Chapter Nine:
Shay:
Was I shaking? It felt a little like I was.
Baird had messaged me, asking about coming in on Wednesday.
From: Baird – 'Good afternoon Shay, I am messaging you because I believe we have found you a match. Can you come in on Wednesday afternoon?'
It looked almost identical to the one Jody received.
I was pretty sure I had that day open. I just wasn't sure if I should drag Jody along with me. Based on her school schedule, I might not even be able to bring her with me.
To: Baird – 'Yes, I can come in on Wednesday. Any particular time I should come in at?'
My gaze went back to the two-way mirror as I waited for Baird's response.
So, the guy I matched with is on the other side of that wall? Baird disappeared for a bit, maybe it was to talk to them.
My hand came up slowly to wave at the mirror, even though I just saw myself.
My phone went off again, and I was quick to check it.
From: Baird – 'Between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, if that is alright with you.'
It's just after lunch, and I didn't have any plans then.
To: Baird – 'I can be here at 12:00 PM.'
From: Baird – 'I will let your match know. I look forward to seeing you through your interview process.'
I couldn't help but grin at the idea.
What would he be like?
Then it hit me. Baird kept saying a match like he was purposefully avoiding saying a specific gender.
Maybe he is more with the times that I thought?
Well, either that or I was matched with a woman.
I cocked my head to the side as I thought about it.
Did it really matter, though? We'll have to see to know for sure.
I just needed to wait this out, and let Jody know the big news when she is out of there.
Noah:
She sat alone for a good hour before the other volunteers poured in.
Steven was in charge while Baird sat in the interview room.
Steven glanced over at me, and I knew he knew.
Baird must have logged it already.
Steven smiled at Shay, and she smiled back at him.
I was jealous.
I knew I was, because I wanted to smack Steven right there for just looking at her.
A strange feeling settled in my stomach, and I didn't like it. If felt heavy, and it made me a little queasy.
Steven pulled out his phone, and I knew it was something for me.
From: Steven Wen – 'The preliminary trial is over, you can leave.'
This guy.
I glared at the message. I wasn't sure how to respond.
My phone buzzed again before I could.
From: Steven Wen – 'It's probably best if you don't stay. You should save this experience for your first meeting.'
I hated that he was right. It wasn't fair that I got to see her and she didn't get to see me.
To: Steven Wen – 'Fair enough.'
I didn't want to say more, because I knew that if I did, it wouldn't be pleasant.
What do I do? Where do I go?
My head shook as I thought about it.
More than anything, I didn't want to leave.
I suppose I could make an excuse to stay at the daycare with Eileen.
She would let me stay, and I could tell her about Shay.
I nodded before I got myself together. My jacket was on the floor next to where I sat earlier.
I picked it up and was quick to slip my arms in the sleeves.
The jacket was a gift from Eileen. She knew if she bought me something, I would wear it.
Black leather wasn't typically my style, but I wore it occasionally, for her.
I went out the back way, so I wouldn't disturb the volunteers. Even though I wanted to do just that.
My legs knew their course, and I was at the daycare sooner than I expected.
I pulled open the front door, and I could see her playing a game with some of the kids.
Part of me debated whether or not to leave, or wait. Eileen noticed me before I could decide.
"Noah," she stood up "What are you doing here?"
"I was hoping we could talk," I stated.
She looked a little nervous.
What was that look for?
"Is everything alright?" I asked her.
She nodded, "Follow me back here."
She led me to the back, where she usually takes her lunches.
"Who told you?" she asked.
I made a face.
"Told me what?"
She stopped to study my face.
"Eileen," I said sternly, "Told me what?"
She looked a little startled like she didn't mean to say anything to me at all.
"Uh," she said, pulling out one of the small table chairs.
"Eileen," I said, pulling one out across from her, "What's up?"
She stared down, nervously at her hands, and I could tell that something is bothering her.
I reached my hand across the table to cover her hands with my right one.
"You can tell me," I assured her, "What is it?"
She glanced up at me, and she smiled lightly.
"Brian and I have been talking about joining the Breeder Program."
I had to actively not pull my hand away from her.
