The Alien Within

Chapter 9: The Beast of Intelligence 2

Mr. Rudbick leaned back in his chair, the dim glow of the desk lamp casting shadows across his face. He couldn't shake the image of Tessa moving with inhuman speed, bending at impossible angles, and answering questions as though she had knowledge beyond her years.

No one at the SSG had taken him seriously, but he wasn't about to let that deter him.

"James is too close," he muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. His son had become a wild card, entangled in feelings that clouded his judgment. But Mr. Rudbick was determined to uncover the truth, and if James wasn't going to help, then he would have to act alone.

He pulled out a notepad and began scribbling down his observations, determined to find a pattern, a clue—anything that would prove Tessa wasn't just an ordinary girl.

---

Back at Tessa's house, she was still sitting on her bed, phone in hand, staring at James' message. She felt the weight of his words but wasn't sure how to respond. It wasn't that she didn't like James—he was kind, friendly, and had been one of the few people to approach her without any ulterior motives. But there was something about this sudden confession that unsettled her.

What was she supposed to say?

Her mind raced through possible responses, but none of them seemed right.

"I just thought you should know."

The words hung in the air, heavy and uncertain. She bit her lip, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, before finally typing a response:

"Thanks, James. I appreciate you telling me. I just need some time to think about it."

It wasn't the most elegant reply, but it was the truth. She needed time—time to process her sudden popularity, time to think about the upcoming sports competition, and time to figure out what, if anything, she felt for James.

She hit send and exhaled a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

Just as she put her phone down, there was a knock on her door. "Come in," she called, her voice slightly shaky.

Ms. Caldwell stepped in, smiling warmly. "How are feeling, you had quite the day at school," she said, sitting on the edge of Tessa's bed. "You've got everyone talking, my little genius."

Tessa groaned, flopping back onto her pillows. "Don't remind me. I'm not used to all this attention."

Ms. Caldwell chuckled. "It'll die down eventually. You just have to ride the waves for now."

"I guess," Tessa muttered, staring up at the ceiling. "But it's not just the quiz anymore. Now they want me to compete in some sports competition. I'm not even good at sports!"

Ms Caldwell raised an eyebrow. "Not good at sports? Honey, you've been running laps around this neighborhood since you could walk. You may not realize it, but you've always had a natural talent for it. Besides, remember the last time you took to the track in school before that maniac started to peep around like a creep that he is, you left every single one in the dust, literally."

"Yeah, but running around the block and competing in school isn't the same as competing against other schools," Tessa pointed out, feeling her anxiety rise again. "What if I mess up? What if I trip and fall in front of everyone? What if—"

Ms Caldwell cut her off with a gentle laugh. "You're overthinking it, sweetheart. Just do your best. And remember, you're not just normal, you're truly special, a supergirl, my supergirl, a Kaelrian the likes of which the world has never seen, you are perfect. Just be yourself."

Tessa sighed, feeling slightly better but still nervous about the upcoming event. "Thanks, Ms Caldwell," she said, giving her a small smile.

Ms Caldwell leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Anytime, sweetie. Now get some rest. You've got a busy day tomorrow."

As Ms. Caldwell left her, Tessa closed her eyes, willing her racing thoughts to slow down. She had a lot to think about—James' confession, the pressure from her teachers, and the looming sports competition. But despite everything, she couldn't help but feel a strange, unfamiliar emotion bubbling up inside her. Was it excitement? Or was it something else?

She wasn't sure. All she knew was that life had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.

Sje felt like her lungs was filled with gas and butterflies. Her stomach was giving her this weird feeling like she was full of helium.

She wanted to just laugh like a maniac, sing and jump. She then remembered the other Kaelrians that died, and her mood switched like the flip of a coin. She sighed and tucked herself under the sheets before closing her eyes and drifting off to another sweet dream or maybe a beautiful nightmare.

---

The next day at school, things were even more chaotic than before. Everywhere Tessa went, students and teachers alike seemed to stop her in the halls to either congratulate her on her quiz performance or to encourage her for the upcoming sports event.

"Don't worry, Tessa," one of the seniors said, clapping her on the shoulder. "You've got this in the bag. We're counting on you to bring home the trophy!"

"Yeah, you're gonna crush the competition," another student added. "You're a beast, remember?"

Tessa tried to smile politely, but the constant praise was starting to feel overwhelming. She didn't want to let anyone down, but the pressure was becoming too much.

During lunch, she found a quiet spot in the school courtyard and sat down, hoping for a moment of peace. But just as she took a bite of her sandwich, her phone buzzed again.

It was another text from James.

"Hey, Tessa. I just wanted to check in and see how you're feeling after yesterday. No pressure or anything, just thinking about you."

Tessa's heart did that weird flutter again. What was this feeling? She had never experienced anything like it before. She was used to being the quiet, unnoticed girl who kept to herself. But now, with James' sudden interest and the whole school watching her every move, she felt like she was walking a tightrope with no safety net.

She was about to reply when a shadow fell over her.

"Mind if I sit?" It was James, standing there with his usual lopsided grin.

Tessa nodded, gesturing to the spot next to her. "Sure."

James sat down, his eyes studying her carefully. "You've been quiet today. Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Tessa said, though her voice lacked conviction. "Just… a lot on my mind."

James nodded, as if he understood. "Yeah, I get that. Look, I know I kind of dropped a bomb on you yesterday, and I don't want to make things awkward between us. You don't have to say anything if you're not ready."

Tessa appreciated his honesty. It made things easier, somehow. She took a deep breath and decided to be equally honest. "I'm just… not sure what to think right now. About everything."

"That's fair," James said, his tone gentle. "I don't want to rush you. I just wanted you to know how I feel. And if you need space or time, I'm totally fine with that."

Tessa smiled for real this time, grateful for his patience. "Thanks, James. I just need to figure some things out."

James grinned, his mood lightening. "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

For the first time in what felt like days, Tessa felt a sense of calm wash over her. Maybe things weren't as complicated as they seemed. Maybe, just maybe, she could navigate this new chapter of her life without everything spiraling out of control.

But as they sat there in comfortable silence, Tessa couldn't help but wonder if Mr. Rudbick was still watching from the shadows, waiting for her to slip up.

Wuat do I do? He is still Mr. Rudbick son. I have to admit, the feelings although still juvenile are genuine, but what if they are plotted, what if this is all a big elaborate trap. Salt as simple as it is, was a death trap for any Kaelrian, if I don't play this game well, it might just be my last game. A lot of thought moved in and out of Tessa's mind as she sat there.

---

Far away, back in his office, Mr. Rudbick sat hunched over his desk, staring at a photograph of Tessa pinned to the wall.

"I'm onto you," he whispered, a manic gleam in his eyes. "I'm going to find out your secret, and when I do, the world will know what you really are."

He picked up the phone, dialing a number he hadn't called in years. "It's Rudbick," he said when the line connected. "I need backup. This time, I'm going to prove it."

The voice on the other end crackled. "We'll see about that, Rudbick. But if you're wrong again, don't expect us to come to your rescue."

Mr. Rudbick's eyes narrowed. "I won't be wrong this time. She's not like the others. I can feel it."