Chapter Ten (Aidan)
"Are you sure, you're not gay?" I decide to ask again with a playful smile. For someone who said they were straight, looking around his room, well, I had my doubts. "Don't look at me like that, you have posters with shirtless guys on two of your walls, Mason, and don't get me started on the curtains." I then state with a smug smile. I know it was a little mean, but we were having fun, and I couldn't resist teasing him.
"What's gay about my curtains?" He quickly asks in response, as he looks at them for a few moments. I mean sure, they aren't exactly screaming gay, but we were fifteen and they we a bit gay. I also noticed that he didn't even look at the posters or acknowledge them at all, which was a little funny.
"Nothing's wrong with them, Mason, but they're a little colorful." I decide to answer honestly. I kind of liked them myself, and maybe there was a part of me, that wanted him to be gay. He was so hot, and I loved his personality, so maybe I am a little biased here. He then smiles at me, that almost makes me blush and react, in a more embarrassing way, but luckily for me, he just walks over to his bed a sits down. "I'm a little nervous about later." He then says with a nervous smile. Which quickly puts an end to our little bit of fun, not that I minded, I knew that he was nervous about getting the go-ahead for his plan to help Riley. It was why I was teasing him.
"You know where Lily and I stand on this, Mason." I quickly say with a reassuring smile. We had already talked to him about this and made sure they he knew that he didn't have to go through with it, and also, if it didn't work, then we wouldn't be angry. So I was more than happy to remind him of it and hopefully help him relax.
"I know, but seriously, Aidan. I just want it to work." He then says with a sweet smile. Forcing me to walk over to his desk chair and pull it out, before sitting down in front of him. That smile definitely started to give me an awkward problem, and I didn't want to make him uncomfortable.
"We all do." I then find myself saying, before being able to stop myself. His smile though quickly puts me at ease, and I knew that I hadn't just fucked up. Which makes a change. "All the doctors and researchers are pretty confident. Even Dr. Denver thinks it's going to work, and we both know he doesn't like to give credit to ideas that aren't his own." I then say with a small chuckle. The doctor was a great man, and the best in his field, but at the same time, it was well known, that he could be a little egotistical about certain things.
"Want to go swimming or something for a while?" Mason then asks out of the blue, catching me completely off guard. Although it did sound like a good idea, even if I kind of just want to see him in some speedos, which quickly reminds me that I too would be in a pair and that could be a real problem. Not that I am that shy about my body, I've walked around the house with Lily and Riley at home naked, and I'm not shy in changing rooms either, but I had a major crush on Mason right now, and I wasn't sure it would be the best idea.
"I would have to go get my suit, but sure, we have a few hours to kill." I suddenly find myself saying in response. I mean what the actual fuck, I was just thinking how bad of an idea this would be, and I just fucking told him yes. I mean what the actual fuck am I doing?
"Cool. Just let me grab my gear, and we can head to your room. I can make fun of how straight your room looks like." Mason the quickly states with a grin, before getting to his feet and walking over to his closet. These rooms may not be our real homes, but when we're here, it's just nice to have your own space, and I think pretty much everyone has put their own stamp on their rooms, I know I have, even if it wasn't that impressive.
"Who says that I would even let you in." I then say with a grin of my own, after deciding to have a little fun. I could tell that this was all a distraction from what was going to happen later, and I was more than happy to distract him, as well as myself. "Seriously?" I then find myself quickly asking. I had just seen the pair of speedos he had picked out from his draw, and there was no way he would wear them. He had to be at least a little gay.
"What?" He quickly responds with a confused expression, before looking down to where I was staring. "What's wrong with them? You were speedos too, I've watched you swimming." He then states with the same confused expression, before just shrugging and pulling out a bag from under his bed, to put his stuff inside.
