"Where are we?" I ask.
"About thirty miles from Enfield, hiding in the woods at an old summer camp. I brought you here so your father could finish your recovery process. He has some amazing drugs."
"He's here?"
Colt nods. "He wants to see you just as soon as you're ready."
I haven't seen my father in months. My brain tells me I should be happy, but I feel none of that. Something inside me is definitely broken. I swing my legs to the side of the bed.
"Did you really bomb all those buildings?" I ask.
"I did, but I didn't hurt or kill as many people as they said I did. We only fought those who refused to leave after we warned them, which wasn't many when they saw the size of our army."
"I guess you saw the broadcast?" I hate bringing it up, but I'm afraid I might've done more damage to HOPE's cause with my words, depending upon how much footage the Institute aired.
There's a weighted silence before he answers. "I did."
"How much was shown?"
"The Institute cut it off right after you exposed them." He squeezes my hand. "You did well."
I purse my lips. I'm glad viewers at least got to hear the truth. "How did they explain the sudden cut-off?"
"Shortly after, they released another announcement saying their facility was under attack. They said you had been brainwashed by HOPE, followed by more lies."
"Do you think anyone believed them?"
"Some, but not all. We had a lot of people come to our side because of what you said. Lines have been drawn, and people are choosing sides."
I trace the claw marks on my arm. They are no longer purple, but more of a dark pink. So I was able to make a small difference with the only thing I have—my words. I wish those would be helpful for what I have to do next, but it’s going to take a lot more than words to save my mother.
"How much time do I have until I go into Enfield?"
Even though I'm terrified to face my enemies again, I have to get this over with. I need to know that my mother is okay.
His mouth pinches tight, and he shakes his head. "I already told you. You're not going."
"Like hell I'm not. You need an Original to get you in there."
"And we have one."
It takes me a second to think of Link. "You can't send him in! He has no idea what he's getting himself into!"
"He’s already volunteered."
"Well un-volunteer him. It has to be me!" I remember what Stella said. If she was right, then I'm the only one who can help my mother. Her life at Enfield has been so scarring that she'll need special convincing to know she's really saved. Too many people have lied to her.
"There's no way. I will not put you through any more suffering."
I meet his weighted stare. "You mean you won't put yourself through any more."
His gaze lowers to the floor. "I won't send you in there."
"Do I have a say in this?"
His expression darkens. "How can you rush back into danger? You almost died!"
"I'm rushing to save my mother! Please trust me. I have to do this. I know it seems crazy, and under any other circumstances, I would never demand this, but it has to me. Stella said—"
"I don't care what she said!" Colt comes to his feet, taking his warmth with him. "You're not going, but you are going to write down everything you know and give it to Link. I'm very confident in his abilities."
I glance away, my jaw flexing.
"We’re trying to protect you, Sage! No one should have to endure what you did."
I jump to my feet in front of him, placing my hand on the bed to steady myself. "What happened to me is happening to others inside Enfield every day! My mother has been suffering for years. I will be going in there."
He steps away from me, his expression pained. "This isn't up for debate. We've voted. You're staying."
Before I can argue, he lowers his head and exits the room.
I almost call for him, but stop myself. I can understand why Colt and the others don't want me going. It's not like I want myself going either, but I trust Stella. If this is my only chance at saving my mother, I have to take it.
A soft knock on the door draws my attention. I lift my gaze and meet my father’s. Once upon a time, I might've fallen into tears at the sight of him, but his presence does not bring me comfort like it used to.
"Oh, Sage," he breathes. He rushes to me and embraces me tightly. "I heard what they did to you. I have been sick just thinking about it!"
I swallow hard and hug him back, but there's no feeling behind the motion.
After a few seconds, he pulls away and looks me over. "How are you feeling? Are you okay? I gave you the best medicine I had. It should've completely healed you and made all your pain go away."
All of my pain go away? I almost chuckle. Instead, I ask, "You didn't give me anything that's going to change my DNA did you?"
"Why would I do that?"
I look him squarely in the eyes. "What did you do to Max?"
He steps back. "I fixed him."
"He wasn't broken."
"He would never have survived in this world."
"He was doing just fine."
He folds his arms to his chest. "I don't understand why you're so upset. I gave him the ability to communicate with others. He can live a normal life now!"
"But for how long? Haven't you learned that messing with people's DNA can screw things up?"
He huffs. "By the time he has any issues, which he may not, I will have found a cure."
I shake my fist at him, tempted to thump him on the chest. "You're just like the Institute, always testing, always thinking you're smarter than nature." I take a breath. "What about Mom?"
This startles him, and his face goes red. "What about her?"
"Why did you tell me she died?"
His lips purse together. "How did you find out?"
"Seriously?" I ask, my voice growing louder. "Does that even matter? You lied to me!"
"Sage, please. I haven't seen you in months. Can we please talk about this later? You need to rest."
"I need answers!"
He lowers his hands to his side, his eyes searching mine. He should know by now how serious I am.
