Chapter 31 — To hold you forever…

12 hours ago Clark took a deep breath as he closed the door of the student body headquarters, the temporary receiving area for concerned parents, reporters and conspiracy fanatics who want to know in full detail what happened that tragic night. However, that “temporary” turned into a yearlong thing as the people can’t seem to let go of what happened.

It was supposed to be James Corvort’s job but since Professor Alexander’s unexplained leave, the poor secretary had now become the headmaster until an election followed by a fair vote took place among the other professors. Unfortunately, after everything that had happened over the past two years, nobody had the courage to step up.

He let out another sigh before sitting down on his chair.

The door creaked open and he was about to stand up and greet his guest with a formal smile when he saw that it was his girlfriend Andrea.

“Somebody ordered pumpkin spice latte?” Andrea eased with a smile as she walked inside holding two Starbucks coffee cups. He couldn’t help but smile as he saw how beautiful she looks in her school uniform.

“You know I don’t drink coffee.”

“Oh, come on, Clark, we both know that you only stopped drinking coffee because it reminded you of Cali.” As Andrea casually threw her name in the air, Clark felt a sudden pang on his chest while his face contorted into a hard longing and guilt.

“I miss her too, Clark.” She said in sad voice. “But if you’re going to keep acting like that, I will start to become jealous.”

Clark let out a nervous chuckle before grabbing one of the cups from her.

“I love pumpkin spice latte. How did you know?” he nervously said. “You know me so well, babe. I love you.”

“Whatever.” Andrea said after a groan.

“Clark?” Andrea suddenly asked in a sad tone. “Do you think she’s in a better place right now?”

“I am hoping she is.” Clark said with a heavy sigh. “Wait, how’s Felix doing?”

“The same,” she said with a shrug. “Cramped up on his dark disgusting room, barely eating and he hasn’t attended any of his classes too.”

Clark looked away, feeling pity for Felix Alvarez. All of them took Cali’s disappearance differently. Professor Alexander became so obsessed on finding her that he dropped everything in his life to search the world. Felix Alvarez retreated to his room and stopped living his life like he used to, as if he had lost all his meaning of existence.

Andre Crimson tried her best to deal with it by going back to his daily routine and being as optimistic as possible every day but at night he would sob with guilt in his heart The other students, after a year, had treated Cali as some old legend, a folklore. Something that everyone talks about in between whispers. The professors are now more cautious and mindful with the students in fear that an assassin would slip under their noses again.

As for Clark, he buried himself with work and answered the questions of reporters to keep his mind off of her but despite this, when it gets really quiet and still, he would think of her and find himself shedding a tear.

Andrea cleared his throat and Clark hastily turned to him as if just realizing there was still another person in the room with him.

“Just drink the coffee, Clark. You look like a mess. When was the last time you showered?” she asked with a disgusted face.

Clark was about to open his mouth to say something but then closed it again, realizing he couldn’t remember the last time he properly slept.

“That’s what I thought.” Andrea rolled her eyes at him before walking out the door.

As he stared down at the cup of coffee, he remembered his first encounter with Cali. Even though they didn’t talk much, she still means so much to him. She was a good friend to him. Especially since she played a major role in putting Andrea and him together.

Just when he was about to drink the coffee, the door swung open and fuming looking James Corvort emerged from the hallway.

“He found her.” his nostrils were flaring and he was breathing heavily. Clark sprung up from his chair, feeling his heart drop to his stomach.

“What?! Who? Cali? She’s alive?”

“He sent me a text message. They are together in New York as we speak.” he said as he started pacing the room.

“What are we going to do? Follow them?” Clark asked as he felt his fingers tremble for some reason.

“And leave the school unattended? No. It’s bad enough that we have to clean up their messes for them while they go out on a honeymoon.” he said, raising his voice. At first Clark thought he’s angry but as he observed his gestures and his eyes, it made him think otherwise. He’s scared.

“Then why did you tell me this?” Clark asked, raising an eyebrow at him. James hastily turned his head to Clark as if afraid that he had been caught. He dropped his tensed shoulders and let out a heavy sigh.

“Because I’m scared of something bad happening to Professor Alexander.” he said in a heavy voice. “Miss Calanthe had been involved with some really dangerous guys and this past year if she’s still alive that only means she was able to gain back their trust and fall deeper into their inner circle.”

“So, you’re afraid that something bad is going to happen to Professor Alexander since he’s an outsider?”

