He wants me to join his organization?  Why?  It's not like I'm special.  I'm an average seventeen year old girl.  What so interesting about me?

"Nadia?  Are you in there? Nadia!"  Miles yells bringing me out thoughts and back to reality.

"What!"  I exclaim startled.  I jump back a little.

"Thank goodness.  I thought I had lost you for a minute,"  Miles sighs rubbing the bridge of his nose.  "So, what do think about my offer?"

"O-oh! It's...um," I stutter pulling at the sleeve of my grey hoodie.

Miles chuckles, "It's alright Nadia.  I don't need your answer right away.  Just say you'll think about it."

"All right," I respond nodding my head.

"Well, I have to go," Miles sighs looking down at at his wrist watch.  "Places to be, people to see."

He begins to walk away back towards where I met Loyal.  

"I hope I'll be hearing from you soon, Nadia.  But until then this is goodbye."

He strolls up to Loyal and mouths something to him.  Loyal nods as Miles pats his shoulder wandering out of sight.  Loyal doesn't move.  He looks down at me from the top of the hill, and I see something flash across his face.

Pity?  Worry?  No.  Why would he be worried?  Maybe about me?  No!  That's ridiculous!  I'm just imagining things, again. 

I watch him finally follow Miles.  I hear the roar of an engine and the sound of rubber squealing.  I just stand their listening to the soothing sound of silence after they're gone.  I turn back to the water and stare out.  Usually the scene would calm the turmoil in my thoughts but not today.  All I can think about is Miles's offer and Loyal.

Loyal.  I met him for all of ten seconds.  Why am I thinking of him?  What is this feeling?

I bite my lower lip, thinking about him.  I taste the familiar flavor of iron in my mouth once again.  My finger brushes my lip , and I sigh.

"I really need to stop doing that," I mutter to myself.

I look up at the sky, staring at the clouds passing by.  The sky begins to go dark, and I feel a drop of water hit my cheek.  I bow my head as the rain begins to pour down.  The droplets trickle down my face from my hair.  A scowl grew across my face.

"Well, wonderful.  Just wonderful."

I begin to make myself walk away from the water.  Though it's not as hard as it usually is.  My thoughts still spiral as I make my way back home.  I feel water soak my Nike shoes as my feet hit the now forming puddles on the sidewalk.  The water continues to drench my clothes and hair the entire time I walk.  I mumble to myself, cursing myself for not bringing an umbrella with me in the first place.  The forecast had said it was going to rain, and I being my stubborn self decided to ignore their predictions.

I finally reach my house and run up the steps to stand on the front porch.  Shivers run down my spine as I reach for the door knob.  As soon as the door swings open the familiar voices echo throughout the halls.  I close the door as quickly and quietly as I can, slipping off my shoes by the coat rack.  I pick my shoes up and tip-toe to the stairs.  I creep up the stairs slowly to avoid making any noise.  Once I reach the top a sudden wave of relief washes over me.  I wander into my room, making sure to close the door behind me, and plop down on my bed.  A deep sigh escapes me as I reach for my pillow; I pull the pillow on top of my face.

"Looks like someone had a bad day," a familiar voice smirks.  

I sit up sharply, facing the direction the voice came from.  My friend Alec leans in the door way with his arms crossed.  

"Don't you know how to knock?" I growl sending a death glare his way.

Alec throws his hands up in mock surrender. 

"Ugh.  Whatever," I mutter laying back down.

"What's got you all moody now?" Alec asks coming over to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I'm not moody!" I retort sitting back up.  "I'm just annoyed and pissed off!"

"Because that is so not the same thing," he responds exaggerating the word so.

"Shut up!" I exclaim slapping his arm.

Alec laughs rubbing his arm. 

"All right!  I get it!  But seriously.  Are you OK?"

I stare at him for a second. 

Should I tell him about Miles?

"Yeah.  I'm fine.  Just tired of all the yelling." I lie shrugging my shoulders.

"Are you sure?" Alec questions wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Alec, I'm good," 

He nods and squeezes my shoulder.  A smirk grows across his face.

"You know, calling yourself good may be an overstatement.  After all you can do some mean things sometimes."

I slap his arm again, and he lets out a quick ow.   He laughs again, and I feel a smile grow across my face.  He grins at me moving his arm towards me.  I try to squirm away, but Alec is too fast.  He pulls me into a tight hug.  I try to push him away, but his grip is too strong.  After what seems like hours of futile resistance, I finally give in and wrap my arms around his back.  I feel Alec rub part my back.

"It's going to be OK.  Everything is going to be all right," he whispers.

I wish I could believe that.  I really do.