Marked

by Stephanie Arehart

  Back in the room, Vivian was actually up and active, watching some obscure romantic comedy on their small television. Jenna was so shocked she almost didn’t think she was in the right room, or even the right universe. Vivian was smiling and laughing, and even looked as if she’d attempted to make her hair look better.

  “What’s happened to you?” Jenna asked. “What did you do with my grumpy roommate? Are you wearing lip gloss?”

  “I’m a multi-faceted girl,” Vivian answered. “Guess you don’t know me as well as you think you do.”

  Maybe Claire was right. There could be a different girl inside, deep inside.

  Vivian turned back to face the television and continued giggling. Jenna walked over to the desk and dropped her purse. She noticed a pile of envelopes stacked to the side, mail that she hadn’t put there. She turned again to look at Vivian, in disbelief that she’d do something responsible like pick up mail and follow that up by doing something nice like putting Jenna’s on the desk for her.

  She grabbed the top envelope and ripped it open. It was some official-looking letter on a Registry letterhead. Though Jenna didn’t remember asking for it, there was a letter with the requested information from them. She was puzzled to receive this unsolicited mail, but more curious about what it contained. A quick skim revealed that it was her own official birthmark records. The results were on the second page, that her mark was certified medical, with a date from when Jenna was four years old.

  Mindblowing.

  “Did you do this?” she asked Vivian.

  Vivian responded with composure to Jenna’s amped-up question. “Yes, I picked up your mail for you. You’re welcome.”

  “No, did you request something from the Registry on my behalf?”

  Vivian laughed loudly, not even dignifying the question with a response. Jenna began to settle down, becoming less accusatory and more inquisitive. She tried to accept the gift from the universe giving confirmation on her identity. Maybe it’s just standard to receive something from them at a certain age?

  Jenna considered looking through Vivian’s stack to test her theory, but ultimately decided to take Claire’s advice and let it go. She checked her phone and found a couple of messages from her mother checking on her, as well as a few texts and missed calls from Noah. Seeing Noah’s name still gave her the tingles, but his tone was starting to raise red flags. His messages began with innocent questions asking where she was and what she had planned for the day, then progressively turned into more accusatory messages, insinuating that she was ignoring him on purpose.

  First, she called her mother and obliged her with the daily reassurance check-in. Then she phoned Noah with the intention of letting him know her relationship boundaries. His stalker behavior wasn’t acceptable, and he needed to know it. She rehearsed a forceful conversation in her head as the phone rang. But then he answered in his usual sweet voice, so the butterflies came, sending all her toughness right out the window.

  “Hello,” he said.

  “Hi, Noah, it’s Jenna.”

  “Jenna, I’ve been so worried about you!”

  “That’s thoughtful, but why would you worry about me?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. I guess it’s a little crazy, but I had a weird dream about you last night,” Noah answered. “Then I woke up with an uneasy feeling in general. I probably sounded like a crazy person in my messages, so let me apologize. I just freaked out a little when I couldn’t find you. I hope I didn’t mess things up between us.”

  “That’s okay. It’s nice to have someone worrying about me, I suppose,” she said wistfully.

  “I’m so happy to hear that. But believe me, it won’t happen again,” Noah laughed. “So I was thinking. Do you want to meet up tonight? Chris gave me a contact for a Registry hacker. I think we could get some good information.”

  “Of course! Should we meet for dinner first?” Jenna boldly asked.

  Noah didn’t hesitate in the least. “Luigi’s at 7:00?”

  “Sounds good!”

  “It’s a date. See you tonight!” he said before hanging up.

  A date? Her first real date, with the actual label. So many butterflies.

  Jenna was growing more eager to shift the essence of their relationship from mystery-solving to something more normal, something that didn’t focus on her weird roommate. She hoped they could just start dating like any regular couple, while finding out the truth about Vivian and having her arrested. Or maybe Vivian would just quit murdering, and all her problems would be solved. Either way, the goal was for Jenna and Noah to live happily ever after.

