Orion slammed my still open locker shut in frustration. “You just don’t get it, Luna.” He breathed out heavily. “We should probably take a break. You’ve changed. I saw how you stared at me when I went to kiss you the other night. So don’t do me any favors and lie and tell me everything is the way it used to be. Because it’s not.” He pushed his fingers through his blond hair and looked at me one last time, but I couldn’t think of anything to say.
Finally, with the silence hanging between us like a noose, he turned away and picked up the backpack he’d dropped on the floor. “I have to get to class,” he said without turning around. “You’d better too, if you’re still so insistent on this goody two shoes act. Look me up when you return to normal. Bye, Luna.”
And just like that, I stood alone in the hallway. Without a boyfriend. Without friends.
Honestly, I felt nothing but relieved. Being a loner I understood. This I could do.
The day’s transgressions seemed to be a faraway thing as I sat at home, enjoying the roaring fire in the hearth, belly full. My parents and I had just finished another amazing dinner cooked by Mom, and I was still kind of half dreaming about her chicken potpie and apple crisp.
Dad and I played a game of checkers under the glow of the evening lamps before heading up to bed, while Mom sewed. I’d learned that people didn’t watch much T.V. here. They mainly used it to get news about the happenings in the world, not for entertainment. It was considered better for the brain to do more stimulating things in the evenings, such as spend quality time with family. A nice gesture, but the rules appeared a bit oppressive. Under the veneer of happiness, I began to discover that many individuals were afraid of the consequences of not following orders.
My reasons for conforming were highly personal—not wanting to get caught, and have the authorities find out I remembered my life from before. But what was everyone else’s excuse? Sure, my ex friends didn’t seem to mind breaking the rules. But what normal teenager didn’t? Perhaps the consequences rested solely on the parents. I still had much to learn about this new world I found myself in.
“Your turn, Luna,” Dad said gently.
“Sorry Dad,” I replied, annoyed he had caught me lost in my reverie. I picked up one of my black checker pieces and contemplated my next move on the board.
“You looked so far away. Everything all right, Luna Bell?” Dad asked.
Smiling at him, I nodded and he sat back, satisfied with my response. I breathed a sigh of relief, about to make my play when the buzz of the house phone startled me. I didn’t even realize my parents had one. Nobody had called them on it since I arrived. Everyone seemed to use cell phones.
Mom’s eyes filled with instant concern and I looked to Dad. He rose quickly and picked up the receiver on the credenza mid ring.
“Hello?” he asked in a gruff voice. “Yes, this is Martin Redwood.” Dad’s silence permeated the room for another minute or two. Listening to the other person on the line.
It was weird hearing this man, my so-called father, speak my surname out loud. How did he have the same last name as me? That had been my Nova W1 identity. How did that work? But I pushed the thoughts aside, intent on Dad’s turned back, his shoulders hunched in defeat. Something was wrong. And it had nothing to do with a surname.
“Of course,” he continued, glancing over at me. “I understand how important these matters are and will keep a close eye on things. Have a good evening, sir. Goodbye.”
My heart hammered in my chest; pulse roaring and I found my hand instinctively clutching my neck as my father turned around, thick frown lines contorting his face.
“Well it seems Luna, word has gone out that you have had a fallout with your friends. Is that true?”
I swallowed hard and stared at him with huge eyes. “How did you know about that? Who were you speaking to?”
He waved my questions away dismissively. “No need to worry about that. Just someone who has your best interests at heart. You should have told us; we can help you get through these kinds of emotional upheavals. Expressive outbursts are not the way to go. There’s always a peaceful solution.”
I dared not speak. Did I have spies? What did Dad mean by "expressive outbursts”? It took everything in me not to stand up and stamp my foot and demand he identify who he’d spoken to.
I bit down on my tongue to stop myself.
Mom got up from her spot on the couch and knelt next to me. “You understand you can come to us about anything, right, Luna?”
I gave her a false smile and tried to act normal. “Of course, Mom. It was no big deal, my friends were mad I couldn’t go to the party they’re throwing because I’m grounded. They’ll get over it.”
My parents exchanged glances over my head and I realized I said something I shouldn’t have. Damn it. For someone who prided herself on being stealthy, I certainly did a poor job of blending in. I would have to study these new memories more carefully. I should have done that in the first place, but a part of me didn’t want to face it. I wanted to believe that these parents, whoever they were, loved me for me, not some memory of me that didn’t really exist.
“Well, to be honest,” Dad said sitting back down in front of the checkerboard, “I never cared for your friends. A bit of a bad influence, I’d say. Perhaps it’s time to make some new ones, eh?”
He tried to act casual, but even he couldn’t hide the trepidation in his voice.
“Yes, I agree with your father,” Mom said petting my hair. “You can always start afresh tomorrow.” Her brown eyes glistened in the firelight, fear etched into the lines of her face.
They were afraid for me. They thought I was acting strange, just like everyone else did.
The desire to figure out what the government was doing reignited with a fiery passion.
I had to find out what was happening to me, even if it meant shattering a world where I had found myself loved and cared for.
Some sacrifices were worth the truth.
