Fly: A PORTAL Chronicles Novel (The PORTAL Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF

different, so the experience is never quite the same.”
    “Why have you moved so much?”
    “My dad’s job. He’s a nuclear physicist. We move every few years or so to whatever university is funding the latest, greatest scientific research.” I caught myself. “Well, we did. Until he sent me here.”
    “I see. So what put him over the edge?” he asked, sizing me up with narrowed eyes. Noticing my confused look, he clarified, “Drugs? Sex? Alcohol? All of the above?”
    “Oh!” I caught on. “None of the above,” I quickly answered. “Quite the opposite. Dad said he wants me to learn to act my own age even if it means getting into a little trouble.” I laughed at how ludicrous it sounded.
    “You’re the never been kissed type. So not what I expected,” Hagen mused. My cheeks blazed. “If it’s trouble you’re looking for, I can give you a few pointers. As the saying goes: practice makes perfect.”
    “Sophie?” I jumped at the sound of Grumpy Pant’s voice, happy for the distraction. He eyed Hagen warily before saying, “We need to meet Dr. Smitherson in his office. Now.”
    I shot him an I-told-you-so look and his eyes narrowed. “Fine. Lead the way.” I started taking Hagen’s jacket off.
    “No don’t!” Hagen said. I froze. “While I greatly appreciate watching you undress, you should keep it.” My cheeks again burned. “Retrieving it will give me an excuse to see you later.”
    Grumpy Pants was suddenly between Hagen and me. “I don’t think we’ve met,” he said, squaring his shoulders. The two sized each other up. I didn’t know whether to laugh or intervene as they looked like feather-spiked birds before the commencement of a cock fight. Both tall and well-muscled, they were well matched. “I’m Everett Sinclair,” he replied, politely, yet briskly, extending his hand.
    So Grumpy Pants knows how to properly introduce himself and shake hands after all. How quaint!
    A flash of recognition crossed Hagen’s face. “Everett Sinclair? You’re the kid who… I’ve heard about you,” he blurted, leaving Everett hanging.
    Returning Hagen’s death glare, Everett retracted his hand.
    Hagen continued, “Some kid was just telling me you… well, I’m sure you know what they’re saying about you.”
    I didn’t know what Hagen was referring to, but it was evident the exchange wasn’t friendly. Everett’s eyes were like fire, his mouth a tight line. Feeling the urge to protect him, I stepped in.
    “Let’s go, Everett. Dr. Smitherson is waiting.”
    Without a word, Everett turned, grabbed two of my suitcases, and marched away.
    “I’ll see you later, Sophie,” Hagen said.
    Ignoring him, I quickly followed after Everett. Once again I was chasing him. “Everett!” I called. He was already halfway across the room. “Everett!” I called louder this time. He stopped in place without turning. “Everett is your name, right?” I asked, breathless upon reaching him.
    “Yeah.” He glowered, clenching and unclenching his jaw.
    “Will you please look at me when I talk to you?” I snapped. He looked at me, surprised. Compassion took over and I cautiously put my hand on his arm. “Sorry. It’s been a long day. Are you okay?”
    He glanced at my hand and his face visibly softened. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”
    Taking off again, I could barely keep up with his methodical stride. I was tempted to press him on what Hagen had said and why it upset him so, but I kept pace in silence instead.
    As I followed Everett through hallway after hallway, I thought over the weirdness of the day. I was hungry and tired and didn’t know how much more I could take. As if on cue, my stomach grumbled loudly.
    Everett laughed. “When did you eat last?” He sounded calm again.
    “I ate on the plane.”
    “Last time I checked, peanuts and pretzels aren’t considered a meal.”
    “Yeah, I’ve hardly eaten anything all day,” I admitted. “My stomach has been in knots since my dad told me I was