Myself, his response had caught me off guard, for several reasons. One, he completely misunderstood what I was referring too because most people wear speedos, but not many guys wear skimp pink speedos. Especially guys our age. Second, he just basically confessed to watching me swim. He didn't say he saw me swimming, he said, he watched me swimming, and there was a big difference.
Sure, my hormones and dick could be getting a bit too excited and reading too much into it. But Mason wasn't stupid, and he wasn't someone who said something, without meaning it, even stupid things. So while he might not have known he had just slipped up, I was one hundred percent sure, that he wasn't lying either and it gave me a little bit of hope.
"Fair point, you ready to head to mine now?" I decide to say in response. I was still thinking over his words and whether I had an actual chance with him, or whether I was just a delusional horny teenager. It was things like this, where I wish Riley were here because while I hadn't come out to him yet, he would still help me. I really miss him.
"Sure, let's go." I then hear Mason say. Quickly snapping me out of my current train of thought, which was a relief, because I could feel myself stirring a little again, and that's the last thing I needed to happen. It was going to be hard enough once we got changed to control myself, I didn't need to have to worry about it before we even got to that point.
So once he opens the door and leads me out, I wait for him to lock up and then we begin to head towards my room, making small talk along the way, with a few jokes and teasing thrown in. We eventually make it outside my room, and just as I open the door, I suddenly remember something.
"Maybe you can go on ahead, and I will catch up." I quickly state as I try to keep the door shut and block his view of my room. I had suddenly remembered that it had been a few days since I was here, and the Facility didn't offer room service, we had to look after our own rooms, and that means cleaning and laundry. Meaning that while I was tidy at home, I wasn't quite that bothered about putting away dirty laundry and cleaning up certain kinds of things either.
"You know how I am really fast, right?" Mason then states with a mischievous grin. Which takes me a few moments to work out, but before it even registered, I felt a slight breeze and knew exactly what he just did. The now giant grin and the slight blush on his face, just confirmed it, along with the magazine that he was also now holding and looking at.
"Fuck!" Is all I can really say in response. I knew what a mess my room was and what I had left out on my bed, and was grateful that he just bought the magazine out. "Guess there's no point in trying to get you to go away now?" I then ask with a defeated smile, as I just open the door fully and walk into my room, knowing he would follow me inside.
"Nope, but you could at least put the sex toys away, Aidan." He quickly responds, with a shit-eating grin. I could feel myself blushing more and more, especially when I realize that it was much worse than I thought. I didn't realize that I had left something very, very embarrassing out, but there was no point in worrying about it now. Instead, taking a more practical approach, I just focused on the fact he saw it and still came into the room. So at least he didn't think that I was gross or a freak, so that's good.
"Feeling insecure?" I decide to fire back at him. I was still feeling pretty mortified myself, so figured that it was only fair, to see if I could turn the tables a little bit. Maybe even test the waters at the same time, and see if he might give something away, to let me know, if I am just hoping or if he might actually be interested.
"Butt plug, dildo, cock ring, lube and porn magazine, and you're trying to embarrass me, Aidan?" He quickly replies with a challenging expression. Which catches me completely off guard, it was one thing to have those things on my bed and to know he saw them, but actually hearing him say it out loud and then giving me that look? Fucking hell, I can feel myself blushing even more.
He then just starts to crack up laughing, and despite how embarrassing this was for me, I start laughing too. I couldn't help it, and it felt so good, just to be able to forget about all my problems and just laugh. It felt so good, and before I knew it, we were both sitting on my bed and slowly composing ourselves, and I consider leaning into him.
"So, are you going to get your suit?" He then suddenly says. Which quickly stops me from making a move on him, I almost leaned into him, literally another second or two, and I would have tried to kiss him. Fuck! Seriously, I'm not sure if I am disappointed or relieved, although as he stands up and gives me a bit of room, the feeling of relief that I just avoided making a mistake, grows.
