Brandon’s expression was blank. This wasn’t a new plan, this was the same plan that she’d been devising for years, but now has the extra spin of bounty hunting thrown into the mix. All thanks to Jioni. Brandon pulled his covers up.
“Jolene, why? I don’t think that’s a good idea, and maybe you shouldn’t get involved.”
“Look at me,” Jolene’s voice was motherly. “You can’t keep associating yourself with Jioni. Just accept that. Did you know that she hangs out with Hippie Girl instead of going to the community lessons? The queen of delinquents: Hippie Girl! Can you believe it? It’s unfortunate, really. She chose who she wanted to be, and now you have to choose too. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“And plus, It’ll only take me a couple of hours to stop her, and hopefully, no one gets hurt. Maybe. I don’t know. But you need to remain focused.”
“I am focused.”
“Good. because she’s going to end up in jail one day, her and her new-bad-influence-friends, and I’d hate to see you share a cell with them,” Jolene said. “Mom and Dad would hate that too. Heck, even Jioni’s parents would hate how she turned out.” She paused. “ From what I remember, they were such skilled fighters, too. I guess it’s a good thing they aren’t here to see all this.”
Brandon readjusted himself in bed and retreated to his mind. He didn’t even think about Jioni’s parents: they were extremely skilled and respected. The willpower of trying to make them proud, especially in their current predicament, should’ve allowed Jioni to put all her might into becoming a Junior Agent. For them, for her parents. But she, somehow, wasn’t reverent enough for that like he was. Brandon’s thought was immediately cut off by Jolene’s voice.
“Do you think they’re proud of me? Mom and Dad? I can’t believe it.” Jolene grinned. “I’m going to be an Agent tomorrow.”
His smile was genuine. “Congrats.”
Jolene giggled. “Thank you.”
