There is something about pain and Wednesdays.

it was a Wednesday like any other.  or so it seemed.

Grace started the morning having breakfast. Greed prepares some egg sandwiches. he added some mayo, cheese and jalapenos. everyone was eating peacefully. 

"I was told that you're leaving. returning to rescue the CEO. I won't stop you. please make it back alive. do it for me." said Grace with a sad smile.

"I will make it. I always do. bake a pie for me once I return.  apple pie sounds nice." said Greed with a hopeful smile trying to avoid eye contact.

Greed wasn't one to like sweet things. Grace nods aware of the possible implications of his last request before returning home. what he was trying to pull was suicidal. there was a small possibility of him surviving. so, he probably tried to part in a positive note.

Grace hugs Greed. she begs him to return alive. he is like a father to her. probably the only person in the world that she can call family. killing Hannes may solve all the issues in the world but knowing that won't make the journey any less lonely.

Greed grabs a pipe from the table. he puts it in between his lips. he leaves as uncertainty is all that awaits the brave ones. that could be the last time she saw his back, bright by the contrast of the rays of sunlight. he left without looking back.

Grace goes back to school. she tried to put on a mask. pretending like it was all right. there is no reason to feel sorrows. no reason to feel attachment when she was trained to be an emotionless killer. no reason to feel this abhorrent pain in the chest. no reason to mourn a paternal figure that still breathes and walks. and there it was, the pain.

as things couldn't be less obnoxious. she is witness of Bernard getting beaten up to a pulp by Jack and his henchmen. Chloe is in a corner watching and clapping. then Alice comes almost running towards Grace. she is particularly worried. she asks Grace if she will defend her man.

they all are so annoying. an inconvenience is their loud obnoxious voices. Grace wasn't feeling in the right set of mind to deal with them. she walks towards the little group. she punches a guy in the throat. she kicks another guy in the soft area with all her strength. then walks towards the next guy. she slaps the hell out of him until he falls on the ground crying. two guys left running scare of her. it was just Jack and Chloe left.

"What? am I that sexy? sorry babe but I already have a woman. stop staring at me and keep going you little bitch." said Jack with an arrogant smirk.

Grace punches Chloe in the face so hard she breaks her nose. Chloe falls on her knees. she is bleeding and crying. Jack tries to approach her. Grace kicks his knee. he falls on his knees. she kicks his face with such a ferocious fury that more than one tooth fell off. his lips are bleeding. Jack holds his tears. he is furious. he gets up and leaves with his girlfriend.

Bernard is lying on the ground. he is a mess. his face looks awful. there are tears coming out of his face as he avoids eye contact. he feels intimidated by her beauty. he feels exposed. how can a girl that is so strong. a girl that is so perfect would ever see him as a man. he feels pathetic and useless. he wishes to be stronger for her. the tears keep coming.

"Get up bunny. I will protect you no matter what. and you will help me find my mortal enemy. I am a woman of my words. so don't ever look away. stand up proud and strong." said Grace with an emotionless smile.

"Yes, my lady." said Bernard trying to smile. 

the day kept going as it was supposed to be. calm and slow as nothing unexpected happened. there was some rain in the middle of class. Grace was in trouble for beating up the boys. but with the testimony of other students about Grace protecting Bernard. the teachers let her go with a warning. easy and simple.

it was supposed to be a mundane day that started bitter but got to become sweet along the way or so she expected. no one said nothing about unexpected turns and twists. there was no turbulence on the weather. but well, that is life. and it always manages to go sideways.

Grace was called by Mrs. Bank during lunchbreak. Grace follows expecting mundane and the predictable to come. there was clear pain in Mrs. Bank's face. something felt off. Grace can predict what kind of confession is to come. she wants to ignore it. but she knows.

"This is bad. it is really bad. we have confirmation of a possible traitor among our ranks. someone sold Greed's information regarding his return. it's believed that he may be dead. we don't know for sure. we lose contact with him. and to make matters worse we have confirmation of someone aside from our company using our equipment to get here. the enemy may as well be walking among us now. this all is so wrong." said Mrs. Bank worried.

"Who else knew about Greed's return?" asks Grace trying to hold the tears.

"Aside from the agents working here. there are at least ten or more agents in our timeline that knew about his return. it's almost impossible to point out right away who betrayed us."

"I will find him. and I will kill him. he is going to pay." said Grace with teary eyes.

Bernard was on the other side of the door. he listens to the whole conversation feeling impotent to know that she is suffering. and he is so weak, so vulnerable. he can't be a trusted ally if he doesn't work hard. he needs to find the tyrant. he needs to be useful.

no amount of physical pain can compare to his internal pain. the dagger that strikes right directly at the heart. the dagger called doubt. the lack of self-respect. he cleans up his tears and leaves thinking about ways to help. 

"What are you doing here kid?" asks Bob behind him.

"Minding my own business. what about you?" said Bernard trembling trying to hide his fear.

"Braven hearts aren't made to fit wheat bodies. make me a favor boy, grow some seasoned cojones and then you'll earn the right to speak up to me like a real man." said Bob loudly.

"You made me a favor and suck it." said Bernard as he walks away walking slowly with composure until he felt like there was enough distance to run.

Grace opens the door. she walks out of the classroom. she looks at Bob feeling anxious.

"If you knew about him, why did you let him live?" said Grace nervously. 

"That is a wooden figure I can't afford to cut down. wood makes for a good fire." said Bob.

there was a second of silence. Bob keeps going. Grace is left thinking of what kind of use such a fragile kid can give when he isn't that helpful. there is doubt in the air. there are questions. then she decides to keep moving on with her day. there are preparations to make. there are names to Erase in a manner that doesn't raise suspicion or doubt. it has to be natural. 

"I am fine really." 

Grace heard Bernard's voice. but she chooses to ignore it. there are better things to do. she hears a female voice. she follows the voice out of curiosity. she notices in the distance Bernard talking with Brenda. they seem to be in friendly terms. 

Grace keeps going with her life. she walks towards her locker. she opens the door. inside was a pink letter directed towards her. Grace opens the letter to read it. it said, "I know your secret." 

Grace turns around trying to find the culprit. she then throws the letter in the trashcan. she walks away nervously. there are some questions to make. some answers to get. an act as simple as breathing feels complicated. she is nervous. she is sweating. she feels scared.

then some steps coming from behind bring even more tension. Grace tries to pretend that it's alright as she takes firm steps. then Alice and Brenda step in front of her. they invite her. they want to celebrate Alice's birthday. Grace smiles as she accepts the invitation.