The Problem Solvers Club

Part 4

Keira

"Keira, listen..."

"Don't tell me to listen! Last time we sat down to talk you told me Dad wasn't coming back!" I'm pissed. I can't help but be pissed. God, I hate this woman. The woman who calls herself my mother looks down at her feet. She seems sad. Knowing her, it's a lie. "I'm going to my room." I stand up, knocking my chair over in the process. Whatever.

I speed up the stairs, setting my feet down as hard I can, shaking the house. Entering my bedroom, I slam the door, purposefully. I tumble into my bed, and despite my best efforts, begin sobbing. Shit. Today was hard, every day was hard, walking through the halls and hearing them whispering about me behind my back. Calling me names. I hate it, the feeling that I did something wrong, that I'm some kind of bad person.

I know that the club hates me as well, that they would kick me out if they weren't so nice. If only they knew what the club meant to me. It's your own fault! You're always awful when you talk to them. No wonder they hate you. I clamp my hands over my ears, but it doesn't cut out the noise in my head. I want to help. I want to be a part of the club, but I'm scared. I'm scared they won't listen.

My phone buzzes, nearly giving me a heart attack. I reach over, picking up the phone and accept the call before placing it to my ear.

"Hey Keira, it's Hippolyta." I almost drop my phone in surprise. Why is she calling me! She never calls me unless it's about the club. I rack my mind for something to stay, finally choking out my greeting.

"Hey, Polly." Why did I say that! You know how much she hates that nickname! Can I talk to Hippolyta without being the worst?! The other end of their line goes silent. I can't help but kick the headboard of my bed in anger. Note to Self: Stop calling her Polly. Of course, that's going to be hard seeing as I'd called her that from the minute we'd met. Only recently it'd become unacceptable. I guess we all grow up eventually. A few more seconds of waiting and she responds.

"Listen Keira, I need your help." That's a first.

"What do need my help with? I'm not stupid, I know you're just kidding with me. You're not exactly the best liar, boss."

"Insult me all you want, but leave Autumn out of this." I sigh. Of course, she draws a line at Autumn. I can't help but get more worked up. I know no one would ever defend me like that. I can't help but feel jealous. "You still there Keira?"

"Yeah."

"I need you to find out who this Lola from the letter is, okay? I checked the student directory, but didn't find anything. I want to approve the source before we accept the request so I need you to find out who Lola is, if she exists. Maybe it's a nickname or something." Hippolyta wants my help. Hippolyta wants me to help the club.

"You can count on me, boss."