The next few days went by rather quickly, as Valeria found herself even busier than usual. Jada and Frank announced she would be grounded for skipping school, which meant she literally couldn't go anywhere except school without them. Frank would later explain that part of this sentence was a punishment, while the other part involved safety, as the entire Rogue faction was on alert due to recent events. Valeria tried to inquire about what had happened, but Frank didn't offer much information.

"Jada ordered all Rogues to halt all missions and activities. We're to remain in hiding until the current crisis blows over," Frank had told her the following morning. "There have been a few...incidents between Rogues and Celestials lately, but both factions have decided to maintain the ceasefire."

"What happened? Was anyone hurt?" Valeria had asked.

"You really shouldn't worry about it kiddo," he had replied. "Things seem to be calming down, so you should just focus on school and training."

Valeria could tell Frank wasn't telling the truth, but decided to let it go. She had a lot to focus on as she finished out her first week in this new world . She told both sets of friends she was grounded for cutting class, and couldn't do anything after school with them for a while.

Sai had apologized, even though Valeria knew her punishment wasn't his fault. She kept up her friendship with the nerds while trying to be cordial with Sheri and the popular kids. She quickly became fond of Sheri's friend Erin, who continued to offer free tutoring services.

"Why are you always so nice to me?" Valeria had asked as they sat together at lunch, working on math problems.

"I like helping people," Erin replied with an awkward smile. "Besides, I like hanging out with you."

"You do? Why?"

Erin shrugged and said, "Unlike Sheri's other friends, you're so down to earth. I really like that."

"So why don't you hang out with any other kids?"

"I don't really have much choice," Erin replied with a sigh. "My dad's pretty wealthy and protective, and he doesn't let me go out of the house much by myself. Sheri is the only person in the school who lives in my neighborhood, so she's really been my only friend over the past year." Her eyes shifted downward, and her shoulders slouched forward. I've never really had many friends."

"Well," Valeria said with a sigh. "I almost feel bad for you. Almost..."

"I know," she muttered, avoiding eye contact. "Poor little rich girl. I really have no right to complain in front of you."

She studied Erin's face and recognized that expression. She had seen it often in her reflection at the juvenile detention center. Loneliness was more than a feeling, it was an ailment that took a physical toll on the body. "It's okay, Erin. What about your mom?"

"She died during childbirth. My dad died before I was born. I lived in an orphanage until I was seven years old. That's when the Tyrells adopted me."

Valeria raised an eyebrow. They had more in common than she realized. "What about your adoptive parents?"

"Mrs. Tyrell is really nice," Erin replied with a smile. "She's the one person I trust most." Her smile faded as she continued. "Mr. Tyrell is an okay father figure, but not very supportive. He wants me to be tough and successful like him. Both him, and Mrs. Tyrell are usually very busy, and I usually just end up staying at home alone most days." She exhaled and fidgeted with her wavy brown hair before turning away and solving math problems.

Valeria studied her friend a moment, before finally having an idea. "Pull out your phone."

Erin looked up and asked, "Why?"

Valeria removed her old flip phone and searched the settings for its number.

"Okay," Erin said, clearly trying to contain a laugh as she removed a smartphone from her pocket. "I'm trying not to judge, but that phone is really old school."

Valeria initially looked over at Erin's phone jealously for a few moments, but was distracted upon suddenly noticing a plain gold band on Erin's ring finger. "For what I had in mind, old school is probably better. Hey, that's an interesting ring. It looks like a wedding band."

Erin pointed to the plain gold band with surprise. "This old thing? It's Mr. Tyrell's. He said it's a family heirloom and good luck charm." Erin held up her phone, and said, "But forget about that. What did you have in mind for our phones?"

"I was going to give you my number," Valeria said. "If you're ever feeling bored or lonely, feel free to call me. I can receive texts, but typing them is kind of annoying, and I can't check social media on this thing. But if you ever just want to talk, feel free to call."

Erin eyed her curiously a moment. "Okay. I'd like that."

Valeria and Erin exchanged numbers that day, and talked on the phone often over the next few days. While Erin had lived a mostly privileged life, Valeria found her remarkably humble and genuine, and she became her new best friend as the days rolled by.

While grounded, she came home immediately after school each day that first week. Valeria found her time completely occupied with schoolwork, keeping her promise to Xun and reading Sun Tzu's The Art of War, and training with Frank and Jada. After she finished her school work, they would either teach her different Rogue skills, or take her to the local gym for strength and resistance training.