  Jenna did a little extra primping as she got ready for her date and post-date adventure. She mentally calculated how long the walk would take so she could leave a little early. She wanted to walk through the trees in hopes of seeing a few fireflies. Her mood was greatly elevated, and though she couldn’t pinpoint it exactly, it had all started when she met with Claire.

  Maybe she put some kind of relaxation spell on me.

  As she cleared the dorm entrance, she was surprised to see Noah standing there, a bouquet of mixed flowers in hand. He looked like he’d put extra effort into his appearance as well, though he still looked slightly nerdy. His charm was unintentional, yet endearing and even sexual to Jenna. Their pheromones must have been in perfect harmony to elicit such a strong response so soon.

  “I thought we were meeting at Luigi’s,” she said coyly.

  “I couldn’t wait.”

  “So I guess this really is a date,” Jenna said with a smile.

  She took the flowers and hugged Noah. He politely declined an invitation to her room with her to put her bouquet in a vase, opting to wait there for her as she ran back upstairs like a giddy schoolgirl. After a few minutes, she bounced back down the stairs toward him and declared that they could officially start their date. It took some minor negotiating, but she managed to convince him to take her preferred scenic route. The atmosphere was even more magical than she had imagined.

  Luigi’s turned out to be a small Italian hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Apparently Noah had solicited recommendations from a friend before selecting it. Jenna appreciated his effort. She apologized for creating so much work for him, admitting she just wanted to spend more time with him when she’d suggested dinner. He didn’t mind.

  After a romantic dinner, they caught a cab to an address Noah had written on a Post-It note. They held hands the whole way. Upon arrival, Noah paid the driver, and they stepped out into the night. Then Noah simply stood right there, on the curb, in the middle of a strange place. Jenna looked around nervously, not knowing where they were and unsure where they needed to go. She finally couldn’t take it anymore.

  “What are we doing? Are we meeting someone here, or are we lost?”

  “Shhh.” Noah held his finger to his lips, giving her the universal shut-up sign.

  She fidgeted impatiently, until Noah released her hand. When she looked up at him, she noticed an annoyed scowl had taken the place of his usual sweet smile. Obviously he wasn’t used to dealing with girls of Jenna’s caliber, girls with high energy and a love of feeling in control. Noah intently stared at his phone until there was a buzz. “Okay, I got it. We can go.”

  Jenna didn’t know what his vague response meant, so she awaited a signal from him for their next step. Then he gave one. Noah stepped out into the street and hailed another taxi. Jenna was bewildered.

  This first date sucks.

  A car pulled up, and they jumped in together. All the while, Jenna fought to keep her mouth shut regarding her displeasure, but it didn’t matter. Noah could clearly sense it. He grabbed her hand again, squeezing it a little. When she didn’t react, he squeezed it again, repeatedly, until she smiled.

  They rode for a few more minutes, past the semi-familiar streets and well-lit populated areas she knew. When the car came to a stop, again Noah paid and they got out. Jenna stood still, half expecting Noah to continue his strange game.

 
Instead, he took her hand and walked straight up to the door in front of them. Jenna looked around, but didn’t see any addresses. They were basically in a dark area that looked abandoned, by her best estimation, with no lights and no identifying marks on any of the buildings. Everything was painted black, and she didn’t see any windows on any of the structures. At one time, it may very well have been a reputable business establishment, but those days were long past.

  Down the street, about a block away, there were a few shadowy figures crowded together against another building. They huddled together, engaged in some kind of conversation as smoke billowed up and away from their cluster. A cat screamed in the distance, adding to the feeling of taboo that surrounded them.

  Noah approached the entrance. Jenna’s pulse quickened, and adrenaline coursed loudly through her veins. Despite her anxiety, she trusted Noah to keep her safe, so she followed without physical hesitation. He didn’t knock on the door, but just barged right in, blowing Jenna’s mind. His brash behaviors were the last thing she expected from her timid lab partner, and frankly a little dangerous for her taste. She pulled back on his hand, causing him to turn back to face her.

