Strictly My Buisness

Lance's point of view

I wasn't entirely honest with her. She doesn't know, but I know a lot about her- we just haven't met in person until now. Oops. Hello there. Lance Evendir, at your service. You can call me a friend. Who am I kidding? I put too much people's lives in danger...but it wasn't the same for Abbey's, her life is always going to be in danger. I meant- she is...how do you describe her? Never mind, I'll tell you later. Actually, I was serious about knowing a lot about Abbey. She attends the community college here in Pennsylvania; she wants to be a nurse. She was orphaned by her parents when she was seven- then her aunt and uncle took her in. I knew she lived in that apartment, who her best friend was, if she ever was in a relationship. I knew that she had asthma when she was a child. I also know that I find myself attracted to her. Ugh, why am I like that? But, I also know that I have a job to do. My task: protect Abbey. It's a long story- but I'll give you the short version...because normally I don't stick around for that long.
Okay, so long before I, and Abbey, were born. Her parents worked as spies. Their names: Marcus and Veronica Lox. They acquired many enemies throughout the time they worked, but they retired when Veronica found out that she was pregnant. A few months before Abbey was born they changed their names- legally- to Walter and Bernicia. They kept the same last names. They tried forgetting their spy pasts...but their enemies didn't. Mr. and Mrs. Lox moved to a safe place and tried giving their daughter a normal life. But...when Abbey was seven, they tracked them down. The authorities told Abbey that her parents died in a car crash, but really they suffered from a worse death: no need to tell anybody.
So, yeah...that's the back story. But, I'm here for a different reason. Yes, I am supposed to protect Abbey. And yes, I am also a spy. But no, I'm not supposed to be liking her. I only like her because- while I've learned and have been watching her- I can tell that she is a nice person...but also she stands out from the rest: in my opinion. So now I feel like a fool, because I gave her a kiss on the cheek when I left- but I do not regret it.
The real reason why I'm here is: I am to bring Abbey to my headquarters because my boss thinks she'll be a good recruit because her parents were so good. Honestly, I think that could be true, but it is also a bit naive. To take in an innocent girl, who wasn't even told what her parents did or even why the died...I think it's not fair. So that's why my boss is sorta mad at me, I've been taking at least two months just monitoring Abbey's movement. In one way, it helps me understand who she is. In another way, I'm risking my job. But, I'll probably bring Abbey by next week. Oh, and one more thing: that guy who threw Abbey over the bridge, Danny (yes I know who he is-duh) he wasn't actually there for me. He was partly there for who I was following- Abbey- but he didn't know who it was at the time. He just thought she was some college student who got in the way. If she was some random college student, though. It would be up to me whether or not to rescue her from drowning, but in this situation it would be to save her. Also, I knew Danny was at the park- he's been following me for a few days now. But once he knows that it's Abbey who I'm following- she'll be in great danger. So, I need to speed it up.
So, now for my plan. Here you go: watch it unfold. It's strictly MY business, though.

(The next day)

I woke up at seven o'clock. Took a shower, dressed up in all black clothing. Skipped breakfast. Checked out of the hotel I'd been staying at for the last two weeks- I like to move to different places after a while. Then drove downtown, so I could get a nice hot cup of coffee. "Morning" I said to the man walking out of the shop. "Morning" he smiled back. I opened the door to the shop. First, I purchased a small latte. Second, I found a seat all the way at the back of the room. Then, I brought my laptop out of my bag to make it look like I was doing something. It probably had to be about thirty minutes before the person I was looking for came.
She rushed into the little shop and her hair messy from the wind. I had to admit, she was indeed very attractive, but it's the way she acted that made me like her even more. She was wearing a dark green shirt with the logo of the coffee shop on it, dark jeans, and a pair of black Converse high tops. She headed to the door labeled "employees only". She came out five minutes later and then switched places with the person in front of the cash register. After I saw four people get in line, it was my cue. Time to forget that I know a lot about her.
I got in line. First person ordered, second, then third. She already looked bored when it came to the fourth. Now it was my turn.
"Can I take your order?" She asked but she was looking down at the paper and pen in her hand.
"Uh, yeah. I didn't just wait in a line for five minutes." Now she looked up.
"Oh. Hi." She put her hand to her face. "Sorry, but sir, what would you like?"
"Okay, I'll have a large, bold coffee." I said casually.
"Sure, and what's your name?" She asked. She looked behind me. There was no one, though.
"Lance." I smiled. "And I thought I wouldn't be seeing you for a while...Abilene." She laughed a little.
"Of course, and I thought so too."
"When's your shift over?" I asked.
"Not until 9:00." I looked down at my watch, it was 8:37. "Oh, that's in about twenty or thirty minutes."
"Now you have a watch." She told me.
"Um, yeah."
"So, why do you want to know when I'll be off?" She asked.
