I Am Elite (A Colors novel Book 1)

by Kimberly Westra

  Chapter 16

  I have never attended a board meeting. Steve feels it is a waste of time for us both to be there. The meetings usually take quite long and afterwards he takes a few minutes to tell me all the important details.

  So it is a little surprising to find a board meeting pop up in my schedule. Maybe Diana, the secretary, is ill? Maybe they just need me to bring in lunch and coffee and tea.

  I walk into the room. The long oval table has ten chairs around it. A large whiteboard hangs on the wall facing the door. All seats are filled except one. Diana stands in a corner busying herself with the coffee. If she is here, why am I? I look over at Steve, confusion in my eyes.

  “Sit down here, will ya,” he says, pointing to the empty chair.

  I obey. Worry rising in my stomach.

  “There is nothing to be worried about. Since you have been working on the classified information, I figured it might be smart to include you from now on.”

  I nod a little unsure. Something feels off. Is he not saying something? Is he keeping something from me?

  The meeting starts very casual. Some small business is discussed and my body starts relaxing a little. Always being on guard has helped me through some unexpected turns in life. I have grown accustomed to always expect the worse. It has kept me on my toes. It has helped me to deal with the worst things in my life. But it is starting to take its toll. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop and it is starting to make me on edge. My fear is this will one day break me.

  While Steve talks about small details I practice my breathing and tell myself things are going to be just fine. This has been my mantra for weeks now. I don’t fully believe it, but I practice letting my guard down a little. It feels healthy to not always think of the worse.

  I smile at my small accomplishment.

  Even though I am human, I can still accomplish things.

  Then Steve stands and my smile fades. There is a shift in the room. It is almost something to laugh about. Did I really just practice letting my guard down? Did I really just tell myself we were safe? Such foolishness. Something is coming. Why have I gotten so comfortable here? They have given us a fake sense of security. Of course something bad will happen one day soon.

  “Alright, now onto more serious matter,” Steve speaks, confirming my thoughts. “We have received word from our Northern office. As we know they have been struggling with the increase of suspicion from the capital.”

  The room nods in agreement. I look around at the men and women sitting at the table. I knew there had to be more places like the mountain, but I have no idea what is really going on at these locations. When I first found out about the HR movement I had wondered how all of this could live right underneath the King’s nose. But this one sentence proves that he has been suspicious all along. Is that why the King kept me close? Was he spying on me, to see if I was spying on him? Did he expect me to be part of the movement? Is that how he could storm into the office on my last day knowing I was about to kiss his son? He had cameras spying on me? Oh my goodness, it actually makes sense this way. Does he know we are not like the Rebels? Does he realize there are two different groups?

  “The last couple of days things have gotten worse for them. Not only is the capital standing in their way, the rebels are starting to become a real problem. The HR has been fighting against the rebels infiltrating.”

  “Wait, what? The rebels are the problem?” I ask before realizing the words came out loud.

  “Yes. The rebels are angry with us for trying to make their missions less successful,” he answers.

  If I were a rebel, fighting for a cause, I would consider the HR as a threat too. We are deliberately pushing them back, even though we really should be on the same side. Our end goal is the same. Human rights, equality. The difference is that we do not want to kill others to reach our goal.

  “The Northern office has been trying to negotiate with them and show them our methods. But so far no success. The rebels have their own path and are not willing to merge with us,” he says.

  I wonder if the Northern location is just as large as our location here. If so, no way the rebels can come close, right? How many rebels are there? Are we in danger?

  I sigh, my mind is spinning with questions and worries. I look around the room. So far everyone else seems pretty calm about this. I watch the people around me, just like I did when I was in a safe room in the palace. I note their behavior, movements and words. All ten chairs are filled, one with Steve and one with myself. The other eight hold three women and five men. These are all highly ranked people. Yet they do not look it. Like everyone else in the mountain they wear whatever they have. Some are in suits, others in jeans. It makes it quite a strange group to look at.

  Steve continues and I stop my observation to turn back to his words. “Our communication with the rebels actually only seems to do the complete contrary. They are shifting their focus towards us now. Instead of the Elite.”

  His voice is very matter-of-fact, but I have gotten to know him a little better over these past weeks, he is alarmed. We have all seen and heard what the rebels are capable of. If they are now targeting the HR, we can be in big trouble. The twitch in his finger as he taps it on the table gives him away. The rest of the men and women also tremble a little in their seats. They know this is bad news, and so do I. There is no way we can keep everyone safe if both the King and the rebels know about us. They will for sure try to take us out of the equation.

  “We are still on safe grounds here in the mountain. We have no reason to believe they know we are out here. They also don’t know how deep our operation truly runs. That said, we should still safeguard the humans at our other bases.”

  What he says is true, right? No way the King knows the grandness of the HR and I feel a slight hint of relief. At least the people here are protected for a little while longer. My parents, Annabel, they are safe. But what will happen to the humans still out there? And what about the humans at the other locations?

  The meeting continues with some other issues and we are asked to think about ways to help our fellow HR members on the other side of the country.

