Anti-Academy

Betrayal

Max POV

Sitting in a meeting with the Academy Board is not my idea of fun. It's not where I want to be at this moment.

I have more important things to do.

Last year I wouldn't have said that. I would have said that the Academy came first. The Academy was my family. I had never before felt more supported or at home than with the Academy. Even though I had my sisters and they'd always be important to me; I have always assumed that they would always be untouchable. Safe. Happy.
Because of the Academy.

Now everything has been put onto the back burner. I have to admit I have done nothing on this case since that night. Owen and Axel have kept me in the loop but honestly it was just as a courtesy. I told them I am not in a place to give valuable or effective input, I need to be with Sang.

Dr. Roberts and Mr. Phillips have been debating my teams continued assistance to the case for the last three hours. Ms. Rose has been backing Dr. Roberts up arguing that this had been an unforeseeable circumstance and our team should not be penalized for our lack of support. Mr. Phillips, a pompous ass, had managed to persuade Mr. Davis and Mrs. Harrington to his side stating that our team should have pulled out immediately instead of prolonging the misconception that our team was still leading the case. Dr. Roberts rebuttal was that we were too overwhelmed to do anything but take care of Sang.

So far Owen, Axel and I haven't been able to get a word in. They go from heated to sensible in seconds and the unstable flow of conversation was starting to take its toll on me. My head has been killing me for the last hour and a half and it doesn't feel like we will ever find a stopping point.

The vibration of my phone distracts me for the 15th time. Marie has been blowing up my phone for the last ten minutes. Somehow I've managed to silence it each time before the Board sees my distraction not wanting to add fuel to their fire.

A persistent knocking on the door unexpectedly interrupts the meeting. Dr. Roberts hurries over to the door where Ms. Rose's granddaughter Margery stands at the door looking very pale. Ms. Rose responds in rapid sign language. Margery signs something back but all I caught is 'emergency' before all the adults eyes were on me.

"It's confirmed then." Mr. Davis asks tensely.

"Yes, Sir. I have just finished the report and was about to bring it to you...when she called." She paused slightly before stating, "She called in when she couldn't reach him."

My stomach tightens. Marie had been trying to reach me. Had something happened? Was Sang ok? Marie was supposed to be with her at the hospital and then head to the house once Sang had been discharged.

I stand slowly and move forward. Axel and Owen right behind me.

"What's happened?" I ask Margery. "Are Marie and Sang okay? Marie has been trying to reach me."

Margery looks to Dr. Roberts hesitantly. At the shake of his head she quickly leaves the room.

"Wait, What's going on? Margery! What was Marie wanting? What's happened?" I move to intercept her but am quickly blocked by Mr. Phillips and Mr. Davis. "What are you doing? I need to know whats going on?" Dr. Roberts slides between them.

"Max. Son, have a seat and we will explain." He looks so solemn goosebumps break out on my arms. Usually his term of endearment wouldn't bother me but this time it set me on edge.

I walked back to my seat noticing that Owen and Axel looked just as confused and frustrated as me. I was suddenly very relieved that I had them today.