Exposing ELE (ELE Series #3)

by Nuckels, Courtney

  She takes a few moments to question it, biting her lip in thought. I make sure that I don't invade her privacy while she thinks. Finally, she says, “Yes. I’m ready.”

  “Good. We’ll need to meet downstairs in an hour with the others. They’re ironing out the details of the mission,” I tell her and Claire.

  “The mission?” Candy asks.

  “To rescue the prisoners,” I tell her. Because she’s still worried I add, “That is if your brother doesn't automatically release them to us.”

  She nods stoically.

  Claire puts her hand on Candy's back. “Maybe he will. Maybe we will get there and he will have already freed them all.” Leave it to Claire to always believe the best in people.

  Candy gives Claire an appreciative smile and then leaves the room. I'm glad I brought Claire with me. I honestly wish I could believe that things will end perfectly with one big bright happy ending. But these last few days have taught me that life isn't made up of shiny moments. Life is hard; it's gritty. One day you are filled with joy and the next, you are crawling through the muddy trenches with no inkling of when you might be able to climb your way back up again.

  “Thanks for your help,” I tell Claire.

  “Anytime.” She puts her hand around my shoulder knowing that I need the comfort too. “Let's go find our... I mean, the guys.”

  I nod my head as we leave the room. I wonder how Claire feels about Alec and me breaking up. Both of us dating best friends was an ideal set up. I can't help but wonder what she thinks of Tony and me.

  The guys haven't left the rec room so they are easy to find. Claire kisses Connor immediately when we enter the room. Alec and I both look away at the same time and end up making eye contact. I can see the fire in his eyes that tells me he is not letting go even if I say we need to just be friends.

  My cheeks heat and I feign interest in a game on the table. Just like the others in the old safe house, this one is a board game. It's called Trivial Pursuit. Giving Claire and Connor some much-needed privacy, I open the box to look at it closer. I find a bunch of pie shaped wheels and several little colored pie slices that I think are supposed to fill the wheel. I pull out one of the cards from the deck and read it. I've played trivia games like this on my tablet before, but I can't answer this question for the life of me.

  I didn't realize Alec had come up behind me until he snatches the card from my fingers and reads it aloud. “Name the phrase coined for the infection a fan obsessed with junior pop artist, Justin Bieber, has.”

  I look at him like he's crazy. “Who’s Justin Bieber?” And how on earth would he infect someone?

  Alec shrugs his shoulders. “I have no earthly idea.” He turns the card over in his hand to read the answer. “I know it's killing you and you just have to know the answer...” I laugh. He continues, “Bieber Fever.”

  I shake my head. “That is so... weird.” We both laugh.

  To pass the time before our meeting, Alec and I sit down at the table and look through some more of the cards. I can't answer any of them. It seems the one's we keep picking up have to do with entertainment stars or sports stars from the past. We can't help but laugh at all of the silly questions that make no sense. There was one about a pop star who wears a dress made out of raw meat. The answer was Lady Gaga. How absurd! A footnote said she asked someone named Cher to hold her meat purse. I mean, would a purse made of meat really be of any use? Maybe it was made of jerky…

  I laugh hard enough that tears come to my eyes. Laughing feels good. It's been a while and it's another thing that gives me the sense of normalcy I've been craving. In my fit of laughter, I hadn't noticed that someone entered the room until Tony comes to stand beside me.

  I look up at him and see a mixture of hurt and jealousy in his expression. All humor dies within me melting like snow under a heat lamp. I swallow hard, “Hi, Tony.”

  He looks from me to Alec and then back at me. “Are you having fun?”

  The tone in Tony’s words stings and I open my mouth to respond but Alec distracts me by standing up quickly. The sound of his chair screeching against the tile floor hurts my ears.

  “Yes, is there a problem with that?” Alec asks with a little too much machismo. I really hope this isn’t a pissing contest in the making.