James Corvort stared back at him with helpless eyes.

“Miss Calanthe had done nothing but put his reputation and his entire life in danger!” James scowled at him. Clark went up to him to grab his collar so fast that it seemed like a gust of wind just attacked James Corvort.

“It’s not her fault. She never wanted any of this.” Clark said, gritting his teeth.

“Whether it’s her fault or not, Professor Alexander’s life is in danger if he keeps on standing by her side!”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Follow them. Make sure that he’s safe—” James stuttered when he saw Clark shot him a death glare. “—that they’re both safe.”

“And my duties here?”

“I’ll find someone to take care of it. You should go now.” James hastily said while pushing him towards the door.

“Now?! Can’t I at least pack my things or—”

“I have this foreboding feeling. You have to leave now. Take the school van. I already called the airline. A private jet is waiting for you.”

“A private jet? Whose private jet?!” Clark exclaimed as James handed him the keys.

“Doesn’t matter, just leave!” James said before giving him a final shove.

“Wait can I at least bring Andrea and Felix with me?” Clark pleaded as James looked at him contemplating whether he should say yes or no.

“Make it quick.” James rolled his eyes at him to which Clark just smirked back.

“I’ll try.” He said before disappearing into a gust of wind.

A couple of seconds later he came back dragging a baffled looking Andrea, who’s still holding her cup of coffee, and the limp body of Felix who kept his arms around his eyes to shield it from the sunlight. By the way Felix dressed these days, one would think that he’s a lonely vampire who hasn’t tasted blood in a very long time.

“What the hell, Clark?!” Andrea said in an irritated tone as she wiped away some coffee that splashed on her clothes.

“How will we find them by the way?” Clark asked James, ignoring the continuous rants of Andrea and Felix of how he rudely disturbed them from doing their business.

“I was able to trace his message to this hotel,” James said while handing him a piece of paper. “Here’s some money. Just make sure they’re safe and sound.”

“Who’s they?” Felix murmured as he finally got a grip of himself and took in the surroundings.

“Where are we going, Clark?” Andrea intercepted with furrowed eyebrows.

“We’re going to New York!” Clark beamed at them before pulling them towards the van. On the ride to the airport, Clark explained what James had asked them to do and the two of them had different reactions. Andrea screamed like a cheerleader on a pep rally before frantically talking about how this looked like a classic American romantic movie.

While Felix remained quiet and stared at space for a while before he started smiling as tears rolled down his cheeks, soon the light on his face that had been gone for a year had finally come back.

Clark never understood the bond between Felix and Cali, he knew that it was never close to what they had and nowhere near to what she had with Andrea. Sometimes, he would like to think that their love for each other is that of a young couple but then he would see Cali when she’s with Professor Alexander and it’s different.

When Cali’s with Professor Alexander, her eyes screamed love and happiness and so did his, they’re like an old couple who’s been together for more than a decade. This only confused Clark more on her relationship with Felix.

Whatever it is that they have, Clark knows for sure that they both mean a lot to each other and could barely live without the other.

It was nightfall by the time they reached New York City and after checking in to their own hotel, it was already nearing midnight. As soon as they got into a taxi, they headed straight to Professor Alexander’s hotel.

“Why didn’t we just get a room in their hotel?” Andrea groaned in frustration.

“It was the only hotel James could find with an available room on such short notice.” Clark answered with a shrug.

“What are we supposed to do when we get there, by the way? Show up like trick or treaters on their door?” Andrea sarcastically said. ”What if they’re doing the dirty?”

“Babe, keep it—” Clark snapped at her before letting out a nervous chuckle as he slowly glanced at Felix who’s sitting beside him and staring at the window. For a second, he saw his eyes flicker with pain and then suddenly it was all gone.

Clark could never understand whatever it is that keeps this guy going in his life.

“B-But it’s Cali, I’m sure she’s fast asleep by now or they’re actually playing some board games?” Andrea said with a nervous chuckle. “Chess, maybe? Those two loved out winning each other, right, babe?”

“Y-Yes, you’re right, they’re probably bickering over who really won right now.”

“Guys, it’s fine,” Felix said with a faint chuckle. “I’m happy for them. I don’t care if they’re doing the dirty. I just want to make sure Cali is okay.”

Clark and Andrea exchanged looks of confusion before talking about everything except Cali and Professor Alexander. After paying the taxi, they stepped out into the streets and headed inside the hotel where everyone gave them suspicious looks.

