Skylar's POV
The next month hasn't been easy to get by. Ever since Victoria shared that news, I have been on an extremely high alert, watching my back in every corner. I have also seen a few black cars lurking around the school sometimes but that doesn't bother me because to them and to everyone else, SkyHigh could be anybody so a nerd like me isn't an easy count.
I've started wearing my hair down hoping it'll hide a little of my face. Maybe I should consider contacts too but I know that'll raise a lot of suspicion especially with my friends.
Kendrick and I are closer than we ever were. I'm not talking best friends close, maybe just civil friends close. That 'even if you come to my house, I won't spray you with a hose' type of friendship.
Randy is back in town and I couldn't be more excited. He asked to see me and requested for Jones to pick me up since its far too risky for me to take public transportation. He's probably going to shoot me between the eyes after I tell him all that's been going on which I'm sure he already knows because I tell Vince and Jones everything and they tell Randy everything, something about Loyalty.
The Damn snitches.
"Did he look angry when he asked you to come fetch me?" I ask Jones who is heavily concentrated on the road
He shrugs, "With the boss it's kind of hard to tell, I'm sure you know this." He says not taking his eyes off the road
I huff in frustration and lean my head against the car window
"Don't worry kiddo, I'm sure it's nothing bad." He chuckles and ruffles my already messy hair
Which reminds me, I need to tie it up and put my hoodie over it before we get there
We pull up to the oh so familiar warehouse. It feels as though I haven't been here in ages!
"OMG I can't believe it's really you, I have missed you so much!" I exclaim running to give Randy a bear hug
"Skylar this is no time for foolishness. Sit down." He says sternly
How rude, he didn't even hug me back.
"But you just got here, we need to catch up before all that serious stuff. So how was your trip, where'd you go? Was it with a lovely lady?" I nudge him playfully
"Skylar!" He yells
He's no fun sometimes. He actually really needs to get a sense of humour.
"Fine. You're such a Buzz kill." I say taking my seat across from him
"Buzz won't be the only thing I'm killing if you don't explain how all these things happened while I was away. Didn't you say you'll take care of it?"
He takes a cigar, clipping off the tip and lights it. I wonder how it tastes like. Maybe I can ask him for one just to try it out, but judging from the annoyed look on his face, I'm sure he'll much like to burn me with one instead
"I sort of did take care of it. Technically I didn't tell Ben that I'm a teenager and I surely wasn't the one that told Gabby of my identity, she figured it out on her own." I defended
"Because of your stupid carelessness Skylar!" He yells slamming his hands down. "I should've known better to trust a silly, irresponsible teenager with important matters like these. Do you have any idea what this could do to my business and my image?" He adds
His image, that's what his worried about? His image? What about my safety? I should've known better, in this world, nobody gives a Damn about you.
"Well if that's what you're worried about why don't you just kill SkyHigh and let me live a normal silly and irresponsible teenage life away from you and your image?" I match his tone, trying to hide the hurt behind my voice
Show no weakness Sky.
"If it was that simple I would've done it the minute I decided to come back. But no, that'll raise too much suspicion and getting someone that looks like you will be hard. I don't have the time." He rubs his temple while pacing up and down
"Then let me just go and you'll never see me again. It'll be like SkyHigh never existed."
That'll be better right. I'm sure he would like that.
"You really don't get it Sky, Ben's daughter knows about you. How long do you think it'll take for him to notice the change in her behaviour everytime he brings you up to her? How long do you think it'll take for her to crack and reveal your identity to him huh? Use your head Skylar!" Anger spits out of him
Fudge! Yes, why would Victoria want to keep my identity a secret for that long? She doesn't like me!
"I can take care of myself. I don't need your protection." I say instantly regretting it
What are you doing Skylar?
"Are you forgetting that you're not the only one at danger here anymore? Everyone you're associated with is at risk now Skylar and who's going to protect them, you?" He lets out a frustrated laugh
"Maybe I should just join Ben if he wants me so much, maybe that'll be put an end to everything." I yell
Maybe that will be for the best for everyone and maybe then everyone will be safe
"This isn't a game Skylar, you of all people should know this. Ben isn't the only one trying to get you on his side. What do you think will happen once other mafias find out that Ben has you? You'll just be creating more and more problems for yourself. So I suggest you shut up, listen to me and do as I say."
I hate to admit that he's right. If I'm going to get through this, I need to listen to Randy and do what he says. He's the only one that can keep me and everyone else out of harm's way.
"Now first thing's first, your fights are no longer going to be publicly announced. You are going to fight but nobody will know that you are fighting on a specific day only the four of us and your opponent will know." He says pointing between us and Vince and Jones.
"And what if my opponent doesn't keep it a secret?" I ask and he puts on his evil looking smirk
"They'll have to, I'll make sure of it. All you have to do is trust me." I nod "You will also no longer be training here. I have arranged for another place for you to train, Vince will take you there after this meeting."
A new training ground? Well I hope it's better than the old one. Way better.
"Also, we'll need to change your means of transportation soon. Public transportation is no longer safe."
Is he getting me a car? OMG...
"Get a bicycle, that'll bring less suspicion." He says and my face drops
"Fine. Anything else?" I ask my arms folded
"Nice job with keeping your hair down. There are some brains in there after all." He smiles
Idiot
Vince and I go to my new arranged training site and to say I am impressed is an understatement.
"What is this place?" I ask looking around
"This is where we train. The boss figured it'll be much safer for you to train with us. Jones and I will be helping you with your training but I gotta tell you, we don't take it easy on anyone." He smirks and I gulp
"You'll have to learn a couple of new things such as shooting and shurikenjutsu. That way you can also protect yourself by means other than combat."
Shurikenjutsu? I'm going to have the time of my life here. I already love it here.
"Are you the one going to teach me shurikenjutsu? I didn't take you to be into blade throwing." I furrow my eyebrows
"No, we have somebody else trained for that. You'll meet him soon." He chuckles
Vince shows me around some more and drives me to the diner after I change into my work attire
"Hey Astrid." I greet as I grab my apron and tie it around my waist
"Hello dear, someone is here to see you." She informs me
I hope its not that dead cop guy or worse Ben
"Oh yeah, who?" I lean down to get my notebook and pen
"Kendrick. He's seated at their usual table." She says and walks away
Kendrick, what is he doing here?
"Hey, what brings you here?" I ask and take a seat opposite him
He looks up from his phone and gives me a warm smile which I can't help but return
"I was driving by and decided to stop and come say hi." He says placing his phone in his jean pocket
He looks so handsome today. He always looks handsome but it has a little touch to it today
"Well then, hi." I laugh and he does too. "You may leave now if that's all you wanted." I add
"Actually, I'm also here to ask you out on a date. That's if you don't mind?" He looks shyly to the floor
Should I be excited and say yes or torture him a little and say I'll think about it?
"A date? Are you losing your swag Kendrick?" I smirk
"I don't understand why you always have to make things hard for me Skylar." He sighs
Poor thing..
"Fine, I'll go on a date with you." I say my smile lighting up my face
He looks at me in disbelief, like he didn't think I would actually say yes.
"Really? You aren't pulling my leg are you?" He folds his arms "If you are, it's not very funny." He narrows his eyes
"No I'm not pulling your leg. Now leave before I change my mind. I got work to do." I smile tucking my hair behind my ear
"You don't have to tell me twice. I'll see you at school." He kisses my cheek and leaves
Anyone else feel the urge to do somersaults?
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