  My eyes open wide as I look at Tony's expression. He looks none too happy. He doesn't let it get to him though. Instead, he tries to go the cool route. “No. Willow's happiness is important to me. If she was having fun, then by all means, I don't mean to interrupt.”

  “Ouch,” I think. Tony's eyes dart to mine and I realize he's heard me. “This is not what you think it is.”

  “What do you think I think it is?” he asks in a tongue-tying thought.

  “I don't know. We are just hanging out as friends, nothing more.” I don't know why I feel the need to further clarify that. It's not like I'm Tony's girlfriend or anything like that. I don't mention or think about the kiss Alec and I shared. My heart does double time worrying that I've messed up something with Tony... something that isn't even there yet.

  “Am I interrupting something?” Alec asks, seemingly annoyed.

  I realize that obviously within the time we've been having this inner monologue conversation, it seems like we are just staring at each other in silence.

  “No,” Tony says quickly. “I was just coming to tell Willow that we’re ready for her to come down.”

  My being around Alec has hurt Tony. I realize this, but he's going to have to find a way to get used to it. Because I plan on keeping my friendship with both of them, no matter what happens. “Okay. I'm ready.” I move from the table and realize I need to clue Tony in. “My friends are coming on the mission with us too.”

  Tony flashes his yellow eyes at me. “Absolutely not!”

  “They can help!” I steady my stare, letting him know I'm not going to waver.

  “They are a liability! They aren't even trained to fight,” he demands.

  “They have been training every day since we've come here.” He shakes his head and I can see from Alec's expression that he's thoroughly confused by whatever is going down between Tony and me. I finalize my demand by telling Tony, “This isn't up for discussion. They are coming.”

  Tony turns abruptly and stomps out of the room. Not before throwing one last thought in my direction, “Fine, if they get hurt then it's on you.”

  Those words pierce the worst. I throw up an invisible wall in my mind so Tony can't hear or feel the hurt. It doesn't matter anyhow because he's already walked out of the room.

  Alec puts his hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asks sincerely.

  “Yes,” I whisper, not entirely sure that I'm being honest. I don't want to talk about it. “We’d better get down there.” Connor and Claire walk up and the four of us head downstairs to the meeting point.

  CHAPTER 8 (Leading)

  We meet the others downstairs. It looks as if about twenty or so people are waiting for us. I look around and a lump forms in my throat. Old habits die hard, I realize as I admit to myself I am looking for my mother to start the debriefing. I begin to wonder who’s going to be leading the group now that she’s gone.

  Mr. Leroy stands on a crate and clears his throat to get everyone’s attention.

  “Thank you all for being here.” He looks around the room at each of our faces. “Due to the absence of one of our former leaders, the need has arisen to appoint a new leader for this mission. This person will lead alongside me. Is there anyone here that wishes to nominate someone for this position? Please take into consideration the characteristics this person needs to possess for this role.” He takes a dramatic pause looking around the room. His gaze lands on me and stays there for several uncomfortable seconds. “Willow,” he says aloud. “I nominate Willow.”

  My eyes get round as saucers. I can’t be a leader! I’m only sixteen! Before I can say ‘no’, Alec chimes in. “I second that nomination.”

  Before I can let this
sink in, one person after another agrees with Mr. Leroy’s nomination. My heart threatens to beat out of my chest. Oh. My. Gosh, I think to myself.

  My wall must not have worked well enough because Tony has heard my nervous cries. “Consider it an honor, Willow. If you deny these people what they want, you can expect them to be wary. They need to have the leader they desire. Apparently, that person is you.” I didn't even realize he had walked up right next to me. He gives my hand a squeeze of reassurance and lets it go again.

  I give him a sideways look. How can Tony go so quickly from cold to hot? Was he not just yelling at me a few minutes ago? Now he thinks I should lead these people... I let out a deep breath. I look around as more people step forward and agree that I should take my mother's place. “Tony, I am only sixteen! I can't do this! Everyone is crazy.”

