Snow blanketed the ground, white and soft. The air was cold, but the sun shone behind the clouds, making it bearable. The breeze was soft, but cold.
We'd gotten three inches of snow over night, and it had continued to snow throughout the morning, finally slowing before noon. I'd just finished a large lunch of finger sandwiches and tea with Ari before she had to continue working, and I'd decided I wanted to take a walk through the gardens.
I was wearing skin tight jeans and white laced boots, with a knitted white sweater and a matching beanie. I'd pulled on a tan winter jacket and a grey scarf before heading outside. I hadn't bothered with gloves, and now my fingers were numb with cold.
I trailed them along the bushes as I passed, watching the powdery snow fall from their branches to the ground. There was a squirrel skittering around at the base of a nearby tree, weary of my presence. As I moved further down the path, it scurried up the trunk, disappearing into a hole it must have chewed through the trunk.
I sighed, my breath crystallizing in the air. I'd been home for two weeks now, and had been avoiding Noah. I'd locked myself in my room for the first three days, only allowing Ari in. I'd told her everything, and she'd comforted me. I'd realized that maybe I cared for Noah a lot more than I'd like to admit, and the knowledge tormented me.
I'd been refusing to join Noah for dinner, but he hadn't pushed the matter. The first three nights he stood outside of my bedroom door, asking me to come down. He said he needed to talk to me, and had apologized for his harsh words. I couldn't let it go, though, so I never responded. Any time I'd seen him in the house, I'd retreated before he could notice me.
My chest still ached, and maybe I just wasn't ready to confront him. Or maybe I was avoiding him because I was afraid of what he'd say. I honestly didn't know, but I couldn't speak to him, yet. His words had cut too deep, and I couldn't see any way to fix the mess between us.
I didn't believe what he'd said. I knew he cared for me, but for whatever reason, he was determined to crush any connection we had. Maybe he's already succeeded.
I'd been studying since our return, scouring through history and geography books, hoping to find something that would help me when I escaped. I couldn't wait any longer, and I couldn't stay here in the society, now that I knew the truth.
I wasn't foolish enough to think that Mr. Wickenburgh and President Volenski had told me everything, but they'd told me enough to fuel the flames. You took gasoline to fire and told me to control it.
My father had told me to find the rebellion. That's exactly what I planned to do, but first I needed to gather as much information as I could. Maybe something I could find would help the rebels win. Maybe not, but the small chance was worth the pause in my plans.
Ari was going to the Amaranth museum this Friday, and she'd gotten permission from Noah to take me. Thankfully, he wouldn't be accompanying us, and was instead going to send Nathan in his place.
I was hoping there would be something useful there. I just need one, powerful bit of information.
I'd sent a letter to Noah through Ari, requesting some items. He'd sent one back, confirming that he'd have them delivered today. Among those items would be a notebook and a set of writing utensils. I would use the notebook to help me organize what I'd learned, and I'd already found a place to stash it in the green house gardens. I'd requested a waterproof box for that purpose.
I'd recovered the photographs and maps from my first attempt at escape, and kept them tucked under my sleeve for safe keeping. I could feel the edges of the maps biting my inner arm, a constant reminder of my need for freedom.
I tilted my head back, looking up at the cloudy grey sky. The fresh air was nice, and exactly what I needed to clear my head. I felt a little more alive as the crisp air filled my lungs, and though my chest still ached, I knew I would be alright. I have to be.
I wanted to convince Noah and Ari to leave with me. Finch, Nora, Lizzy, and Zen too. I didn't know how to bring it up, though, without being overheard. I was certain Noah would refuse, and maybe everyone else would, too. It hurt to leave any of them behind, but I knew I might have to.
I continued to walk through the garden, passing the garage. Armed guards stood at the doors, but they smiled and waved as I passed. How could you see a threat in a harmless little girl? I smiled back and waved, stumbling over my boot. This caused them to laugh, and one asked if I was okay.
I nodded and continued my walk, stopping as a rabbit hopped across the path, disappearing into a nearby bush. Looks like I'm not the only one enjoying the day. I smiled, trailing my hand along the bushes as I moved.
Natalia always wanted a rabbit, but pets were banned in the communities. Fish were the only exceptions, and after killing her fourth beta in a row, she'd given up on those. I'd always wanted a dog, more specifically, a German shepherd. That was something my father and I had in common.
