White Lies

Part 1: Chapter 13

Thomas's POV:

   Sadly, the moment had to come to an end, a siren cutting it off.

   Marco seemed worried, pulling away from me, shouting over the blaring noise, "Huh?! Everyone's gone, dammit!.."

   I looked around, covering my ears to block out the sound, "W-What are you talking about?!"

   He only waved me to follow, "Come on! Sirens go off in case of emergency! Right when everyone leaves and security is lowered, of course this is when it happens! Stay close to me, don't trail off no matter what! I don't need you getting hurt, you're valuable!" He started off.

   I'm.. Valuable? I don't know why, but.. The way he said it so blankly and kept it incredibly vague, valuable in what sense? I couldn't help but to feel a bit hurt. Even after these small moments we've had.. Does he think of me as only an object used to help the whole project? Did he really only care for a cure?.. I stopped myself from letting my thoughts run. I could already feel it, the slight sting in my eyes. Geez, I really did cry at the smallest things. He probably meant nothing of it. Or at least, that's what I was trying to convince myself.

   He carried on like it meant nothing, so that's what I was hoping it was, following suit. We slipped through some hallways, eventually seeing Rudolph with a panicking Esmeralda. It hurt to see the small woman, usually so warm and full of joy, experience even the smallest hint of fear. Marco called, "Rudolph?! Do you know what's going on?!" He hurried to the woman's side, aiding in comforting her.

   Rudolph could only shake his head, "I don't know! Maybe it's a drill!"

   A voice cut us off.

   A voice that sent shivers down our spines.

   Smith.

   "Yes. It is indeed a drill but.. Maybe it did have a purpose. To stop a couple of certain someones from carrying on with their affairs.."

   Marco's face went blank, the sirens slowly dying down. He looked over to face the woman, "W-What do yo-"

   Smith scoffed," Don't play dumb. I know you're a smart boy Marco". He gulped, letting her continue, "Don't think I didn't notice on the gym cameras, the gazes and feeling each other up that was going on".

   "W-We..!", he perked up, embarrassed, "We weren't doing any of that!"

   She took a step forward.

   He took a slight one back, intimidated. This woman seemed to be the only one who could scare him. I don't blame him though. She was plenty of terrifying.

   "So you deny the affection?"

   He hesitated, ".. Y.. Yes".

   I felt like I'd been shot.

   "You really don't care for him?"

   "Y-Yes.."

   The bullet digging deeper.

   "So if I were to take you two apar-".

   "I wouldn't mind".

   Another bullet to the chest.

   She was clearly amused, "Hm.. Is that so?"

   "Y.. Yes ma'am", he nodded.

   Smith turned on her heel, "Very well then. Disregard the alarm", she started off, "If you're not lying to me, you're going to watch him for the rest of the day today. Tomorrow and onward, an official will be there instead as his caretaker. I really thought you had this under control Marco. I'm disappointed, but glad to have you back on missions. An important boy you are. Never forget".