The Adorned

by Elimelec Gonzalez-Roman

The monitor for a split second started to static, a second later it became black, and then a second after that more static consumed the screen again.

  I turned towards the window and noticed it opened again. I hurried over and stared up at the cloudless sky.

  I didn’t hear the windows open.

  Beep, beep, occurred, I turned around and saw three red pills and a glass of water inside a metal box-like cupboard that had just opened near the monitor.

  I walked towards the cupboard and took the pills down with one gulp.

  From the glass’s reflection I saw my barcode. I couldn’t bend my eyes away from it. I passed my fingers over that section of skin.

  A strange pressure took a hold of my chest. My lips trembled. My eyes darted to the door. My body had this urge to run out, but I held myself back.

  Could it have been a panic reaction to something?

  I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.

  I hurried out of the house and stared into the vast clear sky. I smiled from ear-to-ear.

  I couldn’t stray away from this, all this surrounding me: I couldn’t and didn’t want to get accustomed to it; I wanted this place to feel fresh and new every day.

  I stepped off the sidewalk and made my way to that yellow rose still perfectly erect and blossomed since I last saw it. I knelt and stooped over it. I took whiff of it and smelled its lavender aroma. It refreshed me.

  I opened the gate slipped on through and shut it back.

  I had on some of the new clothes Elizabeth bought me; a pair of short cargo pants, and a green collared buttoned short-sleeved dress-shirt.

  I stepped on the snaky sidewalk and stared across towards the park, the silvery slide glimmered like fire, and the swings swayed with the wind’s breeze.

  I took a detour and headed onto the grass and made my way towards an arched tree. I poked the barks odd plastic-like and rigid texture and noticed its unique aroma. Near the base of the tree I caught sight of a shiny object. I knelt down and picked it up; a heart shaped locket. I examined the grass and saw footsteps trailing away.

  I stuffed the locket in my pocket and walked past the arched tree into a vast open field flooded with yellowy over a foot long grass.

  “Sam.” A voice said harshly.

  Spooked, I turned around and saw a white dressed individual, head covered by a white hood, and his blue shady eyes giving a freaky glow.

  “Those fields are prohibited, come back on the sidewalk please.” The man said.

  I hurried back on the sidewalk and stared at this strangely dressed tall gentleman.

  The man outstretched his hand, which was covered by thick leathery gloves. I took his hand and didn’t know what the man was implying.

  The man chuckled, “This is a handshake, Sam… oh let me not be so rude, I’m Oliver.”

  “H-hi,” I said, “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Sam, it’s a curious honor indeed, I’m expecting great things from you.” Oliver said.

  “Really?”

  “Yup.”

  “But how I was just taken out of that chamber thingy not too long ago.”

  “Yeah, you are new,” Oliver quickly added, “And that’s understandable, but it’s not the now we look at Sam, it’s what you’ll become,” Oliver twisted my arm and stared at the barcode, “Strange on to what society has to do in order to keep stability and responsibility… now corruption can be caught by a scan of this. But you’re a prototype, so you and one other person are the only two with this barcode.”

  “Will things ever get back to normal?”

  “Normal?” Oliver replied.

  “Yea, like Ms. William, she told about the days before.”

  “Oh, ok, I get you, before the Dark Times. No norm will never be reached; security has tightened so drastically that it’s hard enough to believe,” Oliver let go of my hand and gave me a smile, “I have this feeling this isn’t the last time we will meet Sam.” Oliver bowed and walked off towards the Market District.

  Student Facility

  Jefferson Campus

  I entered the Student Facility really drawn towards my curious side. He looked like the man from my nightmares.

  I walked down the long corridor until a door magically slid open. I entered the same classroom I had before.

  The lights were dim, the room cool. I calmly pulled out a chair and sat down.

  “Good afternoon Sam,” Mr. Coves said dryly as he limped across the room towards his desk.

  “Hello Mr. Coves,” I replied.

  Mr. Coves placed a briefcase on the desk. He clapped and the classroom lights brightened.

  “Today we’re going to talk about Historical Accounts and also, before I forget, I have your syllabus,” Mr. Coves unlocked the briefcase and pulled out a sheet of paper, “Come and get it.”

  I was perfectly fine sitting… great. I stood and walked to Mr. Coves, he gave me a grin, and then handed me the piece of paper.

  “Make sure you give that to Ms. William, ok… Sam?” Mr. Coves said.

  I nodded and then walked back to my seat and sat down.

  “Ok Sam, let’s begin: Starting with,” he snapped his fingers and the white board turned black, …Loading on the bottom right, as soon as that occurred the lights dimmed down and window shutters closed.

  “History,” Mr. Coves said, “What is history Sam?”

  I closed my eyes and thought, “History is… ugh… time that has past and is important?”

  “A somewhat inaccurate meaning, nonetheless, there’s room to build, the concept is there but keeping it simple is more important; History is knowledge of our past affairs.” Mr. Coves explain, “History is important, History can teach us what we’ve achieved, and in some ways it could lead us to the thing we’ll become: Extinct or Prosperous.