Many of the keepers patrolled with dogs, and they were typically German shepherds or pit bulls. My father and I would watch from the second floor balcony, commenting on all of the dogs, and longing to pet them. It was forbidden, though, and so everyone, including us, avoided them.
Many people in the communities were terrified of dogs. They were often used to chase down anyone that dared to run after breaking the law, and there were a lot of desperate people where I lived. I assumed other communities were the same. I'd never feared the keepers, though, until they killed my parents.
There was never enough to eat, in my community. Even though we received rations, they were never enough to satisfy our hungry stomachs. Sometimes, people were desperate enough to steal food from the keepers. They almost always got caught, and the keepers stood by as the dogs attacked them, intervening only after their teeth had torn and punctured the thief's flesh. Many people ended up hospitalized due to infection after that, though rarely anyone died. Even so, I couldn't fear the animals.
Zen had a dog. Angelina did, too. His was an old German Short-haired Pointer named Fawn, and hers was a Doberman Pincher named Brutus. Apparently the ban didn't apply to high-class citizens. When I'd met Fawn, I'd silently wondered if Noah had ever had a pet.
Probably not. He's too afraid to let anyone close. I'd bet that applies to animals, too. I walked towards the greenhouse, considering going for a swim. I kept a clean bathing suit near the pool, since I swam frequently, and hated having to go back to my room to change every time I decided I wanted to swim.
Why the hell not? I sighed, opening the doors, and letting them swing shut behind me. I hummed softly to myself as I wound through the familiar pathways. I lifted my swimsuit from a tanning chair, and stripped where I stood, pulling it on quickly.
The red fabric was still damp from last night's swim. I hadn't been able to sleep, so I'd come down here, hoping to tire myself out. It hadn't worked, and I felt grumpy and exhausted.
I slipped into the luke-warm water, swimming slowly towards the deep end of the pool. I lay on my back, floating on the water's surface as I stared up through the green house ceiling high above me. The jungle trees rose high, reaching for the sunlight filtering through the clouds.
The air was humid, but smelled pleasant. Captive jungle birds fluttered and sang in the branches, which had likely been their home since birth. Fans replicated gentle breezes, jostling decorative wind chimes that were hung throughout the greenhouse.
I closed my eyes, relaxing as the water loosened my muscles. It was so peaceful here, and no one ever disturbed me. Ari had informed me that there were many blind spots in the cameras here, and she'd shown me every one. Naturally, the greenhouse had become the only place I felt safe, and truly alone with my thoughts. It was peaceful.
I imagined just letting myself fall asleep, my body sinking in the water. I could almost feel the bottom of the pool press against my back, the marble cool, like a winter embrace. How easy it would be to just let the water take me away, to escape forever. But that would be the same as giving up.
I sighed, opening my eyes and moving upright. I kept myself afloat, swimming to the side of the pool, where a wrap around bench waited. I knelt on it, folding my bare arms on the side of the pool. I watched a pair of birds perched on a nearby branch, singing and whistling to each other.
"I wish I could fly like you, you know," I said to them. They started at the sound of my voice, flapping quickly away. "If I could, then maybe I could find true freedom. Maybe I could even fly to the stars."
My mother had always told me that the ones we loved never left us. They waited for us, just out of sight. She said they became our angels. I wanted to believe it, but a large part of me doubted.
Are you waiting for me on the other side? I wondered. Mom. I never thought I'd have to lose you. I never wanted to lose any of you. When I couldn't sleep, or when I cried, sometimes I thought I could feel her warmth. Sometimes I could almost hear her voice as she sang to me, running her fingers through my hair.
Can you see me now? What would you tell me to do? I just want to go back. I took advantage of the time we had, and now I'd do anything to get it all back. I miss you. I miss you all so much. Why did you have to leave me? I feel like I'm breaking, and I have no one left to turn to. I don't want to be alone anymore.
I resisted the tears stinging in my eyes. I need you here with me. A sob caught in my throat, and I dove backwards into the water, letting my body sink as I'd imagined. I was so used to having you in my life, that I didn't realize what I had. I grimaced as my back pressed against the bottom, the cold seeping into my skin as bubbles of air left me.
My golden hair curled in the water, floating around me. The water made my open eyes sting, but I could see the light reflecting on the surface of the water, creating patterns on the pool walls and floor, and over my creamy pink skin.
I rested my hands on the bottom of the pool, pushing myself up. I rose slowly to the surface, feeling it break over my face, the water dripping down my face and hair.
