The Fault Dwells In Our Stars

he read a ton of calls and messages from her mother, each one more anxious than the last. She couldn't face her yet. Izalea

er for help with groceries and breakfast. Even as we spoke, my mother's calls kept i

ily. "Why aren't you answering your calls

finally awake. You w

ok her head. "I don't b

other," I explaine

riends for over ten years, went to college together, ar

it is not like that. My mother is quite pro

is she protecting you from? Or w

. "You are overthinking this. I should ans

e phone, a mix of annoyance and concern. "Izalea! Why haven't you been answering my calls? You'd rat

, Mom," I lied, hopi

. What's happening with your d

w to explain. "It's...

his is your career! You

pectations. "I understand, Mom. I

rt everything out? Where are you now? "Come

asmine is here with me; everyt

never listen to me. I've told you that the

not now," I sa

irst? Really? And here I was worried

but I'm fine and I'll come over

cated black car was parked across the street, its occupants sta

hanging up. I rushed back to my bedroom. "J

up, worried. "W

e. I believe they are

ened. "What? Who m

oice increasing in panic. "But I

ang, startling us both. W

at be?" Jasmi

intimidating man clothed entirely in a black suit stood at my front door. He exuded authority. My hand quivere

did he want? As the questions swirle

anaged to say, jus

We have a few inquiries concerning your recent activities," he said, his voi

BI? What could they possibly want from me? My eyes wi

came behind me, her expression filled w

adn't expected to see Ms. Buckler here." He hesitated, his gaze narrowing slightly. "I'd l

ent Carter in. I gestured for him to follow me into the living room. We sat on t

r?" I asked, my voice steady bu

"Hey! I've got the food, along with groceries and breakfast supplies." Belle's

table glance. Jasmine got up to l

f bags, Belle walked

tretched silence. She paused to take in the sight, her gaze moving between me, Jasmin

anor. "Belle, this is Agent Carter," I continued, acknowledging the

er jeans before offering one to Agent Carter. "Nice to meet you, Agent C

ice to meet you, Belle." "Well, just routine for the time being," he

, hoping to lighten the mood while maintaining her composure even if she was still a litt

of the situation,

ms on the kitchen counter, moving a little more slowly. The seriousne