Anonymous: Expect Us

part two

I sat behind Eli as he worked for hours on his computer. I brought him snacks, drinks, anything he needed to show my appreciation.

After a while he turned to me in confusion. "Don't you have your college interview today?"

I had completely forgotten. I hurried to check the time in hopes I could still make it. It was eleven in the morning, I was late. An hour late.

I sat on the edge of Eli's bed with my head in my hands. My heart felt like it had sunk into my stomach. A headache began to show itself, and I couldn't bring myself to stop tears.

Before Eli noticed, I walked out of his room and into mine. Closing the door behind me, I laid in my bed and thought about the opportunity I had missed for this. For something that wasn't even promised to me. There's not a definite chance I'll find someone from Anonymous, hell, there's not even a good one.

Tears streamed down my face and it felt like everything around me was collapsing. All I ever wanted was to go to that college, and I ruined it.

I'm not sure how long I laid there, but Eli eventually noticed I hadn't come back. I heard a soft knock on my door and I paused before answering, "Come in."

He opened the door and saw my tear stained face, he immediately came over and gave me a hug, one that I needed for a few hours.

That was the good thing about Eli, we met in a camp when we were in high school, but despite everything, one thing never changed. He was always there and willing to give anyone a hug. They could be complete strangers crying on the side of the road, and instead of offering his two cents, he did what he did best. Gave them a hug.

He held me for a few minutes before lifting his head. "Is this about college?" he said with a soft, caring tone.

"Yeah, because of my immaturity I've lost all chance at getting in. I was almost there."

He nodded his head, not in agreement, but understanding. After looking around a bit, he spoke. "I've got some good news."

Wiping tears from my face I turned my head in question.

"I found someone who is most likely a part of Anonymous. If he isn't now, then he left, but it's a lead."

My eyes widened in shock and amazement. I couldn't help but think at how amazing this opportunity was, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

I hugged Eli tight, and thanked him yet again. He smiled and hugged me back, happy to help me and make me happy in any way.

A few hours passed and it had begun to turn dark outside. I had the information I needed and was ready to go find this man.

I was about to walk out the door, and noticed Eli wasn't behind me.

"Aren't you coming? You put in so much work, don't you want to see who it is?"

"I already know who it is, Iris. I spent hours finding that man. Anything you need is something you can find on your own," he paused for a moment, "and anyways, I don't want to get involved in all of that. Worst case scenario, you get kidnapped. Not the life for me," he said as he laughed.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, but when I find this man and he tells me everything, and I become a rich hacker, you'll get none of it,"  I spouted jokingly.

He shooed me away as he laughed again and I walked into the long hallway that led to the lobby.

I reached my car and unlocked it. I checked to make sure I had everything, I was ready.

I drove down the roads that were now covered in darkness, only able to see what was right in front of me. I followed the coordinates and came to an old house.