them stopped and stared at Kittie. Duncan ran into him and scowled.
"What the heck? Connor, why'd you stop? Oh it's Oscar," he sneered at the pair before winking at Kittie. "Hey there. You need a ride love?"
Kittie shook her head. "That's alright. Just letting you know I was giving Oscar a lift home, that's all."
"Why'd you want to give a loser like him a lift home? You could give me a lift instead."
Oscar tensed and Kittie shook her head. "No. Oscar was going to pick something up from a friend who lives near me so it seemed convenient. I wouldn't want to put you out of your way."
"Ha! Like Oscar has a friend," he laughed, the rest of his gang joining in.
"You'd be surprised; after all, I'm his friend. Come on Oscar." Kittie smiled sweetly up at Duncan before walking out of the room, followed by Oscar.
Kittie's POV
I walked past them followed by Oscar, hoping he wasn't going to hit any of them. No, revenge is best served cold. I hate bullies. Oscar shouldn't have to put up with that. Maybe I'd show him a few tricks he can use later that wouldn't get him in too much trouble. I smiled and waited on the sidewalk for Joe, sitting on the wall next to Oscar.
"Oscar, are you alright? You're better than them and there's no need to lash out. They're stupid. Stick with me kid and I'll show you a few things you can do to get your own back."
He looked at me, unsure of whether I was serious. I smiled and nodded. I knew I was vaguely quoting something form some action movie Jack liked to watch but I wasn't sure if he knew. For a few seconds he sat there really angry with Duncan and then he smiled.
"Yeah, okay. So who's picking us up?"
"Um, a 'friend' of my Uncle's. He should be here now."
"Well, I guess it gives us more time to talk."
I swear I could feel his embarrassment and smiled at him, letting him know it was alright.
"So, how're you enjoying St Hopes? What're your impressions so far?"
"It's alright, I guess. Nowhere near as good as Barclay but I'll be alright. After Mum and Dad… at the end of August, Uncle's been trying to get me to move and I guess I just cracked after we were told about Alan. I feel so bad for his parents, getting told by the police that their son had been mugged and stabbed in an alley and they didn't even catch those who did it."
"Yeah, it sucks. St Hopes is alright though and I'm sure you'll be able to cope. You're not alone here. You've got me. Oh look, here comes trouble." He nodded over at Duncan and gripped the wall tightly, his left hand dropping away from my mine.
I saw red flash across my eyes and I gripped the wall tightly too. Oscar didn't have to put up with this. He should have a nice family, not a foster one where the parents were too busy all the time.
"Don't worry, cavalry's here. Joe won't let him in if I say so. He'll be alright, just trust me."
Joe got out of the car and waved.
"Come on," I said and grabbed his hand. I let it go, remembering where we were, but his reached for mine and I smiled. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he likes me rather than Honey. Why, maybe, I don't know. No, no. It's too soon. I'll just make sure I'm too busy to think about him like that, about anyone like that. We got off the wall, walked over and I smiled at Joe.
"Hey Joe, this is Oscar. We're giving him a lift to his home. Unless you think Uncle will let him stay for a bit? No I guess he won't. Sorry Oscar."
Joe nodded. "Okay. So it's just him right, and not any of them?" he nodded at Duncan and co.
I shook my head and held up the hand that was holding Oscar's. "Just Oscar."
He nodded and held the back door of the black Sedan open for me. I smiled and looked at Oscar.
"After you."
He shook his head and let go of my hand, much to my disappointment. "After you Kittie."
I smiled and climbed into the back of the car, glad Joe hadn't brought the limo which he usually did at Barclay. Oscar climbed in beside me and closed the door.
"Wow, this is nice. Is this your Uncle's?" he asked, bouncing lightly on the tan-leather seat.
I nodded and lightly touched his hand that was reaching forward to the headrest in front of him.
"Don't touch, please. I haven't worked out what explodes in here yet. Most of Uncle's cars have something that explodes for a quick getaway. It wouldn't be good if if… if we blew our cover now."
He nodded and settled back in the seat, his fingers running lightly over the leather of the seat between us. I sat there, trying to think of what to say. I'd never had trouble talking to anyone before, but with Oscar, I just didn't know what to say. Outside, I heard Joe talking to Duncan. I smirked. That boy really couldn't take no for an answer. Oscar tensed up beside me and I touched the back of his hand again. He relaxed slightly, hopefully from my touch, and he looked at me.
"You're very um, hands on, aren't you?"
Damn, he'd noticed. "It's just a habit. With Cal, Sophie and Tom my younger siblings, it was just so much easier using hand gestures and touch rather than words, especially as they couldn't understand and Robin, Robin was blind, a genetic default. That's what makes me a really good spy. I don't rely on sight all the time but sound and touch a lot too. We all do."
He nodded and I was glad. That's the easiest way to explain it. I wasn't sure if he'd still be as well, lenient as he had been up till now but I half hoped he would.
"So um…"
Joe got into the front and I sighed with relief, glad no more awkward questions could be raised. Despite that though, there were a few minutes of awkward silence. Oscar looked around, avoiding my eyes and kept looking out of the window then at the back of Joe's head.
"So um, Joe, do you work for MI9 or just Kittie's Uncle Tristan?"
"Both. My job is to keep the family safe and the Barclay lot when they're here. At the moment that more applies to Kittie seeing as she's been targeted by SKUL," he replied, his eyes never leaving the road and his hands tight on the dark leather steering wheel.
