Chapter 34
Benjamin Academy High School
Daniela sighs as she places her textbooks in her locker. Her day was going well until her science teacher decided to give a surprise test.
The girl was so not prepared for that.
To be fair, the whole class was caught by surprise. It wasn't the hardest test in the world but it wasn't the easiest either.
A heads-up would have been much appreciated.
The teenager knows she isn't academically gifted. She is not one of the blessed few who can learn school subjects on their first run.
She has always struggled when it came to her academics. Her grades averaged below average before she met Emily.
Of course, she was always told that this was a result due to her family's struggles. A child growing up in a broken home is not expected to excel academically.
But she always hated the fact that she was part of the statistics of at-risk kids.
If she were to continue with that route, she would most likely end up with the same fate as her only other living family member.
She refuses to be like him.
She doesn't even know him but she knows to stray away from his steps.
She finishes placing her books in her locker when she feels her phone buzz. She takes her phone out to see her most recent message.
Em:
Hi honey. I just wanted to get in touch with u. We are still busy with the case but I promise to call u soon.
Em:
I love u
The girl smiles to herself as she reads the texts. She knows the agent has only been out of town for a day but she can't help but miss her.
Ever since the incident that happened weeks ago, she has spent a good amount of her time with Emily.
The teenager knows that Emily still worries about her. She keeps her under close watch. It isn't annoying or bothersome to the girl.
She just hopes one day Emily will be at complete peace. That is the least she deserves.
She feels someone tap her shoulder. Daniela turns around and smiles as she sees Alexandra in front of her.
"Hey you," the new girl says with a smile.
"Sorry, I didn't want to startle you. I called your name out but I guess you didn't hear me," she continues.
"My bad. I was a little distracted that's all," Daniela apologetically replies.
"How's your day so far?" Dani asks as she closes her locker.
"It's been going well so far. Still trying to get the hang of things but I think I'll be in sync in no time."
"You?" Alexa asks as she leans against the metal lockers.
"I was doing well until my dear science teacher decided to give a surprise test," Daniela responds with a sigh.
"I'm sure you did great," Alexa assures her and Dani smiles in response.
"I just hope I passed. I'm, not the greatest when it comes to science and math. A surprise test will show that," she said with a nervous chuckle.
"Really? If you would like, I Can help you with that. I can be some sort of tutor for you. Core school subjects are a strong suit for me," the new girl offers.
"You sure? Because I so need help in some of my classes."
"Totally. Take it as a sincere form of thank you for being the first person to take me to this school," Alexa put forth.
"In that case, I am keeping you as a friend. It would be dumb not to on my end," Daniela comments with a smile.
"Ready for lunch? I have a group of friends to introduce you to," Dani adds as she gestures to the front of the hallway.
"Yes. I hope to not intrude with your friends though," Alexa answers with a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"No worries. They are super chill and I bet they will instantly like you," Daniela assures her as they make their way to the cafeteria.
She suddenly stops as she realizes she forgot to do something important to her.
A small action that can be insignificant to most but not to her. She wants to make sure it's done before she forgets.
"Oh wait. Give me a second, I forgot to do one thing," she explains as she takes out her phone.
Alexandra turns around and sees the girl type something on her phone a tender smile on her face.
Daniela finishes typing her message and hits send as she walks with the new student once more.
Em:
Hi honey. I just wanted to get in touch with u. We are still busy with the case but I promise to call u soon.
Em:
I love u
Me:
Ok. Take care. Love u too
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Randolph County, WV
Emily is standing in front of the latest crime scene that was recently discovered by local authorities.
The scene reflects the past four murders that have happened on the rural roads of Coalton. An apparent car collision with a victim suffering from gunshot wounds.
These wounds have all been precise and fatal. From what she sees, the agent can tell the Unsub is perfecting his style.
"Based on what we see here, this couldn't have happened more than 30 minutes ago," Alvez says as he meets up with his boss.
"The unit who reported the scene made the call at 12:15. It's 12:37 right now. There is a strong possibility the Unsub was in the area when the body was found," Emily explains.
"Do you think he stayed to watch?" The man asks.
"If he did he probably panicked. He knows we are on to him but he is unable to stop himself from killing."
Just then, JJ walks up to the two agents.
"This Unsub is perfecting his skill. The victim received one fatal wound to the head. This is the first time he uses one bullet to kill," she tells them.
"By the looks of it, he used the same long-range sniper but ballistics will confirm," she adds.
"Alvez, I need units to track the possible location in which the shot was taken. This was done fast and there could be a possibility the Unsub wasn't able to erase his tracks," Emily orders.
"Will do. I'll be with the unit in case they find something," Luke responds as he leaves.
"JJ, I need you to start preparing a report for the media. This Unsub kills in remote areas so chances of witnesses are slim but we need them to be cautious."
"Okay. Are you going back to the station?" JJ asks.