"You're getting stronger kiddo," Frank said one day as all three of them walked home.

"Not strong enough," Jada countered. "But I have an idea that will help improve your strength, endurance, and dexterity. You will try out for, and make your school's cheerleading team at the end of this semester."

Valeria groaned. "Cheerleading? You've got to be kidding me."

Frank laughed. "I guess things have changed since I was a kid. I thought all girls wanted to be cheerleaders?"

Frowning, Valeria said, "I'm not most girls. And no, that just isn't me."

Jada looked over at her with a scowl. "I'm sorry. Did you think that was a suggestion? That was an order."

"What if I don't make the team?"

"Then you will be punished, and I guarantee you won't like it."

Valeria decided to drop the issue and focus on training. As Frank had promised, both he and Jada spent most of the weekend continuing to teach her skills associated with the Thieves' guild.

Pick-pocketing and planting techniques. Lock picking. Disguises. Misdirection.

They spent all day practicing these techniques before dinner, and finished the day off with a movie night. Frank pulled up an unfamiliar old movie on the screen and Valeria groaned.

"Can't we just watch a superhero movie? I still haven't seen Wonder Woman."

Frank shook his head. "We're still training, kiddo. When we watch a movie, we will watch a heist or caper film and discuss their tactics at the end. While most of the tricks used in these movies are staged and unrealistic, they can be used as sources of inspiration."

"Can we at least watch a modern one," Valeria protested, "like the new Fast and the Furious movies?"

Jada rolled her eyes. "Those movies are barely what I would call...heist movies."

"Well," Valeria replied, "At least those movies have Latino characters like Michelle Rodriguez. But, I guess I'll watch whatever you want."

Jada looked at Frank and nodded. "I suppose we can train with an older film later." She turned to Valeria. "You want a heist film with a strong Latina character, huh?"

"I would."

Shrugging, Frank said, "You got me. What did you have in mind, babe?"

Jada winked at Valeria as she took the remote and pulled up an unfamiliar movie that had been recorded on their DVR.

Valeria looked up at the screen and studied the movie's description.

Out of Sight. 1998
George Clooney
Jennifer Lopez
Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Based on the novel by Elmore Leonard.

"Jennifer Lopez was in a heist movie?" Valeria asked with surprise.

"Well," Jada replied as she sat down, "If we're getting technical, she was also in Money Train – but this one is much better."

"Interesting choice," Frank said with a grin. "What made you pick this one?"

"Well," Jada said, "This movie, Inside Man, and the original Aladdin are some of my favorites. I've always liked Out of Sight since I was around Valeria's age..."

"I see," Frank said, nodding his head as if he had come to a sudden revelation. "This wouldn't have anything to do with you and Lawrence –"

"–Maybe," Jada interrupted, clearly caught off guard, "But that was a long time ago, and that's not why she should watch it. Your boy George Clooney shows off his charm in this movie. He has enough charm to sway someone who's supposedly incorruptible."

Jada's eyes focused on her, almost as if she was trying to hint at something. She wondered if the movie was meant to teach her a lesson about manipulating righteous figures. Her mind ran wild with different scenarios; did she expect her to seduce a cop?

Valeria put her thoughts on hold as the movie started playing. She found the movie relatively entertaining, with both sincere and comedic elements. The story basically involved George Clooney's thief character slowly seducing Jennifer Lopez's tough U.S. Marshal character – who swore to do her job as a police officer, and hunt him down. In the end, she ends up capturing him and returning him to prison, despite an ending that hints at the woman giving him a chance to escape later on with another criminal.

"So, what'd you think?" Jada asked.

"It was really good," Valeria replied.

"Again," Frank said, a smile across his face. "An interesting movie pick, babe. Not going to tell me why?"

Jada shook her head. "Just giving our protégé what she requested. There are other movies with better heist elements, but we'll save those for another day. It's time for bed."

Valeria said goodnight and completed her bedtime routine. Before going to bed, she decided to give Erin a call and see what she's up to. She was surprised when the girl answered.

"Hey, Valeria. What's up?"

"Not much. Just watched a movie with my host-parents. Pretty boring stuff for a Saturday night, I'm sure you're out having a good time."

"Not at all," Erin said with a laugh. "My parents are really protective – even though I'm adopted – and rarely let me go out on weekends. I was recently told I can't leave the house at all except for school, since there was a threat against our family."

Valeria sat up in bed. "A threat against your family? What does your dad do?"

