“New how?” Jared perked up. He seemed to have already forgotten that he was concerned about the system being changed.
“It is going to be small enough to transfer into a suit for us to wear. You know?” Gabe said while looking relieved because he distracted Jared.
“Look, let’s work on it later. Holland, come over here.” Jared realized the smugness on my face. He returned to his normal smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “This is Lena, Gabe.” Holland reached us as Gabe smiled deeply in my direction until he noticed my forehead. His gaze dropped, and he started pacing backward away from us. As Holland approached us, Gabe walked away back to his project, to avoid me, I was sure. “Holland, this is Lena.”
She smiled at me and didn’t even look up at my forehead. She kept gazing into my eyes and that was it. “Hello, darling, it is so nice to meet you. You’re so beautiful. Jared failed to mention that, or Gabe did. Who knows?” Jared walked over to Gabe, and it looked as though they were arguing. Holland must have sensed this too because she led me up the stairs into the house.
“I’m so glad to have another woman around. I love it here, but I miss people. Gabe is okay, but I just need a girl sometimes. Hey, want to see your room? I fixed it up myself. I hope you like purple. It’s my favorite color. Well, pink is too, but I didn’t know how you’d feel about pink.” She rambled on as I peeked back downstairs. Gabe and Jared seemed to be in deep conversation. Gabe had wrinkled up his forehead, and Jared had his scary glance on Gabe.
I could barely get a word in until now so I just smiled and shook my head. “I love purple. Don’t worry.” I appreciated when someone spoke, because I didn’t have to figure out what to say.
She smiled, and I could tell she felt accomplished and proud of her work. “I love the library, but I can let Jared show you. He built that for himself.” I was shocked, because I didn’t know that we had something in common like loving books. I laughed internally because he didn’t show his love for books. Maybe he was afraid to have anything in common with me either. Maybe we weren’t so different, after all.
We finally reached the narrow hallway of doors after walking up the endless staircase, and I saw that each door had names painted on it. I was surprised when I saw one with my name labeled on the white door in purple and blue.
She opened the door and let me walk in first. The room was beautiful; there were purple curtains with a purple bed. The bed had a white canopy on top and there was a large bookshelf. On top was my favorite book. I walked over and picked it up as she grinned widely. “Jared told me you loved that book. I really love it. I read it on Wednesday before you came. You’ll find out that books make the time go easier.”
Not once did she look at my forehead. I really liked her. I smiled to myself as I turned around and placed the book on the shelf. I couldn’t believe Jared remembered, and why would he? Maybe he wasn’t so bad or he just wanted me to feel comfortable while staying there. Beside the bookshelf, there was a large television set and a large movie selection. On the side, there was an iPod that was dark blue and headphones beside it. Beside the bed on the wall was an empty frame. It looked out of place, but I didn’t mind. It was a part of the room.
“I feel like I’m at home,” I told her and was stricken by how far away from my town I was. I missed my hometown but why? I was alone, and what good was that? I didn’t go anywhere and until two days ago. I was without anyone at all. That was why it felt right. People make you feel comfortable just as my dad and mother made my home, home.
Holland watched with desolate eyes so I changed the subject. “How do you have so many books and movies? I’m so amazed,” I expressed.
“Well, Gabe has a way of making things come and appear. He isn’t magic, but he is a genius.” Everyone seemed to associate the word genius with Gabe, but my thought was, arrogant asshole. She walked toward the panel that looked like an empty picture frame. “All right, what is something you want right now in your room?”
“Uh, I like candles,” I said curiously.
She smiled. “I love the caramel kind.” She looked distracted for a second before continuing. “All right, all you do is hold this button.” She pointed to a red button on the side of the panel. “And say exactly what you want. From where and what it is. Watch. Caramel latte candle from Bath and Body Works.”
As she said it, a huge candle appeared. She handed it to me.
“A lighter as well.” She held down the panel and a lighter appeared.
“I know this seems like stealing, but Gabe pays for the things at the end of the month. He wants to get this into homes whenever this is all over. You won’t even have to leave the house with this technology. He gets a bill from the stores we get things from. Gabe, Jared and I split our money to pay for everything, and I’m still in shock that we can afford everything. What is great is that they only can bill him from his computer so our location is still untraceable, because Gabe makes sure the computer is untraceable as well. So we are completely safe. It is amazing. He is amazing.” She beamed to herself. I felt as if I was disturbing a thought and looked quickly away. She obviously had feelings for Gabe. And I didn’t know how, but to each their own. “He invented this and Jared installed them. Jared wanted to be an engineer when he was in high school, just like I wanted to be a nurse. I had been in nursing school for like a month when Jared asked me to come here. I figured why not. Besides, what would be left of the world in a few years, anyway?”
She looked gloomy because of what she said or because it was the truth; I didn’t know. I wanted to believe that the world would be just fine, but maybe that was wishful thinking. “I think you can save people,” she said quietly, and I was startled. I felt pressure on me, and I felt as if I would collapse. “I’m sorry. I know that was too much. I know you don’t even know anything, but I want to help you. Can you believe me when I say that?” I nodded, and she sighed with relief. “Good. I like you,” she said as she nudged me.
