My heart pounded, and I swallowed hard, trying to stay calm. “I’m still the same old Luna. No changes to report here.” I laughed, but it came out awkward and hollow.
Mrs. Lorry gave me a strange look. “Well, whatever the reason, you keep it up. All right?”
I nodded, wanting desperately to run out of the room. As if reading my mind, she moved aside to let me pass. “You better get on to your next class, Luna; I understand that Mr. Egan isn’t so forgiving.”
Not needing any further invitation, I hoisted my bag on my back and made a beeline for the door, the sound of Mrs. Lorry’s soft chuckle floating behind me. Apparently, my weird behavior was amusing.
If only she knew how dire my predicament really was. I’d become entangled in a web of deceit so thick I was unable to claw my way out.
But I would never give up.
No one could know about the real me.
Ever.
Chapter 14
No one knew where I’d gone. I got an awful tightening in my chest, just thinking about being caught.
That was not an option today.
I slid down further into my seat at the front of the library, as if that would help. I sat close to the big bay windows that provided a view of the park across the street. It was a highly unusual common, with the oddest gardens I’d ever seen. Rather than random trees dotting the landscape, the saplings had been placed symmetrically in these strange, square configurations, each identical to the other and perfectly spaced. Simple white daisies coated the perimeter of the area, all the same size and height, as if they dared not be different. You would expect I would find the clean lines pleasing. Instead, the whole thing creeped me out. The work of some gardener’s hands had twisted and forced this odd garden into something it was never meant to be. Just like me.
Not wanting to look at it a moment longer, I turned away and glanced around the oversized room. Only a couple of people milled about—an elderly man hunched over his cane, and a young schoolgirl with a uniform similar to my own. She seemed intent on her task of reorganizing the bookshelves in the far corner and hadn’t noticed my penetrating gaze. There was no sign of Zander from this viewpoint. I’d already waited about fifteen minutes and didn’t dare push my luck much further. I considered asking the girl if Zander was working today, but decided against it. No reason to bring unwarranted attention.
I’d better head home, I mused. But failed to make a move. I needed a bit longer to get my bearings before I headed back. I had to act a part, and I wanted somewhere to think for a minute without being examined like an amoeba. A stellar performance would be required, and I was willing to risk the extra time.
I pulled out my tablet, set to do some Calculus problems. I’d discovered Math was my favorite subject. I hoped solving a few of these equations might settle my nerves. Thanks to Luna of P8’s smarts and memories, it was an enjoyable task.
Within minutes I was engrossed in my work, until someone sat down beside me, making me jolt. I looked up to see who it was.
“Zander.”
“Hi Luna,” he said smiling, his crystal blue eyes warm and friendly.
“Hi, I didn’t realize you were working today.”
I groaned inwardly. That had to be about the lamest thing I could have said.
“Yeah, I’m not on the schedule, but I was walking by and spotted you through the window.” He gestured to the clear glass pane in front of us. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone come to the library as often as you.”
My eyes widened in alarm and I gripped the underside of the table. “What do you mean Zander?” I whispered. “Does nobody else hang out here? Am I weird for—”
He placed a finger over my lips to shush me, and despite my trepidation, my heart skipped a beat at his touch. He dropped his hand, and cast a quick glance over his shoulder as if he was checking for someone. It gave me a moment to catch my breath. I sat up straighter, his contact meant nothing. It was just a fluke. Adrenaline.
Zander turned back to me. Momentary relief flashed across his face. “It’s all right. I won’t say anything, I promise.” Had he been worried we might be watched?
I nodded; appeased, but still confused. “So why is it bad?” I whispered, not daring to risk anyone overhearing me.
He ignored my query, jumping into a completely different topic, throwing me off guard. “So, are you new here?”
I looked at him, my mouth turning dry. What was he talking about? He’d asked me that last time we met. Had he forgotten? No, I doubted it. He didn’t seem the type. True, I hadn’t answered his question the first go round, but something else had to be going on, as if he wanted me to pay particular attention. But to what? The way he’d articulated it, seemed strange, as if he was trying to convey a message.
