Nica

NICA DIALLED HER BROTHER'S PHONENUMBER and it took only one ring for Nis to answer. Apparently she had got bad news for her siblings.

"Is Niche with you?" she asked.

"Uh, yeah."

"Look. I got bad news." she said urgently.

"Uh huh." Nica started to wonder why Nis was calm.

"Director Orebil is the big boss of Libero! His name was just spelled backwards!" she told him, almost yelling.

"We kinda figured it out too."

"What?!" she yelled, which made Caleb flinch. "Wait, he's there isn't he?"

"Yeah."

"You guys have to get out of there, fast!"

"We will."

She hung up and went back on her laptop. She noticed Caleb, his attention on his medical book. She sized him up, again. 'Those reading glasses looks really good on him.' she thought.

"Take a picture. It'll last longer." she heard his voice said. "Are you done staring?" he added, his eyes still not taking off his book.

"I wasn't staring." she immediately replied, wondering why she was defensive all of a sudden.

"Yeah you were. I can feel this......... vibe." Caleb looked at her. "You like me don't you?"

"What?!" she half-yelled, and hoped not to wake Nico. "What makes you think that? I just met you, I can't like you that easily."

"You're defensive." he smirked. "Yeah. You like me."

She was gonna say something again when she heard a groan. Her gaze averted to the room where Nico was in, and dashed inside, Caleb followed her.

"Nico."

"Good morning." he said. "My head hurts-- no, scratch that, my whole body hurts."

"You have three gunshot wounds and a concussion." Caleb emerged behind Nica.

"Nica, who's the dude? And where are we?"

"We're still in Brooklyn. And-"

"-the dude's name is Caleb. Caleb Collins. And you're in my apartment, by the way." Caleb said cutting off Nica.

"Okay?" Nico raised an eyebrow.

Nica faced Caleb, "Caleb, could you let me talk to Nico privately? Family matters."

"Oh sure! And don't worry, I won't eavesdrop. My life's already complicated as it is."

"Thanks." she gave him a smile. Caleb left the room and she saw Nico staring at her. "What?"

"You totally like him."

"No I don't!"

"Yeah you do." he said and sat up. "Your eyes sparkle and your attitude changed when you were talking with him. And besides, no need to be defensive."

Nica saw him smirk. For a guy who had three gunshot wounds, and the fact that he was her brother, she could easily tell he meant business.

"I swear you think alike." she muttered.

"What was that?"

"Never mind." she said. "We got more pressing matters to worry about."

"Like what? And where are Niche and Nis?"

"Those two are probably heading where we are right now. Anyway, mom's former boss is my former boss."

"What?" Nico's eyes went wide. "Director Orebil? You've got to be kidding me."

"I don't 'kid' around, Nico. You know that."

"I know." he tried sitting up but winced. "Dang! I hate not being able to do anything."

"You have to rest. You lost blood. You need to recuperate."

"I know. But I still feel so useless."

"Hey. Listen to me." she held his cheeks. "You're not useless. I thought you'd go terminal but you survived."

"What's the connection?"

"Ssh. My speech is not yet done. If you're useless, you'd be dead. But you aren't, so you're not. Do you understand?"

"I am confused."

"Tch. Whatever. I'll find mom and dad, then we'll go and get them to safety. You need to rest."

"But-"

"You'll oblige or I'll knock you out." she threatened.

"Fine. Go enjoy the company of your Lover Boy."

"Shut up!" Nica smacked him.

"Ow! I'm wounded here!" he complained.

"Sorry."

She gave him a smile.

"Hey Nica, Nico! I'm gonna go and buy something! Do any of you like something?" Caleb's voice rang in the apartment.

"Can I come? I have to buy something!" Nica answered.

"Okay! I'll wait for you here in the living room."

Nica faced Nico. "I'll buy some more painkillers and new bandages for your dressing." she gave him a gun. "I was able to take it from Caleb. Just in case. Bye." she kissed his forehead.

"Be careful. Remember, lay low." Nica nodded.