"Yes. I'll see what Reid and Rossi found out from the victim's family. I'll go with you."
Both agents make their way to the SUV, their shoes lifting the dry dirt of the road as they make their way to the vehicle.
JJ makes a quick call to Spencer, giving him the latest update on the case as well as letting him know that they are on their way back to the station.
On the other side, Emily rests her head against her seat. They have been working for hours and this is honestly her first real break.
She knows the Unsub is getting sloppy and it will be only a matter of time before he messes up.
Once he does, it will be over for him.
Emily takes out her phone as well, wanting to check the time as well as see if she received any updates from her agents.
She is unable to hide a smile once she sees that she received a message from Daniela.
Dani
Ok. Take care. Love u too
This is the first time today in which she genuinely smiles. This case has been draining and adding the fact that another body was found did not help.
One person that will never fail to make her smile is Daniela. Even through text, she still manages to make her day a little better.
The woman cannot wait to go back home and see her.
"What or who is making you smile like that? I am in desperate need of smiling too," JJ says as she glances at her boss.
"Oh, it's just Dani. I sent her a text earlier today and she followed up with a small but sweet text."
"Aww. You are giving me a glimpse of hope that once my boys turn into teenagers, they will still show me some type of affection," JJ says.
"I'm sure they will. After all, they grew up with a very caring mother," Emily puts forth.
"Thank you for that. If my words mean anything, I also think you are doing great with Dani," JJ tells her with a small smile.
"If it's coming from you then I think I'm on the right track. I just hope I don't screw up more than I have," the brunette replies with nervousness.
Emily would never admit her security to anyone she isn't close to. Especially when it comes to her parenting but JJ is her best friend. Their friendship is a strong bond that allows her to confide in her.
JJ is also a parent. When Emily took in the teenager, JJ was understanding of the woman's nervousness and worries.
The blonde was able to assure and even guide her in what she needed assistance with. JJ believed that all Emily needed was a boost of confidence.
She has seen her interact with children of all ages, whether from a case or even her kids. JJ could tell that Emily was more than capable of providing the warmth and comfort that Dani needed.
"But you haven't screwed up in any way. You have given Dani everything she needs," JJ assures her.
"Is it weird that it still doesn't feel like it's enough for her? Dani deserves a great life and sometimes I think I'm not doing my best to give her that."
"I think that is a common feeling when it comes to parenting. Which is unfortunate but we all want the best for our kids. All we can do is strive for their happiness," JJ begins.
"There is no perfect parent. We all make mistakes along the way. The important thing is that we get to see them happy and healthy. To make sure that they feel loved."
Emily listens to JJ's words as she reflects on them. The woman is right. No parent is perfect. You just have to be the best version of yourself for your kid.
"At the end of the day, our reward is their love. I can see the way Daniela interacts with you. That girl loves you. She loves you more than she wants to give in."
"You think?" Emily asks.
"I know it for a fact. Don't doubt yourself. You are doing great."
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Benjamin Academy High School
Daniela was more than relieved when the final bell of the day rang, announcing the end of another school day.
She quickly packs her things and gets out of her class, making her way to the front of the building.
She exits the school and walks past dozens of teenagers who are also leaving for the day as teachers try their best to make it a smooth transition.
Since Emily is in another state, Daniela usually goes home either by Penelope picking her up or by public transportation.
Walking is also an option but only if she has the energy to do so.
Daniela opted to use the second method today as she didn't want to bother the tech by having her drive in D.C. rush hour traffic.
She continues to walk towards the picnic table located at the side of the carpool when she sees a familiar person sitting at the end of the bench.
"Hey you," she says as she sets her book bag on the table.
Alexandra looks up from her phone and smiles as she sees Daniela taking a seat.
"I didn't expect to see you here. Normally you are gone by now," Dani said.
"Yeah, typically someone from my host family is here to pick me up by now but I received a text that they are stuck in traffic," the girl sighs.
"Yikes. That is D.C. traffic for you. Busy at all hours and hectic during rush," Dani comments.
"I don't think I will ever get used to that," Alexa responds.
"And you? Are you also waiting for someone to pick you up?"
"Nah. I'm taking the good old metro bus today. Typically someone does pick me up but I had mercy on their soul and told them not to worry today," Dani responds.
"That is very generous of you," Alexa smiles.
"I know right? I'm great," Daniela chirps.
"But I am also going to wait a bit. If I take the bus now, that thing is going to be very packed. I'll just wait it out."
"That's one of the good things about the city. From what I've seen, public transportation is widely available around here," Alexa observed.
"I'm from a rural town so public transit isn't nearly as ample compared to here. If the bus left you then it is an hour wait for the next one."
"The pros and cons of city vs rural residents. You win some and you lose some," Daniela says.
"You've lived in D.C. for a while or were you raised here?" The new girl asks.