  “Have you been here before?” she asked.

  “No, why?”

  “How did you know where to go? Is this place safe?”

  Noah cut her off before she could continue rambling and questioning his every action. Then he just smiled and proceeded through the door. Again, Jenna followed reluctantly. Inside, it was mostly dark, but there was a small outdoor light on one wall, casting an eerie glow. They appeared to be in a courtyard, as there was no ceiling above them. However, the space was long and narrow, more like a tunnel.

  Who designed this stupid building?

  It screamed of a trap to Jenna, but she didn’t resist. They kept walking until they came to another door. This time, Noah didn’t even try to open it. Instead he took out his phone and stood there, just staring down at it. He sensed her staring at him, so he looked up and quickly mouthed, “They’re tracking us.” Jenna was beyond puzzled with his routine, but now she was more alert to the potential danger of their adventure. She felt the rush of fear sweep through her again, but this time she kind of liked it. She was almost aroused from the fear.

  After a few long seconds, she heard a loud click, and the door in front of them swung open wide. Noah pulled her inside with him quickly, and the door banged hard behind them. It was pitch black and deadly quiet, so Jenna stood still, listening to her own heavy breathing.

  Surely Noah’s been here before. How else would he know all these ridiculous rituals to get in?

  Jenna was still trying to work out a feasible solution for sweet Noah being so comfortable here when she felt something or someone slam her hard against a wall, holding her there. She tried to scream, but a hand over her mouth prevented the sound from escaping. The stranger had her pinned against the wall, still covering her mouth while groping up and down her body with the other hand.

  Jenna panicked from the swift and absolute loss of control over her own body. She wasn’t sure if Noah was still there with her, or if he was being given the same rough treatment—or if he was behind the whole thing.

  Her heart pounded so hard she felt like she might faint, just as her aggressor released their grip on her. Once freed, Jenna stood there motionless, purposefully trying to slow her breathing. Bright lights tore through the room, causing her to blink repeatedly for a few seconds, shielding her eyes with one hand. Finally she saw Noah standing a few feet away from her, against the same wall.

  He whispered, “I’m sorry. I had no idea that would happen.”

  She shrugged to let him know she wasn’t mad at him. They both looked around the room, trying to calibrate to their new surroundings. After what felt like an eternity, a door across the room opened, and a slim woman emerged. She gave the impression of being a little slouchy, though studious. Her hair was long, straight, and dark, so dark it was almost black. The woman’s skin was transparent, and she had small wire-framed glasses. She was the type of girl that Jenna would have expected to be nervous and skittish, but instead she gave off a relaxed and overly-comfortable vibe.

  This must be the brilliant Chloe.

  “Are you Noah?” she asked in their general direction.

  He nodded, and she motioned for them to follow her without acknowledging Jenna at all. Noah took Jenna’s hand and played follow-the-leader. After a few steps, he glanced back at Jenna for a non-verbal check-in, which she took as her opportunity to gather information. But just as she opened her mouth to ask where they were yet again, he squeezed her hand hard, giving her a stern look. Jenna took his expression to mean she shouldn’t speak, and she obliged.

  The mousy girl they were following led them through a maze of rooms connected to other rooms, all containing different configurations of computers, monitors, and people working silently on their keyboards. There were few sounds, except those of keys clacking rapidly. Eventually the slim woman came to a stop in a small room with a computer and several large monitors on a corner desk. She motioned toward a set of old-fashioned office chairs, so they sat down and waited. Jenna noticed a small name tag on the desk, confirming that this girl was indeed Chloe, since she never formally introduced herself.

  Chloe took a seat behind the computer in a nicer leather chair and started typing rapidly on the keyboard. Jenna felt awkward with the silence and had an urge to say something, but she didn’t feel like that was what anyone else really wanted. She felt like she was starting to get better at reading interpersonal cues. Chloe typed for a while longer before asking something over her shoulder that Jenna didn’t understand.

