by Lizzie Rose
‘I’m fine, thank you,’ I replied curtly.
‘We’ve all been so worried.’
‘Really?’ My voice dripped with sarcasm.
‘You just disappeared.’ She glanced over at Noah who was staring at me, his eyes narrowed. ‘We didn’t know where to find you.’
‘Did you even look?’
‘We tried.’
‘Well you didn’t try very hard, did you?’ I spat.
‘Now just a minute . . .’ Noah stepped forward. From nowhere Drew appeared, blocking Noah, his expression deadly. Noah eyed him warily. ‘It’s not Beth’s fault. You can’t speak to her like that.’
‘Well, that’s easily remedied. Goodbye.’
‘Ava, please!’ Beth’s voice quivered as she spoke. ‘Please come back. I miss you. We miss you.’
I caught Oscar’s eye briefly before he dropped his gaze to the floor.
‘I’m happy where I am, thanks.’
‘What’s happened to you?’ Noah looked me up and down in disgust. ‘You’ve only been with the Parasites a few months and already you look just like them. Are they brainwashing you or something?’
I snorted with laughter. ‘Brainwashing me? You’re actually being serious, aren’t you?’
‘It’s not worth it. She’s walked away.’
Fury ripped through me as I rounded on Oscar. ‘I did not walk away from anything. You walked away from me. You left me behind. You let them take me to prison and you didn’t come to find me,’ I snarled, ignoring his look of alarm. ‘I complicate things for you, remember? Well this is me un-complicating things for you, Oscar. You don’t have to worry about me any more – any of you. I’m happy now so just leave me alone.’
‘Come on, Miss Ava,’ Frank wrapped his arm around my waist and guided me across the road to the car, which had its engine running. Naomi and Drew were already inside. Frank bundled me in through the back door, then ran around to the passenger side and climbed in himself. Drew put his foot down on the accelerator and the car shot forwards, tyres squealing.
*
The rest of the afternoon was spent hiding in my pod, curled up in bed. By dinner time I’d had enough of feeling sorry for myself and, although I really wasn’t hungry, I decided to go and make an effort to be sociable anyway.
The first thing that struck me was that there was no queue. There were plenty of people around, though, standing in little groups and talking quietly.
‘It’s just shocking. Does Naomi know?’
‘They told her when she got back from town. She’s been in with him ever since.’
‘Do we know if he’s badly hurt?’
‘Just that the nurses are in with him.’
I cleared my throat. ‘Who are you talking about?’
They glanced at each other nervously. I re-ran their conversation in my head. ‘Is it Simeon? Is he ok?’
Their expression told me that my guess was correct. Leaving them staring after me, I raced to the office. Simeon was sitting in his chair, his head resting in his hand. Naomi crouched beside him, looking up at him with concern. He glanced up and saw me hovering in the doorway.
‘It’s ok, Ava,’ he called, ‘come in.’
Naomi stood, nodded briefly to me, then left the room.
‘What happened?’ I sat down in my usual chair and watched as a blonde-haired woman examined a bloody wound on the side of Simeon’s head.
‘I’m sorry,’ he smiled weakly. ‘I was hoping that you wouldn’t find out about this. I didn’t want to worry you.’
‘Find out about what?’
He reached down and picked something up off the floor. My jaw popped open as he handed me the bag my mother had given me.
‘I went to arrange for your guardianship to be transferred and I’m afraid your previous guardians weren’t very happy about it.’
My stomach tied itself in a tight knot. ‘How did you get hurt?’
‘Well, Brock went to retrieve the bag but when I mentioned the guardianship he became angry. We got into an argument, and as I turned to walk away he attacked me.’
‘He did what?’
‘Well one of them did. There were a few of them present. All I know is that something very hard hit me on the head. I give you my word that I did nothing to provoke them,’ he told me gravely. ‘In fact, I was trying to keep things calm. I’m not an aggressive person, Ava.’
