Rotation

The next day was filled with even more surprises. The guy Cruz was an Elite as well and he just came off of rotation. A new group was sent out to help guard the walls as the others come back in to rest. Conner looks over to my side to see Cruz making himself comfortable... right next to me.

The other guys are still sending me 'looks' and 'knowing smirks' so I was left in a great mood as class started. Several hours later, I drag myself to the Mess Hall and grab a tray. Conner silently follows as Cruz tells me story after story but if I had to be honest, I stopped listening on the first one.

After getting my food, I walk to our normal table and sit down. Cruz slides up next to me as Conner sits down on my other side with confusion. Thane steps up to the table and drops his tray, startling all of us as he slowly lowers himself into the seat, glaring at Cruz.

Cruz smirks and leans to the side before asking "What's got you in such a bad mood, Thane?" Thane continues to glare at Cruz as he says "I think you already know why, Cruz. Back off the kid. You can clearly see he's uncomfortable."

Cruz's eyes grow large in mock surprise before looking to me and asking "Is that so? Am I REALLY making you uncomfortable, VALEN?" My eye twitches as I grit my teeth and force a smile before saying "Not at all... totally fine."

Cruz gives me a knowing smile before leaning over and throwing his arm around my shoulders, smiling wide at Thane. Thane looks to me and back to Cruz with confusion and... disgust? Maybe anger, before shaking his head and eating his food.

I shake Cruz off before stabbing my food with anger. Cruz's smirk grows as he digs into his own food without a care in the world. Conner awkwardly watches everything with confusion but he doesn't say anything. Our entire lunch is spent with Thane and I angrily chewing our food while Cruz practically hums in joy.

I have to do something about this jerk but I have to be careful... after lunch, we head to the training grounds as a small group. When we get there, the others all turn and start staring at me with wide eyes. I ignore the looks and standby for Titus.

Cruz continues to tell me stories as I continue to ignore him but when Titus walks into the gym, everyone grows quiet, even Cruz. When Titus sees me, he quickly waves me over and tells the others to wait. Frowning in confusion, I walk over without saying a word.

Titus looks at me and slightly sighs before saying "I just got a phone call from the head office. Your mother is sick and was rushed to the hospital." I feel my heart drop as I quickly say "What!? Is she okay? What happened??"

He gives me a look of understanding and says "I don't know details, this just happened. Because of everything you've done lately, the school has agreed to allow you to go back home and check on her." My heart continues to race as I give him a look of gratitude and say "Thank you."

Titus nods and says "Go pack a small bag and get ready to leave." I nod and quickly leave without looking back. My mother has blood pressure issues but it's never been so bad that it caused her to pass out or anything. I just hope she's okay...

I practically run back to the room and quickly pack a small bag but halfway through my packing, Thane opens the door and says "I'm going with you." I blink in confusion before asking "Why?" He quickly packs a bag before saying "Titus said it would be safer with both of us. Don't worry, I won't get in the way."

I want to argue and tell him, no but if Titus was the one who told him to come... nothing I say or do will change it. I bite my lip and hope that no one will give away my identity. Once we were all packed, we quickly take a cab to the train station.

Once the train takes off, I'm left nervously bouncing my leg as I bite my lip in worry. I tried calling my Dad several times but he hasn't answered. That's not a good sign... right? I look back down at my com device as I start biting my thumb nail.

After three hours, we finally make it to the station and unload from the train. True to his word, Thane hasn't said or done anything this whole time. He just silently sits by my side like a statue. As I'm leaving the train station, my com device lights up.

I quickly answer it to my Dad apologizing "I'm so sorry Val, your mother passed out and I took her to the hospital but in my haste, I forgot to grab my com device. Are you okay?" I look at my Dad in disbelief as I ask "Is Mom okay?"

My Dad sighs and says "It was stress over your... are you at the train station?" I quickly realize my mistake and quickly say "Oh yeah! Uh... the school was notified and they sent me home... with my roommate."

My Dad freezes for a solid ten seconds before saying "Oh... I see. That's wonderful. Your Mother will be so excited to see you son. Be careful on your way home... take your time though. Your Mom is fine." He plasters a huge smile on his face as he flashes me his crazy eyes.

Clearly telling me to take my time getting home. I awkwardly smile and nod my head before hanging up the phone. When I look up, I find Thane watching me with a frown. I awkwardly smile and say "Let's... let's head to my house."

Thane looks at me oddly before slowly nodding his head and saying "Yeah... we shouldn't take too long though... didn't your Mom pass out?" I awkwardly laugh and say "Right?? Let's go..."