The Search and Rescue Project

Chapter 7

Kolbe

                “Could I please use the bathroom?” The guard in the corner looked over at me, surprised. He looked to be about my age. Why would they guard me with a kid? This would be too easy. I quickly thanked the world for sexism and looked back at the guard.

“Sorry, I’m Kolbe. I kinda have to go.” I grinned at him with as much sheepishness as I could muster. He blushed and muttered, “Sure, it’s right there.” He said, gesturing toward a door in the corner.

I smiled widely. “Thanks…”

He turned redder. “Christian. My name’s Christian.”

“Well then, thanks Christian.” His eyes opened wider as he realized that he had just slipped up pretty badly. He bit his lip and nodded at me distractedly. I turned and walked to the bathroom.

                Once inside, I used my cuffed hands to splash water onto my face. I felt a little better. I popped my head out the door and said to Christian sweetly, “I can’t really go.” I moved my cuffed hands into his view. He glanced out into the hall before walking over and unlocking the cuffs. He looked up hesitantly. “Go ahead.” His eyes were really blue. I snapped back into focus. “Thanks.” I smiled at him, and he grinned a little. He had dimples! Aw that’s so- What the hell? I was acting less and less like an agent and more like a shallow, airhead teenager. I turned to enter the restroom.

                Once inside, I closed the door. The tiles were grimy and cracked. The mirror was too filthy to be of any use. The cracked porcelain sink was stained yellow. I brushed my hand over my face and wondered if I should have splashed the water on it.

                I spotted a jagged piece of tile lying in the corner. I slipped it into a pocket I had on my dress- I was so surprised when I found that this flimsy thing had one. I winced as I surveyed myself. The dress was short even before it was ripped…

                I took a deep breath and opened the door. Christian looked up from right beside the door, surprised at my sudden appearance. I took advantage of that and kicked him in the stomach. He doubled over and I drove the side of my hand into his temple.

                He slumped over and I caught him, stumbling back a bit. He smelled good, like vanilla. What the hell? I sat him against the wall and walked out of the room. I was really getting too soft.

Kolbe

  I sprinted down another hall, my heels clacking a steady beat. I would have gotten rid of them if not for the state of the floor. I turned a corner, feeling impossibly lost.

  A voice whispered into my ear, "Looking for someone?" I whirled around and hugged Caleb tightly. I could tell he was smirking. I stepped back and glared halfheartedly at him. "Are you always this stupid?"

He grinned and hugged me. "Yep Kolbe, I've had a great time... Giant guards, steel toed boots, and hard floors." I pushed him away. "You know I was worried. Let's talk when we're not here, okay?"