Breaking the Code

What Did I Get Myself Into?

You know I promised myself I wouldn't write anymore until I finished my homework. Well I lack all self control and not only wrote this chapter but started a new story. No one tell my Econ professor. Hopefully I make myself finish that before writing more but let's be honest, that might not happen. Enjoy! Loves!!

Sang

Sitting in my homeroom I catch two of the exchange kids looking at me frequently. I think they think they're subtle but they aren't. The grumpy dark one keeps glaring at me out of the side of his eye and the blonde model has been staring at the space above my head for ten minutes now. The more they look at me the more uncomfortable I get. The blush on my face may be permanent now.

As soon as the bell rings I'm up and out of my seat, rushing down the hall. Once I'm away from Grumpy and Model I can think again. Last night after leaving Kota's I was able to login and trace Crawler. I couldn't believe it when I saw where he was located. What are the odds that he was in Charleston?

I can meet my Crawler! After I figured out where he was it took all of my willpower to not scream. The one person I can count on is near me and all I have to do is meet him somewhere. Honestly I'm slightly terrified. What if everything is different in person? What if he's lied to me this whole time? Stop it Sang! What if games do no good.

Before I went inside last night I read the email he sent back. I was too emotional to reply then but I can today in class. I can find a way to see him.

Finding my seat in English I think back to what he sent me.

English Breakfast tea silences the noise.

I understand that you need to help people. I get it really because I need to as well. Here's the thing though Hacker. Family is a choice and Family comes first. You can't help anyone until you've taken care of family. Hacker you ARE my family. Tell me where you are and I can help. If you tell me what you're doing to help people I might be able to help with that as well. Please let me help you with your system. Let me help you help them. Hacker, I want you to meet my chosen family. I want you to be safe.

Signing off for now,

DepthCrawler

He wants to help me. He understands that I can't leave and still wants to help me. I've never met him but if everything he says is true I know I love him. Crawler has had my heart since I found him online at ten years old. He helped teach me some of the more complex coding techniques and is the reason I didn't give up when my life fell apart further.

I'm snapped out of my daze when Kota sits down next to me and says 'Hi'. I carefully look over at him and blink slowly. He helped me out but I didn't think he would want to talk to me again. I'm just the freaky girl who doesn't know how to have a normal conversation.

Noting the furrow between his eyes I realize I haven't replied yet and say a quiet 'Hello' before class starts. Once the bell rings I dash out so that he doesn't try to talk to me anymore. He's nice and I know that he could make a good friend like he said but I can't risk it. He's too close to home for comfort.

The rest of the day passes mostly normal. I don't have to deal with any contract breaches and the only thing different is that all of the exchange kids keep watching me when they think I won't notice. It's a little unnerving and creepy. The problem is that I can't really complain because even though they don't know it I've been doing the same to them for years so I guess it's fair. Doesn't make it less weird.

By last period I'm exhausted from being watched all day and can't wait to email Crawler back. Hopefully I'll be able to lose myself in code for a bit as well. I hesitantly walk into the room and take my seat. After everything yesterday I don't really know what to expect. I don't know which person will be here today and I hate not knowing.

With a sigh I realize that Corey Henshaw is back and sign into my computer. Before class even starts I'm drafting up an email to Crawler. I know exactly what I want to say.

Chamomile tea has reduced my sadness.

I know where you are in the world. The funny thing is... well you'll see. Go to Bob's Diner in your town tonight at 8pm. Crawler you and I have a lot to discuss and the first thing is located there. Don't forget.

Signing off for now,

DyingHacker

With my message sent I load up my game and start coding little details until I see a shadow moving towards me. Looking up, more than slightly annoyed, I'm shocked to see Mr. Henshaw looking at me. "Sang, I need you to sign out and go to office 14B with me. This is very important and before you ask, yes this has to do with yesterday. I'm not mad or anything but we have some questions for you." He says the last part with a small smile but I can tell he's worried. Shit.

I silently nod my head and shut everything down. Grabbing my bag I see Shorts enter the room and sit at Mr. Henshaws desk. Now that I can see him closer I notice that his hair is purposefully messy and his eyes are two different colors. One is a bright blue and the other is a soft green. They're amazing.

Mr. Henshaw and I make our way silently down to the office. When we enter 14B I see that Dr. Green, Mr. Toma and Suit are all present. Looks like I've gotten myself into a lot more trouble than I thought originally.

Suit is the only one in the room I haven't met in some way or another. Looking him over carefully I can't help but think that he looks perfect. His steel eyes are framed by sleek black glasses and not a single hair is out of place. If I didn't see the interaction between him and Dr. Green yesterday I wouldn't believe it. Nothing about him lacks control. Suit steps forward and with an authoritative voice says, no, demands "Ms. Sorenson, sit. We have a few questions for you." Fuck.