13 Growth

A year later

I'm 16 now and have come too far, made alot of progress. I have gotten really close to the guys especially Luke and Nana. My relationship with Darius still remains complicated sometimes it feels like we're friends regardless of his cold attitude and demeanour but there are times where it's rough and we can't stand each other.

Nana has been one of my favourite people after a very long day of training she is always there to cheer me up, recently she's mentioned that her daughter and grandson will be moving in for sanctuary, so I'm quite excited for that but regardless of these happy times, I have not forgotten my main goal.

Bertha is still out there breathing. I still think about my mother -I don't regret what I did to her but I wonder how her last moments were. Did the police know it was me? Are they still looking for me now? Being cooped up in this mansion for a year is starting to make me feel suffocated, I miss the entertainment that civilisation had to offer. We do have a television but with no channels, every time my father returns from his trips, he comes back with a bunch of movies and series for my entertainment. After a year he still has not allowed me to own a cellular device, only after I'm 18 will I be allowed to own one.

I placed the hairbrush back on the bathroom basin after combing my hair and stare back up to my reflection in the mirror. I had not grown that much, my height and breasts seemingly were the only gradual growths I could spot. My physique had improved, I was not skinny with a few fat parts anymore but now fit and toned.

I walk back into the bedroom and dress in a black tartan pleated skirt with a white tank top.

I used to be so timid and scared but now I'm more confident and strong- the one thing that I stayed constant is the Loneliness that in my eyes. My father comes back once in a while every two to three days a week at first but now he barely comes home apparently the organisation is keeping him really busy.

After I am done getting ready I walk downstairs, It's a Sunday morning so everyone is probably gathered in the kitchen playing board games- I wonder what they are playing today. Entering the kitchen I see Luke, Phine, Nana and Martha sitting forming a little mini circle around the kitchen contour.

"You look good today young lady, where are you going," Nana asks, grabbing everyone's attention to me.

"I know I'm not allowed to go out but just this once as Martha goes into town to buy my supplies, I would like to go as well," I say with my and fiddling around from the nerves.

Nana sighs, Phine just continues on drinking his coffee while Luke scratches the back of his head. "Listen, kid, if it was up to me I would but you know Darius is the one who always takes Martha and back-so if you can convince him then sure"

I sigh in annoyance knowing that Darius would never budge, but I would try anyway. At this point, I would do anything just to go outside again.

"Where is he now?"I ask

"He is in front of the shed, "Phine says and Martha raises a little thumbs up to me with a small smile of encouragement which I smile back before exiting the kitchen to the yard.

I walk towards the shed and smile excitedly as I start to see Darius figure appear. The first time I met him I had this undeniable crush on him which was short-lived as he was such a dick to me. But all this time training with him, I don't know where my feelings stand- there are times where my heart pounds and yearns for him from his close proximity and there are instances where I feel utter hatred towards him. In the end, I deduced that its nothing but just physical attraction for him and I know he would never feel the same towards me.

My smile instantly drops as I see him accompanied by a woman. The two seemed to be close as they were talking so familiarly as the women had her hands around while the were talking. She seemed to have said something funny as she touched his arm which made him smile. My breath was taken away as this was the first I have ever seen him smile and he looked so handsome- Deep down at the sight I wish it was me that he was smiling like that too.

5'7" tall female. Thin, Seemed to be around 130 pounds. Small A cup perky breasts. Long thin legs. Smaller rear. Bleach Blonde straight hair, medium length. very tan. deep crystal blue eyes. A wider nose but small. dimples when she smiles. thinner lips and a nice smile. She seemed to be a few years younger than Darius, maybe 22.

They notice me coming and turn to look at me, "Morning" I say as I stop in front of them. The girl simply folds her arms ad assesses me bottom to top while Darius simply greets back.

I clear my throat and ask, "So I wanted to ask if I could tag along with you and Martha today as you go into town for supplies?" I politely ask making sure I sound extra nice.

"No," he says and I sigh, "Please Darius, I'll behave, I have never caused any trouble- just this once can you let me come."

"No, don't be stupid you know the rules and Im not going to simply let it slide once just because of your selfish desires," he says which infuriates me more.

"Luke and Phine don't have a problem with it!" I shout.

"Do I look like Luke and Phiine to you?" he says and raises a brow. The girl beside him giggles which gets me more pissed.

"And who the fuck are you ?" I ask while placing my hands on my hips. She simply ignores me and turns to Darius.

"So this is the brat?" she asks Darius, ignoring my question.

"Yes, she-" Darius says but I interrupt him by raising my hand motioning him to stop which makes him raise a brow in surprise.

"Brat? I bet this brat could kick your flat ass" I say confidently. Her initial calm and pleasant demeanour slowly changed and her face contorted in all-consuming anger; her nostrils flaring, her eyes flashing and closing into slits. Her hands closed into fists and she crouched forward, daring me to repeat once more. I get into a defensive stand, ready to take her on and as she leaps for me seeming going for the head, Darius grabs both her hands, stopping her dead in her tracks. Seeing Darius intervention pleased me as I thought he was taking my side.

"Cool off Natasha" he murmurs to her but I manage to hear."Yeah, cool of Natasha" I mimick with a smirk as I fold my arms. He lets her go and turns to me with a scold, "When will you stop being so immature" he says and gawk at him. She started it!

"Elena you shouldn't just challenge anyone like that without knowing their skill set, she could have easily taken you down, "He says and I roll my eyes in the annoyance of him scolding me.

"She is skilled in many forms of martial arts including aikido, judo, karate, savate, and boxing. In addition, she is an amazing gymnast and uses her acrobatics to gain an edge in combat."He adds and my mouth hangs for aa second in surprise.

"Why is she here?"I ask.

"Shes Nana's youngest daughter, she will be staying here with her son for a while, "Darius says and Natasha smirks. At the corner of my eye, I notice a kid playing alone in the garden. My excitement in the morning was suddenly turned to annoyance