I rubbed my sweaty palms down my pant legs. I wasn’t sure what to say. Dare I trust him? There were too many missing pieces. Yet I ached to tell him. The chemistry between us felt electric, but also murky and muddled.
Plus, I’d learned a long time ago, the only person to really rely on was yourself.
“Look, Luna, you don’t have to answer that question. It’s none of my business. I just wanted to get to know you better.”
“Why?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.
He grinned then, his beautiful smile filling his face. “Because you’re pretty and a nice girl. I can tell.”
My cheeks flushed, and I looked away to hide my discomfort.
“I’m putting my foot in it today, aren’t I? I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I’m sorry.”
He stared down at the floor for a moment, composing himself. After a minute, he surprised me and looked up, staring me straight in the eye as if begging me to read what was on his mind.
The intensity of his gaze almost willed me to uncover what lay hidden behind those deep blue pools.
I furrowed my eyebrows, studying him. I had no memories of him to go on, so everything had to be based on gut instinct.
“Luna, it’s clear we have a lot in common. And I don’t know about you, but I’d like a friend. What do you say we meet outside these library walls for a change? How about dinner tomorrow night?”
I wasn’t sure I should answer yes. I mean, what intel did I have on this guy anyway? I was supposed to be flying under the radar. But perhaps Zander might be the perfect cover. The old Luna liked to party. So it would make sense for her to go on a date. How hard could it be? Besides, he hadn’t even called it that. He wanted to be friends.
Either way. I needed answers, and I had a feeling this guy was privy to a lot more than he was admitting.
“I’ll have to check with my parents, but I’m sure it will be fine,” I breathed.
Zander smiled again. “Great. Here’s my number. Call me later,” he said, scribbling it down on my scrap of math paper. Then he got up and was out the door, before I had a chance to ask him anything.
I sat there, puzzled. It seemed obvious he wanted to tell me something, but was afraid someone might overhear. But if that was the case, wouldn’t there be people in the restaurant who would listen to our conversation, too?
I sighed, packing up my things. There were too many secrets in this place. As I descended the steps out onto the street, I cast a look around, hoping to see Zander, but there was no sign of him anywhere.
Not knowing what else to do, I headed home. Ready to face the music.
I tried not to reflect on Zander during dinner. My parents might sense my unease—especially after the visit from the agent and the dire warning he’d given before he left.
Mom cooked lasagna, which I’d never tasted before. Talk about heaven, it served its purpose in helping me to forget my problems. All the pasta, cheese, and sauce melted on my tongue like liquid butter and I did my best not to inhale it all at once. I made sure I ate slowly and deliberately, even though part of me longed to lick my plate. After I’d devoured the last morsel I looked up to find Mom and Dad staring at me. “What?” I said my mouth still full.
“Do I have sauce on my face?”
Mom grimaced. “Don’t talk with your mouth full Luna, it isn’t ladylike.”
Heat burned my cheeks, the delicious flavors turning to sawdust in my mouth. I swallowed quickly. “Sorry,” I mumbled.
Mom patted my hand across the table. “It’s all right, dear, just remember in the future.”
Embarrassed, I picked up my water glass and took a sip.
Dad cleared his throat. “Luna, we want to talk to you about something.”
I put down my cup and stared at him. Oh my God. They’d found me out. The government agents were coming for me. I started to stand up, ready to run, but Dad’s stern voice rocked me from my panic.
“Sit down, Luna.”
Not having any real choice, I plopped back down on the seat, my legs two pieces of wobbling Jello.
Dad sighed. “You realize we want what’s best for you, right, Luna Bell?”
“Yes,” I said my words barely above a whisper.
“Well, last night you worried us with your strange behavior around the agent. You seemed convinced that we were hiding something from you. We managed to smooth it over, but Luna, you need to be more careful.”
“Careful of what?” I demanded, temper flaring. It was time for Dad to tell me the truth.
