Linewalkers

10 | Struggle and Smuggle

Not Edited 

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She felt nostalgic. 

Not only because of the fact that she was in Elias' room again, but because it brought back so many memories in a rush. They seemed to flash through her mind like lightning and each time she jolted in realization. They spent a lot of time at his house, either in his room or in the basement. 

She missed those days. She missed the life she had lived before he died. It all seemed so simple back then and now it was a mess. She was just overcoming his death and she got a phone call from him. She started to wonder if she was crazy. No normal human would believe her, she knew she couldn't tell anyone, and it was for the very same reasons she didn't tell Mr. Rabino about the letters. 

There was dust settled all over the room and it seemed like nothing had been touched for months. She sighed and then she began searching through the drawers of his desk. She found a lot of homework, magezines and computer manuals. Most of the stuff she already knew about, there weren't many secrets between Elias and her. 

She could have named everything that would be in his room. Yet, the thought of that led her to search elsewhere in his room for the papers from DOTEE. Of course he wouldn't hide them in places she knew because he didn't want her to know. The suspicion as to why Elias insisted on being so secretive about the company was nagging at her. 

Questions grew and swarmed her mind. She wanted answers, not only for herself, but for everyone else who knew Elias. After talking with his father, she realized that not one person accepted Elias' death but her. Somehow, she overcame it with Nomad, but everyone else was still struggling to understand. It was a mystery and she was going to solve it. 

Her searching proved useless when she failed to discover anything further regarding DOTEE. Maybe Elias had actually taken everything with him, maybe he didn't want anyone knowing. The only true lead that she had was the letter announcing his death and that only got her so far. 

She briefly visited the basement and her heart skipped a little. She remembered all the days they had spent in their 'den' as if they were yesterday. In all honesty, she was surprised she hadn't combust into tears from revisiting their favorite spots - though she knew it had to do with knowing Elias was alive. She wanted to tell Mr. Rabino so bad but she knew it wouldn't do any good, she most likely wouldn't be believed. She needed proof first. 

"Did you find everything you needed, dear?" Mr. Rabino greeted her as she returned to the living room. 

"Yes, thank you." She smiled, even though she felt disappointed. 

"I'm glad to see you on your feet," He said, "You know we're all proud of you." 

She walked across the room and hugged Mr. Rabino, "You have been a wonderful father, Elias loved you, and I love you, too." 

"Right back at you." He returned the hug in a tight squeeze and then released her. 

"Take care of yourself." 

"Same to you," He followed her to the porch, "I hope you'll visit again soon. You're always welcome." 

"Thank you." 

She departed from her best friend's house and mentally collected her thoughts. She kicked a few stones along the sidewalk, puzzling over how to get to her best friend. Though, the answer seemed clear. She needed to crack those codes. He had told her to steal the codes for a reason. They must mean something.