I blinked in surprise as I turned around. Noah stood at the edge of the pool, watching me. I swam backwards, away from him, pulling myself back onto the bench.
"You scared me for a moment," he said, unbuttoning his shirt. "I thought you'd drowned."
"What would you care, anyway?" I snapped, glaring at him. I was being unfair, and I knew it, but I was angry with him. He'd hurt me.
"We need to talk," he sighed and his shirt fell to the floor as he undid his belt. "You haven't really given me a chance."
"Why should I talk to you?" I demanded, my cheeks beginning to burn with my anger. He let his pants drop, revealing black and blue swim trunks.
"At least give me a chance to explain," he stepped down to the first step. I scrambled out of the pool immediately, walking swiftly towards my clothes. "Nevaeh, please," he said, walking towards me. He cut me off halfway to the tanning chair I'd been aiming for.
"What do you want from me, Noah?" I glowered impatiently. "You know what? I don't care. Let me through."
"Nevaeh," he caught my arm as I moved to push past him. His touch, which had been absent for so long, sent electricity sparking through my veins, and I looked up at him, startled as I pulled away from him.
"I don't want to hear it," I said. My voice broke, giving me away as I turned my back to him.
"Why won't you let me explain? Let me fix this," he said, clearly frustrated. I whirled around to face him jabbing my finger into his chest. I glared up at him as I spoke.
"You fucked up your chances of fixing this, dude," I snapped, stepping closer. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say. In fact, I don't want anything to do with you ever again. I'd rather run wet and naked through a fucking blizzard than feel the way you make me feel.
"You're selfish, stubborn, rude, irritating, and down right infuriating. I'm done with your hot one minute cold the next attitude. I am a human being, and you had no right to manipulate and use me.
"But hey, I get it," I stepped back. "We live in a fucked up time, and I'm just a sex toy, but I have feelings, Noah. I'm just as human as you are. You hurt me.
"I can't do this anymore," I looked away from him, watching a large blue butterfly land on a nearby flower.
"Nevaeh, everything I said-" he began, but I cut him off.
"No."
"Nevaeh-"
"Dammit, Noah, I said no!" I shouted, shoving him away. He stumbled back, but didn't seem angry.
"Why won't you talk to me?" he asked, exasperated.
"Why won't I talk to you?" I laughed. "Because I fucking hate you, Noah."
"You...hate me?" he tried out the words, his onyx eyes stunned.
"Yes," my voice broke. "I hate you. I was so terrified of being alone that I honestly believed you cared. I'm tired of the games, and you're a jerk when you're with other people. Believe me, all I want is to accept your apology and let things go back to how they were, but I don't think I can. You really fucking hurt me. So yes, I hate you.
"I hate how you are when we're not alone, I hate how full of yourself you act. I hate the lies, and the cruel words you use to push me away. I hate how you make me feel used, but I still feel drawn to you.
"I hate how I want you. I hate that you acted like you wanted me, and then asked someone else to marry you. Now I can't help comparing myself-and how could I hold a candle to her? She's so perfect I want to smash her face in," tears were falling now, and he was silent, his expression filled with regret. "I've lost everyone and everything I loved. You were all I had left. Dammit, Noah, I hate that you let me fall in love with you."
"First you hate me, now you love me?" he responded slowly. "Which is it?"
"Both," my voice caught in my throat. As I said the next words, I finally realized that they were true. "I'm so in love with you it kills me. I hate you, because you let me love you, when I never had your heart to begin with. You were never with me."
His lips came down hard on mine, and he gripped me to him. I wanted to melt into him, to return the kiss as butterflies filled my blood burned. Instead, I shoved him away, slapping him hard across the face. "I deserved that," he said, turning to face me. I glared at him gritting my teeth as I stepped back.
He stepped towards me, cupping my face in his hands and forcing me to look at him. "Nevaeh, my love," he brushed my hair out of my face, leaning his forehead against mine. "I didn't mean any of it. I was trying to protect you, but instead I've hurt you."
"You knew you were hurting me," I squirmed, trying to get free.
"Yes, but I was afraid of losing you, like I lost Natalia," his eyes were so sad it made my chest ache.
"You're not the only one who lost her," I snapped.
"I know. Believe me, I know. Nevaeh, I do care about you. I really, really do," his voice was gentle, almost pleading.
"Not enough," I shook my head in his hands.
"How can I fix this?" he pleaded, his eyes both scared and almost desperate.
