Aligned

by Jaci Wheeler

  “Good morning, Rosaline. My name is Cynthia Wright. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “I wasn’t aware I had a choice in the matter.”

  She smiles widely at my comment. “Not exactly, although it’s nice not to have to hunt you down. Let’s cut right to the chase, Roz. I’m here for several reasons. The first is for your sake. You have a difficult, stressful, and demanding job. You need someone in whom you can completely confide. I have full clearance and have signed many confidentiality agreements. Anything you tell me will not leave this room.”

  “The second reason is I’m here on behalf of the Council and the country. It is my job to make sure the stress of the job isn’t getting to you and if I do see any signs of the job becoming too much, or anything else for that matter, I am mandated to report it to the Council. So you know, nothing you say will ever be repeated to them, but they will be told if I think it’s best you step down from your job. Do you understand?”

  I find her honesty refreshing and I love knowing exactly where I stand with people and what to expect.

  “Perfectly. Thank you for being up front with me.”

  “I will always be honest and up front with you, and all I ask is that you do the same. It’s all right to be stressed and overwhelmed. It is my job to try to help you through it and find an appropriate course of action. Also, the Council wanted you to know that they are all seeing me as well. They wouldn’t ask this of you if they weren’t also willing to do this themselves. Everything they say will also be confidential and not shared, unless they grant me permission to do so.”

  “So how does this work exactly? Do you ask me questions? Do I talk to you about my problems? I’ve never been to a therapist before so I’m not sure what is required of me.”

  “Honesty is the only thing I require,” Dr. Wright says warmly. “If you don’t feel like talking about a certain subject I will be fine with moving on for that session, but only if you are honest about why. Other than that, I will be asking questions and you can also freely talk. I want this to be an open space where you are comfortable bringing anything and everything to me. If the Council has any concerns of how something might specifically affect you, they will inform me and I will most likely bring it up at some point. Know that it isn’t them tattling or spying on you, it is just a concern. They feel greatly responsible for the way things went badly with the last president and they want to make sure they stay on top of things in the future.”

  That makes perfect sense and, in a way, I think it’d be nice to finally have someone to completely open up to and get a fresh perspective. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.

  “Do you have any questions for me?”

  “None that I can think of right now.”

  “Wonderful, so let’s start. I’d like to get to know you a little bit, find out how you are handling everything, see where you stand on a few issues, and we can dig deeper next time. I will set up routine visits, and also know you are free to come see me anytime; just check with my assistant to make sure I’m not in session.”

  “That’s very nice of you, thank you. I’m surprised it took the Council a whole year to get this started. I assumed it would happen right away.”

  “Yes, well it was a long process to pick me specifically. There were several of us tested, and re-tested, and interviewed. It was a long and tedious process, and once I was chosen and cleared, I had to be briefed on you and all of the Council members. I had to learn each of your files and also be notified about everything going on at the Ministry. Now that I am up to speed, it will be routine.”

  I can’t do much but stare back at her. I am surprised she is being so honest with me. It’s the first time since I’ve been in the Ministry that someone has openly told me they read my file and researched everything about me. Most people skim over the fact they are invading your privacy.

  “You look shocked. Are you all right?”

  “Oh yes, sorry. I must admit I am a bit shocked,” I say with a nervous laugh. “I wasn’t expecting you to be so open with me since most people pretend like they aren’t invading my private life.”

  “I think we will get along perfectly fine, Roz. I told you I would be completely truthful and honest with you as long as you are the same. I can’t imagine living under a microscope like you have to. It must be frustrating, even more so when people pretend it isn’t happening.”

  “That’s it exactly.”

  “I promise no pretending on my part. So…how are you fitting in at the Ministry?”

  “I’m doing pretty well. It was a hard transition. I think the hardest part is trying to make changes without making too many waves. Sometimes I feel as though I was set up by the Council, but for the most part I think they back me.”

  “Set up? How?” Dr. Wright asks, looking interested.

  “Honestly, it’s hard to explain. They bring me in because they want a young, fresh, new look, they want someone who thinks out of the box, and feels for people, so they say anyway. Then as soon as I start taking action and making changes because I feel for people, they put up roadblocks and question my every move.”

  “I see how that can be frustrating. I guess it’s that ‘grass is always greener’ thing.”

  I smile. I really do like Cynthia. “I suppose you’re right. And now that Dex is on the Council it has changed the dynamic entirely.”

  “Dexter Vaughn?”

  “Yes, one and the same.”

  “I could pretend I don’t know what you are referencing and have you tell me, but Dex has already been in to see me, so from his perspective at least I know a bit of your history. Does that make it hard for you now that he is a Council member?”

  “I don’t know if hard is the right word. In some ways he has made it easier. He’s been able to get the Council to understand better than I can. For not knowing me well he also seems to know exactly what I need and want to say, and tends to get them to understand in a way I can’t. I guess the hardest thing is living together as roommates and then having a completely different relationship as president and Council member. I think sometimes it’s hard not to find the line blurry.”

