I stand in the doorway and watching Bash briskly walk towards the Atrium. His father was always lurking around the Overseer's office trying to score points. We planned to meet back at the hideout at 6 pm, right before curfew. Only a few hours to go. I make my way out of the main hall towards the Lab. I'm sure Jonas and Dad will be hard at work still but I need to talk to him. Maybe he can offer me some insight on this whole situation. I'm sure he won't be shocked to hear the news about Bastion. He practically is my father's son. Any advice at this point will be helpful. I have no earthly idea what I'm going to do to solve my dilemma.
As I made my way past the kitchen Butch pops out from behind the doorway. I nearly have a heart attack and I grab the wall behind me to steady myself. What a jerk. Though that isn't news.
"Oh look its Re-Re. I see you don't have you're guard dog to protect you. How sad", he says making a fake crying sound.
"He isn't my guard dog. In fact, the only mutt I see around here is you."
"How cute, your trying to be a tough girl now. Too bad no one is scared of you, Princess", he cackles. Just the sound of his voice makes my entire body cringe. What a tool.
"Listen, unless you are in dire need of medical attention I need to go. I could always arrange that if you would like...", I smile even though it's killing me.
"Go away, run off to your daddy but you can't hide much longer. Hope your prepared for the Aptitude Test", he says as he lunges forward and pushes me down.
I fall hard right on my elbow, that's definitely going to bruise. He just cackles some more and leaves the hall followed by his minions. What a group of assholes. For as long as I've been friends with Bash they have been a gang. The 'Tunnel Snakes' is what they call themselves. Such a dumb name. They have never even been in the tunnels because they are too afraid. They may seem though but I know deep down they are cowards. Paul and Wally were always the sort of kids that would follow anyone but I really never thought Freddie would join. He used to be such a nice kid. Oh well, I guess not everyone can turn out to be a decent human.
I manage to pick myself off the floor and back onto my feet and realize my fall was worse than I thought. I was bleeding from a huge gash on my arm. I must have hit the old riveting on the wall. Dammit. Butch strikes again... Bash is gonna be pissed. Maybe I'll keep this one to myself. Speaking of him, what was Butch talking about? Why would he mention the G.O.A.T out of nowhere and that hiding comment? So creepy, then again so was he. He is probably just trying to mess with my head. This wouldn't be the first time.
I start walking slowly towards the Lab again and finally make it to the door a good ten minutes later. That fall really did slow me down. As soon as I enter the room Jonas comes striding up to greet me.
"Hey Kiddo! We were just talking about you. Where did you run off to this time?" He smiles and pauses waiting politely for my response. Jonas has been working my father for as long as I can remember. He is probably the friendliest person in this place aside from Bash.
"Oh you know, around. Just trying to get a bite to eat and one thing lead to another and I realized the time. Sorry for taking so long!" I quickly make my way over to the desk and sit down in my Dad's creaky old leather chair. My arm is really starting to sting and my body feels like i got hit by a truck. Makes sense, Butch has got to be a good 250 lbs.
"Ahhh yes, must be nice to be so young and forgetful", he chuckles as he goes back to the lab table with his work.
I figured Dad would be working with Jonas but he isn't here. I debate moving but I'm sore now and just want to sit here for a little while longer. What a day. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around all that's happened so far. Hopefully I can gain some clarity later but right now my head feels like exploding. I try to open the top drawer of the desk but it's locked. Weird. Usually the desk is always open. I was really hoping to find something to help this killer headache. A few minutes later my Dad walks in and sees me holding a rag to my arm. He gives me a once over and frowns.
"Butch", he sighs and makes his way over to where I'm sitting.
"How'dya know?" I murmur under my breath. Of course he knows. He has been fixing up all my injuries thanks to Butch for years. Though a lot less frequently after I met Bash.
"Lucky guess", he smiles and carefully removes the rag from my arm, "not so bad this time. What was his little ragtag crew up to? I'm sure nothing useful." He always thought they were an unnecessary nuisance but they somehow always manage to remain unscathed.
"The usual. Being idiots, pushing down girls to make themselves feel like big boys", I laugh and look up at my Dad. He smiles and starts to clean the cut gently. He was looking older than usual. He works too much. The worry lines in his face seem to double every year. I wish he would slow down but I know it will never happen. That just isn't in his nature.
"There all fixed", he says as he places a bandage over it. "Try to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon. I can't have my star assistant being damaged right before the G.O.A.T." Yes, the Generalized Occupational Aptitude Test... how could I forget that's all anyone can talk about today.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that..."
"Sure, honey. What's on your mind?" He looks at me and reassures me with a smile.
"Soooooo do I have to take the test? I mean what if I end up a hairdresser or something."
"I highly doubt that. You are too smart. Besides it's really nothing to fret over. I barely think it's suitable to decide anyone's fate but I'm not the one in charge around here", he says and grabs my face between his hands. "What's really bothering you, Sweetie? Did something happen? You look distant."
"Sorta...I'm just nervous that I'm never gonna see Bash. If we don't get the same results or close to we will hardly see each other. I'm gonna lose my best friend...", I pause and barely manage to mumble, "or boyfriend?" I sit frozen and squeeze my eyes shut waiting to breathe. Then I hear loud boisterous laughing.
"So you finally got a hint huh? I've been waiting for this moment for the past five years." He breaks out into the biggest grin I've ever seen and motions for me to come. I jump up and he envelopes me in his arms. He gives me a good squeeze and says, "Don't worry so much about the test. You two are too smart for this place. That test is a waste of time, I know you will both be right here with me."
"I hope you're right. I can't believe you knew Bash liked me this whole time. Am I really that oblivious?" I can feel my cheeks turning bright red but I shove my face into his chest to hide them.
"Ahhh don't feel bad, Hun. I don't even think Sebastian knew until a year or so ago. Father's just know this stuff sometimes, it's a like a third eye", he snickers. It feels so nice to be in my Dad's arms. He wasn't always the most affectionate type but whenever I really needed him he was always there. He starts to move away gently and says, "I have some work to get done with Jonas but why don't you go rest up. I'll let you off the hook for today since you are a little worse for wear."
"Really?" The thought of a nice bath and some rest sounds perfect right about now. My body was starting to ache where I had been shoved and I could use the rest to clear my head. "You're sure you don't need any help?"
"Positive. I'll try to see you for dinner but you know how it goes sometimes. We might be onto something", he says cautiously. His eyes pleading with me not to be upset with him. He never seemed to make it to dinner lately. I couldn't be mad though, I have my own plans to attend to tonight.
"It's totally fine. See ya when I see ya." I get on my tippy toes to give him a kiss on the cheek and make my way to the door. Thankfully our quarters are located close to the Lab. I unlock the door and hobble into my room. Suddenly I was too tired to move or take a bath so I lay down on the bed. I kept replaying all the events of today over and over in my head. I set my alarm for 5:30 pm and drift off.