"I don't know if you can," I said slowly, finally freeing myself as I pushed against his chest. His hands fell to his sides, and his expression was lost, almost helpless.
I pulled my clothes on over my swimming suit, not caring that I was getting them wet as I shoved my boots onto my feet. My heart was racing, my hands trembling as I tightened the laces and stood, turning to leave.
"If it's worth anything," he said slowly, his voice so broken it made me pause. "Despite everything, I've fallen for you, too."
___________________________________
I sat in the car with Ari, staring out the window as we entered the city. I held a notebook and a pen in my lap, remembering the conversation I'd had with Noah five days ago.
After his confession, I'd panicked, and ran all the way to my room, locking the door behind me. If you loved me, then why did you treat me like that. Was it really just to protect me?
I blushed as I remembered his last words, and then my own. Am I really in love with him? Is he truly in love with me, too? How is that even possible?
"Almost there," Ari interrupted my thoughts, her voice excited. She'd told me she loved museums, because of all the history inside of them. It was definitely something we had in common.
My father had taken Natalia and I to the one closest to our community every Friday. Afterwards, we'd request our lunch rations be delivered at the park, where we'd lay out a blanket and have a picnic. When we finished eating, we'd always lay back and stare at the sky, trying to find shapes in the clouds.
Nathan pulled the car into a parking lot, and we came to a smooth stop. Ari didn't wait for Nathan to open the door before she was put on the pavement, telling us to hurry up. I couldn't help but smile as I climbed out.
I was wearing a grey sweater and jeans, with the same jacket and boots I'd worn the other day. I hadn't bothered to pull my hair up, so it hung loosely around me, golden and wavy.
I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets as the three of us walked towards the museum. Nathan pulled the door open for us, and followed us inside.
The room was large, and open, security guards patrolling between the numerous displays. There were open doorways leading to other rooms and a sign pointing down a hallway towards the bathrooms.
Ari grabbed my hand and pulled me to the nearest display. A plaque in front of it read: World War VI artifacts, dated between 2331-2343.
Bullets, and a few guns lined the display case, with a handful of other weapons, such as a deactivated atomic grenade, an old leather bible with a bullet lodged into the pages, a broken gas mask, a propaganda poster in a foreign language, a soldier's arm band, a battered copper canteen, and a soldier's helmet. Beside the case, a handful of mannequins wore a variety of soldiers uniforms, labeled Russia, Japan, U. S. A., Germany, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, China, and Italy.
We wandered to the next section of displays. Native American tools and pottery lined four cases, some fragmented, only a couple whole. Manila cards dated each item, and named the tribes they came from. Cherokee, Navajo, Shawnee, Anasazi, and many more were represented.
The next set of displays were filled with Danish plates, and various Viking artifacts, including a handful of weapons, bone dice, stone and glass beads, brooches, chessmen, and jewelry.
A large section was dedicated to Ancient Egypt. There was a plaque that informed us Tutankhamen's entire collection, along with his sarcophagus and mummy, were displayed in another room. Displayed before me were the Narmer Palette, a photograph of the Great Sphinx beside another of the labeled pyramids, the Nefertiti bust, the mask of Anubis, canopic jars, jewelry, golden statues and carvings, an amulet, a cat sculpture, and a variety of other ancient artifacts.
"My family, on my mother's side, originated from Egypt," Nathan said behind us. I turned to look at him. "They immigrated to the United Stated in 1913."
"That's amazing. I wish I could've gone before the wars. I've always been fascinated by the pyramids," Ari said, grinning widely at him.
"I would love to see my home land as well, but sadly, it is impossible," he pointed to the next set of pictures. They were dated after the last war, and Egypt was destroyed. The pyramids were gone, and the land was barren. "It was destroyed during World War III, and then completely obliterated during World War VI."
"Oh, that's horrible," I gasped, examining the photo. "So much missing history."
"Let's go say hi to King Tut," Ari said, looping her arm through mine.
"He's dead, though," I looked at her strangely, curious as to why she'd changed the subject so abruptly.
"Who knows," she shrugged. "Maybe he can still hear us. It'd be rude to go through his things without greeting him."
Nathan laughed heartily, following us into an adjacent room. In the center of the room, King Tutankhamun's full sarcophagus was placed, open to reveal his mummy inside. A special clear dome surrounded it, regulating the environment within to keep his body perfectly preserved.