"You know how I feel about the program."
She nodded.
"But you also aren't joining the program alone," I said, "You have your mate, so they won't make you do anything with anyone you don't trust."
She looked surprised by my response.
"I know you want kids of your own," I said "And I want that for you too. I don't want you to think otherwise."
She pulled her hands away from me, to wipe at her eyes.
"Fuck, Eileen," I groaned.
I hated it when she cried.
She wiped at her eyes. I sat there, trying to figure out what to do with myself.
She nodded, "I know you hate the program."
I nodded and waited for her to get the words out.
"I do want kids of my own," she said, "And I love you, and I don't think you realize how terrified I was to tell you about this."
I didn't like that, actually. Like, did she not trust my response?
"Eileen," I said simply, "You can tell me anything, I know my response might not be what you want. I want you to know that you can trust me, and if you don't like my response, at least give me the chance to work on it."
She looked surprised by my words, "Really?"
"Really," I didn't hesitate to say, "You're my sister, and I love you."
She wiped at her eyes again, and I had to look away. She was going to get my going man. I wanted to be the tough older brother, but if she kept crying, she was going to make me cry right along with her.
"I thought that you would be mad," she confessed.
"I'm not mad," I said, meeting her worried gaze, "I just don't want you going through what I did."
She was going into the program with Brian anyway. Her experience was already going to be different.
"I don't know what to say," she said almost in a whisper.
"I'm here," I said, "If you need me, just talk to me."
She nodded, "I'm sorry I didn't say anything."
I nodded slowly.
She wiped at her eyes before smiling, "How was your day?"
"Trying to change the subject?" I asked her.
She smiled sheepishly, "Is it working?"
I couldn't help but grin at her, "Only because I have some news."
The excitement on her face made me feel genuinely cared for. She was easily my biggest supporter, the least I could do was be that for her.
"What is it?" she said, squeezing her hands together.
"Baird found me a match," I couldn't contain the smile on my face.
Her eyes went wide before she squealed.
"Really?" she nearly shouted.
I nodded quickly; I couldn't help but laugh at how happy she was.
"Did you see her?" she asked, "Or is it a guy?"
"I did see her."
She grinned wide, "Is she pretty?"
I don't think I actually stopped for a moment to think about that.
"She's beautiful," I nodded.
"Do you learn anything about her?" she asked me, "Was she at the volunteer center today?"
"Baird actually told me her name," I said.
"He did?" she asked, surprised. "Is he even allowed to do that?"
I shrugged.
"What's her name?" she asked.
I opened my mouth only to be interrupted.
"What is it, Vee?" Eileen asked.
Vee smiled awkwardly, "Sorry, it's Conner."
I recognized that name.
"I'll be right there," Eileen said.
Vee nodded before shutting the door behind her.
"Where were we?" Eileen asked.
I shook my head, "It can wait, you have work to do."
She shook her head, "What is her name?"
"Eileen," I said, "It can wait."
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"No," she said, getting to her feet "Tell me."
"Really," I said, "It can wait."
"I know it can," she said, "But I want to know."
It would be the first time I would say her name out loud, it felt kind of strange.
"Her name is Shay."
Her expression went blank.
"Eileen?" I asked, waving my hand in front of her face.
"Shay?" she asked.
I nodded, "Why?"
She grabbed her hair and pointed at the ends, and my heart started to race.
"Purple ends?" she asked.
"Do you know her?" I asked.
She placed her hand on the table to steady herself.
"What?" I asked.
"Such a small world," she said, looking up at me.
"Small?" I asked, "Not even close."
Shay:
I had this weird feeling that I just couldn't shake.
The room had more people in it than when Jody and I were here before. There were easily ten people here.
The door behind me opened, and I saw Jody step out.
She looked a little off.
"Jody?" I asked.
She looked up at me before grinning.
"So?" I asked.
"Not here, please," Steven said, "Confidentiality and all."
"Sorry," I said awkwardly.
Jody rushed to my side and gripped my arm and leaned on me our whole way out.
We stayed quiet until we reached the main door.
"I am sorry, ladies," Baird called from behind us.