Mom intervened. “Careful of how you conduct yourself. We just want the agents to see the same wonderful girl we do. However, we expect you to be on your best behavior. Those government checks are completely normal, nothing to be concerned about. They’re scheduled. You know that. What your father and I found to be more alarming is that you appear to have no recollection of ever having one.”
Mom and Dad stared at me intently, and the blood drained from my face. My stomach clenched into a knot. This wasn’t happening. I had to get a grip on myself before I fell apart. I straightened up in the chair, determined to convince them I was fine.
“Luna Bell? Don’t you have anything to say?” Dad prodded, his kind blue eyes gently encouraging me to speak.
I clasped my hands tightly under the table and dove in. “I remember the sweeps, I guess I just expected I was getting too old for that sort of thing. Besides, I believed I had a right to my own results. But I understand there are rules in place for a reason,” I added hastily. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I suppose I’ve been a little out of sorts since my breakup with Orion.”
The fear in their eyes evaporated into instant understanding.
“Of course you are, dear,” Mom crooned putting a hand on my hair. “Heartbreak is difficult to navigate. If you ever want to talk, I’m always here for you.”
“That goes for me, too,” Dad said gruffly, patting my shoulder.
I smiled at them. “Thanks.”
“Now that’s settled, how about some dessert?” Mom rose from the table, reaching for the dirty dishes as she did so. “I’ve made us all some apple pie. I picked the apples myself just this afternoon.”
“It sounds great Mom.”
She beamed at me as she carried the plates to the sink. “Would you like vanilla ice cream with that?” she asked brightly as she bustled over to the stove, all her fears erased. She pulled out the dessert warming in the oven.
“Yes please,” Dad and I both chorused in unison and we laughed, breaking some of the tension.
“I’ll get the ice cream, honey,” Dad said still chortling. He rose from the table and headed for the freezer.
I sat there quietly for a minute. So far I’d been able to convince my parents everything was fine, but how long could I keep it up? Would anyone else believe my little charade? I hoped Zander would have some answers for me when I saw him. One thing had become strikingly clear.
Mom and Dad were lying to me.
Chapter 15
The doorbell rang, and I practically ran down the stairs to answer it. I didn’t want my dad to get there before me and start peppering Zander with a million questions. The last thing I needed was Zander in my parents’ crosshairs. There was no telling how long he would be interrogated if that happened. A bubble of excitement welled up in me. My first real date. I couldn’t help but grin.
I opened the door and Zander stood there looking really hot in a black denim jacket, navy sweater, and dark jeans. He held a bouquet of violets in his hand. Our eyes met, and I noticed a new determination behind those crystal blue lenses.
“Hi Luna. These are for you. I saw them at the market today and they made me think of you. They’re usually hard to find. I guess it’s your lucky day. Well, if you like violets, that is,” he said awkwardly, shuffling his feet.
I hesitated. I loved violets. How did he know? I took a deep breath, probably just a crazy coincidence. I had to stop being suspicious of everything or I would go bananas.
“Thank you, they’re beautiful,” I finally blurted taking them from his outstretched hands. They reminded me of the small purple blossoms that scattered the hillsides in spring back on Nova. They were always a ray of hope after the long bleak winter. Every year, I would escape to the meadow near my house, and lie down amongst them. As I drank in their scent, I would try to imagine a world free from hunger and pain. It felt ironic to me I now lived in such a place and yet still didn’t feel safe.
Before I could say anything else, Dad showed up like a bad penny. He wedged himself in the doorway between me and Zander, and I stepped aside to avoid being trampled on.
“You must be Zander,” Dad boomed. “I’m Luna’s father, Mr. Redwood.” He extended his hand toward him. I noticed Zander didn’t shy away from Dad’s forceful introduction but stood straighter, meeting him in the eye. It was weird for me to have a parent be so protective. Half of me liked it, and the other half resented it. I wanted to remain independent; but I also enjoyed having the caring concern of a dad, a novel experience for me.