"Just let me clean up a bit first." I decide to say, before quickly blushing even more. I have no idea why I just said that I could have just got my suit and a towel and we could have been out of here. But no, not me, I have to point out my sex toys again, and the smirk on his face, just makes it even worse. But to his credit, and my relief, he doesn't actually say anything, He just pulls out my desk chair and sits down, while I clear up my room a little bit and then get my stuff for the pool. Although when I pull out my speedos, I notice out of the corner of my eye, that he actually licks his lips a little. It was quick, but I definitely saw it, and while I wasn't going to say anything, I definitely needed to figure out a way to see if I would be wasting my time or not, without being too obvious.
The last thing I wanted to do, was to lose a good friend, and he was a good friend. I didn't have many, not close friends, but Mason, he was becoming a real friend, and I would be lying if I didn't want to be more than friends. I know I barely know him, and my hormones are probably behind it, but I just like him, and not just for his looks, but the way he listens, his sense of humor and most importantly, the risk he is willing to take, just to help Riley.
He doesn't even know Riley, he barely knows Lily, and we've only just been getting to know each other when I brought Riley here. So for him to risk his life, that told me a hell of a lot about who he was as a person, so while I knew my hormones were a big part of my attraction to him, it was more than that, I like him as a person, and that was important, even at my age, I knew that much.
Four Hours Later
"If you say it one more time, Aidan, I swear to god, I will give security a tip-off about suspicious noises coming from your room." Mason states with an expression, which lets me know straight away that he wasn't bluffing. We both know what his threat entails, and I would be mortified if security went through my room. Everyone would know what they found, and I mean everyone.
So as much as I want to make sure that he was sure about what he was about to do, I got the message loud and clear and decided to back off. We had had a lot of fun earlier, and while I chickened out in my mission to figure out if I had a chance with him, I still had a blast, and more importantly, he did as well, and that was the whole point in the first place.
"Okay, you win, Mason." I decide to say eventually. His expression was actually quite cute, but his threat was real, so I didn't want to push my luck. "You look ridiculous, by the way." I then decide to add, with a cheeky smile quickly. Sure he could threaten me again, but I knew he wouldn't, and he did look ridiculous. I had no idea why he had to dress like this, although one good thing, was that it was tight fitting and gave me a nice view.
"I don't care. I just want to get in there and do it." Mason quickly responds nervously. He tried to hide it, but his words gave it away anyway, and I couldn't blame him. I was nervous and all I had to do, was stand there, for him, it must be so much worse, and even though I know I might regret it, I quickly move closer to him and embrace him.
I know it was crazy, and he could freak out, but I couldn't help it. However, when I feel him putting his arms around me in response, after initially tensing up, I relaxed and just held him for a few more moments, before slowly letting him go. "Sorry." I then say quietly. I didn't exactly regret it, and he did cuddle me back, but I was still nervous about how he will react now.
"Don't be." He finally says, after a few moments, and I could swear, there was a little smile there too. However, just as I started to hope a little more, the sound of the door opening behind us, quickly makes us both jump. We might be Empowered, and strong ones at that, but we were still human, and we still got scared. I was just grateful that Mason jumped as well because at least it meant that he wouldn't tease me about it.
"It's time, Mason. Come in please." Dr. Wilkins states in a professional tone. It was a tone that told me he was taking this very seriously, which both reassured me and made me a little nervous. He was one of the best in the world, so he was someone you wanted to help you if you ever needed it, but at the same time, after being around him for as long as I have. When he gets this serious, it means that he is also nervous, and knowing someone like him, is nervous, is a little unnerving.
Seeing Lily in the room as we enter though, is reassuring. I knew she would be in there, but it was still a good boost, and even Mason seemed to relax a little bit. Although I also noticed that he was blushing a little bit now, and I knew why. His outfit was very tight. So with Lily and Dr. Erickson in the room with him, he was definitely feeling self-conscious.
The thought of him being self-conscious though was surprising. Earlier in the pool, he was wearing a lot less and was completely unfazed by it. Not that there were many people around, we had the pool almost entirely to ourselves, but there was a lifeguard and about three other people swimming. So his embarrassment now was both funny and surprising.
