One Wish, One Choice

by Abby Hope Patrick

  Rufus sighed from the doorway, “I’ll just come back later.”

  Anja pulled away and ushered her brother into the room. She glared at him while wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her jumper. “I got you breakfast to eat on the walk down to the station. I’ll let you finish crying and meet you by the door.” Before he left he grabbed the duffle bag that contained all of her belongings.

  “I guess this is goodbye.” Anja sniffled, placing the wooden heart in her pocket. “I’ll be checking the school’s records to make sure you’re doing well.” Willow giggled through her tears.

  After a few more goodbyes she left her room for the final time. The last look was the worst, she felt as if she had to memorise it all because she wouldn’t get another chance to.

  Her eyes swam with tears as she went to find Mrs Dorsin.

  Mrs Dorsin was preparing food in the kitchen, Anja took her time finding the old woman, she knew that this would be the last goodbye and would mean that her old life was officially over.

  As she approached Mrs Dorsin looked up, pulling her hands out of the mixing bowl in front of her.

  “What are you cooking today?” Anja asked peering into the bowl.

  “Honestly,” the old woman smiled, “I’m not completely sure, it’s definitely a pie, I’m just not sure what type yet.” Mrs Dorsin wiped her floury hands on the red apron around her waist, “How are you feeling sweetie?” Anja just slowly nodded in reply, “Come here,” she said, stretching out her chubby arms and embracing Anja in a big, floury hug.

  “Will they…?”

  “Willow and Rufus will be fine, you know they will. So, stop trying to talk yourself out of going.” This made Anja smile.

  * * *

  When she found Rufus by the coats, he threw her a half-eaten pastry before they headed out the door.

  It was too early for anyone to be out but occasionally Anja noticed a shadow disappearing behind a window or the sound of footsteps turning a corner. She never actually saw anyone but was very aware of the silent world around her. The air was damp and seemed to stick to her skin.

  They spent the walk to the train station playfully bickering back and forth. It took Anja’s mind off what she was leaving behind.

  The plan was for her to catch the early train so she could be in the city at sunrise to collect her ID card before it got too busy.

  “What will you do when I’m gone?” Anja asked as she downed the last of her cold coffee.

  “I think I’ll focus more on my writing. I’m working on a new column which is taking a lot of time but it’s going to be really awesome.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.” She laughed, elbowing her brother, lightly in the chest.

  “Well, you’re not allowed to read it until it’s done. This one is special.”

  While they walked, she kept looking around trying to memorise the town.

  Rufus smiled, “Are you trying to find the cameras again?”

  “Not this time. But it still creeps me out that they’re hidden everywhere.”

  “It sucks that everyone just stopped caring about it. I thought the protests would do something.”

  Anja agreed. Rufus had always felt strongly about it. He’d even written an article asking the people to stand up and fight against the invasion of their privacy — but it wasn’t allowed to be published.

  Her emotions switched every other minute, almost as unpredictable as her future. But with all the doubts swimming inside her head, her feet never stopped moving forward.

  They reached the platform just as the train glided into the station. It looked like a sleek bullet and moved as fast as one too.

  Anja’s goodbye to Rufus was too short. She hugged him, told him not to screw up, and then hugged him again. She stopped before stepping onto the train and turned around, reaching into her pocket.

  “I want to give you something.” Anja handed her brother the penknife she had been carrying with her for years. She’d bought it using her first paycheck. Rufus took it and a warm smile broke out across his face. “Just don’t stab yourself or anyone else with it.”

  Rufus nodded proudly, spinning the knife in his hand then slipping it into his pocket. “Thank you.” His words contained so much emotion, she knew he wasn’t just talking about the penknife. All she could manage was a weak smile before turning back to the train and stepping inside.

  The train was quickly filling up, but Anja managed to find a space near the back, seating herself next to the window in the quietest section.

  “Goodbye,” she whispered as the train started to move.

  * * *

  Anja was prepared for the long journey to Okland, which would be the last stop on the line.

  She leant back, against the scratchy fabric. Her earphones were already out of her pocket and in her ears. Once the music began, she settled in and stared out the window, trying to catch glimpses of the countryside.

  The compartment became stuffy as more people entered and fewer people left. She made eye contact with one passenger and smiled. He gave her a disgusted glare back and shuffled away to the corner of the compartment.

  She didn’t make that mistake again.

  Anja was surprised by how right this all felt. She’d never found it easy to fit in growing up in Kettleton, she’d wanted to leave since she’d visited Nautrol for a school science trip and been introduced to the busy life that living in a city held. But right now, Anja felt happy. She was certain that this was the change she’d needed for such a long time.

  Most of the people left in Anja’s section of the train were higher class snobs. They all matched the mental image she had created of the people who lived in the capital—all except one girl, who was standing by the door peeking out of the window.

  She was different. Odd.

  Her hair was untamed, it curled out in all directions, changing from black to a dark brown at the ends. She was tall and had a thick, curvy frame, which was accentuated by the short floral dress she was wearing. Her light brown skin was flawless.