It didn’t matter, anyway. I reminded myself that none of this role-playing was as it appeared on the surface. Zander’s clear, strong voice interrupted my thoughts.
“It’s lovely to meet you, sir. I’ve come to take Luna to dinner. With your permission, that is.”
Dad nodded as if considering. “Yes, Luna mentioned it to us. And as long as you pass the introduction test that will be quite acceptable.”
Zander paled. “Introduction test? I don’t think…” His voice trailed off.
Dad roared with laughter, clapping him on the back. “Not to worry, son, I’m sure you’ll do fine. Please, come in and meet Luna’s mother. She’s chomping at the bit to be introduced to you.”
“Dad,” I said, embarrassed.
Too late. Dad had practically hauled Zander inside. I sighed. Would we ever get out of here?
As if on cue, Mom bustled forward, her smile warm, but her demeanor cautious and assessing.
“Hello, you must be Zander. I’m Patricia; it’s lovely to meet you. Don’t mind Martin, he’s a terrible tease.” Mom’s eyes were soft, not as overprotective as Dad’s. Still, I could see beneath her easy going demeanor she was evaluating him. I’m sure Zander hadn’t missed it either, but he didn’t show it.
“The pleasure is mine,” Zander replied smoothly, like he practiced sweet-talking parents all the time.
“Look,” I blurted out impatiently. “We’d better go. I promise I’ll be back before curfew.”
That was another new concept I had to get used to. Having a curfew. It seemed ludicrous, considering I’d always taken care of myself. I didn’t need a clock to tell me when I should arrive home. But still while I was here, I needed to play along.
“Well, you kids have a good time,” Dad said gruffly. “Take care of my girl, Zander, or you’ll be hearing from me.”
My heart gave a little flutter at the warm sound of Dad calling me ‘my girl’, but I quickly admonished myself. None of this really rang true, it was imperative I remember that. He loved a daughter that didn’t truly exist.
“Yes sir. I promise.”
“Good. Well, I’ll let you kids get a move on.”
I
handed my flowers to Mom. “Would you mind putting these in water for me?”
“Of course, my dear.” She took the bouquet and smiled affectionately at me.
I had to get out of here. This whole fake scenario, suffocated me. I grabbed my coat off the peg and shoved it on as I kissed Mom and Dad on the cheek. After that, I practically sprinted for the door.
Zander followed at a more casual pace, making polite goodbyes to my parents. We met up at the end of the driveway.
“Sorry about them,” I said.
“Nothing to be sorry about. It’s nice they care so much for you.”
“Yeah, something like that,” I muttered.
“Come on, I bet you’re hungry. I know I am. Let’s go eat.”
I agreed, and we set off, heading toward downtown. The full moon lit up our path and I looked up at the bright stars blanketing the night sky. I drew in a deep breath and counted as high as possible in an effort to quell my frayed nerves, stuffing my hands in my coat pocket at the same time, hoping Zander wouldn’t notice how twitchy they were. It took all my resolve not to ask him all my questions right out of the gate. I didn’t want to spook him. He might be the only person who could give me the answers I needed.
We walked along in silence, each lost in our own thoughts, but pretty soon Zander started talking. He seemed nervous too, like he needed to fill the void with endless chatter.
“So, do you want to go to Bob’s Diner? Have you ever been there before?”
“I’ve never been anywhere before,” I blurted out. Oh crap. What did I just say?
Zander raised his eyebrows. “You’ve never eaten out?”
I laughed it off casually. “Sure I have. That came out wrong. I meant to say I’ve never been to a diner before.” Technically, I’d stolen other people’s take out. That counted as dining out, right?
I wasn’t sure he believed me, but he let it drop all the same.
“What about you? Have you been to this place before?”
Zander grinned, probably more to put me at ease, than anything else. “Tons of times. I’m practically a regular. Once you try their fries, you’ll be addicted. I apologize in advance for that.”
Cage of Glass (Cage of Glass Trilogy Book 1) Page 9
