Spy School: Life After School

Chapter 13

In the Air
June 13, 2026
1800 hours

Ben's POV

I woke up. I was in a bed and I could hear the rotors of an engine. Then it all came back to me. I was on a plane to the Cayman Islands to investigate what SPYDER's new plan was this time. I was with Cyrus, Alexander, Catherine, Erica, and Mike was the pilot.

Wait, Erica.

That came back to me as well. I looked beside me and saw her sitting on the bed, staring at me. She was dressed in her usual spy suit with the white utility belt, and she looked just as beautiful as always.

"Wakey wakey, sleepyhead," she said.

"How funny," I responded. "Did you get any sleep?"

"I did, but unlike your normal self, I don't need that much sleep."

"Wow, way to put it bluntly." Another thought occurred to me.

"How long were you staring at me?" I asked.

"About 3 minutes. I could tell when you were going to wake up based on the changes of your position."

"You're real creepy."

"Some would say that." She turned around and walked to the dresser.

"We're supposed to meet the others in the cabin in 5 minutes, so let's go." I jumped out of bed just to realize I was only wearing my underwear. I quickly turned red.

Erica seemed to notice, although she didn't seem to mind as much. She tossed me some clothes and I put them on and followed her out into the cabin.

Everyone was seated there. I took my seat between Erica and Mike (at the front of the table) and listened in.

"So," Cyrus began. "The plan is for us to land at the Owen Roberts International Airport which is on Grand Cayman Island. If SPYDER is planning anything, it will be here.

"We have 3 rooms booked at Palm Heights for the next week, so that should be enough time to figure out what SPYDER is up to.

"Remember, SPYDER is looking for us Hale's in particular. They also know that you are alive, Ben, as they found your underground bunker. I went through your USB drive and there is a lot of good information on there.

"We have to keep a low profile, yet get as much intel and thwart SPYDER's plans. We have done it before, so let's do it again. All of you are dismissed until the plane begins to land, where we will sort out tickets, directions, etc."

Erica's POV

Grandpa seems really into this mission. He even gave a motivational speech. To say the least, I'm surprised. Of course, he is one of the best spies I know, so I shouldn't have been surprised in the first place.

I walked back to the bedroom and found Ben sitting on the bed. He was looking off into space but he looked at me when I entered.

"You ready?" I asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"That's the spirit."

"Erica, why do I smell like you?" I looked away.

I was hoping he wouldn't realize this. He had looked so warm, so I had gotten under the covers and snuggled up with him. I woke up before he did, luckily, since he probably would've been embarrassed to know I was only in my underwear. I guess my scent had stuck on him though.

"You don't like the smell?" I asked.

"Of course I like - never mind, that's not the point," he mumbled. I smirked at him.

"It's not that big of a deal is it?" I asked, as I moved closer to him so we were face to face. "To smell like me? You're not embarrassed, are you?" I said, almost whispering.

"Um no of course not - you are awesome can you - I need to think can you l-leave please," he managed.

I made a fake pouty face.

"Ben doesn't want to spend time with me?" I fake whined.

"No, no of course not Erica- that's not what I meant," he started.

"No, it's exactly what you meant. I'll be back later, Ben." I left and tried to suppress myself from giggling. He got so nervous around me, but it was cute. Like he knew he didn't want to mess up in front of me. As I spent more time with him, I felt myself getting more and more comfortable with him.

Is that such a bad thing though?

Feelings - complicate - EVERYTHING!!

But it feels so good, like when we were in bed ....

Don't go there Erica.

I want him.

You want to be a spy.

I can have both.

That's what a delusional person would say.

I couldn't take it anymore. I went to the bar to grab a water bottle and took a drink. It helped clear my thoughts and helped me focus.

"Erica, honey," my dad said. "Your mother wants to see you in the room." He pointed towards my parents room and I dutifully walked in. I saw my mom sitting on the bed.

"Hi Erica," she said. "We need to talk."

"Sure, what about."

"What is going on with you and Ben?"

"Nothing, mom, we're just friends."

"Erica, you don't have friends, so that's a stretch for you."

"That's not true - Well, maybe."

"Is it something more, honey?"

"No."

"You can talk to me, you know that right?"

"I know, mom. And I'n thankful to have you here. It's just, complicated, and we have a mission to focus on."

"I could smell you on him."

"Mom, we didn't do anything like that. I promise. My scent probably just picked up on him."

"Ok, honey. Just let me know if you need anything. You know I'm always here."

"Of course, do you need anything else?"

"Just send your father in."

"Ok." I walked out and told Alexander to go back in. Then I went back to drinking my water. Relationships did complicate everything. Here I was, on one of the most important missions of my life, thinking about who I love. I was about to head over to sit in a chair when I heard some sounds from my parent's room. I went over to listen.

You have kept in good shape, Cath.

You too, honey.

YUCK.

I went back to sit in a chair and scrolled through my phone, waiting for the plane to land.

Two in one day!! I'm happy to get this out to you guys and excited to see what you think. Comment anything as per usual and have a good day/night. I will update as soon as tomorrow 😄😄