"It's complicated," he says.
"And?"
"And I'm going to leave it at that until after we take over Enfield, but then I promise I'll explain everything."
"Do you think she's in there?" I ask.
He averts his gaze. "I don't know, but your mother is smart, maybe too smart for her own good."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. It means nothing."
"So that's it? You'll give me nothing else but lies and cryptic words?"
His gaze locks with mine. "For now."
"Then you need to leave."
My father stares at me for a long time before he finally turns and exits the room. A little part of me wishes he would've stayed and tried to talk to me more, but I know better.
After a few seconds, I walk to the door. Other than a dull headache, I really do feel fine. I glance down at my fingernail. It has fully regrown. Looking at me now, no one would ever know that I had been tortured. It's a good thing my thoughts and memories are all my own.
I peer out of my room. There's a short hallway that turns at the end. I sneak down it and look around the corner. The cabin opens up into a giant room of old couches and tables. Hushed voices are on the other side of the wall I'm hiding behind. I focus my hearing.
"When will you be back?" Colt's voice asks someone.
"Maybe in a week." It's my father.
"You know she didn't mean it." Colt again.
"Perhaps," he responds, then, "Whatever happens, you just keep that promise of yours. Sage is not to go into Enfield."
There's a brief silence, then my father adds, "Stay in contact with me. I'll be back soon." A door opens and closes.
"I'm tired. Are we about finished?" Jenna. This makes me wonder who
else is out there.
"I want to go see her," a voice demands not a second after. I recognize it as Link’s.
"You can in awhile," Colt's says. "I just need to go over what to say one more time."
"I know how to handle Sage," Link says. "I’ve lived with her for the last six months, remember?"
There's a moment of silence before Colt says, "She's going to talk you out of it."
"I won't let her."
I sneak back to my room and close the door. They all want to tell me what to do, as if they know what’s best for me. Maybe they do. Maybe everything I've done up until this moment has been a mistake. And maybe my instincts have lied to me this whole time. I wish my father had stuck around. I would've liked to discuss this theory with him.
The sun has fully risen. I cross the room to the light-filled window. In the distance, I see even more small cabins lined in rows. Near a trail that crosses in front of my window, a weathered sign reads, 'Camp Walden'. Several Primes are up and about, but none of them are talking to each other. When a bell sounds they all head the same direction, but I can't see where to.
I get why they do it now—act indifferent, especially with each other. It's much easier to shut one’s emotions off, then deal with the harsh realities of this new world. I would be perfectly happy to never feel again, because if I feel then that means I'm going to have to remember the pain or the shame of not fighting back while others watched on.
Shaking my head, I turn my back to the window. I'm having thoughts I've never had before. I've always been able to overcome my challenges, but I simply don't have the strength for it now. Maybe if Colt came back and kissed me again, I could forget about the pain, but all I want to do is go back to bed. So I do.
Tomorrow I will fight.
28
A few hours later I open my eyes, even though I've been awake for a while. I don't allow myself to think about anything as I rise to my feet and stretch. Resting on a small table in the corner of the room is a tray of food. I stare at it for a long time, trying to decide if I'm hungry. I'm not.
I peer out the window. A few Primes are walking along the trail all looking exceptionally strong and beautiful. One of them spots me. I quickly move out of sight, my pulse racing. What is wrong with me?
I wait another hour before I finally decide to get dressed in clothes I found next to the food. I did manage to eat a little, but after a few bites I became too nauseated and had to set my sandwich down.
After staring at the back of the door for several minutes, I force myself to leave and sneak into the great room for a better view. It has a large stone fireplace that reaches the high ceiling. A kitchen is tucked into the corner and above it is a loft that overlooks the living room.
"Finally decided to join the living," a voice says. Tank steps out from within the shadows near the fireplace.
"Hey," I say and walk to the nearest sofa to sit down.
He lowers into a chair opposite me. "How are you doing?"
"Fine." I keep my gaze focused on the wooden floor. I'm hoping he doesn't want to talk about what happened at the Institute, because if he does, I'm going to have to go back to my room.
"Are you hungry?"
I shake my head. "Where is everyone?"
"At the lodge. Colt's meeting with everyone to discuss what we know about Enfield. We've had a drone circling the place for the last few days gathering intelligence. It's quite the operation they have going on over there."
I press my hands on the soft cushion and stand. "I should be there." I expect him to argue but he doesn't.
"Turn left on the path just outside the door. It will take you up there."
"Thanks," I mumble and head toward the door.
"Hey Sage?" Tank calls after me.
I turn around.
"I get it, you know."
"Get what?" I ask.
"Not wanting to talk about what happened to you. I still haven't, in fact, but don't let it eat you up inside. Focus on your goal."
I nod my head, at least I think I do, before I leave the cabin. Tank and I may have experienced some of the same things, but I doubt he ever felt weak or cowardly. If he hadn’t been trying to get dumped onto Purgatory Island, he probably could've escaped anytime he wanted to.
