Our Time Bomb

Chapter Two ~ Time Reel

My mind drifts back two years, I shall remember that day till I die.

I have been teaching Law in school for perhaps three or four years, I loved it.
This is the story of how I met my husband. To understand how he upset he is with me now, you'll have to know just how much we were in love. I never thought two people could love each other this much, but he proved me wrong. He was the bright spot in my life, the sunbeam.

So, I happened to meet the Captain of the Guard on a rainy day in September. It was during school, and on the day when two Gyardicans were brought into the classroom to talk to the students about how the Guild functions and other information about Gyardicans.

I still recall how Jefferson looked when he entered my classroom, his brown hair was a bit slicked because of the rain. His long cape was soaked as it draped about his strong shoulders. He took my breath away, and I do hope I did not just stand there in front of my class with a dumb smitten look on my face. He and another man came in, looking more like wet dogs rather than men. The first thing he ever said to me was with a slight chuckle, "My word, it is pouring out there."

I nodded, regaining my composure, "I'm sorry about that, it must be awful having to ride around town on these rainy days."
He looked about the room at the class, "It's far from pleasant, but we're here, nevertheless."

I smiled, pointing to the right of my desk. "You can go over there by the heat vent if you'd like, while we make introductions."

A nervousness suddenly hit me, I realized that these were Gyardicans, possibly the same ones that had pursued me when I ran from them countless times before. They didn't I know I was a criminal. No one did, that was the way I wished to keep it. Yet somehow, I felt afraid in that moment, coming face to face with my... Enemy.

So anyway, I introduced myself as Miss Riel, then had the class one by one, say their names.
"I'm not so good with names," the Captain smiled, "But it's such nice to meet you all, I've heard a lot about you actually. Your school is top in the district, and a lot of people have mentioned your professor, I'd say you're lucky to have her."

The class nodded their agreement, I blushed slightly.

"I am Jefferson Ray, and this Mitchell Caster." He motioned to the man standing next to him.

Mitchell smiled also, "We're glad to be here. So I'm sure that you all know the basics of what we do as Gyardicans. Can anyone tell me what our most important duty is?"

A hand shot up, "You protect the district from criminals and natural disasters."

"Correct. You are Jerome right?"

The boy nodded.

"Very good, well yes, our mission is keep this place safe and to bring justice into our society."

I could pretty much predict in my mind everything that they would talk about. They'd leave out all the nasty parts of being a Gyardican. Like how they had little mercy for even the smallest crimes, and how they didn't give the right to poor people to have a fair trial.

I sat quietly, half listening to their speech, but mostly watching Jefferson. He seemed about my age, something was suspicious about him however. His hair peaked up at the top of his forehead, his eyes were a stunning electric blue. He seemed at ease talking in front of a lot of people, but suddenly, he seemed to stiffen and glance over in my direction. He knew I had been watching him more than usual. I stopped, and made it a point to stare at him, Mitchell, and the class for equal amounts of time.

Then he started talking about criminals. He mentioned the Shadow Nation. I cringed at the way he said it, as though he were talking about a type of cancer. If you see them, to report them before they spread and terrorize a village.

I wanted to badly to speak up. We don't terrorize villages, what are you talking about? At most, we start riots against the monarchy when we are bombarded by unfair rules.

Did I ever say how much I hate the government? They are awful. The king and queen care only about making life good for the higher social classes, like nobles, and Lords, even Gyardicans sometimes.

To be honest, I had not been looking forward to this day, Gyardicans in my classroom.

After perhaps an hour of talking, they were finished. The bell rang and the students all thanked the men for coming.
Once they had all left, I prepared to leave, so did the Gyardicans, they had brought with them a projector with notes on it.

"Lovely presentation." I said to them as we packed up.

"Why thank you." answered Jefferson, he handed the projector to Mitchell. "Take that down will you?"

Mitchell nodded and left the room.

"I have a question though, there wasn't time enough in class." I said thoughtfully.

"Of course," He smiled kindly.

"Well..." I wondered how I would word this. "You spoke of protecting the district from criminals like the Shadow Nation. Why have you not yet gotten them under control, they have been running rampant for a year or two now."

His brows furrowed, "We do have them under control, somewhat. I mean, they would not dare to walk about freely around here. They live in fear, knowing we will catch them all sooner or later."

I laughed inwardly at that statement.

"What?" the corners of his mouth twitched. Perhaps it translated slightly to my outward expression.

Realizing myself, I became serious, "Oh nothing, but how long will it be until you find where they're hiding out and stop them?"

He shrugged, "We don't know, but we're still searching, they have been quiet for the last little while, so I don't know if they are backing down, or what."

That is because i am the leader now. I said mentally.

"Why do you ask of this?" He questioned.

"Curiosity, that is all."

He nodded, "Of course, I can imagine that people are confused and a little concerned about the situation. May I assure you that your safety is always first and we have everything under control."

I smiled, he seemed a bit overconfident. Were the Gyardicans planning an attack or major search soon?
"I'm sure you do, and thank you once again for the presentation."

"Of course, have a lovely day Miss." As he brushed past me something clattered to the floor. It was one of my knives that I had hidden in my dress. Heat rushed to my face.

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry." He bent over to pick it up, "that's uh, a very nice knife."

I smiled weakly at him as he turned it over in his hand, who knew what was running through his head. It was kinda normal for women to carry knives wasn't it?

"I have a knife similar to this myself." He handed it to me. I quickly tucked it into my dress.

"Thank you. Yes, my grandfather gave it to me."

That wasn't a lie, my grandfather was a knife craftsman. He was also the leader of Shadow Nation before I assumed his role after he died.

I grabbed my bag off my desk. "I should go too."

He smiled,"Indeed, Mitchell is waiting, I must hurry." I hoped he would quickly forget about my knife. It's a good thing he didn't know about the many other weapons I had.

I followed him from the room, shutting and locking the door behind me. He was kind enough to wait for me and walk with me down the to the school's lobby.

He walked with an authoritative air about him, yet his feet met the floor with a certain grace that channeled his agility into meaningful steps. To this day, he still strides the same way, and I love it with all my heart. However, walking at his side ever again with my arm wrapped around his... That's something I fear I may never do again.

And that is how I met him - Jefferson Ray.

✏ More to come. Comment what you think so far.