"I've lived here for about two years now but I grew up around the area," Daniela replies.
"So anything you want to know about this city and its perks, I'm here to guide you whenever you need."
"That's great!" Alexa voiced.
"I do want to go and explore more about this city. I'm just finishing settling down for me to go out and see."
"Just let me know what you want to see. This place has a lot to offer. On one side you have your classic monument and on the other, you have some hidden gems."
"Be careful, I might take your word for it. Be warned that I want to see it all," Alexandra advised as Daniela smiled.
"But now that I have you here, I do have a question," Alexa brings up.
"Sure. What is it?"
"Who is that group over there? I hear some stuff about them but I don't know much," Alexa said as she nodded toward the other side of the car pool.
Daniela follows Alexa's gaze and sees the group she is talking about. Her demeanor changed into annoyance once she recognized who they were.
"Those people are known as the 'chaotics'. They are a group who there sole personality is to cause trouble and destruction," Daniela starts.
"It's best if you keep your distance from them. They mess with anyone who even looks at them the wrong way."
"Wow. They sound horrible," Alexandra said.
"And to think I have a class with one of them," she adds.
"With whom?"
"I think his name is Max? Something like that."
"Eww. Not that asshole," Daniela shivers as Alexa looks at her in confusion.
"I want you to hear it from me first then from someone else. I got into an altercation with that group a few weeks back. A fight basically," Dani explains.
"Those people are smarter than they look. They got under my skin and had everything planned out to get me suspended. Trust me when I tell you, don't mess with them."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Alexa says as she looks at the girl.
"I mean... it wasn't too bad. Not to toot my own horn but I won that fight. Two against one and they still couldn't handle me," Dani said with a smug face as Alexa laughed.
Buzz Buzz Buzz
Daniela frowns in confusion as she feels her phone ring in her pocket, not expecting a call from anyone.
She takes out her phone and sees Emily's name on the caller ID.
"Oh, excuse me. I have to take this call real quick," Dani tells Alexa as she stands up to take the call.
"Hey," Dani answers.
"Hey, you. How are you?" Emily replies from the other end of the line.
"I'm good. Just got out of school which is always great," Dani answers.
"And you? How are things over there?"
"It's going alright. It is a rather hard case but I know we are close to catching this guy."
"That's good to hear considering I know that a small rural town in West Virginia doesn't sound like the best fit for you to stay there long term."
"What makes you think that? I could use this... change of scenery," The agent defends herself.
"You couldn't convince yourself that even if you wanted to, Em. Admit it. You are and will always be a city girl," the girl jokes.
"Ugh. I hate that you are right," the agent mumbles as Dani laughs.
"But seriously though. You are going to catch that guy and come back to the city you call home."
"And that is why we are working overtime. I believe we all want to go back home," Emily comments.
"I just wanted to call and see if you were doing okay. I also wanted to make sure you weren't in any kind of trouble."
"C'mon now. You don't have to worry about me. I'm over here chillin'. Zero drama and zero craziness," the girl states.
"I think the universe believes that I deserve a break."
"Just making sure. I have to go now, but please take care and be good," Emily said.
"Oh, and if someone wants to start something with you or wants to provoke you in some type of way-"
"No worries. I won't start a fight," Dani noted.
"Thank you," the woman sighs in relief.
"But I will end it," the girl finishes.
"Dani, no!"
"What? Just in self-defense. Do you want them to hit me like a piñata?"
"No... just, stay out of it as much as you can."
"Roger that, captain. Now go, solve the case, and come back home safe," the teen says.
"Will do. You also take care. If you need something, I'm just a call away," Emily lets her know.
"And as always, I love you," she adds, Daniela unable to hide the smile that formed when she heard this.
"Love you too. Bye," Dani says as she hangs up the call.
She turns around and sits down next to Alexandra, putting her phone away.
"Was that your mom?" Alexandra asked as she was able to hear snippets of the conversation.
Daniela looks at the girl and takes a moment to think before answering.
"Not exactly. It was Emily, my foster parent. My mom passed away a few years back," Dani answers.
"Oh my gosh, I didn't know that. I'm so sorry," Alexandra apologizes, feeling awful for bringing Daniela's mother like that.
"Oh no, it's cool. No need to apologize. Like you said, you didn't know. Plus, it happened a few years ago," Dani says, trying to calm down the girl.
"Emily took me in after my mom passed. I've been living with her since."
"It sounds like you two are close," Alexa comments.
"Emily is great. One of the best people I've ever known. I guess we grew close since we've been living together for a while," Dani shares.
"That's good to hear. It never hurts to have someone to lean on," Alexa said as heard a car honking on the lot.
"It looks like my ride is here," the new girl says, standing up and getting her book bag.
"I'll see you tomorrow in class. Take care on your way back," Alexandra tells the girl with a tender smile.
"You too. See you tomorrow."