All of the items found inside of his tomb were displayed around the room, many in their own regulated cases. For some reason, everything in the museum seemed too perfect to be ancient artifacts, at least compared to the historical room in the president's estate, but I was still fascinated. His gold inlaid Canopic coffinette was propped against the wall, obviously the center piece of the displays, aside from the mummy.
There must have been thousands of artifacts inside of the large circular room. Among them were statues, jewelry, treasure, furniture, paintings, his wishing cup, his funerary sandles, protective toe caps, gold inlaid hands holding the iconic crook and flail, ancient games, and sistrums. There were also his canopic jars, his burial mask, his fan, a royal chariot, a perfume vessel, and his diadem. The room seemed to glow with golden light, and everything inside was fascinating.
A video was playing on a clear space on the wall, going over Tutankhamun's history, and explaining some of the items displayed in the room. I followed Nathan and Ari around as they examined the artifacts, in awe of the items before us.
I took notes in my notebook as we moved through the museum, writing down anything that could be important for my escape. An herb garden seemed to be the most useful, and I wrote down all of the information I could, sketching each edible and poisonous plant displayed.
I'd taken art classes in school. Sketching, coloring, and painting had remained some of my favorite activities, right next to reading and dancing.
I'd never been much of a singer, but Natalia had sung like an Angel, her voice clear and sweet, much like our mother's. She'd taught me a little bit after each of her singing lessons, but I'd never compared to how she sounded when she sang every morning, noon, and night. I miss waking up to that. It used to annoy me so much, but now I'd give anything to hear her voice just one more time.
I was drawn back to reality as we entered a room dedicated to astronomy. It was like we'd actually stepped into the Milky Way as the doors shut behind us, blocking out all light. Stars surrounded us, bright and beautiful. The hologram rotated around us, making it hard to walk straight as it threw off my perception of flat ground.
I stared in wonder at the galaxy around me. The room was chilled, the air icy and crisp. I could feel goosebumps forming on my arms as we stumbled down what I assumed was likely just a hallway, enveloped in a complex hologram.
"This is new," Ari giggled, gripping my arm as we stumbled forward. "This used to be a hallway with old art. This is so much better."
"It's beautiful," I reached out, wishing to touch the beautifully unorganized stars. "I wish I could see them for real."
"Yeah. The dome is too organized," Ari agreed. "MARIA is really good at perfecting everything. I say, let the mess of nature prevail."
"Agreed," I smiled as she reached forward, pressing a door open. The hologram dimmed as light filtered in, and we exited. I looked back as the doors closed automatically behind us, and the warmth of the rest of the museum surrounded me. A part of me wanted to go back, to study the galaxy, but Ari was already pulling me into another room.
It was filled with labeled and dated paintings, the artist's names printed on informative metal cards below each one. The room was large and open, with only a handful of benches.
The nearest painting depicted a girl, almost smiling as she looked at us through the painting. It was labeled: Johannes Vermeer, Girl With A Pearl Earring. 1665. I examined the brush strokes, and the use of color on the canvas. It was a lovely portrait, very different than modern paintings I'd seen.
"This is my favorite room," Ari said as she examined the painting next to the one I was examining. The plaque below hers read Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Harvesters. 1565.
I continued to follow her through the room, examining every art piece in sight. I devoured the details, each stroke of the artist's brush, and the various colors of each painting. Some of them were so beautiful they sucked me in, like Claude Monet's "Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies" from 1899.
Others made me feel uneasy, like Theodore Gericault's, "The Raft of the Medusa" from 1818-1819. There was only two paintings that truly disturbed me, labeled "Saturn Devouring His Son" by Francisco Goya, 1819-1823, and "The Prisoner of Chillon" by Eugene Delacroix, from 1834.
I shook my head as we left the art room. The last painting reminded me of the society, somehow. We're all prisoners here, aren't we? I sighed.
I was distracted again as we entered the next room, which was dedicated to Russian history. Jewelry, treasure, and various other artifacts were displayed throughout the room, along with Anastasia's and Alexei's bones, and the preserved body of Vladimir Lenin. That's not creepy. Why preserve a corpse? I shuddered, turning away. He look waxy, and unnatural.
In the New Society, bodies were disposed of by a form of modern cremation, which also broke down the bones, leaving nothing behind. We didn't have cemeteries, as they were unnecessary. Those who made it to the age of seventy five or beyond were given the option to be euthanized, to end the suffering of old age. It was very rare for anyone to die before then. Of course, accidents, murders, and suicides happened, but they were only 1% of the societies death rate every year.
