say don't go

We're a shot in the darkest dark

Maya meticulously sifted through the file in her grasp once more, absorbing every detail it offered.

The contents were sparse, providing only the basic information about her "mark." Yet, Maya understood the necessity of operating with minimal information. Her objective was to seamlessly integrate into the life of the eldest Deluca sibling, posing as just another ordinary student offering to be her friend. All in hopes of keeping her safe from an unknown threat.

The only information Maya did have in that file, however, was the name and picture of one of Carina's closest friends.

Amelia Shepherd.

In the image, Amelia stood alongside Carina, a shorter brunette whose features matched the description provided. Standing at about 5'4, with short hair, Amelia shared the majority of her classes with Carina, making her an integral part of their social circle.

However, the identity of the man in the photograph remained elusive, his face obscured from view. So now, the task of investigating the mystery of this man was yet another thing that fell into Maya's hands along with everything else that she'd have to deal with upon her arrival.

"You didn't tell me you were coming over?" Maya heard his voice before she saw him, prompting her to swiftly close the file discreetly, tucking it under her arm.

"Hey, Andrew," she greeted her best friend, rolling her eyes playfully but still approaching him for a side hug. "The General called me in for an emergency meeting, so I hadn't exactly planned on interrupting your sleep at 2 a.m., as you seem to believe."

He mockingly clutched his chest in offense. "Sergeant Bishop, I accused you of no such thing." His tone elicited another eye roll from Maya. "So, what's this top-secret mission he's given you?"

Andrew's gaze lingered on the file under her arm. "You know I can't tell you, Deluca. Besides, aren't you supposed to be focused on earning that promotion to Sergeant? You're falling behind, my dearest friend," she needled him, flashing a smirk intended to provoke.

He shrugged. "Not all of us are as well-loved and respected around here as you, Maya."

The hint of sadness in his voice wiped the smirk off Maya's face. "I'm sure that's not true."

"Then why is it that my own father doesn't trust me with anything? Maybe I can help with whatever secret mission he's sending you on if he just gave me a chance to prove myself."

"Andrew..." Maya struggled with how to explain to him that his close relationship with the General was precisely why he couldn't assist her. "I'm sure it's because he wants to keep you in the city for something much more important."

He frowned skeptically but seemed unwilling to dwell on the matter further. "Where's he sending you anyway?"

"You know I can't tell you that either," she replied with a teasing smile, enjoying his persistence.

"Come onnn," he pouted. "Give me something?"

Maya shook her head, playfully denying his request, and sealed her lips shut in a teasing manner.

"Ugh, I really hate you sometimes," he sighed.

"No, you don't," Maya countered, her smile widening. "You're going to miss me these next few months."

"You don't know what you're saying, Bishop," he retorted, crossing his arms and beginning to walk away. But Maya caught the faintest hint of a smile on his face, causing her to let out a laugh. "Instead, I think I'll enjoy the peace your absence brings me," he remarked before disappearing out of sight prompting Maya to follow him.