I grimaced then smiled. "Yes, unfortunately but I take it in stride. Joe, is Lexi back yet? I need to talk to him about next Sunday when he said he'd help we take the little ones to the cinema as Michael's busy. Speaking of which, is Michael back yet? Barclay finish earlier than here," The last bit I directed at Oscar, then turned back towards Joe, waiting for a reply.
Joe shook his head, this time looking in the wing mirror at us. "No, sorry. If it was up to me, none of you would be out in the field, even you Oscar. I don't think it's right having kids doing this. However, it's not my place to comment, but you're not going out on field work until Saturday anyway Katharine, Tristan knows that."
I smiled; glad someone was looking out for me, other than my friends. Oscar frowned, a little confused.
"Joe's someone you don't mess with, ever, even if you're as high up as my Uncle. He taught me all I know, all me and Michael know and he taught most of the others as well, come to think about it."
He smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll just take your word for it. If he's as… dangerous as you imply well then I guess I wouldn't want to mess with him, or you for that matter."
I smiled again, glad he trusted me at least a little, even if that meant he was a little scared.
"Oscar, where do you live now? Don't actually know the exact location. I know it's fairly near Kittie but I don't really know much about other MI9 agents."
"Um, take a right here, then second left, third turning off the round-about, immediate left, then it's past the blue gates on the right, number 17." Oscar looked out the window then back at me.
"Thanks kid."
Oscar smiled at me. "Very protective, isn't he?" he mouthed and I stifled a laugh.
"Yeah, he is. When my parents were… working, he used to look after us," I whispered back. "Oscar, I'm really sorry about your mum. With your dad… gone, it's just not fair. Look, if you ever want to talk, about anything, you can always talk to me. I don't judge by actions or what others have done. I judge from what's in a person's heart and soul, who they are really."
He looked a little distant but smiled, "Thanks."
The rest of the journey was silent. Joe pulled up in front of Oscar's current house and he got out of the car to open the door for Oscar. Oscar got there first and pushed the door open, nearly hitting Joe. I smirked and turned away so it wouldn't look like I was laughing at Oscar. Oscar climbed out and Joe stepped back, his hands held up in surrender. As he went to shut the door, he stopped and turned back to look at me.
"Thanks for the lift. Nice meeting you Joe. I'll see you tomorrow Kittie."
I nodded, knowing he wanted to say more but couldn't really, especially in front of Joe. "Bye Oscar and don't let Duncan bully you. Call me if you ever need someone to talk to."
He smiled and nodded before walking up to the front-door. His foster-mother opened the door.
"Do you want to invite your friend in Oscar?" I heard her ask. He shook his head, mumbled something about work and walked in front her into the semi-detached house.
The door shut and I leaned back against the seat in relief, my eyes closed. My hands were shaking and my heart was racing but there was a small smile on my face.
'Stop it,' I told myself. 'He's just a guy, get over it. There's no need to be so… weirdly happy.'
Joe looked at me in the rear-view mirror and chuckled. "He seemed nice and the two of you seem close. Is he your new boyfriend Katharine?"
My eyes snapped open and I glared at him. "No. He's just a friend. I only met him properly today Joe. I'd never really seen him before, or spoken to him. I don't even like him that way."
"Sure Miss Katharine. A tip: if you're going to ask him out, make sure you know him a bit better."
I kicked his seat and he laughed. "I'm only teasing. But how is he going to call you?"
I opened my mouth to answer 'with a phone of course, duh', when I realised he was right. I hadn't actually given him my mobile number, let alone my home phone. Damn. I cursed and sighed. "Home Joe, please and as quick as possible. I've got lots to catch up on yet."
He chuckled. "Yes Miss Katharine."
Oscar's POV
Carol opened the door before I'd even got up to the steps. She asked if I wanted Kittie to come in. I mumbled something back to her about work and went to my room. I was so confused. First I couldn't stop thinking about Honey, and now I couldn't get Kittie out of my head. I don't know anymore. I hit the wall and waited for the pain to wash over me. I sighed and lay down on my bed. Carol tapped on my door. "Oscar sweetie, I'm sorry I couldn't give you a lift this morning, but you have a new friend! What's her name? What's she like? Oh I'm so happy for you,"
"It's alright; I just don't really want to talk about it now. Her name's Kittie and she's really nice. She's new here, just transferred and I'm showing her around and well she, her, her Uncle offered me a lift."
"Aww, your first crush, or that I know about. It's so sweet!" she gushed.
I rolled my eyes and gritted my teeth. No, she wasn't a crush, it's not a crush. She's just a friend, that's all. Although, she did grab my hand twice, and touch the back of it several times and I swear she did reach for my hand several other times. But then she did say her um dead boyfriend was blind. Maybe she thought I was him, and she did have younger siblings. It's not important anyway. I don't like her, not like that.
"Oscar?" I looked up and saw Carol staring at me. Damn, I forgot she was still here. Stupid girls.
"Are you alright?" I nodded. "Alright, dinner's at 6 and don't be late. Peter and I are going out tonight so you're in charge and you've got to put Emily to bed at 8 please."
I nodded again. Maybe I'll call Kittie later so that I don't have to listen to Duncan. Wait, she never actually gave me her number. Great(!) Now I had the whole evening where I couldn't do anything except keep out Duncan's way – so that I wouldn't hit him.
"Oscar?"
I nodded again. "Yeah, that's fine."
Carol smiled and looked at me. "Alright, just make sure you get your work done and don't stay up too late."
I nodded again and she walked out, shutting the door as she left. I sighed and rolled off my bed. Yes I had work to do, but that could wait. Right now, I was going to search the databases for Kittie and Honey. I had to know who they were.