  She realised the girl was staring back at her with a soft smile on her face. And then, to Anja’s surprise, the girl walked over when a seat opposite Anja became available.

  “Hi.” The girl introduced herself as she slid into the seat. “I’m Saskia.”

  Anja nodded mutely.

  “This is when you tell me your name.” Her voice exuded a confidence Anja wished she had.

  She felt like a complete fool for staring. “I’m Anja.” She leaned forward to whisper, “I didn’t realise there was a dress code for going on a train,”

  “I know, right! They all look like they’re about to go to a wedding.” Saskia laughed.

  “Sadly, I’ve never been to one,” Anja admitted.

  “You aren’t missing much. You see, I have a huge family, with aunts, uncles and lots of cousins. And even a few much older siblings, so I spent half my childhood dressing up in pink, puffy dresses and skipping down a white carpet.” Saskia grinned. “Where are you headed?”

  “Today’s my eighteenth birthday. So, I’m heading to the city to start my new job.”

  Without a second’s thought Saskia jumped up from her seat and shouted, “Happy birthday!”

  Most of the train turned towards them, looking either very confused or irritated. Saskia winked at Anja as she returned to her seat. “I can sing if you want…”

  “No thanks, I think that was enough of a celebration.” Anja couldn’t help smiling. She quickly changed the subject before Saskia could break into song, “So why are you headed to Okland?”

  Saskia leant back, “I live out of the city, but I’m a bartender so every weekend I travel up here.”

  The train slid to a stop at another station. The doors opened and three armed guards marched in flanking a teenage boy. His face was slim and his cheekbones high. He was wearing a black suit that seemed way too mature for him, considering he looked around Anja’s age. The darkness of the suit contrasted against his platinum blond
e hair.

  The guards barked orders at anyone in their way, pushing people aside so they could walk through the carriage.

  Anja stared at the boy.

  Damn, he looks like the president’s son…

  He made eye contact with her before sitting down in the corner of the train.

  That’s when it clicked.

  That IS the president’s son!

  Her heart hammered as she whispered to Saskia, “Jabez Atgas is on the train!”

  Saskia whirled round, stared at him then dramatically ducked back behind her seat. Her eyes were wide open, her eyebrows raised.

  She hissed under her breath, “Oh God, it’s actually him!”

  Anja tried to stay calm but she couldn’t help shooting a few glances over at him. Every time she did, she caught him staring back.

  “Have I got something on my face?” Anja whispered, “He won’t stop staring at me.”

  Saskia grinned, “Ahh, you’re eye flirting.” Anja didn’t have a response, she pushed herself further back into the seat, hoping to disappear completely. “You should go and talk to him,” Saskia suggested, “he’s either checking you out or judging you right now.”

  They didn’t have to wait to find out because he rose from his seat and made his way over.

  Saskia almost jumped out of her chair when she saw him.

  He cleared his throat, holding onto the bar above Anja’s seat, to keep himself steady against the moving train.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation,” he said, his voice lacking the warmth of a real apology.

  Saskia quickly piped up, “No worries, we were just chatting about you anyway.”

  Anja could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

  Jabez pursed his lips together and rested his gaze on Anja, waiting for her response.

  “It’s fine. Can we help you with anything?”

  “I just wanted to know your name.”

  Anja spluttered her reply, “My name?” Jabez nodded, his knuckles white from clutching the bar so tightly. She looked to Saskia who winked dramatically. “Anja Scraver.” Ah! Why did I say my full name?!

  “It’s nice to meet you, Anja. What brings you to Okland?”

  “I’m starting an internship with the Cyber Security Directorate.”

  Jabez nodded. “Well, in that case if I’m lucky our paths might cross again.”

  Anja gave him a polite smile as he walked away. She felt her body deflate, she hadn’t realised how tense she’d been throughout the conversation.

  “The president’s son just tried chatting you up!” Saskia squealed when Jabez was out of earshot.

  They didn’t stop talking about it until the train began to slow. Jabez and his guards left first, he cast Anja one final glance before he disappeared. The businessmen and women began pushing past each other to get out of the doors next.

  Saskia turned before jumping off onto the platform.

  “I’m sure I’ll see you around. Okland isn’t that big.” Saskia was still chuckling at the joke when she was swallowed up by the crowd.

  While standing on the platform Anja whipped her phone out and sent a text to Rufus,

  You won’t believe who I just met!

  Who?

  Atgas’s son!

  Fnjfhuhfudfj what the hell?

  I’ve got to go, but don’t forget to record Willow’s reaction when you tell her and send it to me.

  She made her way out of the station.

  Anja’s heart crushed against her chest when she rounded a corner and finally saw Okland in all of its stark beauty. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen before. The buildings disappeared into the clouds, the glass panes reflecting the rising sun. Everything was either white, grey or black.

  Anja used her phone to find directions. She walked along a white pebbled street that wove in between the high buildings. She approached a shiny black building that had a huge sign above it saying “Information Centre.”

  She went in, joined the queue and began waiting for her turn. She stood there for a while until she finally reached the front of the line.