"Just asking." I heard my name called for my drink. "Oh, but nice seeing you again." "You too." She said.
I went over to get my drink and looked back at her. There was still no one in line, and she was looking down at her hands again. I walked out of the store, rather slowly .
Outside I put on a hat, almost covering my eyes. As I was drinking my coffee, a man bumped into me. He had a crew cut, ugly scars on his face, and an awful stench coming from his body. He apologized so softly I almost didn't hear it. I nodded and continued walking. He didn't recognize me.
In my mind I was like 'what's he doing here?' In reality I moved over to the side of a building. Leaned against the wall. Watched Danny-boy for a bit- he was entering a store. Then I looked up at the sign above the door...and boom. I ran back to the coffee shop.
In my mind 'if he finds out that Abbey's alive, then she'll be dead. Oh gosh."
I entered the coffee shop again and scanned the room. First, I looked at where Abbey was standing, she was talking to a co-worker. Then I looked for Danny, oh phew, he was seated at a table with...oh no...Silvia (yes I know her too).
I pulled my hat lower and walked back to where Abbey was standing. I checked the time: 8:48.
"Hey look." The co-worker said. She pointed at me. "Customer."
"Hey, um. Hi-well- hi again." I said.
"Back for another drink?" She said.
"Actually, no. Not this time. This time I'm back for...you." I told her.
"What do you mean?" She looked at me funny.
"Oh gosh that sounded wrong, I'm sorry. But, here. Look over my shoulder." I whispered. "Look at the guy seated by the window with the woman." She peeked over my shoulder. "No!"
She looked at me again, this time panicked. "Um, what do I do? What if he finds out I'm alive?"
"Don't worry, I've got it all under control." I meant it. "Just do what I tell you to do." "Okay, what is it?"
"Go tell your manager that you have to leave right now, it's a family emergency." I directed her.
"Yes. I will."
"Now, bring this hat with you." I gave her mine. "Put your hair up when you leave the store."
"Uhuh."
"No, go. Meet me outside. Don't worry, I'll find you." I said.
"Okay." She left the counter.
Now I had to get out of the store. I looked around for any other exit, but found none. Hmm. I thought. Okay, I'll just have to hope he doesn't see me. I waited a bit to see any one else to leave. There was one person. Okay, so I followed and walked out of the store covering one side of my face. Good. Now I waited a little bit, then Abbey came out.
"Psss!" I whispered. She look startled, then came over.
"I told my boss. Someone else is taking over for me." I nodded.
"Good." I said. "Now follow me." I grabbed her by the hand and we walked, it was two stores away when I talked to her again.
"Now," I paused. "We have to get out of the city."
"Why?" She looked very confused. I didn't answer that question. "Come on, we have to go." I put my arm around her waist, bringing her along.
"Um, Lance?" She was looking at my arm around her.
"Yes?" I looked down too. Our bodies were really close now. "Oh, sorry." But I didn't let go.
"It's okay." We started to move towards where I parked my car.
"When will you tell me what's going on?" She said, while we neared the car.
"In the car." We were already at the car. I unlocked the doors and sort of shoved her into the back seat. Then I got up to the driver's seat. Started the car, and began driving towards where her apartment was.
"Lance, where are we going?" She asked nervously.
"To your apartment, go up there and pick up some clothes or any other necessities." I looked at her from the mirror.
"Fine." She mumbled.
"Hey, sorry. It's kind of hard to explain right now, but I promise that I'll tell you later."
"I'll hold you to that." She responded.
"While you're inside the apartment; write Marceline a note- saying that you'll be out of town for a bit. You just need time to relax. OKay?"
"How did you know Marcy?" She said accusingly.
"I said I promise to tell you later. But for now, please listen. Save the questions for later." I said seriously.
I looked back up at the mirror, she nodded. We drove the rest of the way in silence.
Once we arrived at the building, she immediately got out of the car, and I thought that the safest thing for her was me getting out of the car too. So, I followed. She raced up the stairs. I ran up the stairs. I waited for her to open the door. She opened the door. I could tell that she was a little mad because she almost slammed the door in my face. Then she spoke to me-finally.
"Can you get my stuff. My room is over there." She pointed. "I'll write the note to Marcy." She grabbed a pen and pencil. I went to her room. I opened up drawers, the closet, and found whatever a woman would wear. I took most of the stuff that looked comfortable: jeans, shirts, sweatshirts, etc. I also looked in her closet and grabbed a dress.
"What are you getting that for?" She said from behind me. I almost dropped the clothes I was holding. "Oh, sorry." She said.
"S'kay." I said. "Um, who knows what you'll need a dress for." I shrugged.
"Well if you're going to bring a dress, at least let me pick it." She moved past me and dug a little deeper in the closet. "Here." She smiled. I didn't know what it looked like because it had a cover on it.