“You’re great, Holland. I love my room. Thank you so much,” I said in a bashful tone.
“I really love designing, and I decorated every room and every hall. I love the kitchen and living room the best. Gabe wanted to see a little bit of black so I put black down this hall. He’s so dark.” She laughed to herself and then took a serious tone. “Hey, I know you’re afraid about what you’re doing here. But I want you to know that I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I will make sure to keep Gabe in line. He likes to go overboard with things to find answers. Plus, we’re girls. We’ve got to stick together.”
She grabbed my hand and pulled me into a hug. I felt so at home and comfortable. I trusted Holland, but I was struck by something my father had just told me, Don’t trust everyone you met. And I felt as if I found just the one not to trust.
Part Two: Jared
Chapter Twelve: What the hell, Gabe?
GABE FACED AWAY from me; he must have known I was pissed. He completely made Lena feel uncomfortable and didn’t even try to make it right. He did this all the time. He made everyone belittled, because he was ultimately an asshole. I didn’t think he would ever change, but still he was my best friend.
“Gabe?” He didn’t respond, which pissed me off more. I picked up something off the table and chucked it at his head. He ducked and turned to me.
“You’ve gotten my attention.” He took his glasses off to wipe sweat from his forehead. “You seem tense,” he said accusingly. “You should probably calm down.” He smirked, and I felt my hands shaking as my temper increased.
He knew exactly how to make me angry and I felt the rage burn inside me. I was ready to punch him in the face, but I knew he could do worse. Not because he was stronger, but because he was vindictive and cruel in other ways.
“Gabe, why did you do that to Lena?” I asked as calmly as possible.
“Do what?” He looked innocently at me.
“Look, you need to be nice to her and treat her better than that. Do you not remember who she is? She is k
ind of important to this whole thing. If you’ve forgotten, she could save the world. Holland was civil. What’s your problem?” I stated.
“Let me just say I don’t care if you’re avoiding the truth. But I won’t get close to her when she is like that.” He rotated away from me again, and I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my hands, drawing blood.
“Gabe. What the hell are you talking about?” I asked with resentment.
“She’s dead, man. She might as well be a walking corpse. Holland knows it, too. You’re the only one who seems to be fooled by it. She is dying so fast she’ll smell soon. She’s not worth my time. No offense bro.” His smile held no feeling, and he continued to work on his suit machine.
I tightened my hand into a fist and pushed all my weight into the center of his nose. His glasses knocked to the ground, but Gabe didn’t seem to be affected whatsoever. He stood still and didn’t budge from the force I put into the punch. My hand felt as if it went through glass, but it wasn’t bleeding. I had punched many people, and I didn’t hear the delicate crunch either like I normally did. I looked at him in suspicion. What happened to his face? It felt like stone now.
I didn’t know why I was getting so defensive, but I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t understand why she affected me this way. Maybe she affected me because she was the one who could save us all.
He started to laugh as he yanked his glasses from the ground. After examining them carefully, he put them back on his face while continuing to cackle on, and I had no idea why. I just stared at him in disbelief. “What is so funny? What happened to you?” I asked in disgust and walked toward the steps.
“Look, I’m going to forget you just hit me, but she is dying. Also, it is funny because you’re letting a girl take over your emotions. Do you really think she is worth this?” he asked in all seriousness.
“Yes. She is important to the entire human race.” How could he not know how important she was to the entire world, or was he too egoistic to notice? “She is a huge part of this entire situation. Gabe, what is wrong with you?”
“Ha. Imagine living with Holland for a year and then talk to me about being different and whatever. My skin is hard now.” He smiled as if he had heard some sick joke. His skin was thick, abnormally thick, and I didn’t know why he didn’t get hurt from my punch. Punches from me always led to a broken nose at the very least. What was wrong with him? I looked at him, and he dodged my glance quickly. “Honestly, we don’t need her. We can figure this out without her,” he told me confidently.
“Gabe, what has happened to you?” I asked.
“Nothing.” He held my stare finally and I couldn’t place what just happened. I shook my head and continued.
“I know the orders, and I know exactly what has to be done. She cannot die. She is the key to finding the solution. She has all the answers. I’m guessing they are locked away or maybe the answers are in her dad’s laboratory. The night I got her, the lab was locked down. I don’t understand why, but my guess was that the workroom is under her command. I couldn’t find anything.”
“You’re going to have to find more answers. Does she know anything?”
“Not a thing.” Gabe let out a frustrated sigh that irritated me, but I let it go. “Tell me about it,” I said in agreement of his frustration.
“She has to. She’s lying,” he said quickly in a low voice.
“I thought so, too,” I told him. “But, not a thing. We can try to see inside her mind with your mindreading stuff, but honestly, I don’t think so.”
“She seems useless. Let’s get rid of her.” I let that sink in, and I felt angry because what human should be thrown away like that, especially a life that was important to the entire human race. Even with the death toll rising, he wanted to kill someone else to add to it. Though no one would know, she was an asset to the cure of Dermadecatis.
“No,” I shouted.