"I'm not really supposed to say. All I can say is that he works for the government. It's a high level position."

"I see," Valeria replied. "Well, since we're both bored at home, maybe we can talk about other things."

Valeria talked with Erin for an hour. While she always started off a little reserved, she found once the girl opened up, she could talk forever. While Erin prattled on, Valeria felt the exhaustion from the day's training catching up. She finally told Erin she needed to go to bed.

"Thanks for calling me," Erin said, her tone appreciative. "I really needed this. I've been really stressed out the past few days."

"Really?" Valeria asked, her sarcasm laid thick. "I couldn't tell. You don't seem high strung at all." Deep down, she knew her new best friend seemed stressed every time they met. She was easily distracted, and claimed to have a million thoughts running through her head. She always seemed afraid of her surroundings, and the only time she relaxed was when they sat together in class.

"I...I... have a lot on my mind," Erin stammered. "There's a lot of pressure on me."

"Pressure?" she asked. "What kind of pressure?"

"You wouldn't understand," Erin replied, her tone sullen. "No one does."

Valeria looked over at her dresser and suddenly had an idea. "Meet me in the girl's bathroom on monday. Let's aim for lunch - I've got a surprise for you."

"What is it?"

"You'll find out on Monday. Good night, Erin."

"Hey," Erin replied, her tone playful, "You can't leave me hanging like that," she replied, but was cut off as Valeria closed the flip phone with a click. She felt bad hanging up on her, but the day's exhaustion was taking its toll. She dropped the phone and fell fast asleep.

#

The rest of the weekend passed by in a blur, and next thing she knew, Valeria was already back at school on Monday. She found Sai waiting by her locker, a goofy grin across his face. He was dressed nicer than usual; he wore skinny jeans and a dark leather jacket. The color suited him well, and brought out the dark color of his eyes, while the smile brought out the dimples in his face.

"Did you have a good weekend, V?"

"Not really," she replied with a yawn. "I'm grounded, remember?"

"That sucks. Are you sitting with us today?"

Valeria shook her head. "Not today."

"After school?"

"Can't," Valeria said. She had her first official Rogue training session later today. No excuse came to mind, and it suddenly felt awkward, the two of them standing there without saying a word. She broke the silence with, "I've got to go, Sai."

"Oh,"he said, his tone deflated. "Well, hopefully I'll see you around. Later, V."

Valeria sighed as he walked away. She didn't want him to leave, but she couldn't think of anything to say. This was most unusual; she always had a witty reply or comment in her arsenal. But that was just it - Sai was able to disarm her with that smile, unlike anyone else. 

She gathered her things and went to her first period class. Remembering Jada's order to join the cheer squad, Valeria asked Sheri about the team - which of course, she was captain of. Tryouts were later in the month, and Sheri encouraged her to submit an application.

Valeria didn't want to, but didn't have any other choice. She wanted to focus on her morning classes, but the looming anxiety of her first Rogue training session made this difficult. Luckily, she had just the thing to cure that ail.

The lunch bell rang and she rushed to the girl's bathroom. Erin was already there, studying her reflection while applying eyeliner. This was new; Valeria had never seen her wear makeup before. "Do you have a date later?"

"No," Erin said, putting the makeup away. "Just going for a different look, that's all. Whatcha think?"

Valeria looked her up and down, a smile across her face. She had always worn polo shirts and jeans that made her look plain and boring. Today was completely different; she wore a white dress imprinted with flowers, her shoulders covered by a blue cotton shrug. "You look...really... nice," she said, struggling to find the right words.

"Thanks. So what's your surprise for me?"

Valeria smiled as she opened the door to a nearby stall. "Step into my office, and once we're out of sight, I'll show you."

Erin giggled as she followed her inside the stall. Her cheeks flushed as she closed the door behind her. "I've never done anything like this before -" She stopped mid sentence, studying the objects in Valeria's hands. "Is that what I think it is?"

Valeria covered the bic lighter with her hand, flicked it on, and brought the flame to the joint sticking out of her mouth. "If what I was told is true, this shit is better than anything you could imagine." She inhaled, the smoke and aroma intoxicating and soothing. Her muscles relaxed, her worries faded. She exhaled slowly and handed the joint to Erin.

"I can't smoke that," Erin said, her tone defiant. She crossed her arms against her chest. Her eyes narrowed, her face tightened into a frown.

"Why not?" Valeria asked.

"Because," Erin protested, her lips curled with distaste, "Because of who I am. Who I'm supposed to be. So many people are depending on me, and I can't - no - I won't allow myself to become corrupted. Even by someone... someone like you."