  “Huh?” Jenna asked.

  “What name are you looking for?” Chloe enunciated clearly.

  “Oh, it’s Vivian or Amelia McKenzie,” Jenna said.

  Chloe typed furiously and clicked through screen after screen. Noah and Jenna both sat there gazing at the same display, but neither of them could understand any of what they were seeing. Jenna had hopes that the girl would provide some kind of explanation shortly.

  After a few more clicks, Chloe stopped and spun around in her chair to face them. Jenna thought she looked somewhat put out, but having only just met this girl, she didn’t want to make assumptions. Her demeanor was serious, even as uncaring as she appeared.

  “Are you sure you’re ready to hear this? I mean, you can’t ever unknow what I tell you,” Chloe said with an air of mystery.

  Jenna was mostly annoyed with this constant stream of doomsday talk from everyone in the Sub. But a fleeting thought dashed through her mind that she could be on the verge of learning something completely insane and damning about Vivian, and it terrified her. She licked her lips, attempting to mask her fear with enthusiasm. “Yes, I’m ready. I need to know.”

  Chloe’s facial expression relaxed, almost into a small smile. The hacker girl’s speech sped up, like she’d inhaled several energy drinks. She was surely excited to share her findings.

  “Here we go, then. Sometimes we get people in here trying to find someone in hiding, even people that changed their mark to go on the run for murder or something awful.”

  Jenna leaned forward in her seat, eager to hear more. Her eyes widened, and she literally held her breath. She wondered if that computer had revealed that Vivian was in fact a serial killer on the run, now living in hiding with Jenna as a medical student. Chloe continued, “Well, your subject is hiding something.”

  Jenna nodded in agreement, finally receiving the confirmation she’d so desperately been seeking.

  “Amelia Vivian McKenzie changed her mark to a medical one about a year ago. She actually spent a good chunk of change to get it added and to have her records amended.”

  “I already knew that,” Jenna said.

  “Then why did you come here?” Chloe asked.

  “I wanted to know why she did it.”

  “Adding a medical mark is actually pretty common. Everyone wants to be a doct
or, apparently,” Chloe said with a roll of her eyes.

  “So I hear. Nothing in there says she’s trying to change her identity? I mean, she changed her name too,” Jenna pushed.

  “She uses her legal middle name. I wouldn’t call that changing her name. And no, it just says she had a theatrical mark and changed it to a medical one.”

  “That’s it?” Jenna asked.

  “Yeah, pretty boring stuff, actually. Usually people with something like that will just leave it and add what they want, but she actually had it removed. You’ve got a real rebel for a roommate.”

  Jenna was irritated by her condescending manner. “Maybe you need to dig around a little more. She’s hiding something awful. I just know it.”

  “Not according to the records.”

  Noah interjected, “Would you be able to tell if she’d committed any crimes?”

  “Yes, I would, and I can tell you that she hasn’t.”

  “Even if she hadn’t been caught?” Jenna blurted.

  Chloe stared at Jenna, causing her to shift uncomfortably in her seat. “We have access to more information than the police, so most likely, barring government secrets.”

  Jenna was dumbfounded. This wasn’t the revelation she was expecting, yet it wasn’t undeniable proof either. She still couldn’t disregard her own intuition, or the information she had personal access to from living with Vivian. It also gave her the uneasy feeling that the government was watching people, not exactly the pure protectors she once thought them to be. While she sat there processing her thoughts, Noah took out his wallet and handed something to the girl.

  He thanked Chloe and let her lead the couple back to the front door. She again zigzagged through the adjoining rooms before finally opening the exterior door. And then, she was gone and they were standing back in the infamous front room from earlier. Noah tried the other door and found it to be open, and no further assaults occurred. They walked back through the outside corridor and out the final door, leading them to the sidewalk.

  “I don’t think our chances of catching a cab are great here, wherever here is,” Noah said, clearly trying to lighten the mood.