I felt the cold water splashing on me and I wanted to accept death...when I heard screaming. “Zinnia!” Zinnia wake up!”
I opened my eyes and drew a deep breath. I just woke up with a start.
Beside me was Uncle Rouge, watching me. “Wake up! You are dreaming.”
“You were yelling Zen’s name for the past five minutes that I have to wake you up.” He said.
“Oh, sorry about that.” was all I could say as I stood up to get ready for the day. I can not help but think about my dream. It all felt too real that I did not realize it was really a dream.
I took a shower, wore my undercover clothing, and ate breakfast. This new routine is kind of weird, b
After she left, there were not so many students who came in and asked for meds. Some were with diarrhea, and some were in pain. I am hoping none would come at me with a sprain or dislocated foot cause I do not want to handle that right now. Mostly, it was those athlete boys who always get sprains.“Ms. Peterson I need some-“It was Bryson. His sentence was cut off the moment he realized I was there. I looked at him blankly, why is he here? Ugh. I do not want to handle him right now. The last time we spoke with each other, we almost got into a fight. Not here, not right now.“What?” I asked coldly. I looked at him up and down, why would this dude come in here with a perfectly fine-I have to stop myself from laughing at him. There
I nodded, like an obedient daughter. This has happened before. The moment that mom avoids dad by not answering his calls means that there is something up. I have to ask mom about that. I feel like I am really vital in this family. Without me, maybe mom and dad have broken up long ago. I am the root of this family, the one gluing them both. “Take a rest dad, you are now aging. And shave your beard, you look a bit homeless.” I said, making the air lighter. We have to make jokes sometimes after all. Chuckling at what I said, he answered me. “We can not defy time, after all, of course, I will age, Zinnia.” We talked for a bit until he had to go to a meeting. We said our goodbyes and the call ended. Dialing mom’s number in the system, it only rang for a minute. I tried again but she is still not ans
“You have a point. Anyways, I want to know more of mom and dad’s story.” I said, changing the topic. The house is quiet anyway so I have to be the one to brighten it up.Uncle Rouge snorted. “I am sure you have heard these things a lot of times now. Anyways, once upon a time, where your mom does not know the whole truth...He lived with Theodore Callan, your grandpa's best friend. Theodore was killed, and your dad, Agent Wave, was a top Agent sent to save your mother. Then, your mother, Hira Callan, lived in the Cypher Agency that she wanted to be an agent so she trained and trained with Agent Wave by his side. It did not take that long for them to be partners in crime. "Back then, your mom’s only goal was to kill the K-9 assassin group, which is the group I belong to. I entered that organization because my dad Garrett, or yo
Chuckling at what I said, he answered me. “We can not defy time, after all, of course, I will age, Zinnia.”We talked for a bit until he had to go to a meeting. We said our goodbyes and the call ended.Dialing mom’s number in the system, it only rang for a minute. I tried again but she is still not answering me.Uncle rouge appeared and I asked for his help. “Where is mom? Why is she not answering my calls?”Uncle Rouge avoided looking at me, like a guilty dog. “She may be busy shopping I guess. You know her.”Hmmm...something is fishy. What really is happening with my family nowadays?After that, I washed the dishes, wen
Mom raised her eyebrows at him. “I already told you, I have connections. I am Agent Nova after all.”“Why did you go all the way here, my dear sister. You could have asked me to escort you.” Uncle Rouge spoke up beside me.“No, I knew you two would be guarding my daughter, there is no need to escort me. I am fine on my own.” Mom replied.“Plus, this security system is easy to breach! What if enemies? You have to move with me, Zinnia!”“That is also risky. We will just move to another place.” Uncle Rush interjected her. Mom rolled her eyes at him.“You know, your mom and your Uncle Rush have a history?” Uncle Rouge suddenly spoke up, a mi
“Yeah, mom. You should take care of him more now that I am not here...can you talk things out?” I asked. I really am tired of fixing things like this. Plus, I am only their daughter, not a marriage fixer. “Dad is going through hard times right now and he needs support. Right now, all he needs is your love to work things out.”She was just quiet and nodded before leaving. I also went to my room, leaving dad there sleeping downstairs. I called Uncle Rush and Uncle Rouge to carry him to the sofa so that his body will not get hurt the moment he wakes up.The next morning, I woke up to my dad asking me where mom was. There was a note beside my table.I’ll return once your dad remembers our anniversary. Toodles!I can not believe it. Mom just disappeared after what I said last night! I glanced at my father to see hi
When they were about to leave, they caught sight of my father who was entering the house. “Oh, hello Mr. Malcolm.” Parker greeted my dad.My dad was not shocked to find them here, probably Uncle Rush informed him beforehand. “Oh, you boys are here, how was your day here boys?” Dad asked, losing his necktie.Noah grinned at him, “We just hang out here, Mr. Malcolm. We were about to head tho.”Dad nodded and glanced at me. I sent him a signal to help me make them leave this house. I really want to push them away now. But I fight the urge. Gosh, my social battery is running out.“Oh before we forgot, we actually have another reason why we came here,” James spoke up to me. That caught my attention. What is it this t
I saw Oliver clenching his jaw. “Come on, pass me the ball.”“Why would I?” I asked innocently. I clenched my hand, fighting the urge to punch that face of his...If only...Tension filled us as I raised my eyebrows at Oliver who got quiet.“What is happening here?” It was Bryson who broke the tension around us, clueless as to what is happening.I looked at Bryson in the eye and said, “Why don’t you ask Oliver. I think you need to replace him, you know since he threw the ball to me saying his eyes were broken.”“Something is different...you are now fighting me back…” Oliver spoke up.
