Undercover

Chapter 16

Agent Rogan stares at me long and hard, but I don't back down.

Mostly because I don't feel much. After everything last night, I've become numb. Kara's leg bounces underneath the table anxiously.

Someone isn't meant for poker.

"You've thought this through, huh?" His gruff voice sounds amused.

I nod firmly.

"What's this bar called again?"

"Looey's Spot, sir!" Kara salutes him.

I crack a smile.

He nods. "We'll set everything up. No more sneaking off, do you understand?"

"I understand."

He nods and stands before leaving.

I let loose a breath and lay my head on top of the table. I still don't feel any better about last night. If anything, my heart feels like it's gotten heavier. Kara rubs my back.

"Do you want something to eat?"

"No, thank you." Aunt Brenda and Uncle Clint had to be brief about my new situation so they weren't home.

Considering I'm not safe here anymore, I'm not made to go to school this morning. A part of me wish I had. Just one more day to be a normal teen.

"What will you sing?" She asks, rummaging in the fridge.

I shrug, not lifting my head. My eyes close when I feel the urge to start crying again.

"I just wanted to be normal, Kara. I wanted to be the best friend you deserved."

"Hey, you're the best friend I needed." She pats my back.

I don't respond. What can I say when I don't believe it?

"What did you and Jonas talk about last night?" She whispers.

My eyes open. She looks at me hesitantly.

"Why?"

She rubs her arm. "I just know that things are even more tense between you two..."

"Did you ask him?"

She shakes her head.

I close my eyes again. "He's with Clara. He stupidly got back together with her."

"What?" She squeaks.

I nod.

"That's...that's...I can't even find a word that can accurately describe how ludicrous that is!" She huffs.

"Look, Kara, I know you had your hope set out for things to happen between us, but--"

"You're giving up?" Her eyebrows disappear into her hair.

"I'm respecting his--"

"Forget respecting anything, Lea. I love my brother, I do and I can see what he's doing. Why can't you?"

"See what, Kara?" I snap and sit up. "That your brother would rather be with a cheater rather than a liar?"

She glares at me. "You're not a liar, Lea. If you can't understand what he's doing by now, then you're as stupid as he is."

"Then why are you here?"

"Because I told you I'm not going anywhere! You may be new to this concept, but I'm loyal to my friends. I'm not going to let your face this alone no matter how stubborn you're being."

I fold my arms.

She folds hers.

We stare at each other, daring the other to say something hostile. Eventually, I feel my face crack with a smile.