Two tall tourist guys and a girl wearing winter clothes in a hotel lobby at midnight with one of them looking like he hasn’t been sleeping right in days, doesn’t usually scream friendly. They can see everyone, even some tipsy guests who are about to go back to their room, had their guards up the moment the three of them arrived.

The receptionist looked like he was about to call the cops when the three of them approached his desk. The guard by the entrance had his hand on his gun the entire time.

“How may I help you, sir?” the receptionist said in a cautious tone.

“We’re looking for Alexander Grant.” Clark casually said, trying his best to sound not too threatening. “Can you tell us which room he’s staying in?”

“I apologize sir but we do not give our information like that about our guest. If you want, I could call his room and let him know about your arrival.” the receptionist said without even an ounce of kindness in it.

“Sure, that’ll be great.” Clark answered, not very pleased that they’re not allowed to just go up to Professor Alexander’s room.

While they were waiting for Professor Alexander to answer the phone, Felix looked around and saw a slightly limping man in a trench coat with a bruised face enter the lobby. He showed something to the guard by the entrance and he just simply let the man in without another word. Felix watched him as their eyes met for a split second but it was enough to feel the bloodthirst of the man.

Felix instincts got the best of him and with his heart filled with that man’s emotions he knows that he’s out here to kill someone. And something tells him it’s either Cali or Professor Alexander.

The man was heading for the elevator and Felix knew they had to stop him from getting to her. While the receptionist kept on trying to reach Professor Alexander’s room, Felix pulled Andrea aside.

“That man,” he whispered to him as he pointed at the limping man in a trench coat. “He’s here to kill someone. And I don’t want to think about it but I have a feeling it’s Cali or Professor Alexander.”

“What?!” Andrea gasped, which made everyone around them look at him more suspiciously.

“I felt his bloodlust and desire to kill someone that he’s known for a while. We have to stop him.”

The man had now entered the elevator, closing the door behind him. Felix stared at the gold semi-circular floor indicator on the elevator and found out that the man stepped out into the last floor.

“Okay, okay, I’ll cause a distraction, you and Clark follow the guy.” Andrea firmly said as she pulled Clark from the receptionist table.

“Bad man in a trench coat just went inside the elevator and he’s about to kill either Cali or Professor Alexander. I’ll cause a distraction, stop him.” Andrea hastily whispered at Clark before she went in the receptionist table “Hi, I was wondering if you could call the ambulance instead,” she said clutching her stomach as if in grave pain. “Alexander Grant can wait because my stomach is really killing me.”

All of a sudden Andrea let out a piercing loud groan before dropping on the floor. The receptionist and the other hotel staff immediately went to her aid. She was so good at acting that Clark almost believed her but Felix pulled him aside and told him that she was only faking it and that they need to chase that man down.

While everyone’s attention was on the best actor Harry, a gust of wind passed through them and headed into the elevator as Clark dragged Felix again. Once they were inside, Felix pressed the last floor with shaking hands as he prayed to the heavens above that they’re not too late.

They arrived at the last floor and glanced nervously at each other as they were faced with a hallway of rooms. But it soon vanished while they exchanged looks of determination to save Cali or Professor Alexander. Clark used his ability to go in and out of the rooms almost unnoticed while Felix knocked on each one of them as fast as he could.

After a lot of confused and annoyed guests and no sign of Cali, Professor Alexander nor the man, Felix and Clark were left with the door leading to the rooftop. As soon as they opened the door, they saw a man pulling the trigger on Cali who’s standing near the ledge of the rooftop with eyes closed.

Clark immediately ran to save Cali from the bullet and placed her near the door where Felix stood worriedly. The man looked so perplexed by what happened since Cali was suddenly gone in front of him within a matter of seconds.

“W-What the—” the man started to say as he saw another gust of wind in front of him before feeling that his hand suddenly lost the weight of the gun. Clark easily unarmed him.

Before he could say another word, Clark punched him on the face, knocking him cold then carrying the man on his back before running out the rooftop door towards the sound of police sirens.

“Oh, Felix!” Cali cried out as she threw her hands around Felix, still feeling her entire body shaking in fear and relief. Felix wrapped Cali in a tight embrace, burying his face on her shoulders as he tried to hold back his tears.

When they parted, they were both teary-eyed and still held on to each other as if fearing that letting go would mean they will both collapse on the ground.

