Electric Storm

Chapter 12: The Accords

Steve greets me as soon as I arrive back at the facility. 'I thought you were going on holiday.'

'Change of plans.' I mutter, walking right past him to my room. I dump my packed bags on the floor and take a few deep breaths. In. Out. Repeat. It won't be long until dad comes back. He messaged and told me to wait in my room. He still hasn't told me what's going on. In. Out. In. Out. In-

My phone buzzes. I immediately pick it up thinking that dad is calling. 

It's not. 

It's Peter. 

I watch as his face flashes on my screen. What do I do?

Answer you idiot. 

'Hello?' I stutter.

'Katy.' He says surprised. I'm not sure why. He called me. 

'Are you ok?' I ask, filling in the delayed silence. 

'Yeah I'm fine. I called to see if you were ok.'

Because he'll know about Lagos. I try to be as honest as I can but still concealing my secret. 'I'm managing. Something came up and we've had to cancel our trip.'

'Are you coming back to school?' He asks hopefully. 

'No. I can't. I-' I choose my words carefully. 'I'm not sure what's going to happen but please don't worry. I'll be fine. I am fine.'

'Ok, good.' He relaxes. 

'I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. It's been a bit hectic.' 

'It's ok, I know. I mean I don't know but I understand.' He rambles.

I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. I have missed him. 

Pull yourself together it's only been a few days. 

'Katy?'

'Yes, Peter?'

'Let me know if I can do anything.'

I imagine his eyes sparkling down the phone. I imagine his fingers twitching, lips ever so slightly parted. 'I will.' I smile. My heart flutters as I lose myself to our little moment. I wish I could just tell him I knew. But that's a secret to be revealed in time. 

Lightning springs to my hands as a breeze whips past my face. I relax when it's just Vision. 

'Your father has arrived with the Secretary. The team is to be assembled in the meeting room.' He reports.

'Thanks.' I nod slowly, careful not to use his name. Vision turns to phase out of my room. 'Use the door please.' I call after him. Vision and doors. 

I turn my attention back to Peter. 'I'm sorry but I have to go. I'll call as soon as I can.'

'It's ok. Bye Katy.'

'Goodbye Peter.'

As I make my way to the meeting room, Dad comes out of nowhere. 

'What's-'

He quickly pulls me to the side before anyone else can see us. 

'Dad, what are you doing?' I whisper, watching as his eyes dart frantically around. 

He hugs me tightly and then firmly grips my arm shoulder, focusing his eyes down on me. 'Listen, Katy, what's about to happen... it's just...' He sighs, massaging his forehead the way he does when he's stressed. 'Do you trust me?'

'Of course dad.' I truly mean it. 

'Ok, I need you to follow me closely into the room and take the seat next to me. Don't sit at the table with the others.'