  “I understand. Do you feel like it would be better if he didn’t live with you?”

  “If it were only Dex and I, yes, it would be much easier. However, the best thing for his sister is to be where they are. I knew it would be hard to separate the two worlds when he moved in, although I also knew it would be best for that little girl, so it has been completely worth it.”

  “I see. So you have a fondness for little Grace. I’ve seen her around a few times. She sure is adorable.”

  I can’t hide the smile and maybe even pride in that fact. Even though she isn’t mine, sometimes it feels as though she is.

  “She sure is. I’m so proud of her for how well she’s been doing lately.”

  “According to Dex you are a big part of that.” I raise my eyebrow at her because I didn’t think she was allowed to mention other clients.

  “He told me it was fine to share certain things with you,” she explains at my questioning look.

  “Oh, I see. Well I don’t give you permission to share my thoughts with him,” I say, smiling, but completely serious.

  “I understand. I don’t think he was expecting it. He told me you have taken on the mother role with Grace, and where she is concerned I am free to share.”

  “That was sweet of him. To be honest, I easily forget she isn’t mine.”

  “I don’t think that is a problem, do you?”

  “I’m not sure. Most of the time I don’t think it is, though sometimes I catch myself wondering how this little dysfunctional family is really going to work. I mean, she’s nearly six now, and still so young that it doesn’t seem abnormal to have her brother and three friends—me, Wes, and Molly—raising her. What happens once she realizes she should have a mom and dad like other kids? And what happens when she expects Dex and I to get married and be her family?”

 
; Crap, I didn’t mean to say that last part, although now that I’ve opened my big mouth I know she is going to zero right in on that topic.

  “Is that what you want, to get married and be her family?”

  I knew it, stupid mouth! I put my face in my hands. Dex is a topic I want completely off limits. Then again, maybe I can use a fresh perspective.

  “I’d be lying if I said no. I also know he isn’t ready for a relationship right now. I’m young, but I know when you bring hurt into a relationship, just because you’re happy now doesn’t mean that old hurt goes away. It wouldn’t be right for us to move on before he is ready, and Grace would only end up being hurt by that.”

  Cynthia studies me for a minute before an impressed smile breaks out on her face.

  “You surprise me, Roz. I read you were very mature for your age. I’ve dealt with many people twice your age who haven’t figured that out yet. Most people, especially people who are hurting, tend to forget the pain when they enter a new relationship. The euphoria outshines the pain for a while. They think they are fine and have moved on until something triggers that pain and hurt, then they feel it all over again and tend to blame their partner for not being able to take the hurt away. That’s usually when the phrase ‘I’m not in love with you anymore’ pops up. People misread that happy euphoric feeling of a new relationship for love.”

  That is exactly how I feel as well. I do think there is something between Dex and I, but I’ve seen his moods switch back and forth so easily, I know he isn’t ready to move on. We were perfect in the O.C., but once we came back here he couldn’t make up his mind what he wanted.

  “That’s exactly how I feel. I know love has its highs, but it also has its lows. My parents are extremely in love, and that’s exactly the kind of love I want. I want someone who will take care of me when I’m sick, put up with my bad moods, and make me strive to be a better person. While I do think Dex might be that person, at the same time I know he will never be able to move on until he puts his past to rest. I know I will only get crushed in the process if we rush it.”

  “That’s wise of you, Roz.”

  “I’m not sure if he sees it that way. What if he’s never ready?”

  “He will be. It takes time to move on from past hurts. He might not be ready to open up today, or to be fully healed, but eventually with time and hard work he will be. If you’re willing to wait he’ll be ready.”

  “I’m only seventeen. I can wait. I know a lot of girls my age are engaged or married but I have so much on my plate right now, a relationship is the last thing I need to worry about.”

  Since we get our jobs so young, we tend to mature at a faster rate than children in most countries. A lot of girls are in serious relationships and engaged or married by eighteen. It isn’t uncommon to get married right out of university and start having kids. As much as I always wanted that for myself, now that I’m at that age, I’m perfectly fine waiting. Molly never wanted that family lifestyle, so we got along perfect when all our friends had steady boyfriends. I never wanted a boyfriend really, and Molly could never settle for just one.

  “Thank you for your insight, Cynthia, I really appreciate it.”

  “That’s what I’m here for. How are you dealing with the loss of your little friend?”

  Just thinking R.J.’s name hurt. It isn’t a subject I am ready to talk about yet. My eyes fill with tears and I shake my head.

  “I understand. It’s a tough subject and one we can revisit at a later date.”

  I am grateful she drops it so quickly.

  “I think I’m comfortable ending the session here if you are, Roz. I wanted to get a feel for things, and have you get to know me. I’d be happy to meet with you again anytime you want. Your next scheduled visit is for the day after you make your announcement.” She smiles with a twinkle in her eye.

  “Of course it is.” I hug her and leave, feeling lighter than I did going in.

  CHAPTER NINE

  I make it to the Agriculture Department with only a few moments to spare. A tiny man only a few inches taller than me with curly brown hair meets me at the door.