  “By learning of the past it will gave way to the future, by examining what our forefathers forged it could lead to a better society, less corruption… but if we ignore, then we’ll most likely repeat a mistake that has already occurred: Consequence for every action, held accountable for the things we will do, will better our comprehension and be ready for the things to come.”

  Mr. Coves went into his briefcase and pulled out a thick book entitled: Civilization: Version 009

  “Sam, the first thing we will cover in this class is society’s beginning, how did we end up in the place we are today,”

  “Are you like saying the growth of society, Sir? I mean… or are we just learning where it came from?” I asked.

  “Both, everything has a beginning, and eventually everything will have an end… empires collapse, it’s just the basics of life and the evils of human nature.”

  “Human nature meaning what?”

  “Survival, everyone has an animal within… we all have a desperate side, a side that would do anything to survive… but in this society perfection must be in order.” Mr. Coves said.

  “Oh ok, I think I am getting this.”

  Mr. Coves took a seat, slid on a pair of spectacles, and opened the book, “Civilization, growth of humanity and morality; the creation of gods and the submission of praise, began with the Era of the Aevums.

  “The Aevums believed in supernatural powers that surround the universe, the elements, air and water that erode a sense of humility, and the pursuit to give absolute perfection to the natural powers surrounding them. Early civilization were composed of savages, power hungry, and wanting their own order,”

  Mr. Coves closed the book. “After reading this book on and on I’ve come to conclude that history beyond a certain point is just an idle pile of rubbish Sam… honestly it feels more of a historical fairytale then a logistic and meaningful piece of information. Sure, like I said before, everything has a beginning, but how can we delve into history as thoroughly as these so-called Scholar’s dictated.”

  I shrugged… what?

  “Come on now you’ve got to have some kind of comment to this… this is our a
ncestors.”

  “Well uh… I don’t know Mr. Coves,” before I could even say anything else something clicked inside, this urge to speak, “Civilizations fraught perfection in a term that was unattainable, boast of pleasing gods, boast of pleasing others, but what truly matters is that we only get one life and that’s more than enough encouragement to make the best of it.”

  Mr. Coves cleared his throat and then said, “Excellent response…”

  I left the room and heard the door slide shut behind me. I turned around and saw but a white polished wall.

  I made my way towards the exit. The tanned double doors ahead embedded the hallway with a dim glow that made the tile floor look as if it were glazed.

  Thoughts ventured through my mind, they were of Amy again; I felt this odd irk in the pit of his stomach. A strange sensation captivated his emotions and drained them away into this paranoia of heartache.

  As I got to the double doors I saw my reflection bounce off, but before I could grin the doors opened wide and blinded me with the glare of the sun.

  “Sam, Sam,” a familiar voice said, “Sam it’s park time, come!”

  It was Amy, Amber grinned rigorously at me and waved. Amy let go of Amber’s hand and ran towards the park. I steadily walked down the sidewalk until I stood before Amber whom before I could say anything gave me a tight squeeze of a hug.

  “Hi sweetie,” Amber said, “How was your class?”

  “It was ok, I guess, we learned about the beginning of civilizations and stuff… Mr. Coves didn’t seem too anxious about it.”

  “Come on Sam, let’s go play,” Amy said as she ran down the sidewalk, took my hand, and dragged me with her.

  “You both enjoy,” Amber said.

  Amy sat on the swing and I took the one next to her.

  “Park time is fun Sam, especially now that I have a friend with me!” She said.

  I blushed, “A friend?”

  I closed my eyes and tried to recall the word.

  “Sam, my LCP came in yesterday… but mom isn’t allowed to open it until I hit my third year… I feel scared Sam.”

  “Why?”

  “I can’t tell you Sam, but I… I don’t want to leave my mom.” Amy whimpered.

  This word Mom didn’t ring a bell; was she referring to Amber; I thought.

  “My mom told me scary stories about some LCP’s that are given to young girls, Sam… and I-I don’t want to go.” Amy’s eyes glittered.

  I didn’t know what to say, but I did hear this sense of fear in her voice.

  “Does Ms. Amber know?”

  “No, Sam, I am afraid to tell her.” Amy whispered.

  I took a quick glance at Amber; she was resting on the grass, arms crossed behind her head. I took a deep breath after feeling this strange irk tickle the pit of my stomach.

  I felt Amy’s stare cripple me for some reason; it was odd, this strange feeling... what could it be, what could it mean? I turned towards her, her glittery blue eyes staring at mine; she smiled.

  “Sam you’re different.” Amy said.

  “Different?” I replied.

  “Yeah… you make me smile…”

  I fell off the swing.

  Amy giggled, “You ok Sam?”

  She stooped over me, “Hey Sam?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You ok?” Amy asked again.

  “Sure,” I said smiling.

  “Sam,” Amber appeared from the sidewalk, “Come with us to my house we’ll prepare supper, I’m sure Elizabeth will be fine with it and it’ll keep Amy company.” Amber said.

