Absent

Chapter 8

Picture of Nina ::::

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"Oh, honey, you look so beautiful!" Stella was bouncing with excitement. All I had on was a pair of black jeans, a pink halter top, and a pair of pink converse. "You're going to have such a good time. Make sure you join something, okay? Like soccer, or dance- you need something to fill your time. I was captain of my cheerleading squad and we had so much fun."

I let her go on for the 6th time about her high school days with an amused smile. She was as excited about my first day as I was nervous. It was my first time in school. Jason assured me that I would be fine, but how could he know when he wasn't here? He'd be at his football training for another seven weeks which was plenty of time for me to completely embarrass myself.

"I really think you should let me drive you for your first day." She said to me. "It's alright if I'm a little late for work."

"No," I said, shaking my head. "You've missed so much work for me already. I can take the bus, really. It's okay."

Ryan had left for work already and Stella was due to leave any minute. The school wasn't anywhere near the emergency communication center where Stella worked. If she took the time to drop me off, she'd be at least thirty minutes late.

"The bus will be here soon." I said when she looked like she was going to argue. "I'll be fine, I promise."

She blew out a breath, still looking unsure, when a knock on the door sounded. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and she walked off to answer it. I watched carefully as she opened the door.

"Oh Luca, I almost didn't recognize you, it's been so long." Stella exclaimed. "I haven't seen you in weeks, honey, how are you? You know Jason is still off at football, right?"

"I know," his deep voice rang out. "That's actually why I'm here. He asked me to take Rowan to school until he gets back."

"How sweet of you." Stella ushered him and I watched from my spot in the living room. Every part of him screamed danger and mystery, as far as teen magazines were concerned- from the inky black hair on his head to the heavy combat boots on his feet. "I really didn't want Rowan riding the bus, but I need to get going."

They came into the living room and I looked over at Luca. When his eyes met mine, they were completely devoid of emotion. The last time I'd seen someone hide emotions this well was back at the Agency. That fact alone made my curiosity grow even more.

"Rowan, Luca is here to take you to school." Stella said with a bright smile. "Isn't that great?"

She didn't wait for my response and instead went off to find her purse. She returned with the bag and came over to press a kiss to my forehead.

"Have a great first day, honey." She said sincerely. "I want to hear all about it when I get home today, got it?"

I nodded, returning her smile. "Got it."

She thanked Luca again before swiftly walking from the house. Luca and I were left in silence then and for a second, I didn't breathe. After a moment, I forced myself to speak.

"Thank you." I said to him.

"No problem." He shrugged, not looking at me.

I nodded and stepped back. "I'll just grab my backpack and we can leave."

I walked back to the kitchen, wondering why he was so cold. He hadn't really been friendly when I first met him, but at least he looked me in the eye. With my backpack in hand, I went back out into the living room and we left.