Cali's Biggest Decision

Chapter 07

Jake’s face fell at my question. That made me sad too because I know the answer to my question. I heaved a deep sigh and then he started talking. “Sorry Cali, but I failed to find your dad. When I returned to the land and went back to your mansion, he was no longer there and so was your sister, Candace.”

Anxiety started bobbling within me. I could feel the tears swelling on my eyes, but I chose not to cry or at least, not to show them my tears. I took a deep breath, trying to fight my tears from falling down. “Thanks for trying, Jake. I really appreciate that,” I looked down with sad eyes. “I just hope that dad is okay. I really hope that Candace didn’t get him infected too. I hope he managed to escape.”

I was too worried that I made up my mind to find my dad up the land. I know that Jake won’t agree if I tell him that I would like to return to the land myself to find my dad. That's why I didn’t tell him. I have to be strong first and after that, I am going to tell Jake and the others that I am ready to find my father on the land.

The only way I could think of how I can become stronger is to join A.M.C.O as an official. “Hey, Jake.”

“Yes?”

“What if I join A.M.C.O? That way, I could be stronger and find my father and at the same time, I could be of help to humanity. How about that?” At first, he just stared at me like I am a crazy person so I said, “Did I say something wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Well, you just said that you’d like to join A.M.C.O. Are you sure that you can?” he said and then looked at me from head to toe. “No offense, but you were locked up inside your house that’s why I’m sure that you have no idea how strong people and monsters could be.”

“That’s why I’m going to train! So I could become stronger,” I said as I crossed my arms under my chest. “Are you underestimating me?”

“What? I don’t mean it like that!” he said as he raised his hands mid-air in defense. “You know, I was just worried. Plus, if something happened to you, your dad might kill me when we find him.”

“You haven’t even tested my capabilities yet,” I pointed out and sighed. Then I thought of negotiating with him, hoping that it would work. “How about this? If you tested me and I passed, I am going to join as one of A.M.C.O’s officials but if not, I’ll behave well and step back. I’ll let you find my father instead. How does that sound?”

For a while, he remained silent and started thinking about something. After a while, he heaved a sigh. “Okay, fine. I’ll test your capabilities first and see how it’ll go,” he responded with a sly smile. “But I’d need to consult with Hunter and Ciarra about this.”

“Who is Hunter?” I asked.

“He’s the son of A.M.C.O’s founder and the one who will inherit the organization,” he responded. “We need to tell him each and every important detail about what is happening.”

“I am looking forward to meeting Hunter and convincing him,” I said with a smile.

“Great! But Hunter is a busy person so we need to set an appointment with him first. I am going to send him a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as he responds. For now, I suggest that you go and take a good nap.” Jake suggested.

I felt hyped up that I decided not to take a rest and instead, go and start training.

“Actually, I have a better idea than that,” I started. “I want to go to a gym and start building my muscles up and boost my stamina. Dou have a gym here?”

“Yes, we have,” he said and instantly added seriously, “But I am not letting you go to the gym.”

I frowned and then raised a brow at him. “What? Why not? You’re going to lock me up too?”

“I didn't say that. I just don't want you to go to the gym alone. I'll go with you or at least, take Tessa and Gail along,” he responded. “Besides, you’re just got here. What if you got lost?”

“Then I’ll just find my way back,” I answered as if getting lost wasn’t a big deal to me. No one could really blame me for wanting to go out alone. After all, I was locked up inside our mansion for like, forever. I had no social interaction with anyone else but my father.

“A no is a no, Cali. You might get lost, okay?” Jake said. I sighed and then grunted at his response.

I know that there’s no convincing Jake that’s why I decided to lie to him that I agreed. “Fine, you win! I’m going to bring Tessa and Gail with me,” I looked at Tessa and then at Gail. “How about tomorrow when you’re not too busy?” I suggested.

“Alright, sure. We’ll pick you up from your room, alright?” Gail said and I nodded in agreement. Little did they know, I am going to sneak out today and go to the gym. I had my wrist watch with me so I checked it and when I did, I noticed that it’s already 3PM in the afternoon. I still have lots of time to sneak out.

“Sounds like a plan,” I responded. I faked yawning and said, “I’m tired. I want to go back to my room.” They seemed to have bought my fake act and let me go back to the room where I first woke up – Ciarra’s room.

As I stepped inside her bedroom, I saw her reading a book. Suddenly, I noticed that she’s reading my favorite book. That's why I couldn’t help but to call her out. “I never thought that you liked reading books. By any chance, is that your favorite book?” She stopped reading and peeked at me from her book. She just gave me a cold look and went back to reading. “You’re really rude, aren’t you?”

“Well, what’s rude is interrupting someone when they’re reading,” she pointed out and heaved a sigh. I watched her as she stood up and placed her book back on her bookshelves. “You’re annoying. I better go out.” and just like that, she left without another word and without any hesitation.

As much as I got pissed off at her, I got damn curious as to where she was heading. That's why I decided to secretly follow her. This way, I’ll be able to stroll around Aqua City without getting lost because I have a guide. As long as my eyes remain on her, then I’ll be fine.

She led me to a gym, much to my surprise. “What is she doing here?” I thought. “Is she going to train or something?” I crouched and peeked on the window from the outside so that she wouldn't see me.

I was busy stalking her when I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder, startling me.

“Who are you and what are you doing?”