Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

8

And so, the takeover began.

"I am not getting -"

"Kie, just get on the damn bike." I ground out as I looked at the girl with my helmet on from behind my sunglasses. I had been trying to convince her for the last several minutes to get on the motorcycle. "I swear nothing will happen to you." I voice my sincerity as I explained she not only had the helmet on but also my leather jacket which had a bit of padding. Not that it would stop a bullet, but she didn't need to know that.

"All we are doing is going to my mom's work, then to John B's house. And then I will drop you off at your house or at The Wreck. Whichever you decide. Just please get on the bike. If I had a car I'd take us in that, but this is my mode of transport." The girl sighed before moving to the bike.

"I just step over and sit?" I nodded.

"Yes, and then you can see your feet here to brace and you'll want to wrap your arms around my torso. I know we just met but you can trust me. I won't pull anything." I assured. She still seemed hesitant but listened to me anyways. "Alright. I'm going to start driving. I'll go as slow as I can until I get on the main roads."

As soon as I kicked the kickstand up, her hold tightened. I nearly laughed but remembered she was absolutely terrified. Now wasn't the time to laugh.

I gently eased the bike into a slow pace, pulling away from the smoothie place and driving through a neighborhood to avoid getting on the main roads too soon. I felt Kiara slowly settle into the bike as she still clung to me but relaxed. I couldn't help but smile.

"Okay, I'm getting on a main road, hold on!" I shouted over the wind as I merged and picked up speed. Her arms tightened but she didn't curl up against my back anymore. Instead, I looked at her through one of my mirrors and saw her looking around.

Five minutes later and I had made it to large fancy gates, KPA, engraved in the center. I rolled up to the keypad at the gate and punched in the code my mom had given me.

"How do you know- oh right." I laughed at Kiara as I slowly rolled us through the gates and into the staff parking lot.

I didn't comment on the bike ride as I decided I'd wait until the day was done.

"Come on," I spoke as I finished locking up my bike, "Ma said to go through the front office before going up the stairs to reach the skywalk." I robotically recited the text. As I walked up to the first building in front of us.

I cleared my throat as the receptionist typed away on her computer. "Hello, can I help you?"

"Just here to help Ms. Bayford get moved in." The lady moved her eyes towards us as she looked me up and down.

"Hmm, hello Kiara, and you are?" My fist clenched as I took a breath.

"I'm her daughter. Now if you'll excuse us." I didn't stick around as I exited the office, Kiara right behind me.

"Rosenberg has always been a snob. Her mom being a donor is the only reason she has a job as receptionist." I snorted at the information. Lovely.

"What in the rich-hell?" I hissed lowly as we approached the skywalk. Or should I say glass hangout. Why anyone would have a lounging space in the abnormally large glass corridor whose floor was also made of glass in a school is both crazy and highly perverse. "Bro, if a pervert wanted to look up a skirt, all they would have to do is stand right below the floor."

"I said the same thing, but according to the Principal and Director, the man-made river is the only thing that goes under it and it's fenced off." I shot Kiara a raised eyebrow.

"Perverts definitely follow all laws so the fence is enough to keep them out of the river." I deadpanned as we went across the glass quickly. If I wasn't so worried about what this Academy held, it might have been pretty.

"Listen Marcus, I will not allow you to hurt my daughter anymore. Just take care of your side of the paperwork and leave us alone. In fact, once everything's paid off- I never want you to call me again." I stopped Kiara from entering the classroom as I listened to my mother's phone call. Anger forming on my face as I realize she was speaking to my father. Marcus Tallen.

"Oh no, I do get to make that demand. Or have you forgotten all the shit you've done. I'm done speaking to you. Have a nice life, Marcus."

I waited a few seconds, Kiara looking at me with worry before I nodded.

"I'm okay. Come on." I plastered a smile on my face. "Hey, Ma! You in your classroom?" I called as I walked to the doorway knocking slightly. I watched her wipe her eyes before turning around to look at me.

"Xena, oh and you brought Kiara!" Her mood switched immediately, unfortunately something we both were good at. Burying shit until someone lights a fire and the dam burns down letting everything free.

"Yeah, we thought we'd swing by and help you for a little, Ms. Bayford." Kiara spoke as I took the time to walk around the room.

"Oh, Kiara, please call me Marie." I laughed as Kiara's eyes went wide at the sentiment.

"This is a big ass room, Ma. You sure you're going to fit all your stuff in here?" I joked as I went to look out the window. "Ow." I hissed as I was hit with a small ball.

"Oops. My hand slipped." I huffed as I turned to find the tennis ball rolling away from me.

"Yeah, yeah. Alright, show us what you need us to help with."