  “Name?” said the guy behind the desk. He sounded bored like he’d been doing this too long and was approaching his break.

  “Anja Scravers, I’m here for an ID card.”

  She brought out her birth certificate and passed it over for identification. After he handed it back Anja peered over the counter and saw him enter her name into the system then type a four-number code, before he leant back into his chair.

  There was a moment of silence as the system pulled up her information, then he typed something in. The jet-black printer next to him began to start up and a clear ID card was printed. In small black letters at the bottom it said, “Miss A. Scravers” then below that, “Cyber Security Directorate”

  The man placed the ID card on the counter and shouted,

  “Next!” Before Anja had a proper chance to get out of the way, she was pushed aside by an elderly man standing behind her in the queue.

  Her phone buzzed in her hand and the screen lit up. A notification welcomed her to Okland and informed Anja that her new apartment was on Clover Lane. The map on her phone directed her northward, promising a thirty-minute walk. Glass surrounded her as she walked slowly, skyscrapers towering above her. She stared open-mouthed, unable to take in everything she wanted to.

  The apartment building she approached was one of the tallest around, it slanted to the left, a structural design that made her nervous.

  She pushed the door aside and entered a dimly lit foyer.

  The carpet leading to the desk had faded from years of use. Anja stepped on it carefully, to make sure she didn’t spread mud around. She wanted to make a good first impression.

  Right at the end of the corridor was a small desk. Behind it sat a teenage boy with spiky dirt-brown hair. He waved enthusiastically at her.

  “Hello there,” the boy at the desk greeted her cheerfully. By the look of him, he was barely older than her. His hair was cut short but his fringe flopped forward, so he had to keep pushing it out of his face. “You must be Anja.”

  “An-ya,” she slowly pronounced, correcting him.

  “I prefer the way I say it,” he replied, grinning. He began reciting information about her new apartment as if he had given the speech a thousand times.

  “Rent is due Monday. If you have a problem, I’ll sort it out. You’re staying in apartment 34. You’ll be living in a single bed, medium-size room. It has running water and a small kitchen. Your ID card unlocks your front door but we have a spare physical key if, or more likely when, it malfunctions.” He leaned forward in his chair, his elbows resting on the counter. “If you want good food go to Charlie’s across the road. Would you like me to show you to your apartment?”

  “No, I’ll be fine. Thank you.”

  She moved in the direction of the stairs, happy to leave the talkative boy behind.

  Her apartment was on the third floor. It had three rooms. A very small bathroom, a bedroom that was the size of her old one but with only one bed, and a living room that opened into a kitchen. Anja noticed a small desk in the corner, although it didn’t have a chair. Instead of a dining table, there was one lumpy blue sofa against the wall.

  Her stomach growled, apparently half a pastry wasn’t enough to fill her up. There wasn’t any food in the apartment and the stressful day had taken its toll. She lay down on her bed and tried to go to sleep.

  Maybe it’ll stop me from feeling so hungry.

  It didn’t.

  * * *

  When she woke up from her nap it was darker than it had been when Anja had laid down her head. The window in her bedroom overlooked the city, allowing her to see the people walking around outside. Looking down at the world like this made her feel like one small cog in a very big machine. But it also made her feel strong to know she was one of many, all working together for something bigger.

  She decided to try out Charlie’s. She could see the brigh
t red sign from her window and with a few minutes of observation, she noticed a constant stream of people going in and out, laughing with their friends while eating big slices of pizza. Pizza. Her stomach screamed for food.

  She grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.

  “Hey again… Anja,” called the boy at the front desk as she passed.

  “Hi, desk boy,” she said smiling. There was something about him she liked. He was dorky and awkward but had an odd charm about him.

  “Oh, excuse my appalling manners, my mother raised me better. I’m Miles.” As he spoke, he raised his arm above his head and bowed.

  “Well, Miles, I’m off to get pizza because if I leave it any longer I’m going to starve.”

  * * *

  When she passed Miles on the way back, she dropped a slice onto his desk with a wet flop. Miles spun around in his chair, whooping as he stuffed the pizza into his mouth.

  “Damn,” he said, his mouth full, “I liked the guy who used to live in your apartment but you’re already pretty good competition.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled, resting against the counter. “I see that it doesn’t take much to win you over.”

  “Only some good pizza. Just don’t do what the other guy did and ditch me for an internship at some dumb hospital.”

  “That’s pretty specific.”

  “I guess I can’t be too mad at him. Want me to set you up? He’s super dreamy.”

  “Yeah… I’m not interested. If he’s a friend of yours I’m guessing something’s up with him.” She jogged up the stairs, laughing at the expression on Miles’s face.

  Chapter Six

  The next morning Miles gave her a few tips on what she should visit in the city, and slowly, throughout the day, she visited them all.

  Her hand kept tapping her pocket, checking she hadn’t left her phone behind. She was waiting for the text that would tell her when her job would begin.

  As she made her way through the city her breath kept getting caught in her throat at every beautiful sight. Kettleton was a big town but its scale was nothing compared to the city around her. She was in the centre of the capital and her heart hammered at the rush the city exuded.