Chapter Four

                                    

                                          
The tour took a while. Raven and Charles started out with all the common areas like the living rooms (meant to be pluralized), the kitchen, games room, the gym, a small library and the den. We were then shown where Charles' office is, the direction to where the bunker was located in the basement, and the upper floors. There was a second and third floor as well and multiple sitting areas on the roof. Charles mentioned that his room and Raven's room was on the third floor at either end of the hallway but that we were free to choose whatever bedroom we wished to have for ourselves between the second and third floors. 
                          
We were told we would have the rest of the day to settle in and explore if we wished. Training would start first thing in the morning after breakfast. Most everyone chose rooms on the second floor, I on the other hand chose a pretty spacious room on the third. It was right by the staircase which was halfway between Charles and Raven's rooms. 
                          
All the furniture was made of a rich dark wood, including the queen-sized four-poster bed. There was a fireplace across the room opposite the bed, a giant armoire, a floor-length mirror, and a door leading to my own private bathroom. I spent my time putting my clothes away in the armoire and my few toiletries in the bathroom. 
                          
Once I felt like I was settled into my room, I went to explore. I didn't feel the need to look at all the other bedrooms, I was quite happy with the one I chose, so I went to the main floor to begin my exploration. 
                          
I walked around as I tried to remember where everything was and finally found myself in the small library. I loved books; reading was my favourite way to pass my leisure time. There was one particular novel that I was looking for and I perused the shelves meticulously. As I did so, I made note of other interesting books I might like to read at some point but overall was disappointed. I don't know how the books are organized but I was down to the last few shelves and still have yet to find what I'm looking for.
                          
"You won't find it in here." I jumped and turned to Charles. "I don't mean to scare you but I just thought you should know." 
                          
"H-how do you know what I'm looking for? Did you read my mind again?" I asked, turning back to the shelf I was previously scouring.
                          
"No, I didn't read your mind. I said I would block out your thoughts completely unless dire or if you give me permission." Charles said and leaned against the doorway with his hands in the pockets of his pants. He was wearing one of his adorable sweater vests again and I had to keep my eyes off him. "I just have excellent deducing skills." 
                          
I picked up a random book off the shelf and pretended to be interested in it as I tried to play nonchalant. I wasn't really focusing on its contents though, "And what of these deductive skills?" 
                          
"Well, your favourite novel recently met a rather tragic end and the first place you decide to explore is a library, presumably to search for it. Any self-respecting library would have a copy of it after all." 
                          
I flipped through the pages of the book in my hand, still refusing to look at Charles because I knew I was blushing. I really needed to get these feelings under control. 
                          
"Unless you've gained interest in other sorts of literature." Charles said, now looking over my shoulder.
                          
I jumped as his voice was suddenly beside my ear and turned around. I was totally startled because I didn't even hear him move from the door. I was now leaning back against the book shelf and looking up into his baby blue eyes. I held the book limply in my hand as I mentally assessed how close he was. He was really close – only about a foot of space between us and I could feel tufts of his breath. 
                          
"How to Survive an Atomic Bomb by Richard Gerstell... are you preparing for something?" He asked. His voice was low.
                          
"What?" I was confused, not quite registering what he was saying. Having him this close was discombobulating to say the least. That's such a fancy word but I could think of nothing more fitting.