Little Secrets

Arlo: Just a Bad Day

I was going to be in so much trouble. I had slept in that morning and by the time I had woken up my clock said it was eleven o'clock. Most teenagers would think Man, I missed breakfast! Me? My first thoughts were, Eleven? As in past ten? As in past Agent Heart's class?

Besides missing class with Agent Heart, I had managed to get the new girl an enemy on her first day. I was an idiot for introducing Marie to the new girl - Em, she called herself. Knowing Marie, Em was probably in a toilet somewhere, unless she had managed to fend off my best friend. What was worse, I had somehow tied my sneakers to the leg of my bed, and I couldn't find my favorite hat.

Eventually, I left my sneakers tied to the bed. Instead, I grabbed some boots and left the room without my trademark hat. Earlier I had gotten a call from my... Special agent; Agent Grant. I was supposed to meet him in half an hour, but first I had to survive Agent Heart. Missing class was a huge no-no.

When I reached the door to her room (only years of practice had kept me from getting lost), I timidly knocked. After about 10 seconds, the door opened to reveal a very angry woman. "A-agent Heart my shoes were tied to my bed and my hat was missing and I'm sorry please don't murder me?"

"Listen to me, Agent Arlo."

I stiffened, sensing what was about to happen.

"I do not appreciate you skipping class and taking it lightly. I expect double effort next class. And don't try anything with me." I nodded, turning to leave.

"Oh, and Agent Arlo?"

"Yea- yes, Agent Heart?"

"I'd watch where you stick your nose- and your bugs. I am not an idiot, Arlo, and I don't appreciate an eavesdropper."

~~~~~

When I went on my way to Agent Grant's office, I ran into someone. The figure fell to the floor, obviously not expecting to see anyone else in the hall, her hair stuffed into a ponytail. Electric blue eyes blinked as she registered who I was. "Uh, hey, Arlo."

"Em."

"Do you know where the computer-hacking-thing class is?"

"Other side of the compound."

"Oh," she said, "well that won't be a fun trip. I got lost three times last night just trying to find the bathroom."

It was Em's first official day in training. She was wearing a black hoodie with the red X-circle on the front and a pair of worn-out jeans. I had shown her around the place yesterday, but the place was so huge and there was so much to take in I guess she didn't really remember much.

I turned to the door door at the end of the hall, a small smile on my lips. She sounded a lot like I did when he first arrived when I was nine, after my father's death. "You can wait here, I have that class too. Once I talk to Agent Grant, I mean."

She nodded and smiled gratefully, the relief evident on her face. "Cool, thanks."

~~~~~

"Arlo," Agent Grant said, his sharp features contradicting a kind smile. "Six seconds late."

"Agent Grant," was my reply. I was normally the funny kid, but today wasn't my best day. Agent Grant is scary.

"I have an assignment for you."