Gee, I don't know how I didn't throw a pity party in there.
Ms. Catherine's voice was very thin and when you merely add it with her foolish pride, unnecessary criticism, and slightly wrinkled face you could undoubtedly see why I could stand her. When she was done with her lesson, I headed upstairs, running exuberantly up the painful marble staircase with gold handrails. I instantly took the next flight of grand stairs that looked the same and took a right curve to my white bedroom door, carefully closing the door when I was inside. Before I knew it my candy stash was in front of me and I was sitting in my sorta somewhat pastel blue bed with my white chandelier shining brightly. Just as I was about to open my Twix, there was a knock on my door. Really? Now?
"Come in," I said hiding my candy stash watching the door open slowly.
"That must be Benson," I suggested in my head.
As if right on cue he gently poked his head through
"Mr. Kenrick is here to see you, my princess."
"I'll be right there," I said with a stupid smile on my face.
When he closed the door behind him, I let out a squeal.
"He's never come to see me before" I acknowledged.
So you see Kenrick is one of the only people I get to see from the modern village. He was the youngest inventor and laboratory assistant. He was a year older than me, making him sixteen, and he was also a bit taller than me. He and his teacher worked for my dad so he was busy a lot. The only time we used to talk was when he was in the living room waiting either because his experienced teacher was talking to my step-dad or he blew something up and they were trying to fix it. The lovely day he blew up my step-father's office which left black dust on his beard for days was the day we instantly became best friends. But anyway the key point is he's never come to visit ME before.
I practically flew down the stairs with a single bead of sweat on my face.
"Kenrick!"
"Robyn!"
I jumped into his open arms, and he swung me around.
"I haven't seen you in months," I said holding on a little longer than usual and when I let go we started walking to the garden.
"I know I've been busy working with your dad."
"Foremost it's STEP-dad and second, what does he have you working on?"
He stayed quiet I'm confident I heard a pin drop. I wasn't sure he was going to talk, then he answered.
"I can't tell you that, sorry."
"It's okay," I said
It was NOT. Why couldn't he tell me? I deserved knowing what my step-dad was working on, he always kept secrets. That's one of the reasons I don't trust him.
"So how was classes today," He said changing the subject.
"It was awesome! Well except for Ms. Catherine"
"I'm naturally assuming the "awesome" was for Mr. Williams?" He asked.
"Yep. We were telling jokes all day! He said this really funny joke it goes like this-,"
I was interrupted when Kenrick clutched his growling stomach that was going on and on practically begging for food. I was about to laugh when I observed his features a little bit closer. He had bags under his unnaturally dull eyes. His brown unruly hair wasn't as unruly anymore. He had scattered dust and visible bruises on his porcelain skin. Why hadn't I noticed this before?
"What are you doing that has gotten you like this?" I asked tilting my head.
"I can't tell you, I'm sorry."
That same line? Why couldn't he just be straight with me?
"Well if you're not going to satisfactorily answer my questions then you're going to gratefully accept my reasonable offer and eat the food I cook for you"
He looked naturally hesitant but I could care less. He was going to eat and freshen up.
"Fine. But you better not burn my food," He said chuckling.
"Oh shut up I've improved"
No. No, I did not. But it doesn't matter he needs to eat so I'm going to prepare him the best Robyn dish ever!
I made sushi. Yep. Sushi. It was the one meal I could make without almost burning up the place.
"This is surprisingly good"
If you're confused let me help you out. I'm a horrible cook. That's it.
"I know," I said
"But I'm going to ask you one more time"
"What has you so tired?"
"Why do you want to know?"
He just dodged the whole question. That little bastard.
"Because I'm worried about you" I answered hoping he would give me the answer.
"Really? I haven't talked to you in months but you still worry about me?"
"Of course," I said getting a bit impatient
"Wow, you are amazing huh?"
"Kenrick Devon Sullivan," I said about to lose it
"Answer. The. Question"
"I can't," he said about to walk away
"Why can't you?"
"Your Step-father instructed me not to"
"So you're keeping secrets too huh?"
"No, I just-"
"You just?"
"I can't tell you, if I'm not able to do this I'll never be able to come over again. Your Step-dad said I could have the day off because I was working so hard, so I came to you."
"Oh," I said shocked
"You're not mad at me, are you?"
"No. Not at all"
I hugged him and moved his hair out of his face.
"Just promise me you won't work yourself out please," I said looking at his face
"I promise"
"Now here are some tips," I said letting him go
"When lay in bed relax your entire face, including the muscles inside your mouth. Drop your shoulders to release the tension and let your hands drop to the side of your body. Exhale, relaxing your chest. Relax your legs, thighs, and calves. Clear your mind for 10 seconds by imagining a relaxing scene. "
"Yes ma'am," He said standing like a soldier
"See you later?" I said as he was standing by the door
"Of course" he shouted
"Bye," he said waving
"Baii"
As much as I like having him around I'm getting annoyed with all these secrets. I'm not going to stop until I know what they are doing.
When Kenrick left I went back to my room practically crawling the stairs. After all that running I needed a bath. I walked to my room and locked the door behind me then dragged myself to the bathroom. I opened the door and locked it behind me before slowly walking to the shower curtain. I quickly pulled it opened them expecting some sort of murder but I was only met with a marble wall. Why couldn't I meet some black-haired bad boy with a sad backstory like a female protagonist in books? Why was I even thinking about that? I got in and turned on the shower, letting the warm water soak my unnatural velvety hair. I replayed the conversation that Kenrick and I had and then questions filled my head.
'Why would my step-father be asking Kenrick to invent?'
'Why couldn't Kenrick tell me?'
'Why would my step-father threaten him?'
'Why does he want it?'
'Why is it important?'
I closed my eyes trying to find a logical answer but I couldn't find anything
'You know what' I thought
'I'll sneak into his office when he's asleep'
I knew it would be kind of impossible but I had to find out.