"Mr. Ivanov's family hails from Russia," Nathan said, drawing me back to attention. He stood before the displays, examining the bones. This information wasn't surprising. 30% of the society's population of just over two-million were descended from Russian ancestors. I did, however, wonder if any of his family history was significant enough to be in a history book. I shook my head. You're not supposed to be thinking of him right now. Pay attention. Is there any information you can use?
A photograph of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, and one of her brother, were displayed above the worn bones, and a handful of their belongings were organized nearby. More photographs of the Romanov family were also displayed, though few of their belongings were available, other than fragments of their skeletons.
Anastasia and Alexei's disappearances were the only things I'd ever learned about the Romanovs. I didn't know what led to their absence, or what happened to them. All I knew was that they were never found, at least not until long after their death, when their bones were discovered. Modern technology had confirmed that they belonged to them, though for a long time it had been uncertain, and many thought Anastasia's bones may belong to her sister, which made no sense to me. Unless all of them were killed around the same time. That's not possible, though, is it?
I supposed murder or kidnapping was possible. It was very rare now, but it still happened. But how can you murder royalty? They have too much protection for one person to succeed. A group then?
I shook my head. It was a mystery, and maybe it was better not knowing everything. God knows what was done to the young girl and boy, and what caused their deaths.
Military uniforms from pre-society were displayed on mannequins, and various weapons were organized in some of the displays. I examined them slowly, taking in the details of the antique guns and blades, along with the bits of preserved clothing placed here and there.
Ari and Nathan were moving on to next room, and I hurried to catch up, wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans.
The next room was filled with Atlantis artifacts, themed like the ocean. I'd seen pictures of the oceans and several beaches, but I would likely never see the real ones in my life. It wasn't part of the society, and even if I escaped, it would be hard to travel that far and survive. If I could, though, I'd want to live near it.
"I've got to use the restroom," I said, excusing myself from the group.
"Here. Take this," Nathan held out a folded slip of paper towards me.
"What is it?" I wondered, accepting it, examining the synthetic paper.
"It's a permission slip, stating that Mr. Ivanov has given you permission to leave his property without him. His signature is on it. If your stopped by anyone, show them the note. A quick scan from MARIA will confirm it's authenticity," he explained briefly. I pressed my lips together and nodded as I turned away.
I tucked the note into my front pocket and exited the room, following a long hallway back to the entrance room. My boots clicked on the stone floor, echoing loudly. I slipped through the door, winding through the displays towards the bathroom.
I locked myself in a stall and took care of my business, washing my hands when I was finished. As I pushed the door open, I paused. Voices were speaking quietly nearby, clearly trying not to be overheard. I shouldn't eaves drop. I shook my head. I was about to exit when their words caught my attention.
"I'm part of the crew that moved all of those things into the museum basement," one said. What things? I wondered, listening closer as I pressed up against the cracked door.
"So, they really are transferring all of it from the Central museum?" The other asked.
"Yes. This is only it's temporary location. An underground military base is being built under ground. It'll be finished in a month, and then everything will be moved there," the first responded.
"I bet the security will be high. What ever it was must be important, considering they were all carefully covered. If we can't even see it, let alone the higher ups, you know it's important," the second sighed, his voice longing. "The president made it clear none of us were to look."
"Well, I'm certain there's a reason for that," the second said after a moment.
"Yes, certainly," the first agreed.
"Well, I'd better return to my rounds. See you at lunch," the first said, her voice tired. I pushed the door open and slipped out of the bathroom as the conversation ended. As I walked back to Ari and Nathan, my thoughts were spinning in my head.
What could be so important that even keepers aren't allowed to see it? I've got to get to that basement. I leaned up against a wall, processing my thoughts. I may not have another choice. I need Noah's help. He may be able to get us down there just because of his last name, but aside from that, I don't think I can manage this alone.
If nothing else, he can distract security while I sneak in. I sighed wearily. After our last conversation, I'd avoided him. Asking for his help meant I'd have to acknowledge his words. It had to happen at some point. I sighed. It's settled then. Noah is probably the only person I trust enough to ask for help with this.
I cleared my expression as I approached my group. They can't know about this. At least, not until I know more. Noah. I hope to god that you are willing to help me. This would be too dangerous to do alone, and there's no way I can do this without you, now.