Visible Ghosts

22

Sang POV 

My butt feels numb for the amount of time I've been sitting on the hard ground. At first, I thought sitting would be better than standing, but now, two hours later, I'm not sure what's worse. The first hour, I stood and glared at the boys while they suffered through the onslaught of exercises dad threw at them. Then, I decided to plop on the ground. Zane, the great brother that he is, is letting me lean back against his legs, giving me some support and letting me stretch out my legs in front of me. We've been watching dad 'Drill Sergeant' the Blackbourne and Toma teams and I almost feel bad for them, almost.

The anger and hurt from Raven's betrayal still cuts deep and fresh. And not just Raven, but Axel too. Someone I considered, and still consider, a close friend. We've known each other almost as long as Phil, they were of the first Academy members dad introduced to us after we became a part of his family. For them to break that trust and go behind our backs stings.

I thought I had my anger under control until Dr. Sean Green with his sad eyes and infectious smile attempted to talk to me. His concern was overwhelmingly kind and his apology sincere, yet he had nothing to apologize for. Although Raven and Axel are his temporary teammates it does not make him responsible for their actions. Yet, he took it upon himself to try to help by acknowledging what they did was wrong, and apologized. It infuriates and subdues me at the same time to know that the good doctor is upset and trying to make amends, but his two teammates who acted so naively have hardly done anything other than send lame-ass 'I'm sorry, please talk to me' texts.

During my inner grumbling, dad must have finished the hours because I smell a hint of gun grease and lemon growing stronger. Before long, two pairs of sneaker-clad feet emerge. Zane stiffens behind me and I dread the conversation that is about to happen. I'm not ready to talk to them yet.

"Sang," Raven's clear but soft voice calls out in greeting. I don't look up, I can't. I know if I do, I'll see regret and pain and all I would want to do is forgive them because I can't stand the idea of hurting my friends intentionally, even if they hurt me first. "Malen'kiy kotenok?"(Little kitten) Raven pleads, I hear him shuffle a few inches forward, his scuffed black sneakers almost touching my flip-flop clad toes. "Pozhaluysta, prostite moi prostupki. Mne zhal'." (Please, forgive my misdeeds. I am sorry.)

"Bol'shoy medved', mne bol'no." (Big bear, I hurt) I whisper out in a strained voice.

"Sang, Zane," Axel begs, the torment in his voice almost causing me to whip my head up. Axel never begs, he is too proud to ever lower himself before another, but here he is dropping to his knees at my feet. "Tell us what we need to do for you to forgive us. It is incomprehensible to imagine a life without either of you in it. You're family." He whispers too low for anyone else to hear.

"I can't tell you anything on Buttercup's behalf, but I would really appreciate some space for a couple of days." Zane's deep voice comes from behind. "Give me a few days to fume, then come back with action and not words. Show me how sorry you are, your behavior hurt us, not your words."

Silence hangs in the air as both parties consider what Zane is offering. I know he didn't speak for me but I stand by his statement. I will forgive them but it doesn't have to be today. I steel myself for what I'm about to do next and force myself to my feet. Axel still lays beneath me, his knees pressing firmly into the dirt as his dark almond eyes follow my every movement. He looks terrible, there are worry lines marking his forehead and around his mouth; the workout he just went through has his usual beautiful black hair disheveled, but beyond that, he looks broken. Nothing like the man who commands a room just by entering it. Raven isn't on his knees but he doesn't look much better. Stark under-eye bags are prominent, and he's hunched over as if any words I say might physically cause him pain.