“W-What are you guys doing here?!” Cali shakily said.

“We came to make sure you’re okay,” Felix said, cupping her face. “What were you doing just standing there, Cali? Why didn’t you fight back? He was only one man. You fought an army of monsters with your mind before.”

“I-I was so tired of fighting.” she guiltily said with a heavy sigh. Felix opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself when a gust of wind appeared beside them and it was Clark who beamed at them breathlessly.

“Clark!” Cali almost said in a squeal before giving him a hug as well. “You were so amazing! Where did you take him?”

“At the back of the police car, where he belongs,” Clark said, when they parted. “But you weren’t so amazing earlier, why were you just standing there? And who was that man?”

“It’s kind of a long story.” Cali sheepishly said, looking sideways.

“Cali!” Andrea called out to her. She rose from the back of the building using her beautiful majestic blue and white wings and landed on the rooftop.

“What an entrance.” Cali complimented as they gave each other a hug.

“What happened to you? Are you okay?” Andrea worriedly asked.

“Long story.”

“Well, we haven’t eaten since the plane ride,” Felix beamed at her. “And I heard this city never sleeps so I suggest let’s find some good food and hear your kind of a long story.”

Cali chuckled as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Fine, let’s go.”

The four of them headed to a diner nearby and ordered as much food as they can. By the time they were all caught up with what happened to one another that night, their food had arrived and it was now time for Cali to tell her story.

“Before I tell mine, can you at least tell me what you three are doing here? How did you find me?”

“James got a text message from Professor Alexander and he was able to trace where it came from. He was really worried so he sent us three to make sure you two are okay.” Clark explained with a shrug.

“James? You mean James Corvort? He sent you here because he’s worried?” Cali said in surprise.

“He said he’s worried about the two of you—” Clark started to say but Felix cut him off.

“But that’s just an excuse, we all know he’s just worried about Professor Alexander getting hurt because of you. No offense.”

“No, that actually makes more sense than James actually being worried about me.” Cali said, shaking her head in disbelief.

“So, what did happen to you, Cali? Who was that man?” Felix impatiently asked in a worried tone.

“Okay, let’s do this, I want you to imagine the absolute worst about who I am, what happened to me before I arrived at the academy and even after I left.” Cali said as if she’s talking to a bunch of contestants on a game show.

“You all got it?” she asked the three of them who just nodded with confused looks on their faces.

“Take that and double it, that’s my story” she shrugged with a smirk. “Look, my past was so dark and traumatizing, I don’t think I have enough strength to retell it. But what I can tell you is that it’s all finally over.”

“What do you mean?” Felix asked with furrowed eyebrows.

“Yesterday I handed all the evidence against the mafia family who was responsible for kidnapping mutants like me turning them into assassins only to be sent to academies like yours to continue the deed, to the FBI. They have arrested the boss but his son ran away to kill me, until you guys saved me.”

“Why didn’t you fight back?” Clark asked before the color on his face drained. “Cali, don’t tell me you were—”

“Yes, I was,” she said with a sigh. “All my life I have been fighting. I was so tired. I just wanted it all to be over.”

It was obvious that when she said that the atmosphere on their table changed. Felix, who was sitting beside Cali placed a reassuring hand on hers, Andrea and Clark did the same.

“It’s over, Cali. They’re gone for good.” Andrea reassured her with a smile on his face.

“But what if it’s not? What if they’ll come back for me or for you guys or for Alexander? I—”

“Then I’ll throw them into jail before they could even call out your name.” Clark proudly said, winking at her.

“I don’t know what I can do to fight them off, Cali.” Felix said in a low voice. “But I promise to never leave your side, no matter what.”

“Felix, that’s more than enough.” Cali reassured him.

“We will never leave your side, Cali. You’re no longer doing this on your own.” Andrea added with tears in her eyes.

“You just have to promise that you would let us in, let us help you. You need to stop running away.” Clark said with a firm look on his face but he made sure to shoot her a smile as well.

“Thank you so much, you guys,” she said with a wide smile on her face and tears in her eyes. “But enough about the sad talk, tell me about what happened in the academy while I was gone How did you find out about the truth?”

“Felix told us about it the day you went missing.” Andrea answered in a low voice.

“And…how did you take it?” Cali asked as Clark and Andrea shifted uncomfortably on their seat without meeting her gaze. “Come on, you guys could be honest.”

