Star-Crossed

Part 38

"Just in time," says a low raspy voice.

It's Rex!

"Hurry up and get in here!" she says.

"What are you doing here?" I whisper.

"I'm the TA for this section," she answers. "Go sit down before we both get into trouble!"

I grab a seat toward the front.

"Hello everyone," says the woman at the head of the classroom. "I'm Molly, and I'll be teaching you all about biochemical warfare."

"Many newbies often say this is their favorite class during training," she adds. "But let me warn you, that does not mean it's easy."

Molly goes on to talk about how we train our bodies to fight, and we learn how to use all sorts of weapons external to us but that the subtler, and sometimes necessary, way to protect ourselves or destroy enemies is through biochemical means.

Immediately, my mind wanders to thinking about Element X. If Zayn is right, and it actually is a harmful substance, especially when ingested in large amounts, then it technically qualifies as a type of biochemical weapon that, if put in the hands of the wrong person or group of people, can potentially cause a lot of harm.

"Science and technology have come a long way," she says, "and now, more than ever before, we have an incredible understanding of exactly what, on a chemical level, causes specific emotional and physical reactions."

I try to pay attention to what she's saying, but, again my mind starts to wander. Now, I'm completely absorbed by the archives and what could be hidden inside of them.

I need to find out more about my parents' past. The pieces still don't add-up. I can't believe my mom killed herself. And that my dad is supposedly this evil mastermind now.

The bell dings.

"Do your homework and send it to me before next class, otherwise I won't let you enter the room," announces Molly.

I get up and run over to Rex.

"I totally stopped paying attention halfway through," I say. "Will you catch me up later tonight?"

Rex grins at me, "I guess I owe you for Iggy. But only this once. You have to pay attention!"

"Thanks, Rex!" I exclaim. "I knew you were a rad chick."

She laughs and together, we walk out of the room and grab a bite to eat before heading back to the apartment.

I'm exhausted once we're back, but I shower quickly and then get cracking on all of the reading I have to do. Rex stops by a bit later and helps both Eva and me on the assignment from Molly's class.

When I can no longer keep my eyelids open, I slide into bed.

Eva is still doing homework as I drift off to sleep and start dreaming about my parents and Pikar and me laughing and playing on the beach...