Shell-Shocked

Chapter 11

Two hours later...

Victoria still couldn't believe what had happened. On the way home, Anya had told them everything: how she was really a secret agent, going by the name of Elise Langley, how her partner Tandy lied to her and threw her out of a plane in an electrical storm, and how she miraculously survived the fall after being struck by lightning, absorbing the energy instead of it killing her. She knew Anya had been keeping secrets, but had no idea it was anything like this. But as they returned to Damiano's apartment to shower, change, and apply medicine to their wounds, she realized that Anya had been on their side all along. They also informed her of why Tandy wanted them dead. He had auditioned to be their drummer years ago, but they told him he sucked and chose Ethan, instead. He had vowed to them then that he would get even, but they laughed it off.

As the guys were all in the bedroom talking, Victoria grabbed Anya's hand and gently pulled her into the bathroom. "Anya, I need to apologize. I'm so sorry for being so nasty to you. If I'd have known, I would have-,"

"Vic, I get it," Anya interrupted. "These guys are family, and you were just looking out for them. I don't blame you. I was keeping secrets. I hope you're not terrified of me now."

In response, Victoria hugged her as tightly as she could, a tear running down her face. "You are one of us, now. Thank you for saving us, Anya."

"Awww!"

Victoria pulled away and saw Damiano, Thomas, and Ethan staring at them, smiling. "Shut it, guys; you're just jealous," she laughed. As soon as they left, she grinned at Anya. "So, Thomas seemed to enjoy you seated on his lap earlier."

"Well, those definitely weren't his keys or his lighter that I felt a couple of times," Anya snickered.

"Oh, Thomas got a boner!" Victoria cried out. "She felt the cobra!" Although Anya didn't know, Thomas' nickname was La Cobra, due to the fact that he was tall and had big feet. Which meant, of course, other things had to be big, as well.

Anya and Thomas looked at each other, and simultaneously, their faces turned a nice shade of pink, which made Damiano and Victoria laugh even harder.

Suddenly, Ethan cleared his throat and Victoria knew that meant to give them a break. "So, Anya-if that is your real name-, where do you go from here?" he asked.

Victoria exchanged a glance with Damiano and Thomas. She hadn't even thought of that. Now that the truth was out, she probably needed to start over and create a new identity. Maybe the agency would hire her back and she would return to her old life. Nothing was certain.

"Well, I was thinking about starting anew. Since I'm not Elise Langley anymore, I can be whoever I want. And quite honestly, I like being Anya McAlister. Besides, I hear rumors that a certain rock band is still in need of a driver, so I'm open to that," she replied.

"Wait; you're saying you want to stay?" Damiano asked, clutching Vic's hand.

"As long as Ethan doesn't mind me staying with him for a little while longer," she grinned, batting her eyelashes at him.

In response, Ethan picked her up and spun her around. "It's official! Anya is staying here with us!"

Victoria squealed with delight as everyone cheered and hugged Anya.

"Hey, Anya," Thomas cried above the noise. "Is there anything you can't do?"

"Well, I can't play the guitar like a badass," she told him, kissing his cheek.

"Wait a minute. Now I have a question," Damiano cut in, scratching his head. "Were you really able to fix my car?"

Anya smiled wickedly, holding up her hand, letting electricity run through her fingers. "I might have had a little help."