‘I didn’t think Brock was either. It just goes to show how wrong you can be about a person. I’m so sorry, Simeon.’
‘What on earth for?’
‘It’s my fault you got hurt. No matter where I go I seem to cause chaos.’ My lip trembled.
‘None of this is your fault. You fell in with the wrong crowd, that’s all. Naomi told me about your experience in town today.’
‘I thought they were my friends.’
‘True friends don’t abandon each other. You have my word that we’ll never abandon you, no matter what. You don’t belong with them. You belong here.’
‘I know,’ I smiled. ‘Paradise is the future, right?’
His eyes lit up and he laughed loudly. ‘Absolutely, it is. I’m so glad you’re here, Ava. You’re a very special girl indeed.’
*
By the time I entered the dining room for breakfast the next day, calm had been restored. Walking straight to the front of the queue, I picked out some buttered crumpets and wandered over to my usual seat. Gracie joined me shortly afterwards but didn’t speak. Instead, she sat stirring her cup of coffee constantly, absorbed in her thoughts. The sound of the spoon scraping against the china irritated me.
‘Is everything all right?’
‘Not really,’ she replied morosely.
‘What’s the matter?’
She exhaled slowly, staring at her cup. ‘They’ve put me on one of the building crews.’
‘Is that a problem?’
‘Yes, because I have absolutely no experience of building whatsoever,’ she snapped.
‘I’m sure they’ll be able to find something else for you to do. You’re lucky you know, I wanted to help but they wouldn’t let me.’
She snorted into her coffee. ‘Yeah, right. As if they’d let you get your hands dirty.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Nothing, nothing,’ she said quickly, ‘don’t worry about it.’
‘Fine.’ I stood and grabbed my plate. ‘Well, if you don’t mind I’m going to go find something to do. I for one don’t mind helping the community out.’
‘No, don’t go.’ Suddenly she looked vulnerable. ‘I’m sorry, it’s just I’m really not good with heights. I don’t understand why they picked me when there are lots of people who would do a better job. I wouldn’t mind helping in other ways though.’
‘Well, why don’t you talk to someone about it? Look, Linda’s on her way over here right now.’
‘No!’ her eyes widened in panic. ‘Please, don’t say anything. I’ll be ok, I’m just having a bad day.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m sure, thanks. Look, I’ll catch up with you later, ok?’ She stood up and rushed away, just as Linda reached our table.
‘Is everything ok?’
‘I think so,’ I replied, smiling.
‘That’s good, because I’ve got some very exciting news for you!’
She dragged me out into the corridor and headed towards Simeon’s office, but before we got there she ushered me into a small side room.
‘I’m sorry to be so cloak and dagger, but we’re trying to keep this quiet for the time being.’ She bounced up and down on the spot, wringing her hands and grinning from ear to ear. ‘Nicholas has come back early!’
‘He has?’
‘Yes! He’s in Simeon’s office, right now. He wants to spend some time with you before the others know he’s back.’
‘Really? That’s kind of him.’
‘That’s the sort of person he is. Ok, are you ready? Come on then!’ She grabbed my hand and pulled me along behin
d her, racing down the rest of the corridor until we reached the office door. She gestured for me to enter, then turned and walked back the way we’d just come.
Nicholas was sitting in Simeon’s chair. He was alone in the office, which for once was dark and gloomy. Despite it being quite warm outside, the log fire was burning fiercely in the fireplace and the curtains were drawn. He was sitting so still and quiet that I thought for a moment he was asleep. It was only when I sat down on the edge of the chair opposite that he stirred. His face was quite handsome with thick eyebrows, a long straight nose and full lips. His hair was thick, dark and wiry. I couldn’t tell what colour his eyes were, however, as they were hidden behind thick, dark sunglasses.
‘Hello, Ava.’ He was well spoken and each word was clearly articulated. ‘I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. My name is Nicholas and I’m the founder of Paradise Community.’