It could just be down to nerves as well because he keeps looking at Riley and I can see him sweat a little as well. Which quickly reminds me of how much pressure he is under, but as much as I wanted to give him a reassuring cuddle or something, Dr. Erickson and Dr. Wilkins, were already talking to him and adjusting the various sensors that were built into his ridiculous looking suit, and making sure they were all on and worked correctly.
"Okay, you're all ready, Mason." I hear Dr. Wilkins then say confidently. He had just stepped back, and along with Dr. Erickson, they both then walked to the other side of Riley's bed, with their tablets in front of them. Although looking back at Mason, I could tell that he was definitely feeling the pressure.
"You got this, Mason. I trust you." I then find myself saying with a reassuring smile. I had looked over to Lily a few moments ago, thinking that she would say something, but she just nodded at me, and I could tell that she wanted me to say something. Which made sense, she didn't know Mason that well, and while I guess I didn't either, it was obvious that I would be able to reassure him, more than she would be able to.
Instead of responding though, he just looks at me with a nervous smile, before walking next to Riley's bed. For a few minutes, he just stands there, and I could feel the tension building in the room. Lily kept giving me concerned looks, while the two doctors just watched Mason expectantly. Mason, however, just looked like he was frozen in concentration, which started to make me worry a little bit.
Although a mixture of awkwardness and fear kept me from trying to give him another pep talk. He had to be concentrating for a reason, and I didn't want to put him off or make him feel even more pressured. So instead, I just watched him and Riley, just to see if I could see anything happening.
"Okay, I think I see him." Mason then says quietly. I wasn't quite sure who he was talking to, or if he was just talking to himself, and no one else seemed to be about to respond. So again, I just kept quiet and watched as he took a step closer and reached out to Riley.
This time, however, I notice something. It was faint, but I could see something, and it had to be what Mason had been trying to describe earlier. It was strange, and I almost called out, at my discovery, but luckily for me, I'm not that stupid, well maybe a little. Although as I gave a quick look to the others, I could tell that the doctors had no idea of any change, however, Lily was leaning forward a little, and I knew that she could see it too.
She doesn't look towards me though, and I didn't want to miss anything, so I quickly looked back at Mason and Riley, and couldn't believe what I was seeing. It wasn't exactly clear, and if we hadn't talked about it earlier, I would have never have been able to guess that it was actually a person. But I could see it, and while it seemed to take forever, Mason seemed to pull it away from Riley, little by little.
It's at this point that I hear the two doctors whispering to each other, and I know that they were starting to get some feedback from the sensors and cameras. Which I guess was good, and they didn't seem alarmed or anything, which was also good, and helped me relax a little more. Although as I looked over to Lily again, I could tell that she was nervous, and decided to risk moving over to her and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks." She quickly whispers to me, with a grateful smile to go with it. It was risky to move over to her, just in case it distracted Mason, but he didn't seem even to be aware of anything else right now, and the smile Lily just gave me, was worth it. Although I still hadn't forgotten the secrets that she's been hiding, and eventually, we're going to have to have a serious conversation. A conversation I was not looking forward to.
"Mason, remember to carry him over to the other bed and as carefully as you can, lay him down and hold him. You will need to try and slow him down, as much as you can." I then hear Dr. Wilkins state firmly. Which quickly draws my attention back to Mason, and I can now see him kind of holding what looked a little more like a person, just above where Riley, was still laying on the bed.
But even though I wasn't expecting him to respond, it was still a little worrying that Mason hadn't really acknowledged the doctor's words. He just looked so tense, and I could see him sweating, but just as I thought Dr. Wilkins was going to repeat himself, Mason started slowly turning, and then just as slowly, began moving towards the other bed.
