EXISTENCE

CHAPTER 10: Targets

Juan flipped open his phone. The screen was empty; just his wallpaper. The time read 12:09 PM.

He sighed. It was one day after their suspension had been lifted: Tuesday. That meant that he wouldn't be seeing Jasmine until lunch, then go to their next class together after that. He hadn't been able to see her at all yesterday; he and Gabriel left during lunch to go check on Hawa. That same night was the first Fox Bay varsity match of the year – the one Adam missed – and as it turned out, the team managed to scrape by on a 2-1 win without him.

Their suspension had been interesting, to say the least. The boys had made a vow to grow stronger after learning about a new enemy that may be linked to their old teacher and father figure. They made a new friend in Hawa, and had now more of a resolve than they could ever have hoped for.

Just great. How can I spend time with Jasmine?

As if on cue, Juan's phone vibrated in his hands, startling him. After the class resumed paying attention to the teacher instead of his little scene, he discreetly checked his phone.

There was a new message from Jasmine.

Juan excitedly flipped open his phone and checked his messages, opening up the one he had just received.

Where did you go yesterday? I tried looking for you during lunch but I couldn't find you. Are you ok?

Juan smiled. He typed back fervently, excited at the thought of having a solid lunch date with her.

Adam couldn't concentrate. As his eyes looked on absentmindedly at his blank notebook, his mind flashed with memories of his father.

The day he told Adam he had powers.

The day he showed Adam how to use a sword.

The day he explained to Adam how to be responsible.

The day he finally saw Adam's control over his power.

And the day he was called out to duty.

Things had been different for Adam since his father had left. The sense of security that had once filled the house whenever he was present had long since diminished. Mimi had begun to worry more and more over her two youngest sons, who hadn't had the same training Adam and his friends had received. And Adam knew that there was no way he could be the same teacher for them that his father was for him.

Hawa has to know something. I know she has her reasons to be silent, but...

He felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned and looked at Rym, who was looking at him with a rather concerned glance. She looked down and back at him repeatedly, signaling Adam to her hand. Adam looked down and noticed a scrap of paper in her hand. He took it and unfolded it.

You're thinking about him again, aren't you?

Adam gave a half-hearted smile. Rym was always able to read him, always able to clue into his thoughts.

He wrote back. I just feel like Hawa knows something. I need to know what happened. I need to know if he's still alive.

Rym took the note and responded, beginning a series of quick exchanges.

I can literally see the smoke coming out of your ears. Try to take your mind off it, okay?

It's not that easy though. He was my DAD.

If it makes you feel any better...

What?

...I think he's actually still alive.