"Okay, now do you have a luggage?" I asked.
"Why do I need a luggage, we're not going on a plane right?" She looked at me. "Right?"
"Um, maybe." She looked like she could slap me, well I guess I did deserve it. Luckily- I mean- instead, she just shook her head.
"Well if we are," she opened a drawer "here's my passport." She tossed it on the bed. I was quite shocked. She was acting so normal.
"Okay, thank you. Are you done writing the letter?" I asked.
"Yes," she said. "Now let me get the luggage for you."
"No, just tell me where it is."
"Right behind you, in the back of the closet." She pointed.
"Thanks." I pulled out the bag, opened it up, and dumped all the clothes in it, then zipped it up. "there, come on let's go." We entered the living room, and Abbey looked around. She said "I have a feeling that I won't be seeing this place in a while." Then she got a grip on herself, "Okay, let's go."
"Wait," i said as we got to the door. I peeked outside, looked down the hall. There was nobody. "Okay, go ahead." I went out first and she followed. We reached the end of the stairs, when someone was coming.
"It's Marcy!" Abbey whispered into my ear. I looked to my right, there was a gap in between the two buildings that led into the parking garage. I wrapped my arm around Abbey's waist again and pulled her into the small opening. We hid behind the wall, waiting for her friend to pass us. Now I just realised it, but we always seemed to be pushed into each other- like really close.
Right now, my hands were still on her waist and her face was sort of against my neck. I could feel her breathing, it was unsteady.
"Are you okay?" I asked. She didn't seem aware at how close we were.
"Yeah, it's just that- she's my best friend." She sounded sad.
"I'm sorry." That's all I could say right now.
"Um, I think she's gone now." Now she seemed aware at how close we were. She started to pull away.
"Oh okay, ready to go now?"
"Yeah."
We were already at the car, but she seemed silent, and I had already started driving. I let her ride in the passenger's seat this time, but she would only look at her hands. I decided to turn on the radio so it would break the silence.
"Where are we going exactly?" She finally asked.
"Have you ever been to California?" I smiled to myself.
"Nope. Are we going there?"
"No. Just asking."
"Then where?"
"Have you ever been to New York?" I asked this time.
"Well, no actually." She said.
"Good, so now I get to take you sight seeing."
"So we are going there?"
"Yes. To the Big Apple."
"Okay. Now where's the nearest airport?" I asked. She told me where. "Got it."
"So are we going now?" She asked.
"Yes, of course." I told her.
"But we don't even have tickets!" She critisised.
"That's one of the wonders of being me." I said.
"What do you mean?" I took something out of my pocket.
"Here," I handed her the tickets. "Two tickets to New York."
She looked shocked. "Um, when did you get these?"
"Last night."
"Oh. Wait- how can you have tickets when you don't even know where the airport is?"
"What's wrong with asking when you already know the answer?"
"I don't really know."
"Okay, so maybe there is something wrong. Actually, it lets me realise something. If I already know what the answer is then i just have to see if you're telling the truth."
"That makes some sense."
"Yes it does." We drove the rest of the way in silence.
When we arrived at the airport, I realised that our flight was in twenty minutes.
"Oh gosh, come on. We have to hurry." We sped right through the check-in, metal detectors, etc.
Her cheeks were pink when we were ready to board the flight.
"Tired?" I asked her.
"No it's just- I haven't been to an airport in a long time." She said.
"Oh." I replied.
We boarded the plane and she turned right. I grabbed hold of her arm.
"No, up here." I pulled her near the front of the plane.
"First class seats?" She asked.
"Yeah." I said. "You want the window seat?"
"Yes!" She said excitedly, like a little kid.
"Of course, go ahead." I brought her to our seats. "You first."
"Thank you." She said. She made herself comfortable. I say down too. I found a pillow under the seat. It was time for take-off. I saw her grip the sides of her seat, and accidentally on my hand.
"Oh sorry." She said, "first time in a long time remember." But she didn't let go. I smirked to myself, and I didn't say anything. I felt the plane moving and go up in the air. She squeaked and squeezed my hand tighter. But, eventually she got used to being in the air; fifteen minutes later. I looked at her face.
"You look tired," I said. "Go to sleep."
"Don't worry I can stay awake, the plane ride is only about an hour."
"Well then, that'll give you an hour to sleep. I'll wake you up." I said.
"Okay then." I got the pillow and handed it to her.
"Thanks." She said. She put the pillow on the window' side.
"No, don't do that." I told her, "You'll get a stuff neck." So, I grabbed the pillow and put it on my shoulder. I lifted her head and put it there too.
"Ok." She said, but she didn't look comfortable.
"Wait." I removed the pillow. "Does that feel better?"
"Yeah." She muttered sleepily. Before I knew it she was asleep. I stayed awake or the rest of the flight, wondering how I would explain everything to her.