This whole thing could literally be taken from a science fiction novel or film because that's exactly how it felt. Even with the Empowered emerging, and actually being one of them, this still felt completely unreal and impossible. I still remember being a kid before this kind of thing ever happened, I was happier then, and so was Riley.
"Just try to slow him down, Mason." I then hear Dr. Erickson say in a soft tone. I had almost completely zoned out of the room completely, as I started to think about how much happier Riley and me were, before that day at the dam. I still have no idea why I teleported there that day, I had barely even figured out all my powers and what I could do, but I did it anyway, and for all the good I've done, I still regret going public.
"That's good, Mason. Just keeping going slowly for a little bit longer." Dr. Erickson then says in the same soft tone as before. Which makes me look back over to Mason and to my surprise, I can almost make out the shape of the boy, who was becoming clearer and clearer. It was hard not to say anything. I know that Dr. Erickson just spoke twice, but she was the professional and was giving Mason directions, so I didn't want to just want to start talking, even if it was to reassure and support him. He was so close to finishing, and if I did something to distract him, I would never forgive myself.
Although as the boy in his arms became more and more visible, I quickly realized that he was a lot more visible than any of us might have even thought about, and I quickly look around for a sheet or something. Then quickly mentally slap myself for being a complete moron. He was practically on a bed, which had sheets. I can be such a dumb ass sometimes.
So even though I didn't want to distract him, I slowly moved over and pulled on the sheets, towards me. If the doctors were going to object, they would have said something, and even though I could actually see Mason giving me a quick glance, he quickly refocused on his own task, as I bring the sheet far enough down, to cover the boys modesty, once he was fully visible to everyone in the room.
It's at this point that I suddenly realize that while all this was happening, Riley was now free of this other kid, and I wasn't with him. Although as I look over, I realize that Lily was with him, and gently stroking his head, and as much as I wanted to go to him myself, there wasn't much I could do for him, and instead reluctantly turned back to Mason and the boy, who was now almost completely visible and despite myself, I couldn't help but stare at him a little bit, even if it was a bit creepy.
I had the sheet ready though. I mean sure, I just looked at a naked kid, but he was just right there, and thankfully, as Mason seemed to be finished and the kid seemed to be completely visible, I quickly covered him up with the sheet. I am sure the doctors will be putting all kinds of sensors on him and running tests, but, I'm a teenage boy as well, and I know the kid will appreciate not just being on full display to everyone who enters the room.
"Oh shit, are you okay, Mason?" I then quickly ask in concern, after just as quickly moving close enough to support him. Seeing him stumble a little, was worrying, even if it was understandable, it was still a surprise to see how much this had taken out of him. It also reminded me that I had still not fully recovered myself from the encounter with Baine's team, but I didn't care about that and instead just got under his shoulder, to help him stay on his feet.
"We have a room prepared for him, Aidan. So if you would like to take him next door, we can run a few tests, to make sure that he is okay." I suddenly hear Dr. Erickson say with a soft smile. I was expecting Mason to respond, but as I look at her and then see Dr. Wilkins leaning over the kid, I decide to do as I am told. Even though I wanted to be with Riley, I owed Mason so much, and I didn't really mind waiting a little longer to go to him.
"He will need to remove his suit as well, the nurses could do it, but I think Mason would appreciate your help, Aidan." Dr. Erickson then states with a small smirk, and despite the situation, I couldn't help but blush a little. Although I think she was just making a little joke, I couldn't help but be a little paranoid, because as far as I knew, she had no idea that I was gay, so it was probably just to lighten the mood a little.
The curious expression she had, just as I turned away from her, with Mason. Told me that maybe my reaction, had given something away, but thankfully, Dr. Wilkins calls her over to him, and even though Lily was still concentrating on Riley, she did give me a small smile and a nod, when she looked up to me. That alone made it easier to leave Riley, knowing that he wasn't alone just helped.