It all felt like a dream. Opening my eyes, I saw James beside me. He noticed me waking up so he ran to the door. “She’s awake already!” People came rushing into my bed and looked around. Nurses and doctors checked my state. The doctor sighed. “Thankfully, you just lost some blood. You would have been already dead if you took the whole hit.” And they left. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. “Huh?” James appeared again with some water and made me drink first. “I’m glad you’re awake now.” “How many days have I been out? What happened?” I asked, still confused. I looked around, it was the Cypher Agency’s hospital ward. Then I remembered my brother.
“We’ve arrived.” Announced one of our K-9 companions. “I want you all to stay here first until I give a signal. It’s me that they want.” I said to them and they nodded. All of us were prepared to win, even with only a little preparation time. I got out of the car and spotted the old warehouse. This was what the coordinates say according to the K-9’s investigations. I’ll find you, brother. Entering the warehouse, the place seemed eerily quiet...strangely quiet. I was not even attacked… Weird. Looking around, I headed straight and saw a stage in front. “Hello,
I don't want to side to anyone, not to my father, not to my brother... so I’ll build my own. “We don’t have time and I need back up to infiltrate.” I continued. “I don’t have a choice but to trust you guys. This blood in my hands is from the sniper woman who killed Coach Brian. No, I did not kill the sniper woman but she was killed by another person. So I need your help. Come with me first and I’ll explain everything. But first, I want you all to know I am not Zen.” Silence fell and they all just stared at me. Noah chuckled, breaking the silence. “We know that already.” I looked at him. He..they did? Wow, way to go. “Yeah, we knew it.” James nodded from beside me.
“Now as a celebration, let us all go eat dinner. I’ll treat you all.” Said Coach Brian when they were finished from the training. “Come and join us, Zen.” I stood up and joined them. When I heard a bullet striking from afar and Coach Brian fell on the ground, with blood gushing down his mouth. Looks like it started then. I had already expected this to happen. They got tired of bombs that they chose a sniper to hunt me now? I won’t let them win this time. This time, I’ll fight back. I touched my earpiece, “Uncle Rush looks like the enemy is not wasting their time. They shot our coach. ” I asked. “Yes, I already deployed our medics there. Come and go ho
Deciding what to do now, I’ve dialed Uncle Rush’s number. “Hello Zinnia? What is it?” I heard him asking from the other line. Smirking, I said. “Uncle Rush, I think I know what I’m going to do now.” “What is it?” He asked. “I’ll go back to school tomorrow.” Yes, I’ve decided now. That will be the first part of my plan. I could hear Uncle Rush sighing from the other line. “I’m glad that’s your decision. I hope you are well prepared for everything, Zen Alaric Malcolm,” he said, addressing me as my brother’s name. Unpacking all my stuff, I took a rest and slept early that night. Tomorrow for sure.
Think quick, Zinnia. Quick. How should I solve this? “Oh...I think my sister got home.” I said, going to my last resort and ending the call. Descending the stairs and going to the door, I fixed my appearance, letting my brunette hair cascade down my back, and didn’t wear my contact lenses to hide my blue eyes. It’s time to be myself then. Opening the door I spotted James and feigned a confused look and then smiled at him. “Oh, are you one of my brother’s friends?” I saw a blush that crept on James' cheeks as soon as he saw me. “Uhm...hi?” He greeted, sending a half-smile, seemingly nervous. I hope he won’t notice. But why is he nervous?
I contemplated whether I should answer this. Why now? I'm not in my undercover uniform! And if I answer this, he’ll know my true voice! “Can you give me my voice changer uncle?” I asked, now panicking.“It was brought back to the mechanics room on the third floor. It would take long for me to get it.” He answered as the phone still rang. I bit my lip, cursing under my breath. Damn it.I don’t have a choice then.Touching the answer button, I cleared my throat and pretended to cough. “Oh hey James, you called?” My heart was racing so fast in nervousness. Goodness!How did he even manage to get my phone number? I was sure I did not let them touch my phone...&ldq
My father’s eyes were like a hawk, and he glanced at the door to check if Uncle Rush was still there but saw that there was no sign of him, probably leaving us for privacy. I glanced at dad. “What did you want to talk about, dad?” He nodded and said. “I know it.” I raised my eyebrows in confusion, feeling chills. His authoritative and demanding side showing. I’m used to him getting like this but somehow, it feels new, “Know what, dad?” He glanced at the bedside table and checked to see some dust. He smirked. “Zen appeared here last night, didn’t he?” I gulped. How did he know? Oh right, he’s not Agent Wave of the Cypher Agency for nothing. Nothing escapes h
“You ask too many questions, sister.” Standing up, he leaned on me. “Wanna know a secret?” “A secret?” I breathed out. “I can free you from our parent's expectations.” He said. “Stop copying me. You are only hurting yourself. Soon, they will notice that you are not me.” “If I were you, I would just give up and join me. I just came to visit you just to say that. This is one last chance, Zinnia.” I looked at him in confusion. What? “What are you talking about Zen?” “Wanna go escape with me? Decide quickly, Zinnia.” I think I now have a bit of an idea of what he wants me to do. Stupid brother. What the hell are you planning?