  “Please Sam!” Amy begged.

  “Ok,” I said as I got off the ground.

  I followed Amber and Amy down the vacant sidewalk pass a sign saying: Seer’s Way. The houses stretched far and they were all aligned perfectly symmetrical, like a long line of dominoes.

  Amy occasionally glanced back at me; her hand was tightly grasping Amber’s. The walk felt long, but finally Amber turned to a gate, unlocked the gate, and opened it wide for Amy and I.

  “Sam I will make sure to send Elizabeth a message ok, I’ll invite her over for supper too.” Amber said with a heartwarming smile.

  As soon as I entered the front door, I was met with the exact replica of my own home. The same colored walls, tile kitchen floor: the same long hallway full of pictures.

  I noticed Amy take a seat on the table and I went ahead and sat next to her.

  She turned and faced me, giving me a warm smile... I couldn't help but blush. I don't know, but I couldn't pin point the feelings that I had... they seemed so life sucking, I mean I couldn't focus straight.

  “I will be right back ok, going to send Elizabeth the message.” Amber said.

  Amy tilts her head a little and gives me a curious stare, “Sam have you ever read before?” Amy asked.

  “No.” I replied.

  “Mom read me this one book and, and the main character… he lost himself, Sam… he took it for himself to find what he lost, but in his course he let go of the very thing he sought for, and when he found it… he let it slip pass his fingertips… forever losing it again.” Amy’s voice was very grim, but her eyes wouldn't shy away from mine.

  “What did he search for?”

  “Well if I tell you then it would ruin the story Sam,” Amy grinned.

  Amber walked in, “Sam, I informed Elizabeth… well how about we start the cooking!”

  The kitchen lights brightened with Amber moving around the kitchen getting things ready, pots, and ingredients.

  “Amy sweetie can you get me the garlic please?” Amber asked.

  “Sure, mom,” she rushed over to the refrigerator and pulled out a glass jar of chopped garlic, “Here,” she put the garlic on the counter, “Anything else?”

  “Yeah, put the pot on the stove and pour some garlic in it.” Amber said.

  Amy grabbed a big pot the size of her head and with effort put it on the stove. She opened the garlic jar and poured a quarter of it inside the pot.

  “Now turn the stove to Medium.”

  Amy reached over the counter and twisted the knob to Medium.

  Amber took a plastic wrapped bowl full of, what looked like, chopped ham and tomatoes and then poured it into the pot. Amy sat back down.

  “Thanks Amy dear,” Amber said, “So Sam, how are you enjoying this new world so far?”

  I smirked, “Well it’s very different… I mean I still think I am in a dream as all this is happening… you know? One moment you’re inside this cube and then the next I am here, sitting and enjoying a conversation with a real person.” I explained it as best as I could.

  “Yea Sam, I still remember when I was released from that cubical… I felt, perhaps my first taste of freedom… it’s been a long time, way too long,” Amber said.

  “Well it’s not that I don’t feel that freedom, it’s that I don’t know,” I turned to Amy, “There’s something that is happening, I mean there’s this...”

  The monitor on the refrigerator flashed: “A TEXT Message from Ms. Elizabeth William

  To: Sam

  “Sam you forgot to take your medicine! When you get home take it immediately!”

  I chuckled and rolled my eyes, “Oh yea the medicine.”

  “Guess that means she’s not coming over,” Amber said a bit disappointed.

  I turned back to Amy, who continued to stare at me with these ogled eyes.

  I seriously didn’t understand this term, the stare, what exactly could this mean to me, and should I be concerned about this? I mean, I do feel this irk every time I do stare... it's like she wasn’t just looking into my eyes, she was looking at me as a whole.

  Not too long afterwards, I felt my face turn scarlet, my heartbeat pumped, and I felt the blood rush through my veins.

  The kitchen lights flickered.

  Amy gasped: I immediately turned to her.

  “Strange,” Amber said.

  “What happened?” I said.

&nbs
p; “Power surge?” Amy added bewilderedly.

  “Yeah,” Amber replied.

  I arched an eyebrow, “Huh?”

  “A power surge is caused by a problem in the system; you will soon learn how it’s structured as you progress through your courses in class,” Amber explained, “Strange to have 2 of them occur back to back.”

  Before Amber could say anything else the doorbell rung; Amy and I turned around and stared at the small display screen turn on. Three men, all properly suited in blue suits, stood perfectly aligned with one another on the display screen; their heads shaved, faces clean, and hands by their side.

  “Those are Council Officers,” Amber whispered.

  Amber went and opened the door; the three men stood as still as a statue, until their eyes fixed themselves on me.

  “Ms. Amber White we’re here to commandeer Sam for debrief, his legal guardian has already been contacted. Sam please come with us immediately.” The one in the middle said with a dry voice.

  I gave one last stare at Amy and then walked towards the suited strangers…

  ***

  Jake Hartman

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