by Jodie Kobe
~~~
There are six people who are waiting outside the only wooden door I’ve seen around here. I’m prepared to see a white room on the other side, just like the whole place. But who knows. I could be wrong. Jack Welds is in charge around here, so maybe he got himself something nice.
The girl who had come to my room with Rian is apparently named Addison. She's my age, twenty-one, and has the same swirl of graffiti on her hand just like me and Rian. I manage to catch a glimpse of similar tattoos on the other peoples’ hands, and I wonder what they could possibly mean.
The others whisper to each other while Rian and I stand in silence, side by side, farthest from the door. I had tied my hair into another high ponytail, hoping it doesn't look too frizzy.
Suddenly, the girl by the door, blond hair flowing behind her, makes her way over to me and Rian, stretching her hand out.
“I’ve heard you’re new,” she says, directing her outstretched hand toward me. Her voice is quiet, but I can still hear her. “I’m Laurey, and you must be Vivian.” Her voice lowers to an even quieter volume. “I only know your name because Addison told me.”
I give her a quick nod and shake her hand. “Well, it’s great to meet you.”
“I guess you met him already.” She points to Rian.
I nod again, trying to look enthusiastic. I know the girl—Laurey—wants to be nice and all, but I just want to get the dinner thing over with and get back to my room.
Addison turns to me. “Did you hear about any rules yet?” she asks. “You probably should.”
Rules? I’m only half paying attention as I stare at the wall past Addison.
“You’ll need to be kind to Mr. Welds,” Addison continues. “He has worked hard to keep this place running.”
Jack Welds obviously gets help running this whole thing. He can’t do it all himself.
“If all you do is bring him down, there is a chance he will have a strong disliking toward you. It will be very visible. I’m suspicious of him already disapproving Fox, that guy over there.” Addison indicates to a skinny and tall brown-haired guy. He’s talking to some other dude.
Addison is about to say something else, but she doesn’t get to. Her mouth freezes open halfway as the wooden, brown door finally slides open.
A man walks out. He’s somewhere close to his 50s or 60s according to his graying hair, although he does have a full head of it. He’s taller than all of us (except that Fox guy, who's as tall as him).
That must be Jack Welds, the leader of this building.
All six of us turn to face him. He smiles down on us and gestures into the room. “Welcome. Come in please. I am eager to meet our new member.”
His head turns my way, and I try throwing him an amiable smile while I follow the others into the room. I’m the last one to enter and Mr. Welds stops me to shake my hand. “Great to meet you. I’m Jack Welds.”
I step into the room and glance around. This room is pure white as well. The only thing that stands out is the purple food in bowls set in front of every chair at the table. To my horror, I spot those rectangular silverware objects. I have not figured out how to use them yet, but I guess I can't avoid it. Today's the day I learn.
“Take a seat,” Mr. Welds says calmly. “We must discuss matters.”
