Taken

Meeting the Elders

I realized I was basically interrogating Chase about what was going on and he seemed a little annoyed but I didn't really care. When the announcement went off for us both to meet with the elders everyone looked surprised. I looked at Chase and gave him my best "I'm still mad at you but I'll put it aside if you tell me what's going on" look and he seemed to get it but instead just continued to ignore me. That's when I finally looked around and realized I've never seen this place before. I turned to ask about this red carpet that was trailing down the hall but decided to have some fun. I ran up a little ahead of Chase and started walking up and down the hallway as if I were at a fashion show. Chase smiled and this time it was a real smile; unlike his usual smirk this smile reached his gorgeous eyes. I was taking one last walk down the way when I saw Chase's facial expression completely change. He went from laughing to stone cold serious in about two seconds flat. I was still laughing and was about to ask what was wrong when I heard someone behind me sternly speak my name. I winced. I would be the one to get caught. I took a deep breath and turned around ready to laugh it off and apologize but the elder raised his hand simply stating, "You two are late. I trust you can find a seat without an escort.". I mumbled a sorry as I walked into the room at the end of the hall. Chase was walking slowly behind me and stopped to speak with the elder. Chase motioned for me to go ahead so I continued into the room and found a long table filled with the elders. I even recognized a few from my first test. Apparently one of them recognized me back because he nodded my direction. I didn't know exactly what was the proper thing to do. Bow? I just settled for an awkward wave and sat down in one of the two seats facing the elders. Now that I was sitting down I could see there were twelve elders all sitting in a row and staring intently at me as if expecting me to entertain them. They must have figured I wasn't the chatty type because one of the elders spoke, "We shall begin once your mentor is in the room." I nodded and looked around the room. It was completely white and empty other than the table and chairs. I made a mental note to kill Chase the first chance I got for leaving me here alone! And not telling me what to expect. Ugh he could be so irritating some times! Just then Chase walked into the room and sat down in the chair next to mine. Normally Chase is cool and collected but he seemed nervous and he kept shifting in his seat. I wish I could ask him what they were taking about outside but it seemed that our 'meeting' was about to begin.
"Becky do you know why you're here?"
"Because I'm in trouble?" I guessed. Most of the time when I have to meet up with grown ups like this is because I did something unladylike or wrong. Like that time in fifth grade when this girl Mandy was bullying this new girl at school. I told her to stop but she didn't so one day she found a ginormous glob of gum stuck to her hair. What she didn't know is that I saved three packs of Hubba Bubba gum specifically for that occasion.
"Quite the opposite actually. We assigned Chase to be your trainer to push you where the others can't be pushed. And I'm glad to announce,it worked. You showed us that today. You have officially secured your place for the next round."
"Meaning?" I said cautiously.
"Meaning, you will not have to worry about being eliminated this round. In fact we would like you to take on a mission. How do you feel about that?"
I turned to Chase excitedly only to find his face completely pale. He looked at me nervously. I didn't know what his problem was but having a mission sounded fun so I eagerly agreed. Just then Chase spoke up and said, "I would like to accompany her on this mission as I am her mentor." He then looked at me apologetically, "she still had a lot to learn. "
The elder smiled (a bit creepily I might add) "Excellent, you may take Chase with you and the weapon selection of your choosing. The full mission will be waiting for you in your room. Read of the mission. If you truly do accept this task we will see you tomorrow morning to escort you two out. Farewell for now, Becky. Chase will take you to your room. Have a goodnight."
After the meeting I was way tired than I thought I was so I shooed Chase away demanding my beauty sleep. He seemed hesitant but left after he made me promise I would talk to him tomorrow morning before my final decision.
I changed into my comfy owl pajamas and took off my makeup with my handy make-up remover. I skimmed through the packet as I began to fall asleep. I forced my eyes open and continued to read about the case. I wish I could talk to my parents right now. They would have l own if I should take the case or not. They would have given me great advice. But instead I have to settle for Chase. I skimmed some more and read about something being stolen and someone wanted the back ...blah blah blah. It seemed like a pretty simple case. I just had to get back what was stolen. But then why was Chase so anxious? All of a sudden my mind went to when I was strutting down the red carpeted hallway and how he actually laughed a real laugh! Chase is cute when he lets himself be happy. And with that I fell into a deep sleep if unicorns and rainbows. Just kidding it wasn't very much of a deep sleep instead I was staring at the ceiling until morning thinking about whether or not to take the case and my parents warning.