  “Josiah became King of Judah at the age of eight. Joan of Arc led the French Army at nineteen. King Tut led all of Egypt at age nine. Age isn't everything you think it is. Your heart and your spirit speak more than a simple candle count on your birthday cake,” Tony encourages me.

  I give him a sideways glance. Who knew Tony was so passionate about history? Or so good at giving pep talks.

  Unable to avoid eye contact any further, Mr. Leroy motions for me to come forward. My feet feel like lead as I move to the front of the room. He puts his arm around me and gives it a squeeze. Normally this would make me extremely uncomfortable, but right now, I feel like he’s grounding me to the earth. He leans in and whispers in my ear, “They remember your mother. You are her blood; you were born to lead.”

  Tears threaten to escape. I feel like her death is so final, like I’m here to take her place. Like she never existed… Tony’s right though. If I don’t accept, we could fall apart. I am my mother’s daughter, I think to myself over and over again.

  Tony must hear me because I can see him smiling through the crowd as he says to me, “Yes you are.” His smile beams at me. He couldn’t be more proud. After all, I am pretty much his protégé. Perhaps this makes up for him being so pissed at me for hanging out with Alec... and the fact that I invited them to come along with us on this mission.

  I look around the room at some of the familiar faces and some of those who are still strangers to me. Somewhere deep within, I find the strength. The strength I was born from, that I never knew I possessed. The quiet crowd stands in anticipation, waiting to hear my decision. I take a deep breath, readying myself for something that’s about to change my life forever. I swallow hard. “I’m not sure what you all see in me that would consider me leader material. I never thought of myself in this way before. However, I am my mother’s daughter; that is something I’m very proud of. It’s in her memory that I accept your nomination. I know I’m only sixteen, but I plan on making you proud.” I pause, gauging their reactions. The only feeling I get back is pride and loyalty. I turn to Mr. Leroy. “I look forward to leading alongside you.” Nods and mumblings of approval emanate from the crowd. “I’d like Tony to be my second in command. My mother appointed him to be my protector and I trust her judgment that he is an integral part of these missions. He’s never failed me before.” The real reason lies buried deep down inside. I have to keep Tony near me or else… I don’t even want to think about it. I can’t let him become a Reaper. I care too much for him. I need to be there in case he needs healing.

  “Thank you,” I hear Tony say, cutting through my thoughts.

  I see Alec from across the room and open myself up to his feelings. Jealousy and hurt emanate from him. I don't know if it's from the fact that I'm asking to have Tony work at my side or if it's because he expected me to choose him or something. I feel horrible, but it’s what's necessary. I know I’ve made the best and only decision that makes sense right now.

  “Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” I say to the crowd. They start clapping and I turn to Mr. Leroy, looking a bit lost. I don't know what to do next.

  “We better grab your second in command and go hash out the details.” He gestures with his hand for me to lead the way out of the room. The crowd parts for us like the Red Sea and Tony, Mr. Leroy, and I make our way into an adjoining room that has been set up as a command post. I never got the opportunity to see inside the command post when my mother lead. I am quite impressed by the efficiency of the data laid out before us.

  Tony closes the door behind him. My heart rate begins returning to normal, thankful for the retreat from the spotlight. I look around, taking everything in. There are several hand-drawn maps lining the walls. It looks to me like it’s the handy work of Tony. I don’t even have to ask him if he drew them, he tells me through his thoughts.

  A pad of paper sits on the table with several different colored pens to the side. I pick up the paper and immediately recognize my mother’s handwriting. I smile at her memory, seeing her doodles on the side margins. I can remember her doing the exact same thing at home. Anytime she would write anything, from a grocery list to a note, it would have doodles in the margins. I trace my fingers over a smiley face she’d drawn. I rip the page out and fold it, putting it in my pocket; filing it with the letter my mother wrote me that I’m too scared to open. Good grief, I think to myself. I’m too chicken to open a letter, but I’m now these people’s leader…

  Tony chimes in. “You’ll do wonderful, Willow.”