Two weeks later
"Come on, Billy. Just sit down, will you?" I find myself saying for what seemed like the hundredth time, in the past hour. I will give the kid credit. He seemed to have an infinite amount of energy, even if it was proving to be more than a little annoying right now.
"Give him a break. He's just having fun." Mason quickly states with an annoying smirk. He might not be as annoyed by the kid's energy, as I was, but I could tell it was annoying him too. So this meant that he was obviously just trying to wind me up, and I had to try my hardest to not take the bait.
"He can have fun, sitting and talking to us, like a normal person." I decided to retort with a roll of the eyes. Sure, I didn't want to take the bait, but at the same time, I couldn't help biting a little bit. "I'm surprised he hasn't bugged you about racing him again." I decide to them say, with a smirk of my own this time. It was a bit of a low blow, but if he was going to try and bait me, I was going to return the favor.
"No way! He just lets me win most of the time." I suddenly hear Billy protest. Which just sends me into a fit of laughter, I wasn't sure that he had been paying attention at all to our conversation, but his face, the indignity spread all over it, it was too adorable and the look he was giving Mason, was just priceless.
Billy might be able to move faster than Mason, but in terms of ability to maintain that speed, especially in longer races, Mason near enough won every time. Unless he let Billy win, which he did a few times, and knowing that Billy knew that, just made it even funnier. It also brought out Billy's competitive side, which if I am being honest, is actually a little scary, especially given his age and size. He just had that aurora about him, and I definitely wouldn't want him pissed off at me in a few years time.
"Train harder, and I wouldn't have to let you win." Mason then states in an amused tone. He loves to wind Billy up about their races, but only because he wants to push him to be the best he could be. We've talked about it a lot, and while Mason is a little gutted about the fact he won't be the fastest Empowered for much longer, he was determined to help Billy reach his full potential.
I just love that about Mason. He takes the positive side of things. Someone with a bigger ego, maybe that includes me, might let that get in the way of helping someone else. Not Mason though, he's a good guy, and even though Billy looks like he wants to punch him half the time, they both like each other a lot, and I can see the determination in Billy's eyes, to beat him fair and square one day.
"Maybe if Aidan stopped bugging me to sit down, I might be beating you already." Billy then states, after staring at Mason for a few moments, before turning to me with a challenging expression. The little shit knew exactly what he was doing, and even though you would swear the two of them would be arguing for hours, the one thing they definitely agreed with, was teasing me and giving me grief.
Although just before I can protest, I notice Billy turning a little red, and that meant one thing. He might be focused on his speed and beating Mason in a race, but he was still a boy, who was obviously entering puberty, because I didn't have to turn around to know Lily was walking towards us, and by the sound of it, some else was with her.
"Afternoon, Lily, Amy." I hear Mason then say with a smile. He had just stood up and walked beside Billy, who was now acting all shy and bashful. I just hoped Mason wasn't going to do anything, he had pantsed the boy a couple of times, but that was in front of me or some of the other guys. I was hoping he wouldn't do it in front of the girls, because while the kid laughed it off, as best as he could, I think it would be a dick move to do it in front of them.
"Nice to see you guys outside." Amy quickly responds as she walks past me and in front of the other two. She and Mason were good friends and knew each other before they became Empowered, so they had a strong bond, something Pulse, her Empowered partner, enjoyed teasing them both about. He often made jokes about them being a couple, which to my relief wasn't true. I still had hopes of Mason being gay, so him having a girlfriend, would definitely end that quickly.
I guess if I didn't consider her a good friend, at least in terms of other Empowered, I would be jealous and maybe not like her. I don't want to be that guy, but even with Riley, I got a little jealous of girls being around him, and with Mason, I think I might be the same way. I just wish I had the guts to make a move on him, or set something up, where I would know for sure if I had a chance. But I guess, even with superpowers, being a teen is hard work.
