𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙏𝙄𝘾

#𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊

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𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙏𝙄𝘾

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The closer the event approached, the more my nerves seemed to intensify. That undeniable knot in my stomach grew stronger with every passing moment. I tried to quell my anxiety by busying myself, but it stubbornly persisted.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but scrutinize every detail of my appearance. Time was slipping away, and the pressure mounted. Just then, a knock echoed through the room, and I opened the door to find Jordan standing there.

"Don't you look handsome, Jordan," I complimented, my hands grazing over his immaculate suit.

Jordan chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "You look a bit too good. How about we change that?" He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me into a passionate kiss.

"It took a long time for me to look this good. We might as well get this over and done with," I teased, giving him one final peck on the lips before taking his hand and leading him out of the room.

As we entered the venue, the room was filled with a sea of administrators, trustees, alumni, and parents. I clung to Jordan, allowing him to take the lead in most conversations while I listened attentively.

"I've got to use the restroom. I'll be right back, okay?" I informed Jordan, giving him a reassuring thumbs up before hurrying away. It took a bit of wandering to locate the restroom, but as I approached, I heard soft sniffling coming from inside. I cautiously pushed the door open to find Emma.

She quickly tried to mask her tears as I approached. "You don't have to pretend to wash your hands, Emma. It's okay to cry," I reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned to me, revealing tear-streaked cheeks.

"Yeah, but not in a place like this," she confided.

I continued to rub her shoulder for comfort. "You're more than your power, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If you do, you're a fool for letting other people get in your head. You're too strong for that, and you and I both know it."

She opened her mouth to respond but closed it again, offering a quiet thank you before pulling me into a hug.

"You give great hugs, Emma. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"No, but I wish more people would," she admitted, releasing her grip on me.

Just then, the restroom door swung open, revealing Marie. "Am I interrupting something?"

I looked at Emma for her response, and she shook her head while smiling. "I know this might be random, but how do I pee in this?" Marie asked, her expression pleading. Emma and I exchanged glances before ushering Marie into one of the stalls.

"I'd like to think we can all be friends. I'm sorry for pitying you, Emma, and Storm, and it was selfish for me to do that to you and Jordan."

I raised a finger to her lips, silencing her. "It's okay, trust me. I wouldn't be in a cramped restroom with you if I didn't forgive you."

Emma pulled us into another tight hug. "It's okay."

I couldn't help but add a touch of humor to the situation. "So, who's next to use the toilet? Because I know I need to." Laughter filled the restroom, easing the tension.

As I made my way through the venue, I spotted Jordan engaged in a heated conversation with her parents. I approached them slowly, but Jordan signaled me not to come closer. I flashed a warm smile, hoping it would offer them some comfort.

Leaving the event briefly for some fresh air, I found Emma and Andre engrossed in a conversation. They spotted me and hurriedly extinguished their cigarettes, rushing to greet me.

"Storm, remember when I told you about helping Sam? Well, I need your help now."

I couldn't help but question, "Am I going to regret saying yes to this?" I pondered the possible consequences as Emma and Andre exchanged glances before shaking their heads in reassurance.

"Well then, guys, what do you need me to do?"

The tension rose as we prepared for the daring plan we were about to execute. It seemed crazy, and I couldn't help but curse myself for getting involved. Yet, there was a certain creative brilliance to Andre's idea, although it was undeniably risky.

"So, you guys know what you're doing, right?" Andre inquired. Emma and I nodded, confirming our understanding of the plan.

"I'll go through the wires and meet Emma in North Wing Four, alter the footage, and free Sam."

"Sounds good enough," Andre acknowledged.

As I looked at Emma, who still appeared somewhat intoxicated, I couldn't help but comment, "You guys ready?"

"Got it, get it, good," I heard Emma say before she disappeared into the wires. I took a deep breath and cast a quick glance back at Andre for confirmation. It had been a while since I'd done this. Concentrating, I allowed my body to transform into energy and travel through the currents of the wires, eventually emerging in the target room.

I fell out of the television set, landing abruptly on the floor. My first action was to send a bolt of electricity at the security cameras.

"Okay, guys, we have two minutes if we're lucky," I announced, turning to see Sam and Emma staring at me. "So, this is the Sam everyone is trying to save?"

Sam, who had been unresponsive, now seemed to be in a daze. "That's a cool shirt you've got there," I commented, receiving no reply. Something was off.

"You guys have to get out of here. The guards are coming, and I can't leave this place." My patience wore thin, and I couldn't believe he was acting this way.

"You have to hide; they're coming, and they're going to shock—" Before Sam could finish his sentence, an electric charge erupted from the floor, causing him to convulse. I rushed to stand behind the door, ready to defend us.

I turned to Emma and gave her a nod. The door swung open, revealing a guard, and I swiftly sent volts at them, while Emma attacked them internally. As the guard crumpled, Emma emerged, covered in blood.

I tore my eyes from the scene to see more guards entering the room. "Why did I agree to this again?" I cursed myself, realizing the gravity of the situation.

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