"I'm going to... what?" I was dumbfounded. Although I knew something dangerous was going to happen, I didn't think that they'd make me turn myself over.
"I know it's a lot to take in, but you'll have a backup plan and..." Easton hesitated. Why is everyone hesitating?
"And what? You're all hesitating. There's something you're not telling me. What is it?" I said this with as much force as I could muster. I glared at every single one of them. Why are they having trouble telling me everything? Is it worse than I think it is? Did something happen while I was out? What the hell is going on?
"Uh... V, we know you need some sort of help during this mission...and since most of us have got our own things to deal with, we decided it would be best if you worked with Harrison and your team." Vera whispered. I barely even registered what she was saying.
I sat back in my chair and stared at the floor. There was no point in fighting this, we would have to see each other again someday. Especially if we work in the same organisation. I had always envied Harrison. About a year ago, we broke up. He had manipulated me, played with my feelings, and then eventually got bored and cheated on me. Vera had been begging me for months to end our relationship, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. The number of problems I have developed because of that relationship is overwhelming. After the breakup, he had moved on pretty quickly. He jumped from relationship to relationship. A few months later I had fallen in love with Ace, and Harrison had always had a problem with our relationship. Harrison stopped dating after Ace and I became official, it was almost as if he was jealous.
"Victoria, we know your past with him isn't... great, but we have no choice at the moment. Your team should be in the main lounge area on floor 2. You can discuss the plan with them. Harrison will meet you tomorrow morning." Aaron said as he patted my head. My mind was racing with thoughts, and I couldn't deal with the pressure anymore. All eyes were on me as I stood up and walked out. I had nothing left to say or do. There was no point in fighting because that wouldn't change the plan. It had to be done.
+ + + +
I made my way down to the second floor. I opened the grand doors to the lounge and saw five familiar faces congregating on a nearby red sofa. I was surprised none of them had joined the meeting with the originals, seeing as they were a part of the mission as well. None of them had texted or called me either, but they probably had other things to worry about. With the whole HQ moving, they were probably too busy to even realise I was back.
"Ha! Uno! And you thought I wouldn't win Asher." Luna yelled. It was so loud, a couple of people flashed annoyed glances at the group.
"Well, technically you haven't won yet." Asher mumbled. He dragged a hand through his light brown hair before looking back down at the stack of cards.
Asher grumbled to himself when Luna placed down her last card and squealed in excitement. He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted like a toddler.
"It's okay Asher! You'll win one day." I stood behind them for a couple of seconds before flopping down next to Davina. A startled yelp came from her mouth as she dropped the magazine she was reading.
"Good lord Victoria, don't do that to me!" She placed a hand over her chest and caught her breath. I laughed and picked up her magazine for her.
"Clothing huh? Trying to impress someone?"
She snatched the magazine away from me and muttered something under her breath.
Luna and Asher stared at me. They looked at each other for a couple of seconds before reaching over and embracing me in a bone crushing hug. I squirmed under their grip, but it was no use.
After they had released me, I stopped to catch my breath.
"Victoria! Oh my god, Victoria! What happened? Did you see Ace? We heard about what happened, but they didn't tell us thoroughly enough!" The questions came spilling out of Luna's mouth. Before I could answer, I was interrupted by Elijah shushing Luna.
"Calm down Luna, give the girl some air." Elijah huffed and shoved his nose back into his book. He was sitting furthest away from the group, his dark hair tousled and dark circles under his eyes.
Luna glared at him before turning her attention back to me. She flopped back down on the sofa and dragged me down with her. Asher sat down and mumbled something to Elijah. He groaned and moved closer to the group, he put his book down on the coffee table in front of them and placed his hands on his lap. Davina looked up from the magazine, her brown eyes searching me for some sort of emotion. After everything that had happened, I couldn't be bothered to show any emotion on my face anymore. She put the magazine down and faced me. She tied her curly brown hair into a knot.
Davina was a very beautiful girl. Her dark skin was absolutely flawless, her hair was always perfect, and her brown eyes shone brightly in the sunlight. Sometimes, I caught myself staring at her.