"Hey, Amy." I hear Mason respond with a grin, as he puts an arm around Billy's shoulder. I could tell by his expression, that he had been tempted to pants him, but thankfully, decided against it. "So, Lily. How the hell did she convince you to come out here?" He then asks curiously. It's a question I had wanted to ask as well because she rarely left his side unless I was in the room. So it was a genuine surprise to see her out here now.
"She didn't convince me to do anything. I don't want to leave Riley alone, but the doctors are running some tests, and I wanted some fresh air. Besides, it's time that Aidan took his turn. I have some work that I can't put off any longer." Lily states in response before Amy can answer. Which at first was amusing, but the quick look that she gives me, tells me that it was more than a hint, and I wasn't going to argue. Riley still hadn't come out of his coma, but the doctors weren't worried, he suffered a lot of trauma, and they expect him to wake up within the next few days. Something about him showing all the signs, and they're the experts, so I wasn't going to argue with them, or get myself worked up over him still not waking up.
But despite our mutual concern over Riley. Lily and I had had our long overdue conversation and ever since it's been hard to look her in the eye, She hadn't really explained anything, but whether she knew it or not. She had confirmed that she was not exactly good, in the sense of being a hero or villain. But she wasn't evil, she wasn't going to take over the world, or kill people, but she still wasn't completely innocent either.
She was also hiding something about Riley himself. I haven't been able to find out anything, and even Mason hasn't been able to find out anything either, which was frustrating. What I did know, however, is that there was something off about his DNA, he was still human, and he didn't have the Empowered genes, but there was something different about him.
Something that Lily knew about, and while she flat out denied it eventually after trying to brush it off. I had already learned how to tell if she was lying, and she was lying about this, and it made me more determined to find out the truth, I just had to figure out how. Although I wasn't alone, I had Mason, and I knew I could trust him, even if some of his ideas made me question if he had seen too many Secret Agent films.
Getting back to Riley though, I slowly got to my feet and walked over to Mason and Billy, giving them both a fist pump. I could see that Mason was a little suspicious, but he knew better than to say anything. While Billy looked like he wanted to come with me, it was something both Mason and I had picked up on. He just seemed strangely keen on seeing Riley, almost a little too keen. However, we just put it down to being worried about him, and even maybe feeling a little guilty as well. While it wasn't his fault, and he had actually saved Riley, he still kept apologizing for, as he puts it, getting stuck inside Riley. It was actually pretty sweet in a way, although it was also creepy as well. I don't know how Riley is going to feel, once he wakes up we tell him about it. I know it would creep me out.
"Guess I better hurry up, don't want to keep sleeping beauty waiting for too long." I decide to say, just before heading inside the Facility. I wanted to cut any tension that might have built up, and also try to cover the fact, that Lily had basically told me to visit him, rather than asked. I didn't want anyone else picking up the tension between us.
"I left you a bottle and some food in the draw." Lily then says with a slightly forced smile, although she made sure no one else could see her face. It was just another reminder that as much as I didn't trust her, and wanted to find out the truth. She wasn't naive about my mistrust and that I had to be even more careful. I still wasn't sure what she was completely capable of.
Instead of answering though, I just nod and walk towards the Facility and the side entrance. I didn't feel like going through the main entrance and bumping into anyone else. I am sure Pulse has to be somewhere nearby if Amy is out here, those two are rarely that far apart. I just wanted to get to the room as quickly as possible, and just be with Riley. It would also give me a chance to think things over in peace.
There were so many things I needed to figure out. Mainly it was Lily and even Riley, but there was Mason as well, but also Billy, the kid, was a mystery to me. I had gotten to know him a lot, and he was fun to be around and I kind of viewed him as a little brother already, but he was hiding something, and while Mason and I have kind of laughed off his desire to be near Riley, it was still a bit weird, and I wanted to see if I could figure out if it held any importance.
However, as soon as I reach Riley's room and open the door to walk in, I am stunned by what I see. I don't even know how to react, and can only stand there looking like a complete moron.
"Hey, Aidan."
End of Book One