In the Blink of an Eye

Epilogue

It's at times like these where I wish no one had to deal with a loss. I wish there was a way that people could just live forever. Never having to worry about which meal would be their last. But, we can't change what happened. The past happened for a reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown. Unclear. But we try our best to make the most of it.

We lost a lot of good people that day. Raphael, Landon, three other agents, some of the gang members... And Max.

We are at the hospital, tears leaking down our faces from the news we were just told a couple of minutes ago.

Max was shot in below his chest and the bullet skimmed his heart. He survived for two weeks, but he was just too weak to win the fight. The doctors called the time, and we all lost a friend and a brother. James walks over to me, tears in his eyes, and he pulls me into a tight hug. I feel him slightly lean into me, and I rub my hand up and down his back in a soothing manner. He needs all the support he can get.

"He loved you, Si. He told me he saw you like the sister we never had," he whispers and I nod, staying silent. "I don't want him to go."

"Me either, James... me either."

***

Everyone went home. James and Alec are staying at my house with Liel and I. We didn't want to be alone, afraid of the darkness waiting for us.

We are watching a movie when I get a call and I leave the room.

I check the ID and I see that it is Twelve calling me.

"Hello?" I answer, my voice hoarse from crying so much.

"I need you to report to HQ immediately," he says and I sigh.

"Okay. I'll be there in a few." I hang up and I walk up to my room to change into my black attire. I put on black ripped jeans, a black tank top, and black combat boots. I grab my dagger and a few throwing knives along with my gun.

I go back downstairs and into the living room. All the guys look at me and I take a deep breath.

"Twelve called me to HQ. I will be back when I'm done with that." They all nod and Liel stands up. He limps to me, his gunshot wound still working on healing.

"Be careful," he says and I nod.

"Always."

*** 

Pulling up to HQ on my motorcycle, I take my helmet off and I put it in the storage. I then walk to the doors and I go inside. Agents are walking around in rushed paces, wanting to finish their tasks or missions before whatever deadline they have.

I ignore them and I make my way to Twelve's office. I go to the elevator, not feeling like walking up the stairs. I press the button for the top floor and I watch as the doors open. Walking in, I wait. And I wait. Without even realizing it, I arrive on the top floor and I am walking to Twelve's office.

I knock once and I enter. I find him sitting behind his desk, looking exhausted.

"What do you need, Twelve?" I ask tiredly and he stands.

"When your father came to the agency, I was still an agent like you. We were made partners. We hated each other at first. Always got one another in trouble. But, despite that, we worked well together. We became the best of the best. Then we became best friends. Brothers." I look at the floor, sadness crashing into me at the mention of my father. But I don't stop Twelve from reminiscing. I can't. "One day, the chief agent before me was choosing who was going to be the next chief. Jonas and I both wanted that position. But we weren't going to have any hard feelings against the other if we didn't get chosen. The night before one of us would be chosen, he is killed. Chief Agent was going to choose him. He was going to choose him because I asked him to. I wanted Jonas to be chief because I knew he would be great. Wonderful."

A tear rolls down my cheek. Twelve walks up to me.

"When I found out you were still alive, I was so happy. I was hopeful. Hopeful that you would turn out like your father. But you turned out better than that. You turned out to be like both your father and mother." I look up at him and I give him a weak smile. "My point is, Siayla. Your father was a wonderful agent. He had many skills. But you. You are an amazing agent. You have all your dad's skills and more. You survived walking through too many hells to count, and you can still live to tell the tale."

I furrow my eyebrows, not knowing where this is going.

"Getting to the real point... Siayla Wassim, will you accept the title of Chief Agent and run the North Carolina Secret Agent Headquarters?"

My eyes widen and I gasp. I think of everything in my life that has happened. I would have never dreamt that homelessness would turn into a land of opportunities. It's crazy to think about. But, this is my reality now. 

So, looking straight into Twelve's eyes, I show him my determination. My willpower. My passion for this job.

I take a deep breath and I smirk.

"I do."