The Strength of Silence

CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

'Are you sure this plan will work, Tobster?'

I had just finished getting ready for dinner at the Lake's house along with Strickler and my younger brother had told me of his genius plan of breaking into the teacher's office to find some clue on where the Killahead Bridge is hidden. Which is highly illegal but necessary at the same time. Aaarrrgghh has left to tell BlInky of the plan and that they'll meet up with Toby in a bit. But I was still a bit hesitant due to the fact that I don't want to deal with Barbara right now...

This is going to be one Hell of a dinner.

Toby gave me a reassuring smile, "It's going to be ok, Gems! Besides, I got Wingman and Blinky with me!"

My shoulders slumped as I sighed in defeat before giving the red headed boy a small smile, 'Just be safe, ok?'

He raced over to me and gave me a quick hug, "I promise!"

I chuckled while ruffling his hair and caused him to shout out a, "Hey!", of complaint; which I ignored, 'I'll hold you to that! See you later, Tobes!'

Then I made my treacherous journey across the street, towards Junior's house.

If I ever called him that in front of his face I would get slapped.

My smile turned into a straight line as a familiar car parked in front of my best friend's house.

Strickler.

I have to admit that I knew that my father figure was a changeling the moment I entered the museum and smelt that odd scent... besides the awful stench of goblin.

At first I didn't want to believe it; was in pure denial.

Then Jim filled me in on his run in with Bular and the damn bastard calling him Young Atlas. I couldn't help but to believe...

I felt betrayed at first... and angry.

But now...

SLAM

I was snapped out of my thoughts when Strickler stepped out of his vehicle and we locked eyes with each other.

Panic.

Fear.

Regret.

Anger.

And... happiness?

Those were the emotions that I got from just looking into my father figure's light green eyes. There was a moment of tense awkward silence until he broke it, "Gemma! You look lovely this evening."

I look down at the green dress I was wearing and couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips, 'Thank you, Stricks! A close friend of mine picked it out.'

Which was of course my giant teddy bear, Aaarrrgghh.

The salt and peppered haired changeling smirked teasingly at me and raised a brow, "Oh? Anyone I know?"

Shits about to go down.

I gave the older male a shit eating grin, 'I believe you do!', Strickler shuffled uncomfortably as I stood on my tip toes and raised my hand to try to reach Aaarrrgghh's height in my human form, 'He's about this tall... and broad; loaded with muscles. Smooth grey stone skin with luscious forest green fur and beautiful sparkling emerald eyes. A troll named Aaarrrgghh. Yeah, I believe you do know him.'