  I get up and stretch my arms high. A small pop in my back gives me a sense of relief and I lower my arms. Even though today’s meeting had been intense, I am not sure why Steve asked me to join. Nothing was said that he could not have told me afterwards. I look up at Steve. He is busy talking to one of the men. Maybe I can ask him later. For now, there is plenty of other work to do. I get up and turn to go back to my office. I exit one of the spider arms and walk through the busy center of the office. Everyone is absorbed in their work. Do they have any idea of what is going on in the rest of the country? Perhaps it is better to keep them in the dark a little while longer. I do not want to be in this mountain when panic breaks loose.

  The way up to our apartment is a struggle. Each step is heavier than the last. They should have put elevators in. Although, they probably have. Elderly humans have been walking around higher up the mountain. It is pathetic if they can actually conquer the steps better than me. There has to be an elevator, I decide.

  Once our little apartment finally comes in sight, my breathing is heavy. Perhaps going to the gym more often is not a bad thing.

  Mom sits on our sofa, making it so much nicer to come home to. She always leaves for work early and is usually on the sofa when I get back after my shift. The familiarity is good. It might even turn into a home. She sends me a soft smile. This place is good for her, although she really could use some daylight.

  Her eyes go back to her crochet material on her lap. She saw the material in one of the shops and after hesitating for over a week she bought some. She had been so proud when she entered the apartment after her purchase. She never had a job before, and to be able to go out and buy something with her own money has done miracles. She has been working on patterns ever since.

  I lean against the cold stone wall for a moment and take in the sight. My mom, flawed as
she is, is sitting with full focus on her project. I can’t tell what it will be yet, but she is putting all her love and attention into it.

  A small knock pulls my eyes away from her. It is a very specific knock. Small and soft, but still the sound reaches all through the apartment. I know who it is and I smile at the thought.

  “Hi Mera, I brought some stuffing for your moms project from the school,” Annabel says, standing in the doorframe, a bag of white material in her hands. I step aside and let her in. These women have really found each other. It is wonderful seeing them together. At first I thought Annabel was just being nice, but I found later that she really does enjoy my mother’s company. In return Mom has been improving mentally. She seems so much more stable with a true friend around.

  Annabel makes herself comfortable next to Mom and I step towards our little kitchenette. The cafeteria provides us with meals, but I have bought a few small snack items to keep at our apartment. After pouring some lemonade I grab some cookies and place them in front of the women. It makes it feel more like home, when you can serve some snacks.

  Sinking into the chair across the sofa, I kick off my shoes. For a moment I forget all about the meeting and watch the women work their magic.

  When Dad comes in from his work shift I move towards the floor. The apartment is made for three people, so seats are limited. It is quite alright though. I rest my head against the cold wall behind me and close my eyes. It is a wonderful moment and I am fully taking it in. Listening to my parents so happy and calm. The coolness of the wall pressing on my still recovering body.

  Those darn stairs.

  I do not fall totally asleep, but I do wander off for a moment. I daydream of a handsome prince. A daydream of a life where Elite and humans are equal. A daydream of a soft beeping sound.

  Wait, that sound does not make any sense. I open my eyes and notice my parents and Annabel looking around in confusion. They seem to hear it too.

  It takes me a second to realize. I am up and running the second my brain connects the dots. Where is that thing? Crap where did I put it?!

  I find it just in time.

  “Hello?” I breath hard. Panic.

  “Mera?” it is almost a whisper.

  “Gil?!” I reply, my heart racing and my eyes popping.

  “Yes, o gosh, I miss you Mer,” she starts.

  “I miss you so much too,” I reply. “Is everything ok?”

  “No.”

  My mouth becomes dry and panic rises in my body. From my toes to the top of my head, the tension almost unbearable. I might pass out before she can tell me what is going on. I move to my bed and pull in my legs. I have to be strong right now, I need to get all the details of what is going on and I cannot let my emotions get the better of me.

  I am Elite.

  “Tell me?” I almost sound bored.

  “I overheard some people talking. They might only be rumors, but they say the rebels know you joined the HR. They say they followed you guys when you left. I think they lost you guys somewhere in the mountains. But apparently they are getting closer. They are planning to attack as soon as they find the exact whereabouts. Mer, the focus has shifted. Their anger has turned towards you, and the HR.”

  The world stands still. I don’t even blink. Seconds tick by. A lifetime ticks by.

  “Mer?” she asks, “You still there?”

  “Yes,” my voice sounds far and I let out a small cough in order to get it back. “Yes, thank you for calling me. I need to tell Steve.”

  Gil is probably hiding somewhere calling me and I do not want to put her in any danger. We have to keep this conversation as short as possible. Even though hearing her voice makes me more homesick and ever before.

  “Gil, I love you. Thank you for calling me. I hope this does not give you any trouble. I have to go now, ok?”

  “Yes, I love you too. Please be careful Mer.” She replies.

  I give myself two seconds to collect my thoughts and then run down the, what feels like, hundred flights of stairs, barefoot. I make a mental note to never run down these stairs barefoot again.

  Ouch, ouch, ouch.