I hadn't noticed Addilyn a little further from Elijah. She was curled up on the sofa with a blanket draped over her. Her breathing was even, so I figured she was fast asleep. Addilyn had always been a night owl, she was fast asleep during most of the day and running around HQ like a lunatic at 1 o'clock in the morning.
"Okay Victoria, what the hell happened?" Davina asked. I got comfortable in my chair and started telling the story. I started from the moment I stepped foot into that masquerade ball and finished with the brief meeting I had just had with the originals. They all looked at me like I had two heads. Although, some sympathy was hiding underneath those facial expressions. I didn't want any more pity. I had been through hell and back, but I really didn't need any soothing words right now. Because it wasn't going to be okay, and everything wasn't fine.
Asher was the first one to speak.
"Soo... another mission? Cool." He flinched when Luna reached around me and hit him on the head.
"Ouch! I'm sorry that happened to you Victoria, but you know what? As much as we all loved Ace, he was a bit of a weirdo. He didn't even like garlic bread! I mean, it's garlic bread" Luna slapped her forehead and groaned.
"Listen Victoria, I know you. You're probably one of the strongest women I've ever met. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, especially not Ace. What he said to you in that alleyway was beyond cruel, and you need to know that he was a fake, an imposter, and most of all an enemy. We love you with all our heart, okay?" Davina was always the one who made everyone feel better. She was kind of like a therapist in some ways.
"Yeah, I know. Thank you, Davina." I beamed at her before turning back to Asher.
"It was weird, wasn't it? I mean who doesn't like garlic bread?" I chirped. Asher giggled and nodded.
"Are you alright with the whole... Harrison thing?" Elijah suddenly blurted out. His voice was laced in venom as he said Harrison's name. His deep brown eyes were trained on me yet again.
"I have to be. I mean it was slightly unnerving, but maybe he's changed a bit." I shrugged before looking around the room. The room wasn't overly packed, but there were people scattered here and there. Some reading books, some typing on laptops, some whispering to each other. Some were even pointing directly at me. I mean word would have gotten out that Ace was a traitor, right? It didn't matter, he was gone, and he was never coming back.
"Changed? The man tore you into pieces and then dangled them in front of his other chicks. I haven't seen him lately, but I wouldn't have high expectations sweetheart." Addilyn suddenly jolted upright. Wasn't she sleeping?
Her dark blue hair was a mess. All ruffled and knotted. As she started combing it with her fingers, she turned back to me.
"If he gets more than an inch close to you, I will make sure his jugular vein has been punctured by one of my famous hair clips." Addilyn said as she grabbed a hair clip from her pocket. She twisted her hair into a quick bun and clipped it into place.
"Well, aren't you charming Addilyn?" A deep voice said from behind me.
I twisted my head and was met with the brown eyes of Harrison Lee. He looked down at me, confusion spreading through his face. Nobody acknowledged him, he was incredibly early as well.
His ginger hair was neatly combed back. He was wearing a collared shirt and jeans. His hands were tucked deep into his pockets. He rocked back on his heels before opening his mouth.
"I'll see you all tomorrow morning then. Bye now." He grinned before walking off.
"Ugh, we seriously have to work with him? I mean the guy basically dunks his hair in gel every morning." Addilyn dragged a hand across her face before shoving a pillow onto Elijah's lap and lying down. Elijah was startled by the sudden gesture but didn't move. He blew a strand of curly brown hair out of his face and grabbed his book off the coffee table.
Luna sighed and pushed her long purple hair off her shoulders.
"Anyone want anything to eat? I'm famished." She turned to look at everyone. They all seemed caught up in their own business. Addilyn was just about to fall asleep, Elijah was busy reading a book, Davina had gone back to reading her magazine and Asher had begun organizing his deck of Uno cards.
I turned to Luna. "I'll happily go with you Luna." I smiled at her before grabbing her hand and whisking her away from the group toward the cafeteria.
Another distraction should be great.