Little Game

Lizzy: Rebelle/Queen

I finished the pop quiz in five minutes. New record. Mr. Field gave us fifteen minutes for our multiple choice maths quiz based on statistics and probability. My seat was in the front of the classroom near Alexis and Hailee. Karla's seat was at the back because Field didn't enjoy how much of a chatterbox she is. The sound of pen on paper told me that they were still writing, like the rest of the class.

I slouched back on the chair and let Mr. Field grab my test from my desk. I stared at my purple pencil case, thinking about Saturday's interesting meeting with Harvey. He is just all talk. I wish the government grew some balls and hired someone who is suitable for terror negotiations.

I chuckle at how nervous Harvey was. His poker face was on point, yet the fact that we weren't Ben, and that we were just kids made his eyes boil. At least his secretary was honest about his emotions. It looked like he was watching a prank unfold.

I chuckled again, but catch Hailee looking over at me in concern. I hid my embarrassment by covering my mouth. I wave at her in dismiss and pass it off like a funny joke. She raises her eyebrows and continues her test. I sigh in relief.

I stare at the ceiling, listening to the ticking clock. The meeting could've been worse, for instance, he could've broke the pen that he had gripped between his palm. The ink may have splattered over his well tailored suit.

When I giggle again, Mr. Field approached me with concern. I curl up in my seat and bow my head apologetically when he reprimanded me quietly. When he walks away I sigh of relief.

I lean my head on the table, face first, to think. I recall after our meeting going to Ben who asked me to learn a certain song for our next impromptu mission. I've been practicing non stop but it's harder than any others that I do.

"I don't want you to strain yourself, though," he had said. "If these people won't listen to words, maybe they will lyrics,"

I close my eyes in confusion from that cryptic statement. I hear the faint shrill of the timer and Mr. Field presumes to collect the remaining tests. I slowly rise when the familiar crackle from the PA system sounds.

"Excuse me for interrupting your class, students." Mr. Freya, the new principal, stated. He used to be vice principal to our formal principal Miss Jackson. He had taken her place.

"This announcement is from our community council and is not to be ignored," he stalled. "Now, there has been a continuing protest in Northridge in regards to the Rebelles. Today, however, the protests have gotten extremely violent that the police haven't gotten it under control.

"If you are able, get a lift from school for the next week, in order to avoid any contact from these... people. If you travel home by foot, avoid the main route and the south bound roads that lead downtown. According to the police, this is where the Rebelles threatened to protest. This message is directly from the Senior officer of this sector, and is not to be ignored.

"If you do come into some conflict, call the school, emergency authorities, or your parents for assistance. That is all,"

The PA system crackled before going silent. I swore under my breath, feeling Alexis' glare at my head. I know she heard me but I didn't look at her. She would probably pass it off as a fearful reaction.

Our classroom filled with murmurs and grumbles. Field briskly picked up the tests and jogged to the front of the classroom, calming us down by clearing his throat. It was enough for our class to fall silent.

"Heed those words, class," he announced, gathering the papers together. "This is serious. No one is to be loitering after school,"

We all released a nod and murmured a reply. This is so dumb. So far, the Rebelles as an organisation haven't done anything too violent, excluding the murders that were only conducted by me and Kriss. But, of course, the public won't separate those two apart.

Maybe the new recruits have taken it too far in Northridge. Maybe they went crazy. Overall, the Rebelles have only killed four people in the past ten years that we have been fighting. I can't really say the same for our opponents, but unfortunately the world knows nothing about the innocent lives that have been taken by the very society sworn to protect them. They wrote up our murders as if one person is the value of ten.

Mr. Field begins scribbling on the white board and quiet whispers of the message circle through the classroom. Hailee's finger pokes my arm, and I glance at her with a concerned frown.

"Do you think that the Rebelles might kidnap some of the students just to get to the authorities?"

The amount of willpower it took me not to roll my eyes was painful. "I don't think so. I mean, they haven't done anything too drastic and they try hard not to hurt the public,"

Hailee frowned. "What do you mean? They killed someone, Liz. They might do it to one of us,"

Shit. "Hailee, calm down," I whispered. The more I talk, the less likely I'll actually protect my identity.

"Besides, it's just a petty attempt to spook the government. They're just using us as bait." I continue, trying to convince her with a smile.

Field cleared his throat, staring dead at me. The class grew silent again and we got some work done. I breathed out after I finished half of the exercises. How can Kriss just smack talk his own belief when he's around people who bleed ignorance? Speaking of, I wonder how he reacted to the announcement.

Stop! I need to stop thinking about him. I've realised that I have become way too reliant on him. Sure, he's my brother but ever since I've started highschool, he has saved me from conflicting situations and social suicide. Man, if we'd lived in a normal world, he would easily be the popular kid and I'd be the dorky little sister.

The bell rang early, confusing all of us but no one was complaining. We packed up our things and I dashed out of the classroom, leaving my friends behind. They called for me, but I needed to find my brother.

The corridors filled with tired and loud students, but through the crowd I spotted Kriss. He had a bright smile as he laughed along with his friends about something dumb. I froze behind the corner wall, realising what I was doing.

How do I approach him? I couldn't just chat him up with his hormone drenched, male friends. Especially about the message. He might just pass me off and continue fooling around. Just to stay in character.

I sigh and, in defeat, walk around the corner, seeing that Kriss was now closer. I avoid contact with him, glancing at my shoes as I weave my way past the slow travellers.

Inches in front of me Kriss approaches, still conversing with his friend. But, his left arm raises as he is explaining something. He held a single pink slip, folding in several uneven directions. His arm rises until it reaches his shoulder, but for me it's the top of my head.

I raise my head and both my arms. He starts getting excited about whatever he is blabbing about and drops the paper as his friends belt out in a chorus of laughter. I reach out and grab the paper, gripping onto it for dear life. The whole ordeal felt like a whole day just passed, and yet I was already at the other end of the corridor in a few seconds.

I rush into an unlocked bathroom, enter a cubicle and lock it behind me. I hastily open the letter and smile as it was titled "Queen". I check if their was anyone else inside the room before proceeding.

Queen,
Don't worry about the message. King just called up on all schools, sending threats etc. to cause a panic about the protests - since the beginners are doing a lousy job.
Don't talk about it with your friends too much (I know how nervous you get). Not to be mean, just better safe than sorry.
We will resume our usual routine after school. Ben instructed us not to go to HQ, apparently he's got Tike doing something important. We'll head back to the unit tonight.
Love, Knight.

I sigh and lean against the door. Kriss could read me like a book. The second bell rang, informing us that class was about to start. Reading the note for a second time, I made sure I followed these instructions to the letter.

I tore up the piece of paper, dropped it in the toilet and flushed. I stepped out in time for some other girls to walk in. I briskly rinse my hands off and slip past them, calmly heading to my history class.