I follow the path for a while, scolding myself for being so negative. I thought the crack in my mind was healing, but it was just Colt's presence that had made the chasm seem smaller.
Just up ahead, the trail ends at the top of a small rise. The forest opens up into an area filled with small cabins. Most of them are in fairly good condition, but a few of them, the ones closer to the tree line, have collapsed roofs. Just beyond those, I spot what must be the main lodge.
I peer into a few of the cabins as I pass. People have been living in them, at least two per dwelling from what I can tell. This makes me wonder how many Primes are working with HOPE. It wasn't so long ago when few people believed in HOPE, but that seems to have changed.
Before I go into the lodge, I peek inside the window. The place is so packed that people are standing along the wall. Colt is in front projecting an image of several buildings surrounded by a tall wall. I strain my ears to try and catch what he's saying but I can't hear. Near him, I spot Jenna, Anthony and Link. There are a few others I recognize, but not many.
If I want to know what's going on, I'm going to need to go inside. I place my hand on the doorknob and twist slowly, hoping I can get in without being noticed, but as soon as I push on the door it groans loudly. I grit my teeth and push it open just enough to slip inside.
Everyone turns and looks at me, including Colt. Those beautiful electric, blue eyes bore into me the most. It lightens a bit of my darkness. He clears his throat and continues speaking. As soon as I'm relieved of their stares, I exhale the breath I'd been holding.
"We expect to know the function of each of these buildings today, but until then, I want you all to get familiar with the layout. When we finally get in, I don't want anyone confused."
A hand rises.
"Yes?" Colt asks a woman with long black hair.
"How are you getting your information?" she asks. "Do you have someone on the inside?"
Colt's eyes flash to mine. "Not on the inside, but from someone who knows the ins and outs of every building there. And before you ask, the 'how' doesn't matter. The intel does. Any other questions?"
A few more hands lift. While Colt answers their questions, which are mostly about the conditions around camp, my eyes lock with Jenna. She grins big and flashes me some kind of hand gesture. It could be an insult or some kind of greeting. I never know with her.
Next to her, Link's attention is focused solely on Colt. I wonder if he's nervous about sneaking into Enfield. I wish I could convince him that he doesn't need to go.
My gaze shifts and connects with Anthony's. He smiles at me kindly. I force myself to smile back then glance away.
Colt speaks for another ten minutes before he excuses everyone. I step away from the door to let people by. As they do so, several of them stare at me in passing like they want to say something. Do they know what happened to me? My face reddens at the thought of everyone knowing my weaknesses.
I recognize Maisy as she walks toward the door, the Prime I met when I first arrived in New York. She was the one who told me that Primes shouldn't be protecting Originals if they’re just going to leave the island. Instead of going through the door, she stops, blocking anyone else from getting out.
"I just want to say thank you for what you did," she says. "It was very brave of you." She holds out her palm like she wants to shake hands with me, an action I've never seen a Prime initiate.
I stare at it in shock. "I didn't… I wasn't…"
"This feels really awkward holding my hand out like this, so could you just shake it already?" she asks, and grins.
I quickly do as she says, a swarm of emotions crowding the black space inside me.
The Prime after her, one I don't know, stop
s and does the same.
"Thank you," he says.
I weakly grip his hand, too dumfounded to say anything. More come after him, all giving their thanks. I begin to tremble and tears cloud my vision. I manage to contain it, but when the last Prime leaves I slump to the floor, shivering and tears flowing freely.
Colt, Anthony, Jenna and Link crowd around me. Anthony and Colt drop to the floor on each side of me. I can't look at either of them.
"What are they seeing?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
Anthony rests his warm palm on my back. "One of the strongest, bravest people they've ever met."
This makes me cry even harder.
Jenna lets out a long drawn out sigh. "You're killing me, Patch! A bunch of people just told you thank you and you're crying like a baby! I'll never understand you."
Anthony flashes her a deadly look, then looks back at me. "It may not be easy to feel special surrounded by people who seem so gifted, but there is no greater gift than to show love to others through your actions," Anthony says. "You volunteered to go to the Institute, not because you're trying to prove something, but because you care about your friends and even complete strangers. That is an attribute Primes are just learning. Just like I said you would all those months ago, you're going to change the world."
"But I'm no one," I say.
"You're someone to me," Colt whispers.
"And to me," Link adds, folding his arms across his chest.
"Ugh," Jenna moans. "We all like you, most of the time. So get up, dry those tears, and get ready to fight. We need to save your mother, remember?"
I wipe at my eyes, suddenly embarrassed. Jenna's right. I need to clear my head and focus.
Anthony straightens. "Come on, Link and Jenna. Let's leave these two alone so Colt can fill Sage in on what's supposed to happen."
Jenna snorts. "Yeah, I'm sure that's what he's going to do. Come on, Link. Let's go wrestle or something."
I can feel Link's eyes on me. After a few seconds, he nudges my foot. "I'll talk to you later, got it?"
Escape from Eden (Original Series book 2) Page 18