Battlefield: Control (Book Two)

Chapter Twenty-Six - JD

JD was tingling with excitement.

A real mission.

Not simply watching and taking notes, or accidentally stepping in on the action. He'd intentionally be doing something with more purpose.

He was surprised that Jaes had picked him and Cadence to go, since powers like Orlando's or Angela's made the most sense. Then again, if it wasn't going to be too dangerous, maybe it would be better. He could be sneaky without a superpower. It was something he did all the time at home.

Plus he got to spend more time with Cadence, so he couldn't complain there, either even if they'd be with Jaes. He seemed cool enough, but JD didn't like the way the guy seemed to have such an interest in Cadence. It was so obvious.

Like I'm supposed to believe he came over just to get to know us both better when all he did was get the deets on her.

Cadence still hadn't replied to JD's confession. He didn't know how to handle it other than pretend like it didn't bother him as he waited and hoped for some kind of response. For now, he needed to focus on getting home and having a good night's rest. Or trying to. Sleeping would be hard to do tonight.

"You're home earlier than I expected," his dad said as soon as he and Angela stepped through the doorway into their house.

"I don't always stay out late. Besides, Cadence said something about needing beauty sleep. I told her she didn't need to worry about it. Does she listen? No," JD said. He kicked off his shoes, and placed them by the door. He moved aside so Angela could do the same.

Their dad watched, smiling from ear to ear. "I love this whole you—two—getting—along—and—doing—things—with— each—other thing. So what are you actually doing? It seems too good to be true."

Angela sighed dramatically, and sat down on the couch in the living room. "You caught me. I'm only using JD because he's got this super-hot, awesome friend. It's a good excuse to go over and hang out with him."

JD glanced over at Angela, and shook his head. "We're hanging out with friends. That's it, nothing more."

"If you say so," his dad said, and went back to the kitchen.

"Uh, what are you doing?" JD whispered to his sister.

She shrugged. "Figure I'd say something that was at least believable. Why else would I spend so much time with you willingly?" She went to her room, quietly shutting the door behind her.

Rolling his eyes, JD turned on the television, mindful to keep the volume low so he didn't wake anyone up. The walls in their house were fairly thin, and his younger siblings were all light sleepers.

They were part of the reason why he was doing this. Protecting his family was important to him. He watched several hours of TV, but couldn't get his body to feel tired.

Restless, he sent Cadence a text.

"Yo, U awake?" When she didn't reply right away, he thought she was already in bed. About twenty minutes later he got a message.

"Yeah, I am. I was in the shower, sorry."

"It's cool. Am just bored."

"Go to bed. It's late," she replied.

He laughed. "I can't sleep."

"Head too busy?"

"No, just can't sleep."

His mind was calm, ready even. Or maybe it was tired and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up with him. He smiled when he saw her next message.

"Do you want me to sing you a lullaby?"

"Can U sing?"

"Yes, but not well."

"Appreciate the thought, but not 2nite."

He wouldn't have minded hearing the sound of her voice. They had said goodbye not too long ago, but still, he could listen to her talk for a long time. She had such a wonderful voice.

It took a while for her to reply again, and he waited to see if maybe she was thinking the same way. Hopefully she'd suggest a phone call so they could talk each other to sleep.

As much as he wanted to, he also didn't want to mention it for fear he would come off as too pushy. He promised himself he'd make sure she had space and not suffocate her, that he'd keep being normal so she didn't freak out.

Twenty minutes later she finally responded. "Try not to stay up too late. I need to go now."

Disappointed, he replied. "I won't. I'll try now too."