“Why?” He slinked toward me as a predator walking toward his prey.
“I think,” I felt emotions bubbling in me and I tried to push them to the side, “she can give us information soon. She might have value to us. If she was given the disease like this, they obviously want to control her.” I didn’t want to admit how important she would be whenever she figured out the truth.
“That is a good point. She must be of importance or she is just like the rest of the world. They just want to control everyone. It’s a power thrill.” He looked up to me with a peculiar look. “Do you, maybe, have feelings for this girl? Is that why you think she is of vital importance?” He sneered, and I suddenly felt nervous. My stomach clenched at the possibility that he might be right, but that would be impossible. I returned the smirk. “No. I know the mission, and I know feelings, as you say, would get in the way.”
“She isn’t ugly. If she were healthy, I would make her mine,” he remarked wisely.
I felt jealously sweep over me, but I shoved it aside. “Well, I would like her healthy or not, but she’s annoying. Have at it.” I winced at my words. I didn’t want Gabe to have her, and a sick feeling passed through me as he smiled. He would probably try, but Lena wouldn’t fall for it. “Are you going to help or not?” I asked to distract him and myself. Gabe stared me down for a second before answering.
“Well, I don’t know where to start honestly. Holland is up there with her. I’m sure she is trying to figure out the severity of it. She’ll probably do some tests. If her brain is affected enough, she’ll have mood swings and probably have problems with speech. I don’t know how bad it is or how much she’s fighting it.”
“How did she get this, anyway? I have no answers. I was so sure that I knew where the disease came from and how it was contracted, and I avoided it. Then one day she’s sick and has the disease. He really out did himself, don’t you think? Lena’s father and I had this all figured out, and now I don’t know where to start to figuring this out.”
“Sebastian did know what he was talking about.” Gabe nodded in approval before he continued. “First off, you need to tell Lena the truth about everything.”
“No, Gabe,” I said fiercely. “I’m still working on her trusting me. Would it be wise to tell her something to completely lose her trust?”
“Fine, but you need to tell her what will happen to her if she doesn’t get help soon.” I didn’t answer. I knew what the right thing was to do, but I didn’t know what she would think of me after that. I didn’t want her to find out the truth without me telling her myself.
“Ah. Jared.” He hesitated. “It’s a little worse than what we thought. Her dad might have suspected what was going to happen, but he didn’t know what they were planning.” He walked to the computer and started typing until the television turned on.
The scene was a burning gas station, the very one we were at. On the side of the video, the newsman was no longer in the picture. Gabe’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “This was behind the scenes. Of course I found a way into the system.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “The government cleaned this up fast, but I got there first. Undetected, I might add,” he gloated.
“Of course you did.” He laughed, but I did not because the picture before me was frightening. Four people, well, superhuman people, were in the back of the video. They rammed their bodies into the side of the gas station and were torn apart by a sort of magic force, but they didn’t bleed. Their severed figures were lying uselessly on the ground while three more people flew through the air. One person ripped a car door off its hinges in the parking lot and tossing it through the gas station window. The frame halted as a person paused in place in the middle of the picture with a blue glow around them. The glowing man flew through the air, grazing the top of the gas station as it completely exploded. The screen went fuzzy, and Gabe took the picture away.
“What in the hell was that?” was all I could manage to say.
“Well, my friend. The camera was destroyed, and no one has seen this film but Holland, you, whoever deleted the footage an
d I. The worst part is that I have no clue what is going on. My guess is someone has found a way to get complete mind control over these people. Not with the disease, but with the cure. Whenever they do something wrong, such as not capture who should be captured, they are made to self-destruct because they proved themselves useless. There is one man I have seen a million times the past few days.” A picture popped up on the screen of a boy with brown hair and black eyes. He had his normal hard expression. It was Joseph. I felt my teeth clench together as I let the memories of the past few days swirl through me.
“Let me get this straight, he has found complete mind control over them,” I retorted unsurely.
“That is essentially the idea, and I don’t know how to stop them. I can find a real cure for Lena and the others, but I don’t know how to stop the mind control. Either I find a cure or Lena is going to die. Or she’ll be controlled forever by them.”
“I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen. She can’t be made into a mindless girl who kills innocent people,” I said mainly to myself.
The door suddenly burst open, and Holland walked swiftly down the steps.
“Where is Lena?” I asked in a hard tone.
“Oh, I gave her up for female sacrifice.” She simpered, but I didn’t return it so she continued. “No, she is cooking a cherry pineapple turnover cake. Thank god. I don’t know desserts. Lighten up Jared.” Holland winked at me. “Did you show him the tape?” She directed this question to Gabe.
“Yes. Just now,” Gabe answered calmly. I didn’t feel calm, I felt like the world was falling apart around me, and I couldn’t help Lena.
“What do you think, Jar? It’s pretty insane. I have a different theory than Gabe.” She turned to Gabe. “Look, we need to crack this baby open. I felt her head like I told you I would, and I felt a bump. I think they have inserted the disease and they connected a chip ahead of time to make it easier.”
Antidote Trilogy: The Complete Box Set Page 10