Chapter Two- Making Friends

          It happened just like that. A simple lunch changed a teammate into a friend. Jade was not the type to get involved in friendships, she was brought up an orphan and gave up on friendship early in life. The orphanage had taught her that people rotate in and out of your life, trying to develop feelings only resolved in getting hurt. Jaz sat across the table, a perplexed look on her pretty face. Conversation usually involved the weather, never the next heist and most importantly nothing, that could prove their real identity. Even something as simple as a pets name could lead unknown enemies to your doorstep. No one, including Jade wanted to see that happen. From out of nowhere the conversation became personal, “Sadie turned thirteen today.” Jaz sighed.
         Jade looked around defensively, the feeling of discomfort swelling inside. “Should we be discussing this?”
         Jaz continued, “I’m not even allowed to see my daughter on her most important birthday, her father wouldn’t allow it.” Tears had begun to form and she was trying her best to keep them in check. “I had Sadie when I was sixteen and never married her father. His family said I did not deserve Sadie because I could never support her. At the time, they pressured me into believing I was unfit so I gave her up. I was so young, how was I to know I would continue to feel her absence from my life?”
         For the first time since she left the orphanage, Jade felt helpless. She had no encouraging words to give and felt that if she did not address the issue they both could be in danger. Jade reached out and touched her hand trying to show support. “Tell you what I know some people that may be able to get you some time with your child, but right here and now is not the place to discuss these things.”
         Jaz smiled warmly, “Your right, I’m sorry.”
*****
         Sitting here in her office Jade recalled that single moment a year ago when Jaz became closer to her then any of the others on the team. She managed to keep the others at a distance seeing them only as their made up identity. Jaz was now flesh and blood to her with a life outside of the team. In that moment, she became the closest to a friend that Jade had ever known.
         “Karla, I asked for the progress paperwork an hour ago. Stop your daydreaming.” Jade turned to the heavyset man at her desk. Ron is head of government securities and is clearly upset with her. Karla was the name given to her by the orphanage and the only side of her life that she felt was truly a false identity.
         Thrusting a stack of papers into his arms she replied, “Sorry Ron but things have been a little crazy lately. I also recall this job not being by choice.”
         “Just because you are the best at what you do does not give you the right to do what you want. You can easily find other employment after your mind wipe.” Ron knew how to drive a point home. A mind wipe is standard for all employees leaving such a high security area. In here, even your mind is government property and they cannot have you keeping their knowledge.
         Jade grinned, “I’m not worried about the mind erasure as long as I’m able to see you again.” She fluttered her long eyelashes in his direction watching the blood rush into his face. Ron looked embarrassed and walked away knocking over a stack of papers.
*****
         “You’re cute but you always seem lost in your own world.” Ty was again trying to start up conversation. This is the usual banter for him. Jaz felt Ty was a good person and now they were dating, so she had to play nice. Jaz seemed so sad before Ty joined the team, now she is full of life. No longer did she obsess over not seeing her daughter, she had now focused her full attention on Ty. Jade knew that getting involved in a relationship with someone on the team was risky. Considering that if one of them was ever interrogated their partner would also be in danger. Jade tried to distance herself from them but soon found she missed Jaz and the bond they shared. “We need to find you a good guy, even if he was just for our double dates.” Still trying to cheer Jade up Ty continued, “This job is tough we need time to unwind, I think we need to have a party.”
         Another one of Ty’s brilliant ideas and so every weekend against Jade’s better judgment they would host a small gathering at Jade’s place. Only members of the team were invited and no one was to reveal their identity to anyone regardless of the alcohol and drugs. Everything was going smooth and for the first time Jade felt her defenses melting and her bond with her team tightening. Her mind screamed out to her through the haze but the feeling was too good to let go. Never in her life had she felt like she belonged and now in this room surrounded by her two close friends, she might have never felt happier.