  The stairs are made of metal and they have small holes punched upwards to prevent slipping. It hurts horribly but I do not care, Steve needs to know what is going on. If they really are as close as Gil said, we are in trouble. Everyone will be in danger.

  It is all my fault.

  Many eyes move my way in confusion, people do not usually run these corridors. Again, I do not care. As I come to the spider’s belly I have to stop running. It will alarm everyone inside and I should not cause that much panic yet. So I catch my breath for a quick moment and focus on counting my breaths. Once my inhales become little calmer I decide it is good enough, and push the doors open.

  I can’t help walking a little faster than normally, more like a power walk and I make it to Steve’s office in no time. He is standing over his desk, his upper body resting on his palms. He stands like this quite often, just to get out of his sitting position, but still wanting to work.

  “Steve,” my voice sounds begging.

  His eyes connect with mine and he can tell the terror inside of them.

  “Close the door,” he says alarmed.

  I do as he says, but do not sit down when he gestures towards the chair. “My friend, Gilanna, called me.”

  He knows this means bad news and lets me carry on.

  I feel like I am tripping over the words when I tell him our conversation. But thankfully he seems to follow me just fine. When I finish he is pacing behind his desk and my eyes follow him.

  I let him pace for a few moments before asking the big question. “If the rumors are true, why have they not yet infiltrated the mountain?”

  “I am not sure, maybe they do not have the numbers to win the battle? Or maybe they have not actually found the exact location? Maybe they have spies inside now trying to collect intel.” His eyes grow as he says that.

  O my goodness he is right. We have absolutely no way of knowing if anyone here actually works with the rebels. This could become a bloodbath worse than I could have imagined. I feel a hyperventilation coming up but I push it down. I have to be strong right now.

  I am Elite.

  We both fall silent, inevitably both thinking of the horrors that might happen at any time now.

  My parents. My wonderful parents. Both of them have gotten so used to being here. They are happy here. And Annabel, who has clearly been through things I do not know, is at ease here. I cannot let anything, anyone hurt them.

  Steve is the first to speak again. He tells me to call a meeting with two high ranking members. I know the idea of a moll makes him very uneasy and I am sure these are the only two members of the board he truly trusts. I quickly make my way to their offices and ask them to follow me back to Steve’s office. When we arrive Steve reaches out his hand.

  “Sorry Mera, you cannot come in yet, I need to first convince them of your story. They might not trust you yet,” he says. “Go home, get some sleep, I will need you sharp tomorrow morning.”

  I nod, a little upset that he is excluding me from this, but I also understand. And I really could use some sleep. So I nod, turn and make my way upstairs. When I walk the steps I curse the choice of going barefoot.

  Ouch, ouch, ouch. Dang it.

  My parents and Annabel are still sitting in our living area. They are no longer chatting happily. Instead a silence lingers. They all look up at me, frightened.

  I ran past them without an explanation after my call with Gilanna. My poor parents and Annabel have no idea what is going on, but my actions have brought out fear in all of them. I wanted to protect them. But instead my actions made them worry even more. Should I tell them? All of it? Am I strong enough to keep this from them? I will have to be. Worrying them is not going to do anything good.

  I am Elite.

  “Gil called me. I told her to only call me when something was wrong. She has heard rumors of rebels coming eas
t. She just wanted to share her worries with me.” I try to sound calm, I try to sound collected. “But don’t worry, I went down to check with Steve if he is aware, and he is.”

  It is not a lie, exactly. He did know that the rebels are more active. I just do not need them to know how close they really are. My parents nod. They know I worry a lot and it makes sense that I would want to tell Steve about this as soon as possible. The tension seems to be somewhat relieved and they sit back in their seats. If only I could feel some relief, but I don’t think it will come any time soon. I lied to them. I tell myself it is because I am trying to protect them. But truth be told, I am scared. I do not know how to protect these people from the rebels. My body hurts. My head hurts. I excuse myself and close the bedroom door behind me. I need to be alone.

  My dreams are filled with bloodshed, tears and terror.

  I lay with my eyes closed. Once, my dreams were a safe place. Now they only show me what might become reality. I drag myself out of bed and by the time I reach the cafeteria for breakfast such a dark cloud hangs over me, it makes me wonder if I’ll ever feel safe again.

  Mom is at her job, but Dad sits next to me at a table eating his breakfast. He does not seem to notice my mood, or maybe he does but he just thinks I am being hormonal. I feel a little envy towards him. I wish there was an escape to this truth. I could be just as ignorant as everyone else here. I chew slowly. Thankfully Dad is just focused on his meal. He is up and ready for his day when I am still chewing my breakfast.

  “Have a good day my girl, love ya” he says waving me goodbye.

  I grunt something back and turn to my meal. Not that I am hungry anymore, but I just can’t get myself up to my office yet. So I sit here, and grunt. It is not a pretty sight.

  After sulking for a little while I lift myself from my seat. Even though every part of me wants to remain seated, I know it’s not an option. There is so much to do, I need to get my act together. So I walk out of the cafeteria, turn right and into the corridor leading me to the spider.