We both stopped to look at him.
"Lanyards," he pointed.
"Oh," I said before pulling it over my head and handing it to him.
Jody did the same.
Baird smiled knowingly at Jody, "Remember the rules, ladies please."
We both nodded.
"Have a lovely day."
"You too," I said.
"You too," Jody said before pulling me out of the building.
"What?" I couldn't help but giggle.
"Oh shit," she said.
"What?' I asked, starting to get concerned.
"He was so fucking hot," she said, squeezing my arm.
"Really?" I asked.
She groaned.
"Really?" I asked in a different tone.
"Really," she nodded.
Her face said it all. He was her wet dream come true.
"Did you learn anything about him?" I asked.
She nodded, "All we did was ask each other a bunch of questions, I swear I kept going blank."
So that was what Baird meant when he said interview.
"He had blue hair," she practically squealed.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"He was really," she paused to sigh, "I don't think I have the words, Shay."
I wasn't sure if I should be worried or excited about my own match now.
"What about you?" she asked, "What did you do the whole time I was in there?"
I shrugged, "I just played games on my phone."
"Really?" she asked accusingly, "You could have left for a bit."
"I didn't know how long the interview process was going to be," I told her, "And I honestly didn't even think about leaving."
"I guess that's fair," she said.
"But I do have some news," I said.
She looked at me.
Her earnest gaze made me nervous.
"What?" she asked with a smile, "Is it good news?"
I nodded quickly.
"So then, out with it," she said, nudging me.
"Baird thinks he found me a match," I blurted.
She stopped and screamed.
I had to cover my ears.
"Yes, bitch," she hugged me tightly.
Her joy was contagious, and my nerves seem to fade to the background for now.
"When do you get to meet him?" she asked.
"Uh," I said, going blank for a minute, "Wednesday at noon."
"Yeah?" she asked excitedly before frowning.
"What?" I asked.
"I have to work," she said, "Maybe I can come by after?"
I nodded, "I can go to this first one myself."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yeah," I nodded. "Besides, Baird won't let you in."
"Still," she said, "I want to be there."
"Well," I said, "You can come by the house after, and we can talk about it."
"Good," she said, "I wanted to do that anyway."
"Good then," I said, nudging her.
Her phone went off, scaring both of us.
It blared a hip-hop song. I don't know what it is, just something about popping pussy.
"Hello?" Jody asked.
She listened to whoever spoke, and she glanced at me.
I made a questioning face at her.
"Alright," Jody said, "But you fucking owe her for this."
She hung up and sighed.
"Was it your sister?" I asked.
She nodded, and I could see just how irritated she was. Jody lost her smile.
"What is it?" I asked.
"She wants you to keep the boys away for a couple of hours."
Which meant she and my brother were having some alone time at my house.
"Fun," I said.
"And I have to go," Jody said.
Of course, she did.
"Okay," I said, glancing over at her.
"Maybe you guys can go to that play place, the one in the mall?" she suggested.
It doesn't really feel like I have a choice.
"Okay," I said again.
"Hey," she said, "Just think about it this way. It will be you doing that to them soon."
I couldn't help but laugh.
We both already knew that I wouldn't do that to them.
"I know," she said, looking at me, "You aren't that kind of girl."
"Go to work," I said, pushing her playfully.
"I will," she said, "And I'm sorry."
I only shrugged.
"I love you," she said, hugging me tightly.
"Yeah, yeah," I said, patting her back "I love you too."
"I hope you guys find something fun to do," she said, pulling away, "And something that goes by quickly."
I nodded; I was hoping for the same thing.
She waved before heading in the opposite direction.
I watched her for a minute before I turned and headed to the daycare.
Did I really want to sit at the mall for hours?
What the hell was I going to do?
Couldn't they have hooked up earlier?
I just shook my head; I didn't want to deal with it.
The boys and I are going to have fun no matter what we decide to do, it has been decided.
I saw the daycare, and I felt myself stop.
Nothing says I have to pick them up right now.
Also, nothing says I couldn't hang out there for a little bit.
I took in a breath before I headed over.