  I smile at him. “Thanks,” I say aloud.

  Mr. Leroy checks his pockets. “I forgot something. I’ll be right back,” he says before exiting the room, closing the door snugly behind him.

  Tony wastes no time grabbing me and pushing me against the wall. His actions take me completely by surprise and my stomach rolls in a strange excitement. “You have no idea the effect you have on me, Willow,” he whispers into my ear. My toes curl at the huskiness in his voice. I wrap my hands around him and hold him tightly to me. There is something different about Tony, he never acts this brusque, but I'm not complaining.

  “I’m sorry I reacted the way I did earlier when you were with Alec. It’s just… I can’t help but feel jealous when I see you with him. Especially since you have a history, a history that is deeper than ours.” I feel his breath against my skin in the fold between my shoulder and neck. Goosebumps form along my arms, sending electric tingles running down my legs.

  I try to find my voice. Having him this close doesn’t help my mind to form clear thoughts. “I accept your apology,” I say awkwardly.

  “Now that that’s out of the way… Do you know how badly I want to kiss you?” he asks me.

  I close my eyes reveling in his touch. “Not as badly as I want to kiss you,” I say to him in my mind.

  He leans back a fraction of an inch so that our noses are touching. His lips are so close, yet too far away. He leans in and our lips meet at the same instant the door handle turns to open.

  As quick as lightning, Tony dashes to the other side of the room leaving me breathless and a hot mess. I try to compose myself but to no avail. Tony has an uncanny ability lately to catch me off guard whenever he’s near.

  I clear my throat as Mr. Leroy enters the room. He must notice my heavy breathing but doesn’t mention it. I guess there’s some perks about being a leader. He wouldn’t question his suspicions… at least not out loud. I don’t try to listen to his thoughts because truth be told, I don’t really want to know what he’s thinking.

  Mr. Leroy clears his throat. He reaches for a map and unrolls it on the table. Several dots on it indicate different locations. I run my finger along the circles recognizing the mountain where we used to live, the prison, the safe houses, etc.

  “Our informants got back late last night. They were finally able to locate the other prisoners but weren’t able to tell us much more about what’s going on without putting themselves in danger.”

  I nod my head. “To be very clear,” I say. “Safety of all individuals and soldiers is my number one priority.”

  Mr. Leroy looks up from the map and nods his head. “It was your mother
’s too,” he says simply.

  I give him a small smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. It’s bittersweet hearing of someone else’s memories of my mother and the good nature of her personality. I’m honored to be carrying on her legacy.

  Mr. Leroy points to a location that doesn’t have a marker on it. “This is where they’re being held,” he says, pulling out a sticker from his pocket. I guess that is what he initially forgot. I hope he forgets something else... He places a sticker on the spot and looks at me again. I take a closer look at the location and see they’ve been taken to the maze ruins.

  “The maze ruins?” I question aloud. I don’t even have to wonder why they’d been taken there. It’s genius. The maze ruins are an old amusement park that was shut down after multiple people went missing. It’s literally a giant maze created from bushes, cornfields, and small buildings. It’s an eerie labyrinth of confusion that was created to be fun. My mother and father took Sabby and me there when we were younger. We had to wear special masks because we were out in public. My mother was getting cabin fever and she insisted we all go on a day trip. What was meant to be an hour-long outing, turned into ten hours of being lost. By the time we found our way out of the maze we were so hungry and above all, tired and relieved. I vowed never to revisit that place. I guess I’ll be breaking that promise.

  “Willow,” Mr. Leroy says. “I must warn you that there is something strange going on right now. When the soldiers got back from staking out the area, they recounted some disturbing details. I want you to know what they are so you’ll be prepared to deal with them when the time comes.”

  I gulp rather loudly and nod my head.

  Mr. Leroy walks to the door and opens it a quarter of an inch. “We’re ready for her,” he says and closes the door.