Crossing Boundaries

Unusual Violin Lesson

Monday morning arrived with the sun shining through Sang's new curtains. She looked around her and noticed that Nathan wasn't there anymore. For the past two nights, he had been going to bed with her but leaving a few hours later. This puzzled and worried Sang, this wasn't like any of the boys to leave her alone in her bed unless they had Academy business.

Sang got out of bed and rapped at the door to the bathroom, seeing that no one was in, she quickly went through her morning routine and got ready for school.

Nathan was waiting for her in the kitchen with her usual Frappuccino in his hand and a bagel. They headed outside where Kota was waiting with his car idling by the curb.

"Good morning, Sang. How was the rest of the weekend?" Called Kota. Apart from the few hours on Saturday, she hadn't seen Kota.

"It was good, we pretty much laid around the house playing video games and doing homework. I got to spend some quality time in my new room," Sang replied proudly.

"That's great. I should be free after school, we can get together and do something," Kota said.

"Sure, that sounds great."

Nathan didn't say much on the ride. Sang just thought he didn't get enough sleep. It happened with the Academy boys. But Sang noticed that something has been worrying Nathan as of late. It started on that day when Nathan came back from the Academy meeting and announced the new sleeping arrangements. She wondered whether Nathan was missing her sleeping in his bed or something else. She vowed to get to the bottom of this.

Classes went by as usual that day. There was something that bothered Sang though. She didn't want to say anything in case she was reading it wrong, but it seemed like the boys were less affectionate than usual. She was sure of it now. They still gave her hugs, but it felt distant. They didn't sit her on their laps anymore or gave her any kisses. Sang didn't like it, it not only puzzled her but it made her feel lonely as well. She was sure that she had feelings for them all but this withdrawal of intimacy was making her feel itchy and something else she couldn't quite put her fingers on. Maybe she'd talk to Mr. Blackbourne about it but something told her that this was all his doing. She shouldn't have talked to him in the first place about the boys' affections. Sang didn't know how to bring this up now.

Sang entered music room B for her fourth period "violin lesson". She didn't know what he had in store for her today. There was never a normal music lesson. Sang greeted Mr. Blackbourne and did a double take. He was dressed more casual than ever. Mr. Blackbourne wore a pair of worn jeans and soft grey t-shirt. Sang stood gob smacked. Mr. Blackbourne gave her his millimeter smile and said, "Well, do you like it?" He made a little turn with his arms out to the side.

"Umm... it's nice, a bit unusual for you," Sang said hesitantly.

"Yes, but our "lesson" today calls for some unusual clothing, Miss Sorenson. Here," Mr. Blackbourne threw her a bag, "this has some change of clothes for you."

Sang caught the bag and opened it. She found a pair of jeans and a t-shirt which looked like it belonged to one of the boys.

"Go get changed and meet me at my car. Oh, and leave your phone behind."

After changing, Sang walked to Mr. Blackbourne's car, wondering where they were going. It was definitely not to the country club. Not dressed like this, unless they were going as the help. Mr. Blackbourne was waiting for her inside.

"Get in quickly, I think I can see someone looking out of the administration building," said Mr. Blackbourne.

Sang climbed in and Mr. Blackbourne was off like a shot. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise, something you'll like I think. It might require you to get a bit messy though. But the reward will be well worth it."

Sang sat back in her seat and watched the scenery go by. It was exciting going to new places, possibly on Academy business. She just loved to go anywhere with Mr. Blackbourne. As they got further and further away from the school, Sang grew more agitated, where was this place? They had been driving for nearly an hour when they came to a turning off the main road. The road wound around a wooded area until it opened up to a clearing and a large building with a sign saying 'SC Clarks Animal Shelter'.

Sang's eyes got big. She squealed in surprise, "are we getting a dog?"

Mr. Blackbourne chuckled, "No, not yet anyway. We are here to do some volunteer work, hence the clothing of choice."

"We are going to work here?" Sang asked in bewilderment.

"In a way yes, it's only for a few hours and we are going to do a little snooping around in the meantime."

Sang nodded as if this was a normal occurrence for her, "what are we looking for?"

Mr. Blackbourne reached across to Sang's side and took out a small black box from the glove compartment; he placed it on the dashboard and switched a button on the side. Sang glanced at it with puzzlement.

"It's to disable any recording devises we might be near," he explained.

Sang nodded and waited for Mr. Blackbourne to continue talking.

"There have been some cases of disappearing animals from this shelter. We were contacted by an inside source who have witnessed animals being taken away in the middle of the night in a big van. They don't know where the animals are taken to or who is administrating these kidnappings. They suspect one of the managers but it's hard to tell when everything is kept under lock and key. Our job today is to do some innocent volunteering to see if we can come up with any leads. Are you up for this, Miss Sorenson?"

Mr. Blackbourne watched Sang closely as she processed this information. This was going to be her first real mission for the Academy. She didn't know whether to jump up and hug Mr. Blackbourne or cower into her seat. They might be potentially walking into danger; how could Mr. Blackbourne trust her this much not to bungle this up?

"I know you are feeling apprehensive about the whole thing, after all, I brought you here without telling you anything. I understand if you want me to take you back to school," Mr. Blackbourne tried.

"Are you kidding? You are actually going to take me undercover? For the first time? I mean, technically the country club was the first time, but this is so much bigger." Sang's eyes grew big in her head; she stared ahead at the building.

"Miss Sorenson, anytime you want out of this place, we can leave."

Just then Sang's eyes glazed over with a steely determination. She yanked the door open and stated, "Let's do this."