Chapter 11
I had to learn all I could about P8 regulations and understand what kind of place I was dealing with if I didn’t want to get caught out.
Because if I did—who knew what would happen to me?
After the weekend I’d just had with my parents, I was grateful for the quiet confines of the library book stacks. Mom and Dad had hovered over me the whole time, following my every move. I thought I might suffocate from the attention.
But here, alone, I breathed easy again; the hushed atmosphere soothing my shattered nerves. Cool air brushed my skin, and I inhaled the familiar scent of old books as I walked deeper into the library archives. There were no librarians milling about, so I headed back to the government section Zander had shown me earlier. There had to be information recorded about their regulations; every place had rules governing their society, especially one as tight-laced as this. I ran my fingers over the spines, admiring the guild lettering of each title. My hand paused when I reached a small paperback tucked against the wall—pale blue and much plainer than the others. I pulled it from the shelf and studied it.
The Rules and Regulations for P8 Society, issue number four. “Bingo,” I whispered. With trembling hands I opened to the first page.
“Luna.”
I jumped and whirled around, the small volume falling from my grasp. “Zander, you scared me half to death,” I yelped, annoyed with myself for being caught off guard. Was I losing my touch?
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” he said. “I spotted you come in and thought I would see if you needed help finding anything. Although I think you’ve pretty much read everything in this section,” he added with a smile that didn’t entirely reach his eyes. I detected a sad weariness but I couldn’t quite pinpoint the source. I sighed. Probably me just being overdramatic. Still, I was unable to shake the weird vibe coming off him.
“No, um… well I actually found what I was looking for,” I responded, stumbling over my words, as I stooped to retrieve the book. Why was
I so nervous?
Zander read over my shoulder as I stood up. “The Rules and Regulations for—” he cut off. His mouth set in a firm line.
He stepped closer, so close that I felt his warm breath on my cheek. “They’ve already called your parents, haven’t they?” he whispered.
I furrowed my brow, perplexed. “What are you talking about?” I hissed. “Why are you standing so close? You’re freaking me out.” I wanted to run, but I couldn’t ignore the desperation etched on his face.
Every nerve ending in my body screamed, but I stayed put.
“If the authorities have already called, you shouldn’t be here. Especially getting caught looking at that.” He pointed at the book as if it might jump and bite him.
“Why not? I’m free to do what I want, Zander,” I said, my voice rising. How dare he tell me what I should read? He had a lot of nerve. I moved to go, annoyed, but it didn’t stop my stomach from contracting into a tight ball.
He knew about the phone call.
Zander appeared unfazed by my reaction and took a step forward. This time I had nowhere to go, and I bumped up against the back wall. “Listen Zander, I’m stronger than I look, you might want to—” Before I finished my threat he cut me off, raising his hands in surrender. He spoke so low I barely made out the words.
“They’re constantly watching Luna, and if you’re not careful, they’ll come to your house.”
I threw my hands up in the air, exasperated, “Do you always speak in riddles?”
He placed a finger over my lips and glanced around as if checking to see if anyone had noticed us.
Could someone really be keeping tabs on me? But who? And why? My mind fuzzed over as I tried to sort everything out. Nothing made sense. I looked directly into Zander’s eyes. They were kind and compassionate. My instincts told me he just might be telling the truth.
As if he sensed my weakening resolve he said casually, “So, have you and your family lived here long? I haven’t seen you around the library before the other day. How do you like it?”
He was probing me, seeking information. I had no intention of answering any of these questions, especially since he hovered merely inches away from my face. Talk about an awkward conversation. What would I say, anyway? Life here is great, Zander, I remember everything—I think there was a mixup and I’ve got some memories that aren’t mine.
Yeah right, I’d love to see his expression then. So instead I raised my chin haughtily and replied. “I don’t have to answer your questions.”
Zander shoulders slumped a little. “Fine, suit yourself. But please allow me to re-shelf that text for you.” He plucked the small book out of my hands and neatly placed it back on the shelf. “I’ll check in with you later,” he said smiling, before casually sauntering away.
I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling exposed. What the hell was Zander up to? Why was he acting so weird? One minute, he appeared panicked and the next he seemed to not have a care in the world.
I scanned the room, but noted nothing odd. Everyone had their own agenda, none appeared interested in me. There were only a couple of people in here, anyway. One—an old man in the corner pretending to read a newspaper with his eyes closed, taking a nap. The other was a woman of about thirty. She wore a perky, rose-colored pantsuit and was busily skimming the books in the cooking aisle.
I drew a deep breath and steadied myself. Obviously, Zander was paranoid. Still, the fact he knew about the phone call didn’t sit well. I needed to discover what was in that rule book. Checking that Zander hadn’t returned, I picked the text back off the shelf and tucked it under my arm. I made a beeline for my waiting table and quickly got out my homework to cover it up.
But before I even cracked open the manuscript, I heard somebody behind me clearing their throat. I spun to give Zander a piece of my mind, only to find it wasn’t him, but an older gentleman of about seventy, with a sharp, angled face and impeccably groomed, snow white hair. He wore a muddy brown sweater as drab as himself, and his perfectly pressed slacks gave the impression of a man of rules. My cheeks flushed hot under his impenetrable scrutiny.