“Honestly, it took me months to get my head around it.” Clark said with a sigh while Andrea nodded in agreement.

“And do you hold a grudge against me?” Cali followed up, still trying to meet her gaze.

“Not even a little bit.” Andrea said in a determined voice as she took her hands and locked eyes with Cali. “You had no choice. I understand. Sometimes, I just like to think that Harry is not whoever he really is and he’s just…Harry, out in the city shopping some new clothes.”

“Andrea,” Cali said in a comforting voice. “Me too.”

Cali turned to Clark and finally he met her eyes.

“How could I ever hate you, you helped me get my girl?” he said with a smirk. Andrea’s cheeks started to turn red as the three of us chuckled.

“So, what did happen while I was gone?”

“Oh, a lot, this one worked non-stop and hated the sight of coffee since it reminded him of you,” Andrea started while pointing at Clark who looked away immediately when Cali turned to him. “It almost got me jealous.”

“You’re exaggerating, babe.”

“Really?” Cali said while smirking.

“And this one?” Andrea said, motioning at Felix. “He barely ate nor shower, let alone stepped out of his dorm room the entire time you were gone.”

“Felix, is that true? Why would you do that?” Cali worriedly said.

“Andrea is exaggerating, I did eat and sleep when you were gone. I just didn’t go out more often than usual.” Felix defensively said to which Andrea just rolled his eyes in response.

“But why?”

“You were gone the moment we woke up at the hospital. Nobody knew where you went or if you were still—” Felix couldn’t finish his own sentence as tears rolled down his cheeks.

“You were gone for a year Cali, you never called or anything. We wanted to believe you weren’t d-dead but the odds are just—” even Clark couldn’t finish his sentence.

“I never intended for you all to worry like this, I should’ve called when I had the chance but I just didn’t think you guys would still care about me after betraying you like that.” Cali admitted as tears clouded her vision again.

“We never blamed you for what happened. You were forced to do it but in the end you still didn’t, Cali. You chose to do the right thing and that’s what really matters.” Andrea comforted her with a smile.

“Even if you did do it, we wouldn’t hold it against you, you were forced to do it. It was your only ticket home. It was not your fault, Cali.” Felix reassured her as he gave her another hug.

“I-I’m really s-sorry for all of this.” Cali stammered while holding back a sob.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, like Felix said, it’s not your fault.” Clark beamed at her.

“Okay that’s enough tears already, I’m exhausted! Please do tell me what I missed while I was gone!” Cali cheerfully said.

They exchanged stories until the sun rose in the horizon. Their stories were mostly filled with fond memories they had with each other or some anecdotes that happened in the academy while Cali was gone.

“Where’s Professor Alexander, by the way?” Clark suddenly asked after they were just laughing about a funny story that involved the professor and him that happened a year before Cali arrived.

“Oh, shit.” Cali said with her mouth hanging open and her heart beating faster.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Felix worriedly asked.

“I left him a letter about my final goodbye.” Cali said, gathering her things and hastily asking for the bill. “I have to go back and throw it before he reads it! What's taking the bill so long?”

“We’ll take care of it,” Clark reassured her. “You should go! We’ll catch up.”

“Really? Thank you so much!” Cali said as she ran out towards the door.

“Wait! What’s your room number?!” Felix called out to her.

“705!” Cali yelled back before completely running out into the street.

Cali’s heart was racing so fast on her chest, she’s afraid it’s about to fall out into the street and get trampled by passersby. She was running as fast as she could back to their hotel. Right when she turned the corner to the Watson hotel, she saw a frantic looking Alexander wearing the hotel robe and slippers, his hair still messy and in his hand was Cali’s letter.

He was calling her name hysterically on the streets while people shot him odd looks.

“Alexander!” Cali called out to him and when he turned to where the voice came from, Cali’s heart shattered the moment she saw the pain in his eyes. He ran towards her and hugged her so tight as if afraid that letting her go would mean literally losing her.

He was sobbing on her shoulders as he hugged her even tighter, Cali could barely breathe.

“Marry me.” he whispered in her ears. She pushed him a little to have a look on his face.

“What did you say?”

“Marry me, Cali.” he said with tears in his eyes. “When I read your letter, I was really, really scared. I didn’t know how I was supposed to live without you, Cali. I can’t lose you. I just can’t”

“A-Alexander...I-I..”

“I love you, Cali. Marry me.”