Chapter
41
Expiration
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I hurried ahead of Rees and Thomas…
I felt eager to get this day over with.
“You know Sam you shouldn’t be so antsy.” Rees said.
I stopped and launched a mean look at him. “You don’t know what I’m going through.”
“Sam, shush.” Thomas said. “Detachable attachment.” He clapped his hands. “Comprehend?”
I bit my tongue until I could taste the blood.
“I knew you would understand. Now continue. We’re already running late.” Thomas said as he glanced as his wristwatch.
I rolled my eyes and marched ahead.
“What’s happening today anyways?” I asked.
“Normally graduation, but you’ll do without one.” Thomas said.
“Graduation?”
“Yes.” Rees said.
“Pretty much, you’d be given some pointless piece of paper that’s suppose to make you feel special about yourself, then you’re taken to the transport that ships you to next facility.” Thomas said.
“Wait.” I stopped again, turned around and connected eyes with Thomas. “There’s more than one facility?”
Rees sighed, “Thomas, come on we’re already late”
“Doesn’t matter.” He told Rees. He faced me and showed me three fingers. “Three facilities and one bio-dome.”
Three facilities and one bio-dome… how big could this place be?
“Gargantuan is an understatement to the size of this instillation.” Thomas said.
“With your special case Sam… you’re more than likely going to be shown the bio-dome in your first studies.” Rees added. “You’ll be in awe.”
I didn’t wish to ask anymore. I turned around and continued down the walkway towards the shopping district.
Where could Ms. William and Rebecca have gone… what if they’re together right now? What if…
Ugh, again. I shook my head. Enough is enough. I can’t think about them any longer. They’re gone. I won’t ever see them again. Comprehend that? Can I just stop thinking about them?
I can't, I can't... the pain inside me doesn't want to cease. It's changing me, it's making me so, so callous... I don't even recognize myself anymore. How can I have changed in so little time?
I rubbed my forehead and felt the accumulated moisture. I felt really hot.
My jaw remained clenched, and I couldn’t stomach to close my eyes. Ms. William and Rebecca’s faces seemed to be engraved behind my eyelids like a blind spot stamped by the sun.
“Ms. William…” and as I said that tears descended down my cheeks.
Thomas embraced me. Though I hated it, I pressed my face against his cotton soft jacket.
“Relax Sam, everything will be ok.”
Rees groaned. “You know what, I’ll just meet you two at the Shuttle Station.”
“W-What’s going to happen to them?”
I couldn’t control myself. I couldn’t stop my crying. It burned so much, the emotions bashing against my soul, my heart, my whole body.
“Sam… it’s just how it works. And I’m so sorry it your time here ends this way.”
“Why, why... why, why?” I caressed him.
“It’s so hard to explain to a normal human being as yourself. But the very reason the Council erases emotion is because of this very thing. You’ve formed an attachment with Ms. William and Rebecca… and unfortunately, the only way to sever it is to remove them indefinitely from the equation.”
Anger had my eyes open: I shoved Thomas away.
Removed indefinitely... removed, erased... No.
“So they’re dead?” I asked.
“No they’re not dead.”
His answer did relieve some of the tension that gnawed against my whole... but it wasn't enough. I had to see their faces, I needed to see their faces at least one more time. I wanted to say my farewell, I wanted to hug them, kiss them, I wanted to tell them... that I loved them.
What will happen to me after this? I know what my LCP is, but what can I expect… only time will tell. Because now for a second time I was released, first, it was from my own isolation, a place where my body and soul were trapped from any and all contact, and now I stray away from a life I was finally getting accustomed to.
Perhaps this is a way for the Council to sever any and all ties that might cause outcry. But then again, there I was, mourning in pity and regret. Detachable attachment, perhaps a feat I’ll have to master in order to progress through this life.
I stood next to Thomas, his hand on my shoulder, and my eyes staring at the duel rails.
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The President
The Adorned Page 47