Sun and Shadow

Chapter 13 - Family Matters

SAN DIEGO – FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Jude waved goodbye to Connor as the transport pad activated and he found himself back at the house. At least now his family had stopped waiting for him every day so he was able to step out without running into anyone. He walked into the house and didn't hear anyone before he grabbed the water out of the fridge for a drink. He didn't see or hear anyone so he decided to test his senses. Flashing his perceptions into the shadows he could see the whole house and that no one was home yet.

Stepping into the shadows he moved towards Anchor Beach and was able to spot Lena in her office with Monte. Smiling he moved into the room, but staying in the shadows he found he could hear their conversation.

"I'm not sure I understand why you don't want Jesus on the wrestling team anymore" Monte was saying surprising Jude.

"It's complicated" Lena said obviously not wanting to talk about it. "Some stuff happened and Jesus needs to accept the consequences" she said simply.

"The team is going to miss him" Monte sighed but didn't push. "If things change, I am sure that Coach Miller will be glad to have him back" she said as she walked out of the office.

Lena frowned and shook her head. Jude noticed she was tense and looked nervous. She went back to her computer with a look of concentration on her face as she tapped away at the keyboard. Wanting to avoid getting caught Jude shifted into the hallway and looked around but didn't sense anyone else around. He frowned and thought about his sister when he felt a tug and following Professor Sampson's advice, he trusted his instincts and followed the tug and suddenly he was at a photo studio and he saw Callie being photographed.

This must be the pictures that she was taking for her "Fost and Found" app that she had been talking about earlier. Jude saw everyone moving around to take her picture and he smiled at how great she looked, though she did seem nervous. Not wanting to intrude he moved back towards the house and saw that Mariana was now home by herself. Smirking he moved till he was right behind her as she was making a snack in the kitchen.

"Boo!" he said stepping out of the shadows.

Jude almost fell over laughing at the piercing scream that rang out from his sister when she heard him. The bowl of grapes went flying across the kitchen as she jumped and ricocheted off the cabinets. She turned on her little brother as tears poured from his eyes as he roared with laughter.

"YOU JERK!" she screamed slapping his shoulder. "That was NOT funny!" she pouted.

"Sorry" Jude choked out between laughs as he tried to regain some control but every time he saw her flushed face he was set off again.

"What if I hadn't been alone? Did you think about that?" Mariana said growling at Jude.

"Sorry...sorry Mariana, but I knew you were alone. I have been bouncing around since I got home" he told her.

"What do you mean?" she asked suddenly curious.

Jude smiled and sat on one of the stools. "I went to Anchor Beach and saw mama was there so I went into her office while she was on the computer. Then when I thought of Callie I felt this tug and when I followed it, I was at her photo shoot" Jude explained.

"Wait..." Mariana's face scrunched up. "How did you know where Callie was? Did she see you?"

"I didn't know. It was...when I thought of her I got a pull from her so it led me to her. I stayed in the shadows so neither of them saw me" Jude said carefully.

"So you can just find us?" Mariana asked.

"I...I don't know" Jude stammered.

"Where is Brandon?" Mariana asked suddenly.