“Miss, it has come to my attention that you are in possession of a reference book. One must sign out these types of volumes, if one wishes to read them.” His voice sounded monotone and prehistoric; I cringed at the coldness.
“Book? Um… I’m just doing my homework sir.”
“Last I checked the title—The rules and regulations for P8—was not required reading at the school. The book please, Miss.” He held out his large hand, waiting.
I swallowed hard. Should I give it up? Did I have a choice? I groaned inwardly as I plucked the paperback from under my papers and handed it to him.
“Thank you. If you want to sign for it, you can come to the circulation desk. Enjoy your study time,” he said tilting his head at me in acknowledgement. His thin lips upturned into a forced smile before turning to leave.
“What a creep,” I muttered under my breath.
How had he known I had it? He must have seen me take the volume. But I knew I would have noticed him. I’d been so careful. He’d literally come out of nowhere. I gripped the table, trying to get some control. Why hadn’t Zander told me it needed to be signed out? Besides, what kind of library didn’t let you read reference books, as long as you stayed within the confines of its walls? There had to be a reason they wanted the names of everyone that looked at it. Zander had tried to warn me; they were examining my every move.
I shook my head. I was being ridiculous, letting my imagination get the better of me. It was just a reference book. I wasn’t in Nova anymore. Not everything was life or death. I stood to leave—this place was starting to make my skin crawl. Besides, nothing else would get done today.
I shivered as goosebumps crawled up my arm. The sooner I left the better. I quickly organized my homework and placed it into their respective folders. Satisfied the papers were all in alphabetical order and accounted for, I slid them into my backpack and zipped it shut.
As I made my way to the exit, I realized leaving was probably for the best. The last thing I needed was to be home late and have my parents on my tail.
I slipped out into the cool afternoon, breathing in the fresh air. Suddenly a rigid hand landed on my shoulder. I froze.
Zander’s desperate voice whispered low in my ear. “Don’t worry about anything but surviving, Luna. Please.”
I turned to face him, but he had already gone, his dire warning ringing in my ears.
Chapter 12
“Good evening,” a voice boomed as Dad opened the door. “Mr. Martin Redwood, I presume?”
“That’s me. Can I help you?” Dad gripped his hands tightly behind his back, knuckles white. Something about this man made him uneasy.
“As a matter of fact, yes.” The agent flashed a badge, the gold shield glinting in the moonlight. “I’m Agent Morrow, here to do a general sweep of this area. May I please have a moment of your time?”
A general sweep? What the hell was that about? It had only been a few days since I’d been at the library—had they come because I tried to read that book of regulations? No. That would be insane. But still, I couldn’t rid myself of a bad feeling deep in my bones.
Whatever the agent’s mission, something was off.
I stood on tiptoe and peered over Dad’s shoulder to get a better look at this guy. A well-built man I guessed to be somewhere in his late twenties was decked out in a crisp white uniform. He towered over Dad with a threatening demeanor. His dark, gel-slicked hair peeked out from a matching stiff cap. Even his fingernails, neat and trim, were rounded to perfection.
Dad stepped back, and I moved out of the way. “Please come in. Would you like anything to drink? It must be a long night for you, having to check the whole neighborhood and all.”
Agent Morrow smiled politely, but it seemed to pain him to do so. His eyes leveled on me and I averted my gaze, staring at the floor uncomfortably. Zander’s warning echoed in my b
rain.
They’re always watching Luna, and if you’re not careful, they’ll come to your house.
The stern-looking government official took off his hat and clutched it to his chest as he crossed the threshold as if unsure what unkemptness he would find. In a word, he was a snob.
“I don’t believe refreshment will be required, Mr. Redwood, but I appreciate the offer just the same. What I do need, however, is a space to conduct my testing.”
I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer. “Testing? What kind of testing? What’s it for?” My heart pounded. Ever since Zander’s warning on the library steps the other day, I’d kept a low profile—done nothing wrong, or so I thought.
The agent quirked a dark eyebrow at me and stood silent for a beat. “You live in P8 and you are unaware of the general sweep process?” he inquired dubiously.
I shut my mouth and frowned. Was I supposed to have a memory of this? Crap. I quickly covered myself.
“Oh, of course, I do. I simply wanted to hear it explained from someone who has experience doing these sweeps first hand.”
Agent Morrow’s frown deepened. “I don’t have time to explain these things to a child.” He turned back to Dad dismissing me. “Now, where should I do the testing Mr. Redwood?”
Dad looked nervous, there was a small sheen of sweat on his forehead, and his eyes darted about like a timid deer in the woods. Just in that moment, Mom bustled in, looking as if someone had just announced a death in the family.
“Welcome Agent, I’m Patricia Redwood, Martin’s wife,” she said extending her hand in greeting.
Agent Morrow frowned and ignored the gesture and she awkwardly withdrew the offered appendage.
“I realize who you are. There’s no need for formalities Mrs. Redwood. It’s my job to know everything. Now, where should I start my testing?” His eyes twitched impatiently, as he disdainfully glanced around.
Cage of Glass (Cage of Glass Trilogy Book 1) Page 7