‘Hi,’ I replied, unable to think of anything better to say.
‘How are you feeling?’
‘I’m fine, thank you.’
‘Good. Simeon has told me that you’re fitting in very well and are an asset to our community.’
‘That’s very kind of him. Everyone has been really nice.’
‘Wonderful.’ His lips pressed into a thin line, which I took to be a smile. ‘You’ll have to forgive me, I have difficulties with light and have to wear these glasses all the time to protect my eyes. I also feel the cold easily.’ He gestured to the fire.
‘It’s not a problem,’ I replied, ‘I like the warmth too.’
Shifting in his chair, he stared at the fish tank for a moment. ‘Ava, I have returned early because I need to speak to you about something of the utmost importance. I have asked Simeon and Naomi to travel in my place so that I can spend some time getting to know you and bringing you up to speed with what’s happening. You see, things are changing on the outside and not for the better. I have spent a lot of time travelling around the country, looking for opportunities to spread the news of our ways in the hope of encouraging others to embrace a peaceful existence. The problem is that people are scared. The Unexplainables are growing in number and strength all the time. Incidents of them losing control of their powers are increasing and the hospitals are full of innocent Standards who have, in some cases, been seriously wounded. There have even been deaths. Yet at the same time they have been fed lies about my work. The people who follow me have been labelled “parasites” and “brainwashers”. The Standards are stuck in the middle, unsure which way to turn.’
‘Can’t the security people step in?’ I asked.
‘They’ve tried, but they’re losing control. The Unexplainables are no longer afraid of them and this is causing panic in their ranks. As you found out for yourself, they are making mistakes. Placing a young person inside a maximum security prison for a minor offence is just one example of the mess they’ve made.’
‘But how can I help?’ I asked. ‘I’m a Nex after all.’
‘Oh no, you are not,’ he replied, ‘you are something else entirely. Don’t you see that?’
‘Not really. The only difference I’ve seen is that I have more powers than the others.’
‘Exactly. And that sets you apart immediately. There are no other beings with multiple powers. You are one of a kind and your powers may well be stronger than all the Unexplainables on this planet put together.’
‘But surely that makes me more of a risk?’
‘Quite the opposite. You have given us hope.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. You see, unless things change dramatically, we’re heading for a major crisis. We need order, security and a strong leader. All of which you can give us.’
‘Me?’ I gaped at him. ‘Are you serious?’
‘Yes, very,’ he replied. ‘You’re the only one who has the strength and power to do it. We need you to take your rightful place as leader of our society, for all our sakes.’
My head was spinning and the heat from the fire was making me feel drowsy. ‘What would it entail?’ I asked.
‘Well, at the moment there is little we can do. Whilst the official channels agree with my point of view, they are reluctant to do anything that could cause any further eruptions. They are fools though, because conflict will happen anyway. The Unexplainables are plotting to overthrow the government and to take over. We cannot let this happen. You see, for all there may be a few Unexplainables who are righteous and aim to do their best, there are too many loose cannons. The Standards don’t stand a chance next to them. They are easy targets.’
I thought of Beth. Of Oscar. Of my friends at the commune.
‘The government will fall,’ Nicholas continued, urgently, ‘whether at the hands of the Nexes or through their own weakness. It will happen soon and when it does we must move quickly. The people who are on their way to our community are coming to help us defend the vulnerable. They will become our own army. The only way forward is to enforce much stricter rules. We need to keep Unexplainables and Standards apart from each other for their own safety. We need to gain control. Only then can we find a way for us all to live peacefully together.’
‘Segregation? Is that really the only way?’
‘Until we get to the point where Unexplainables can guarantee that they are absolutely 100 per cent in control of their abilities and vow to protect those without powers then yes, they must be separated.’
‘What about me? I’m not in control of my powers yet. How am I supposed to enforce something like that on other people?’
He leaned forwards across the table. ‘Have you attacked anyone since your arrival here?’
‘No, but . . .’
