International Affairs

Ranking Week

Chapter 21: Ranking Week

The day after everyone's Fear Essays were due, Ranking Week began. It was the biggest week for seniors because it was basically finals week. All the classes had tests and throughout the week the seniors were put in different Co Ops scenarios. Everyone was always on their toes and literally had to sleep with one eye open.

Katelyn was sitting in the library, studying. She had spent yesterday reviewing for math and today she was brushing up on her languages.

"Need help?" a silky voice asked.

Katelyn looked up. "Hi," she said.

Derek took a seat across from her. He had a lot of free time because the boys weren't participating in Ranking Week. Instead, Mr. Belikov had other activities to brush up on different skills.

"I'm just studying some Japanese," Katelyn said.

"Your native language?" Derek asked in Japanese.

Katelyn had a sheepish smile. "It's been a long time since I had a regular conversation in it. The only one who spoke it was my mom and God knows how long ago that was."

"I can help you brush up on it," Derek suggested.

Katelyn smiled. "I suppose some help wouldn't hurt me..."

Derek quizzed her on a chapter. It turns out Katelyn knew more than she thought she did. "Do you really need to study?" Derek asked. "You seem fluent as ever."

Katelyn shrugged. "I guess I underestimated myself..."

"Was that a fear of yours?" Derek asked suddenly.

"Huh? Oh...no" Katelyn said, clicking her pen. "That simulation was something, wasn't it?"

Derek nodded. "Life changing," he agreed.

"What are your fears? If you don't mind sharing..." Katelyn asked.

Derek rested his chin on his propped up arm. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."

Katelyn thought about it. "Sure..." she said.

"I'm afraid of my past," Derek told her.

"I am too..." Katelyn whispered.

"My mom," Derek and Katelyn both said at the same time.

"Really?" Derek asked. "What happened to your mom?" he asked.

"My dad went MIA," Katelyn explained. "My mom gave up everything to be with him and he disappeared on a mission. I guess she just retreated...too far beyond reach."

Derek cringed slightly. "Mine just passed away many years ago"

"I'm sorry," Katelyn offered.

"Thanks," Derek said. "What else?" he asked.

"Losing my sister," Katelyn told him. "Watching her die without being able to do a thing..."

"Silence," Derek said.

"Silence?" Katelyn asked. "Why silence?"

"Maybe, because as a child I spent every day in silence. When everything's silent I hear this horrible ringing. It's rather frightening," Derek explained.

Katelyn nodded. Before she could say anything more, there were gunshots in the library. Derek grabbed Katelyn and they both dove under the table.

"Test time!" Katelyn hissed. She recalled the shots...they were coming from the reference center.