Bouquet of Rose's

Lesson Number One

Priscilla

"I Don't like this." I whispered quietly to myself. I looked around as the last few people settled down in their seats. God daddy wasn't back yet and I didn't like being here alone. I picked up my little brother not wanting him so far from me. Using his wrap, I strapped his slack body to mine gently. Making sure not to startle him awake.

The lights cut out suddenly, as I stood. Only the stage was brightly lit. I grabbed the bag, leaving the stroller, trying my hardest not to flee. There was a pit growing in my stomach and it took everything not to run. I waited for my eyes to adjust to the change.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The voice greeted behind me. I ignored him, moving by memory. It was too dark to see the exit but, I remember the way we came. "It's time to begin! We're sorry for the delay, and we just need everyone in their seats so we may continue." The voice continued as I sped up.

"That includes you Priscilla Jacobs." He concluded behind me. " Imposible!" I froze as the word slipped out quiet and dry. Do I continue? Shall I turn around?

So many decisions, and I had no clue what to do. Where is Mir and Rose? What do I do? My chest started to pump faster, and I couldn't breathe as I got dizzy.

My brother squirmed, reminding me that I am not alone. I had someone that I loved and needed to protect. I calmed my self. Then I took off quickly, keeping low but sheltering Jai. "She's Running!" exclaimed the announcer. I heard feet coming towards me.

It was all happening too fast. I could judge how far, and I couldn't see from where. I couldn't think about it, I just had to get us out. "Enough!" Shouted another voice. Female this time, but I heard it before. This made me stop running, as the lights cut on above me. Behind me was lit as well, leading back to the center stage.

This time I turned around to see the attendant we met before. I was always good with voices. "Hello again." She greeted with a weird smile. "I'm glad we have your attention." She continued as I walked back towards the stage. The sound of feet closing in from the darkness.

She was not up there alone. The male from before was up there too. Giving me a face to match with the voice. They stood in front and at center. With two chairs behind them. My heart sunk seeing Mir thrashing in one of the chairs.

His eyes connected with mine and I saw that he was livid. I avoided his glares as the woman continued. "It's time Priscilla. Your admission in the academy starts now." Her eyes focused greedily with mine. " There are Three keys. Retrieve them and bring them to me within the hour. Hand us the child so we may begin." Jamir thrashed harder, breaking the chair and landing on his back, hands still tied. He fanned kicked onto his feet. A graceful display of his long limbs. He moved towards the woman and A gun shot rung loud and clear.

Though the sound was loud, I saw no blood. Only a small dart protruding out of his neck. I mentally mapped the direction the dart came from. They had weapons in the darkness. "Settle down Jacobs, were only her for one child today." The woman sneered as she turned her back to him. Mir grew slack and my heart fluttered as he fell unconscious. We were in big danger. " Give him to me and we shall begin." She snapped.

"No." I stated softly but stern. The woman raised her eyebrow. " You are not in a position to..."

"I can do it." I interrupted her, adjusting my stance like Milla taught me. She said you wouldn't always know how much you were outnumbered but, you must stay prepared. I tightened my brother to my body. Careful not to smother him. I felt my muscle coil with readyness. For anything.

" I can do it, BUT only if I keep Jai." I stated firmly meeting her angry eyes. " Very well." She sneered. "Your time starts now."

I darted off for the exit. No footsteps behind me this time. The light blinding me at first as I emerged out of the tent. The park was filled with people. I had no idea where to start. I didn't know who was in on this mission.

I started walking in the crowd, merging with the mass of unaware guest. My heart pounding. I paused in front of a game stand. The attendant seemed bored however, my eyes was on the golden key shiny on the wall.

"I want that." I exclaimed startling the person. He looked at me and rolled his eyes. " this game isn't for kids." He puffed dismissively. I slammed my hand down holding a $50. " I said I want that Key." I challenged him.

The man quickly snatched the money and handed me a be be gun. "You have to pop the balloons." He instructed setting them up. "10 balloons gets you the key." You have only 3 bullets. Time starts now." He finished starting the timer for 5mins. "Hey !" I exclaimed, snatching the gun in my hands. It felt weird in my hands.

I could tell it was a shot gun and far to big for the task. "Times ticking" he laughed as the time sped up. I gasped aiming the large weapon as best I could. I pulled the trigger and my shoulder lurched back, almost knocking me off my feet. I missed.

"Two bullets left." He teased. Jai was whining now. Now waking up disoriented. I cooed to him trying to calm him. My shoulder throbbed reminding me to check the time. 2 mins left!

I snatched the weapon, making Jai wail without my attention. I knew I wouldn't be able to complete the task but I couldn't give up. That's when I realized. He never said I had to use the gun!

My eyes zoned in on the darts off to the side. Almost out of sight. I grabbed 5 in each hand and took a breath. "Eye on the prize." I heard Milla's voice as if she was right next to me. " Lock in and let it go. Trust your instincts."

I hurled each dart right after the other. Not even thinking about it as my eyes darted to each flimsy balloons. I count as I heard the pops, not stopping to make sure. "Time!" The man exclaimed.

My hands were empty and so was the wall. I smiled as applause erupted. A crowd had begun to grow around up. I tried to soothe my brother. The pops startled him even more. "dame mi llave.(give me my key)" I demanded. The man sucked his teeth, snatching the key up and tossing it to me. I caught it and dangled it off my finger. The key was attached to a ring.

Jai quieted down focusing on it. I jangled it and he giggled making me smile. "You have 40 minutes left." said the man, breaking my thoughts and bringing me back into reality. I was on a mission and I was gonna see it through. I headed off to the find the next key, more confident and determined than ever.