James Knight: Teenage Superhuman - B2

Twenty-Three

DEREK

"Sup', Lover boy." Grace approached me at my work desk with a teasing greeting. I wondered how she bypassed security, but I had little focus on my tasks. Conscious of the room's watchful gazes, I sighed and tried to divert the attention.

"Grace, please don't call me that while I'm at work," I requested. Rolling her eyes, she playfully took a stapler from my desk and fidgeted.

"Alright, rookie. You never believe it?" she screeched.

"I don't have time for games. I'm working," I snapped, feeling irritated.

Grace let out a sigh. "Ask me what happened?" she said. Annoyed, I grabbed the stapler from her hand and reluctantly gave in.

"What?" I growled.

"I found Max and Mia again," she revealed.

"Took you long enough. I thought you already knew their whereabouts," I commented with a hint of disappointment. Taking a deep breath, I continued in a hushed tone. "My dad just went to talk to Henry. He was going to reveal our superpowers."

Matching my lowered voice, Grace added a touch of sassy sarcasm. "Oh, yeah, because you have superpowers, right?"

"Don't push me, Grace," I snapped.

"I'll scream," she snapped, meeting my challenging gaze. But she backed down because of the heavy police presence. "Ugh! Fine, you win. Do you think Henry will believe him?"

"Henry is the type of guy who trusts family. Remember when James and I accidentally damaged my dad's police car? Henry almost fired my dad over it. So, we made up a story about a falling toolbox, and he bought it right away," I explained.

Grace chuckled. "Duh. You and your dorky Mighty-Mouse brother always got into trouble. That's what kids do," she said. I sighed, reflecting on her words.

"I'm off duty now. Ironically, Henry texted me to head home and babysit James."

"Yeah, he had sex today with his girlfriend," Grace commented.

"Enough, Grace," I snapped. James was a teenager, and while it frustrated me with him, I didn't appreciate Grace's comments. "Not a big deal." I glared at her, feeling annoyed.

"Do you still babysit your brother?" she suddenly asked. I couldn't entertain her games while at work.

"Let's go outside. I'll meet you in a few minutes," I told her. Grace rolled her eyes and walked away. I grabbed my car keys, placed them on the desk, and followed her.

∆∆∆

GRACE

"Grace, whatever you're thinking, stop it," he growled, fixing his eyes on the road. My heart raced, and the tingling in my stomach made me shift in my seat. I had developed a crush on Loverboy. Well, I had misjudged my feelings. It was unfortunate that he was my cousin.

"Can't this car go any faster than 35?" I snapped at him.

"Do you want me to lose my job?" he snapped, displaying his irritability. His fingers tapped on the steering wheel as he focused on the road.

"You jerk."

"How am I the jerk?" he growled. I rolled my eyes and watched the city blur outside. Despite his cuteness, Derek could be pretty annoying.

The tension in the car was palpable as Derek and I continued our bickering. The truth was, I was trying to distract myself from the uncomfortable thoughts plaguing me since our road trip began. My feelings for him were confusing, and I needed to do something to keep them at bay.