Accessory Wars

Chapter 22-Ki

            "See you in a week," I said with a wave. Jay nodded from the other side of the glass. We sort of made a mess of the testing room. And by mess, I mean the space looked like an earthquake tore it apart. The researchers seemed to put the damage on the back burner for the sake of scientific data. They were all pretty much drooling when Jay unequipped me. Colfry...not so much. I knew he was angry with me. Livid. But he somehow managed to keep his rage contained. We, regretfully, caused a casualty. I found the poor button lying at Colfry's feet from where it snapped off his taught chest. A moment of silence for the lost soul.

I didn't have long to stay after I un-equipped but they allowed Jay and I to continue talking in another room. Colfry came in the room with us, leaning on the wall by the door. If he stayed outside, I think he would have lost more buttons. Our conversation didn't last long. Jay looked like he went through the washing machine. He avoided the topic of what went on inside...ourselves. That sounds incredibly weird. Once he wore down from talking, Jay asked if I could leave and I did. He wanted some time to think on his own.

Colfry chewed me before we went out for dinner that night but I could see a lot of it came from sheer worry. I promised him I'd be more mindful in the future. He rolled his eyes. An adequate response, seeing how things were going. I bought him dinner to make it up to him.

The week passed by at a crawl with work being one of my only distractions. I did get to go rock climbing a couple times with Mysti, although I kept mum about what happened within the last two weeks. We talked about her upcoming semester and her plans to go out with Reagan when he returned to campus after break. She also brought up something I never expected.

"You know," Mysti said, anchoring her foot on a small knob, "I was thinking maybe we could go watch the Bailey Cup this February. I think it would be fun. We could bring everyone along. Jay and Derek too." A public event with Jay? I'd be afraid someone would arrest him on the spot. Either that or the stadium would collapse.

"I don't know. Kaylee doesn't like that sort of thing and I'm sure you'll all be busy with school," I replied.

"Maybe," Mysti hummed. I heaved myself up to the next handhold and readjusted my feet. Mysti sat on the wall a good meter above me. Having longer legs helped. "Maybe we could try a double date sort of thing."

I stopped. "Huh?"

"You know. I'll bring Reagan and you bring someone with you. Maybe a handsome blonde?" Mysti grinned at me and wiggled her eyebrows. I rolled my eyes and scaled a bit higher.

"I don't even know if Jay could come," I replied. "He's still on the watch list."

Mysti jumped and grabbed a handhold higher up, her feet dangling until she put her toes on some smaller points. "I'm sure you could sweet talk Colfry."

"Har-har." I wiped a sweaty hand on my shirt before pushing myself up to the next handhold. Mysti reached the top and slapped her hand on the board up there, leaving a dusty handprint behind. She waved to the belayer and began to backpedal down the wall.

I slapped my hand against the board once I reached the top and waved to the belayer anchoring me. Then I headed back down. Once my feet touched the ground, my limbs felt the usual tingly sensation from being tense so long. I gave my arms a shake.

"You'll think about it, won't you? I really want to go this year and it'll be more fun with more of us," Mysti pleaded as she put more chalk on her hands.

"Fine. I'll think about it." Mysti smiled and flashed me a thumbs up. "But no double date."

"Oh, come on Ki. I know you've been staring."