Rebel Born [FIRST DRAFT]

Chapter 22: Change

I scaled the tree behind the house as quietly as I could. One of the branches lead to one of the windows of my room. We had moved into a new syndicate house in Sector 3 a few weeks ago, and it has been two months since I started the training sessions at the Syndicate Management building. I haven't said a word to the others and I don't intend on telling them either.

I balanced myself on the window sill and placed my thumb down at the bottom left corner of the window. I had installed a program that allows me to activate and deactivate the security system by my window at my own will using my thumb print. This way I could leave the house and come back whenever I want to without alerting the others.

I climbed through the window and reactivated the security. All lights were off and the moon was covered by clouds but I could still see everything clearly. I changed into my pajamas quickly and dove into bed. I'm so tired. I had no trouble falling into a dreamless sleep.

"Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey!" Vanessa's voice jarred me away from the world of darkness. I felt the warmth around me disappear and she pulled my blanket away from me. I instinctively scrunched into a ball, arms blocking my face from the light. I heard a gasp.

Grumbling, I forced my eyelids open and sat up. I squinted as my eyes focused. "What's wrong?" I yawned, crossing my legs.

Vanessa rushed forwards and grabbed my wrists. "What happened to you?" She asked. Mind still muddled from sleep, I frowned at her and looked down at my arms. I had bandages wrapped around my right forearm and left bicep, with several small bruises scattered. Realization dawned on me that I had pulled on a tank top and not a long-sleeved pajama top. I snuck a look at my legs. I was wearing long pants. I swallowed a sigh of relief.

"Amelia?" Vanessa pressed on.

"Oh, um, I just got in a fight during one of my patrols. Just never mentioned it to you." I said, trying to twist my wrists from her grip. Vanessa narrowed her eyes at me before releasing her hold.

"If you say so." She moved as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. "Anyways, get ready. It's our day off and we're going to a new amusement park. Breakfast is waiting!" She walked out of my room and closed the door behind her.

I released a breath and made my way to the closet. Since Vanessa had already seen the bandages, she's probably going to tell everyone else. There's no point in hiding them now. I pulled on a comfortable grey t-shirt, my sole pair of jeans and grabbed a hoodie. I fingered the fraying holes in my jeans. I was never that bothered to get a new one or get more jeans in general. Oh well.

The moment I walked to the dining area, Hugh locked me in a playful choke hold and began to ruffle my hair. "Good morning, sunshine!" I delivered a strong elbow to his stomach and continued to walk towards the table.

"What was that for?" I smoothed my hair down and took a seat, shooting Hugh a glare.

"Oh, come on! Can you blame me? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!" He exclaimed as he bounced towards the table as well.

"We see each other every day. We live in the same house." I deadpanned.

"But still." Hugh said as he took his seat.

"He does have a point though, although he did say it over dramatically." Kyle joined in, ignoring Hugh's exaggerated wails as he began to pat my head. I whacked his hand away from my head in annoyance.

"You're either out or sleeping. It's always one of the two, so we don't spend time together anymore." He continued as he took his seat as well.

"Plus, you seem to have less of an appetite. Not that you ate that much to begin with... which is worrying in itself." Vanessa added as she walked in from the kitchen and set the last plate down. "We've been quite worried about you for some time now. Are you really okay?"