‘Have you used your powers since your arrival here?’
‘No.’
‘You need to have more faith in yourself,’ he chided.
‘But I haven’t been angry,’ I protested. ‘It’s easy to control them when I’m happy.’
‘Were you not angry when you were faced with your former friends in town?’ he asked.
‘Well, yes.’
‘But you didn’t attack the young people present, is that correct?’
‘I wanted to. But no, I didn’t.’
He smiled and sat back again. ‘You are without doubt a true leader. Without you, who knows what will happen to us? Will you think about it, at least?’
‘Sure,’ I agreed, desperate to get out into the fresh air. ‘No problem.’
*
The next couple of weeks passed quickly and there was a real feeling of urgency around. The foundations for the new accommodation blocks were laid and before long they were starting to look like actual buildings. Elsewhere, various groups of people stockpiled food and organised furnishings and clothing for the newcomers.
I didn’t see Nicholas much during that time. Reluctant to go back into the darkened office, I busied myself with other things, hoping that he didn’t think I was being rude.
My sleep patterns weren’t improving much either so I constantly felt drained and exhausted.
When I was awoken suddenly one night, my immediate reaction was one of annoyance. But it quickly turned to panic when I realised that there was someone in the room with me.
Chapter Eighteen
‘Who’s there?’ I whispered, my heart beating furiously.
‘It’s me,’ a voice whispered back. There was a scuffling noise and as my eyes adjusted I could just about make out the shape of a person, crawling into my room on their hands and knees.
‘Gracie?’
‘I need to talk to you,’ she whispered.
‘Couldn’t you talk to me at breakfast time?’ I demanded grumpily.
‘No. I need to talk to you alone – without anyone else listening.’
‘And you couldn’t have given me some warning?’
‘No, because I only decided to come this evening and it’s taken me the best part of an hour and a half to get here.’
‘Why? You only live a few minutes away.’
>
‘I know but I had to crawl all the way. Do you know they have guards on every street now?’
‘No, but why does it matter? What on earth is this about?’
She shuffled closer to the bed. ‘I think they’re trying to kill me.’
There was no hint of exaggeration or a lie on her face. She looked genuinely scared.
‘Who’s trying to kill you?’
‘They all are. Simeon, Linda, Nicholas – all of them.’
‘Why would they want to do that?’
‘Because they know that I’ve been questioning what’s going on here. And they think I’m trying to corrupt you.’
‘Are you?’
‘Yes!’ she hissed. ‘I’ve been trying to get you on your own for ages now so I can talk to you. Things aren’t what they seem here. I wanted to . . .’
A loud knock at the door made us both jump.
‘Don’t let them take me away, Ava, please!’ She was cowering against the wall. Flicking the lights on, I stalked through to front door. Two guards stood on my doorstep. They both tipped their heads to acknowledge me.
‘Evening, Miss Ava. Is everything all right?’
‘Everything’s fine, thank you,’ I replied, moving to shut the door but one of the guards held it open with his hand.
‘It’s just that we believe that someone has just entered your pod.’
‘That’s correct. My friend has come over to visit me. Is that against the rules?’
‘Well, no, it’s just very late and, well it was a rather unusual method of visiting, you see?’
I raised my eyebrow. ‘Did you follow her here?’
‘Yes, miss. We thought that she was sleepwalking – although sleepcrawling might be a better description. Either that or she was up to no good.’
‘Well, I can assure you that everything’s fine. Gracie will be staying with me tonight, ok? Goodnight.’
They looked as though they were about to argue but I shut the door swiftly and headed back to my bedroom.
‘Right, are you going to tell me what’s going on?’ I demanded, perching on the edge of my bed. ‘Because I am seriously in need of sleep and could really do without this right now.’
‘I know, and believe me, I’m sorry. It’s just . . . blimey, I’ve been practising this conversation for months but it’s so much harder in real life. The thing is, Ava, things aren’t what they seem here.’