  “President Thatcher, thank you so much for stopping by today. I’m Max Coldwell.”

  I smile at him. He is sweet and a little hyper, if I remember him right from the dinner at my house.

  “Yes, Mr. Coldwell, it’s nice to see you again.”

  He beams up at me in admiration for remembering who he was. “Wonderful. Let’s get started shall we? There is so much to show you and so little time. Come, come this way.”

  The man is a huge ball of nervous energy. He seems like a nice person, but he could drive Molly to exhaustion, and that’s saying something.

  For having short legs he sure does move fast, and I am out of breath trying to keep up with him. The department itself is massive. It gives the Career Department a run for its money. There aren’t cubicles or monitors at stations. The main room is a wide open space with a large map across one wall. I can tell it is the hologram type when I see the empty map of the Zones. Max sees my interest and comes over to me.

  “I see you found our Zone map. This is of utmost importance to us and holds all the information we need, which is why it’s password and scan protected.”

  I step out of the way so he can scan in and type in his password. Instantly, the blue glow of the hologram comes to life on the map. The Zones are broken down based on color, and each Zone is glowing a different color.

  “Can you explain the colors to me?”

  “All of our Zones are color coordinated based on food production. You will see the map goes from least to greatest, and also cold to warm.”

  The map is amazing and so intricate. Not only are each of the Zones broken down by color, but when he taps the screen once the high and low temps pop up. When he taps it again, a list of what that Zone produces also appears on the screen.

  “As you can see, we start with the white Zone, which is our coldest Zone and located in the mountains. It gets the most snow and rain and it’s very difficult to grow any fruit at all.”

  “Next you have the blue Zone toward the coast. It’s not as cold here and doesn’t have extreme frost, although because of the moisture it’s hard to grow anything due to fungi.”

  “Moving to the green Zone, you can see that it is a much better environment to grow fruit. There is less rain, more heat, and it’s perfect for fruit that blooms early in the spring. As you can see from the chart, apricots, pears, and plums grow well here.”

  “The orange Zone is next, and this happens to be the most versatile. Heat is at its highest for the region and rainfall the lowest. Fruit that takes longer to ripen is grown here.”

  “The yellow Zone is perfect in the summer heat for fruit such as cherries, apples, peaches, and others that need heat to ripen.”

  “Heading toward the red Zone, you start to see more versatility and variety: artichokes, broccoli, celery, kiwi, garlic, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, lemons, and wheat. You really have a good variety of both fruits and vegetables.”

  To me, this is the perfect place to put one of the compounds.

  “So in your opinion, would this be a good place for people who are trying to be self-sufficient?”

  He smiles widely at my question and looks around to make sure we’re alone.

  “Yes, I think this would be a great location for one of your compounds. We would still have plenty of food for the Zones, and they would be provided with sufficient nutrients and food sources in this area. I have already mapped out a few areas I think might be of interest to you,” he says with a knowing smirk.

  “Max, I think I love you! If all of the department heads made my life this easy I’m not sure what I would do.”

  He soaks up my praise and appears to have grown a few inches.

  “Thank you, Miss President, that means a lot.”

  “Please, call me Roz.”

  “Thank you, Roz. Going back to the diagram, the brown Zone here is wher
e you will find beef, hay, onions, and potatoes. I think if you put a compound between the orange and brown Zones they would be set.”

  “That sounds perfect to me. Now this Zone I see here is the biggest; what can you tell me about this purple Zone?”

  “You are right, it is the biggest. The purple Zone is where the majority of our food supply comes from as it produces the most variety: nuts, olives, grapes, artichokes, milk, fruit, cows, it has a little of everything. I think you can get another two compounds to fit within this area nicely. You might have a fight on your hands, though, since that’s where the majority of our food supply comes from.”

  “What is this along here?” I ask, pointing to an area bordering most of the Zones on the outskirts.

  “This is where you find crabs, clams, salmon, rabbits, deer, elk, bear, and water fowl. We don’t count these in our weekly reports for harvest. The hunters always bring in massive amounts and there seems to be plenty. These would also be great areas to put compounds although it tends to be colder, especially during winter.”

  “Now that you understand the breakdown of our food sources, how about I show you one of my favorite places, our hydroponics lab?” Max looks giddy at the idea of going there.

  “Sure, I’ll follow you.”

  And he’s off, heading down a long corridor until he reaches a secure area which he scans us into and leads us to another large room.

  “Hydroponics is an extremely valuable way to grow crops. You don’t need soil at all. You use mineral nutrient solutions to grow everything. We have grown and developed all types of things right here in our lab: food, medicines, you name it. We have already expanded twice and will be looking to do so again in the future.”

  It is cool, but I find myself having a hard time getting overly excited about it.

  “Next I will take you outside and show you our greenhouses.” I follow Max outside and as far as the eye can see there are rows of greenhouses.

  “These simulate the tropical heat and humidity. In order to grow coffee, sugar cane, and other things that use the tropic heat to grow we have to simulate the weather.”