"Someone like me?" Valeria asked, taking another hit from the joint. "I'm sorry a piece of street trash like me is tainting your image, sweetheart."

"Street trash?" Erin asked, her eyebrow cocked. "That's not what I meant. Where'd you get that from?"

"It doesn't matter," Valeria replied, rolling her eyes. "I wanted to share this with you. You're wound up tighter than a two dollar watch, Erin, and I thought I could help you relax. But I was wrong. You're unsalvageable. Get out of my way." She brushed past Erin, opened the stall door, and headed for the exit.

"You don't understand!" Erin protested from the stall. "I just can't share that with you, okay?"

"Fine," Valeria fired back. "Then I'll find someone who can." She put out the joint with her fingers, pocketed it, and exited the bathroom. The cafeteria was nearby, and she stormed through its double doors. She approached Sai's table, pointed at him and said, "You. Come with me."

Sai looked taken aback. "Umm, right now?"

Valeria crossed her arms. "Yeah. Unless I'm not good enough for you too."

"Of course not," Sai said, his face reflecting concern. "Why would you say that?"

"Are you coming or not?"

"I am," he said, gathering his things. He bid farewell to their friends and followed as she exited the cafeteria.

She led the way outside, and searched their surroundings. The school was located within the downtown area, and Valeria was still getting used to seeing so many buildings in one place. She continued walking until she found a vacant alley nearby. She stepped inside, placed her back against the wall, and checked to make sure there were no onlookers.

"What are we doing here?"

Valeria reached in her pocket, lit up the joint, and took a hit. "Blazing. Your turn."

Sai looked at the joint in her hand with dread. "Is that marijuana?"

"It's crack mixed with heroin," Valeria said as she exhaled. When his eyes flickered with fear, she burst out laughing. "Of course it's weed, dumbass. I'm not a psycho...despite all the crazy shit I've seen lately."

"Sorry," he said, taking the joint from her. "I've just never tried any of that stuff before."

"Shocking," Valeria said, her hands on her hips. "Well, maybe I should stop being a bad influence. I won't make you do anything you don't want to. I just hate smoking alone," she said, trying to take the joint back. To her surprise, he resisted.

"I can make my own decisions." He brought the joint to his lips and inhaled deeply, more than he needed to. His face paled before he doubled over and coughed. "I'm sorry. I'll try again...in a sec."

Valeria massaged his back as she lowered her head next to his. "Just relax. You don't have to impress me, ya know."

"Yeah, I do," Sai said, his lips forming a weak smile. "How else do I get a girl like you to notice me?"

"A girl like me?" she asked. She always got defensive when people tried to define her. Erin had labeled her corruptive. The guards at the detention center called her a worthless thief, the female delinquents had even worse nicknames. There were times when she would believe all the lies. But not any more. "There is no one like me."

Sai laughed and leaned closer. He smiled at her, his lips inches away from her own. "You've got that right. So tell me then - how do I get your attention?"

"Maybe you already have." She looked into his eyes, expecting to observe the same eagerness, the same hunger that most men had when they were this close. But she didn't see that. She saw warmth, compassion - and much to her surprise - fear. She had spent much of her life being afraid of the opposite sex; this was the first time the roles were reversed. And she liked it.

"You kids okay back here?"

Valeria turned and noticed a large police officer standing at the entrance to the alley. Sai blocked his view, so she grabbed the joint from his hand, put it out between her fingers, and slid it back in her pocket. She clasped Sai's hand and turned to the police officer. "Just making out with my boyfriend, officer. That's okay, right?"

The officer didn't look amused. "Not in a dark alleyway. You kids should be in school anyway. Beat it!"

Valeria held Sai's hand and led him out of the alley. She led the way back to the school and stopped by the entrance.

"You want to go back?" Sai asked with disbelief. "We could go hang out somewhere else if you want?"

She shook her head. "No, Sai. I think I've been a bad enough influence for one day. We should go back."

"Maybe we could hang out after school?"

"I'd like to," she said with a sigh, "but I can't. But don't worry...it's not because I don't notice you." She leaned close and caressed his cheek. Valeria was tempted to plant her lips on his, but her instincts forced her to refrain. She stopped trusting guys years ago, and that's not a switch that's easily flipped back on. "You're a good guy, and I like that about you." She kissed his cheek and said, "I'll see you later." She smiled as she walked away, leaving him speechless in front of the school.