Playing With Fire : Andy Strucker

RElatioNships

"I don't understand. Why am I not included in the upcoming operation? Surely, I am prepared? I have been training everyday!" Reeva just announced the roster for the upcoming operation. Apparently everyone is in except for me.

Lorna, Andy and the Frost sisters were the only one that will participate. Sage will be handling the technicalities from the headquarters. As for me, I will just be sitting aside waiting for the good news. Ridiculous.

"The plan has been carefully thought out and we put the interests of the Inner Circle first. Your expertise is not needed for this operation. We plan smart. We plan our operations to minimize the most damage and manage manpower effectively." Reeva spoke with finality. She did not want any arguments. I wasn't about to give in just yet.

"Then what do you have me training for? You claim that I am some sort of asset to the team but you do not include me in anything here. No meetings, no discussions, no operations." I vented out my accumulated frustrations from the time I started to get suspicious of Reeva. I still could not put aside the thought that I am left in the dark on purpose.

"It's like I am stuck in some dungeon, rotting my days away." I concluded as I threw up my hands in annoyance.

The rest of the Inner Circle continued to stare after my outburst. It was a brief moment of silence. I could see Reeva thinking of a response while I see the Frost sisters making subtle movements. I knew they were in on something.

Before Reeva could respond, I walked out of the training room and headed straight for my room. I couldn't bother to stay another second longer to hear the excuses that will be thrown my way.
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Ren's sudden outburst threw everyone off guard. Normally, she was calm, collected and easygoing. It didn't dawn upon Reeva that Ren was starting to have such frustrations during her time in the Inner Circle.

Lorna made the first move to speak up. She was also curious as to why Reeva didn't include the girl. Abeit she was new, but she had been training hard to harness her powers. She also seemed like she was ready. If not now, when will she ever let the training pay off for good use?

"Usually, I do not question your plans but uh- I have to side Ren on this one. What is the real reason you decide to leave her out for this mission?"

"Karen may be strong and gaining control in her abilities but I do not trust her emotions. She is pure and innocent, I am afraid she will deviate from the plan, should something unexpected arises to challenge her conscious." Reeva explained fluidly.

"I'm sure you heard of how she helped Marcos." Reeva added to seal the deal on her argument. Lorna perked up at the mention of Marcos. She knew what happened. She was filled in on the details from the Frost sisters. She did not expect Ren to do that but she knew that Ren was a good kid.

Andy looked at the surrounding women, aware of the tension. He knew it wasn't really his place to speak. After all, he was the youngest there. It was so unlike of Ren to flare up like how she did just now.

She must have been really disappointed, he thought. Andy decided to go off without notice. He knew that he should at least check up on how his best friend was doing.

Yes. Best friend. Andy could not even believe in that term. His whole life had him being a loner and an outcast. Even while he had a few friends here and there while growing up, there was no one he seemed to have a real connection to.

Lauren has a connection to him, yes. But it felt more like a connection linked to their abilities. If you took that out of the equation, he and sister were worlds apart. Albeit that they would love and care for each other no matter what, it is kind of a given situation. They are siblings forever and always.