With Me I

"I'm sorry but I don't think I could do that," I argued.

The people from the table looked at me in surprise. Their names were given earlier but I was out examining the room to hear their names and remember them on the spot.

"Why?" the Commander asked.

"Well, before all of these bizarre revelations. I am still a woman with a life. I have a lot of things to do. I need to practice for my next performance and be prepared for Alex's wedding next week. In addition, I don't know any of you. Yes, your names are given but I don't really know you and now you're asking me to stay here? It's definitely like you're bribing a kid with a lollipop to come inside your white van." I explained.

"We are not kidnapping you." The Commander said. "I understand that everything is difficult to take in. We are willing to explain everything to you. An Artisan cannot be alone in the world. In pairs, we're strong but with a group? We're unstoppable."

I sighed. "I know but…I can't just change plans just because of this new thing. It needed to happen eventually. Eventually when I get to know all of you. But not now."

The Commander finally nodded. Though I think he still would not approve of the idea. He's definitely thinking of a way to get me to stay or something.

"Who's Alex?" Aaron seemed annoyed by the name.

"Performance?" the guy with maroon long hair in front of me asked. I know his name sounded Russian, I just can't remember it. Eula? Yuri? What was it again?

"Jo or as known as Joanne is a great friend of mine." I ignored Aaron's question. "We are performing in a competition two weeks from now. Oh gods, I don't even know what to play yet," I slapped both of my cheeks in panic. What am I going to play?

"What do you do in the performance? Dancing? Singing?"

"Playing the piano. I joined this competition months ago. Winning will grant me a position in one of the best orchestras in the world. Of course, there is cash too but I'm not really interested in money. I will also get to be recognized by other musicians…" I stopped when I realized that I'm talking nonsense already. It makes sense for me but not for the people around me today.

My eyes shifted to Aaron who was also looking back at me. When he realized that I was looking back at him, he immediately shifted his eyes somewhere else.

Aaron took a deep breath before speaking. "But you're still my responsibility. I didn't entirely stop Henry from taking you. He will definitely find a way to get you. Probably will wait for you when you're alone."

The Commander nodded. "It's true. I did order Aaron to keep you safe. We have gotten a report from one of our men that Henry's boss will do anything to get you. He likes collecting Artisans. Especially the ones that are quite unique. Like yours. He will definitely not stop until he's able to do what he's ordered to do."

"What is your mission?" I asked Aaron.

"To protect you from them and take you here," Aaron answered.

"Well, I'm already here. Check."

"I still have to protect you until Henry stops."

I shook my head. "Whatever, I am not going to stay here. I have a life out there." Wow, I'm starting to get annoyed.

"Well, if that's the case. Aaron should guard you at all times." The Commander said.

"I can get my own bodyguards. My parents could hire some for me. Aaron could be free from his mission now." I am trying my best not to roll my eyes at them or sigh heavily. Though I think contacting my parents is definitely not a good idea. They will just probably ask me to return to France which I don't like.

Aaron looked at the Commander; I'm guessing that they are talking telepathically now.

"We cannot allow that, Sapphire. I guess we need to do some adjusting. How about letting Aaron stay at your place too and be your classmate at your university?" the Commander smiled as if that was a good idea.

"Y-you could do that?" I am shocked. How much power does this community have?

"Yes. We could do anything as long as we have jurisdiction." The Commander took a sip of his drink.

"Oh...that's awesome."

"So? Do you agree?"

"Huh? Wait. No. Don't do that." I hardly objected.

"Why again?" Aaron asked rolled his eyes at me. He seemed dismayed with all of my disagreements.

I don't know what to say anymore. I've given our all of the reasons I could give but they're not listening to me.

He crossed his arms over his chest as he waits for my answer.

"Well...Obviously, my friends are worried about me right now. My last call sounded like I was in a hurry and pretty much shut off my friend. Then I missed two of my classes for today. I can't just miss class and then the next day I come with a fallen angel. It will be a huge ruckus," I argued.

Aaron and the Commander just stared at me as if whatever I just said was ridiculous. It is, isn't it? It's like I just admitted that I have a little crush on Aaron right now.

Aaron frowned shook his head in dismay.

"If you keep going that kind of face, you'll look older really fast. Try smiling sometimes." I said.

The guy with maroon hair laughed but when he noticed that Aaron was giving him a side-eye, he hid the laugh by drinking.

"Well, it has been decided then." The Commander stood up from his seat.

"Wait, what...what's decided? What did we agree on?" I asked.

Aaron followed the Commander and left the dining hall.

"What's been decided?" I asked everyone else around the table.