Grayed

Frivolous Eyes

Mr. Smile was barking some more orders when the kids rose at the same time. The adults walked out together, talking in hushed voices. As Ms. Sad came close by, she patted my head and smiled. “I’m excited about later. We’ll see what you’re good at.” She said and followed her companions. Mr. Smile nodded at Dr. PL and waved a hand. “I’ll be leaving you here with the other kids. Don’t worry, they’re great.” He said in an assuring tone and trotted to the adults. The door went open automatically and closed the instant Mr. Smile had stepped out.  A loud thud preceded the silence that came.

“Way to go, Howers. You and the newcomer will be partners. You’re owned.” Jim started and the boys laughed, except for Prin—uh, Earl. Or Whatever.

“The hell, Jim? Do you want me to seriously kick your ass this time?” she said and whacked the guy quite hard on his arm. Jim’s eyes widened and he glared at her. “Jim.” Harris said and for the first time, I saw his domineering power over them.

“But she started it! You saw it, didn’t you?” Jim retorted as he gently rubbed the reddening part on his arm. “No, you started it. You gave a jeer. If you didn’t give one, she wouldn’t hit you.” Harris reasoned out. “So you’re taking her side? Seriously?” Jim could not believe what he has heard.

“No. I was just stating the truth.” Harris answered back. “Anyway, Mr. Smile had instructed us to talk to Isado—“

“It’s Sadie.” I interjected and everyone’s gray eyes landed on me. “Alright.” He shrugged and walked to me and offered a hand. “I’m Harris McCartney, although you already know that.” He said still with that little smile. He looked older on close up but he had this glow in him. I was happy to shake his hand so I took his offer without second thoughts. Fiona and Jena walked to me and started to talk to me. “Welcome to the HQ. It’s good to see a new face here.” Fiona started.

“Thanks.” I muttered, not knowing what to say. “You’re very pretty! I like to do your hair sometime! You know, some girl time.” Jena joined in and took some strands of my slightly curly raven hair. “Uh, that’s fine with me…” I said, giving a smile to her. Her bubbly attitude reminded me of Germaine. “It would have been better if we’re going to be roommates! But I think Kara’s fine. You can manage.” Fiona said and she laughed softly. I smiled back, not really sure of what to do. I wondered if they knew of the incident.

“So, from whom did you get your eyes? We got ours from Dad.” Jena asked me. My mom had green ones so it must be from my father. “My Father.” I shortly responded. “Do you have siblings?” she asked further. Fiona led us to a couple of empty seats from the ones the adults had used. “Uh, none. I’m an only child.” I answered. I felt too intimidated by her very pretty face. She seemed like a doll. And add Fiona who acted and looked like a princess. “Aww, she’s the shy type!” Jena giggled and softly nudged me. “Of course, Jena. She’s still new here, after all.” Fiona said and patted my hand and when I looked at her, her warm smile melted all my worries. Maybe…I’d be happy in this place?

Suddenly, a loud blaring sound echoed across the room that I almost jumped from my seat. “W-What’s that?” my voice trembled and I looked around the spotless white room. Just where did that blare came from?

“Calling the attention of Mr. Smile and Dr. MD, please proceed to the Briefing Room immediately. Calling the attention of Mr. Smile and Dr. MD, please proceed to the Briefing Room immediately.” A woman’s voice emanated from the walls and faded to silence. When I looked at the both Fiona and Jena, they all wore that serious mask. “This is bad.” Jena muttered as she played with her auburn curls. “What’s wrong?” I asked, trying to get into their circle. The bickering from the others had also faded and they all looked worried. “They never get to be called together immediately except when…” Fiona faltered at the end.

Maybe it was a code that everybody else understood. I wanted to know what it was. After all, my father is involved there and I’m a part of this group, am I not?

“Except when it’s really, really, really important, right?” I butted in. I was expecting a whip of all their heads to my direction with that who-does-she-think-she-is look. Contrary to popular belief, they just nodded somberly in response, which happens to be a lot freakier that the look. “Let’s just hope that it’s not as serious as the last time.” Harry spoke.

“The last time?” I whispered to Jena who blinked back at me. “Oh, right. You weren’t here yet. There was a large confrontation between the Novetherean Crusaders and our side. The Black Squad wasn’t enough to fight them so the five of them were sent as well. It was…a bloody fight.” I heard a faint streak of sob in her voice. I don’t really know how bloody their bloody was but with the look on their faces…I think I have an idea now.

The door whizzed open and Ms. Sad’s figure came. Jared and Pri—Earl looked at her and stood. She smiled at them and shook her head. For a woman with a habit of smiling like that, it was odd to have her carry the codename she sported. She turned her attention to me and motioned for me to follow her. “You have a visitor.” She said when I was within her reach. I heard gasps and the sound of scraping chairs. I looked back and saw their how their faces looked surprised and…anguished? Ms. Smile quickly led me away, preventing me from further seeing their expressions. “Let’s hurry.” She said and we walked through seemingly endless white tunnels. We passed here and there and I swear that I wasn’t sure where on earth we were.

“Uhm, Ms. Sad? Where are we going? Who is my visitor? Is it Mother?” I asked, hoping that Mother was really the one who visited me. Right now, she was the only person in the world that I wanted to see.

“No, Sadie. Someone else.” And I heard a little hint of amusement on her voice, like she herself couldn’t believe it as well. After a few more turns and passcodes, we arrived on a small area of the HQ where there was only one room. Outside, Mr. Smile was standing, staring off at a distance.

“Mr. Smile.” Ms. Sad called and he snapped to reality. A smile appeared shortly. “Thank you, Ms. Sad. I’ll take it from here.” He said and the lady went off. When we were alone, Mr. Smile looked down on me and placed both his hands on my shoulders. “This is a surprise, and a first.” He said and he began punching codes on the security measure. A soft ding and a flashing green light accepted him. “You may be surprised, Isadora.” He said and he hummed an unknown tune.

The door began to part a little at the middle then like an elevator door, it slid apart smoothly. The inside was, unlike most rooms, dark gray with a single table and two chairs in the middle. A single light gave much effort to make the room look less cold but failed.

On one of the seats, there sat a man with silk raven hair. He wore the same thin frame glasses as Mr. Smile and when I looked more closely, he seemed to look like Mr. Smile, only with the hair difference.

But the most fascinating thing was, he occupied a good amount of space in my memory bank. I know this guy. I know him.

He slowly looked at our direction and a small smile came on his lips. He stood and stretched out his arms. The next thing I knew, I was running to him and was hugging him tight. His strong arms and cool sharp scent bathed me again with the now colorful memories of my childhood days.

“Father!” I cried as he stroke my head.