We walked through the doorway leading down a hallway until we reached the end where Domino stood next to a bookshelf beside a projector wall. Every house had a projector wall so the Elite could make announcements and share news. Usually it was to tell us how amazing they were for saving the human race. But a bookshelf was rare, and my eyes kept wandering over to it. I'd read many of the books I was authorised to on my computer tablet, but never had I held a real book in my hands.
In front of the projector wall was a long grey couch and a red rug lay on the floor. I followed Fletcher into the lounge, and Domino invited us to sit. She returned with a plate of bread and soup and a glass of water for each of us. I sat on the rug on the floor and ate the lot as though my life depended on it. My stomach growled in appreciation.
“Domino?” I said.
“Yes, Aurora?” she turned at my voice.
“Can you please tell me about my dad? How did you know him?” My exhaustion echoed through my voice, as did the sorrow at the loss of my family.
I expected her to change the subject again, to tell me to wait until later. But the desperation in my tone must've changed her mind.
“He did a lot for the rebels. He helped try to uncover the truth about what happened on Earth. Saved my life once. The Elites blame war and famine. They blame the elements. But why did the world come to such a horrible end? And how did they know they could survive it by building the four floating cities? We think it's because it was their fault. We need to find out the how's and why's.”
The sound of a closing door made me jump. My eyes darted around the room, the sudden burst of adrenaline making my limbs tingle.
“It's okay,” Domino placed her hand on my shoulder, “that'll be Lark. I'll go have a chat to him and introduce you.” She took each of our bowls and plates before leaving the room.
Fletcher and I got to our feet as she disappeared through the doorway. Hushed voices came from the other room before a broad guy with blonde hair cut into the usual Utopian Guard crew cut stepped through the doorway. A large tribal tattoo covered his bare bicep. I stared at it in amazement. Tattoos were illegal on Utopia; he'd either received it in prison or before evacuating Earth.
“This is my boyfriend Lark. He's also the rebel leader,” said Domino.
“And a member of the Utopian Guard,” he finished.
“A guard?” asked Fletcher. “So you're one of the guys who's been trying to hunt Aurora down?” He took a step in front of me, making himself a human shield.
“No, I'm supposed to be on the lookout for her but she isn't my assignment. Plus, it's a cover story. I'm a guard so I know what's happening on Utopia and when. It helps me better lead the rebels.”
Fletcher let down his guard and I stepped up beside him.
“So you knew my father too?” I asked.
“Yes, he was a smart man,” he replied.
“Everyone keeps saying he was so smart. He wasn't smart enough to keep himself from being killed.”
“He was trying to save us all,” replied Lark.
“What from?” I asked.
“The Elite. But they're the least of our troubles now. The reason they're after you is because you failed your blood test.”
The revelation put my head into a spin. I thought back to my birthday at school. I'd been called out of class earlier in the morning to give a blood test, a compulsory part of being a Utopian and turning sixteen. I hadn't thought much of it. It was routine, happened all of the time.
“Fail? How do you fail?” I looked towards Fletcher, who shrugged.
“Do you know why they take the test, Aurora?” Lark asked.
“To make sure we're healthy and that the drug they give us to stop us from getting pregnant is working?” I guessed.
“To make sure you hold the synthetic gene passed onto you by your Utopian parents. A gene you don't have,” he said.
“What gene? You're losing me.” I looked to Fletcher again for help.
Realisation dawned on Fletcher before he answered. “Before the Elites and the selected families were relocated to the floating cities, they were all injected with a synthetic gene. An identifier so someone who hadn't been selected couldn't sneak onto a floating city. When your parents arrived on Utopia, they would've been tested for the gene before they were approved entry. Only problem is, the gene doesn't show up until you turn sixteen. The hormones in your body expose it so that it can be found in your blood.”
“Maybe my hormones are running late? Isn't it a bit rash to be killing someone because their hormones haven't kicked in yet?” I asked.
“They tested you for the hormones as well. You don't have the gene,” said Lark.
“Why didn't we learn about all of this in school?” I questioned.
“There's a lot of things the Elites don't teach at school,” said Domino.
“So my parents were supposed to pass the gene onto me but didn't?” I asked.
“Yes,” replied Lark. “And in their eyes, not having the gene makes you a trespasser on Utopia. To them you don't belong here.”
“But I was a baby when I came here with my parents. They have it wrong. Where else would I belong?”
“Earth. They believe you are an earthling,” he replied.
Chapter Five
It made no sense I would be an earthling. They all died when the world ended. I'd watched videos of the global catastrophes, the cyclones, flooding, storms, and earthquakes. How could a baby have survived the end of Earth?
“Obviously, they have it wrong. We knew your father well, and you belong here as much as we do. But the Utopian guard don't believe in grey area, only black and white. You don't have the gene, they want you off Utopia or dead,” said Lark.
I slumped down onto the floor, leaning my face into my hands. How could my mother have been killed over a simple misunderstanding? A mistake. It had to be. There was no other explanation.
“What do we do now?” asked Fletcher.
“You need to go about your life as usual. We'll look after Aurora and let you know when we've decided what move to make next,” advised Lark.
“Are you kidding? I'm not leaving her.” Fletcher squatted down, wrapping his arm around me.
“And when you don't come home, what is your dad going to do? He'll send every guard he's got out looking for you. What's he going to say when he finds you with us?” argued Lark.
“He'll disown me like he did with Maya,” Fletcher replied, his arm loosening its grip.
“Or worse. You're helping hide a fugitive. The penalty would be exile. Go home, act like someone who is mourning their best friend, and we'll work out the rest.” Lark's eyes softened.
“It's too late,” he said. “The guards saw us running through the forest. They'll know it was me. I can handle my dad. I want to know Aurora and Maya are safe.”
“Very well,” replied Lark. “It's your decision to make and yours alone.”
“Let's set you both up a bedroom. You might be here for a while.” Domino turned towards the large wooden bookshelf, stacked with old books.
Fletcher and I rose to our feet, and I wiped at my damp cheeks. Despite what the Utopian Guard said, I knew I belonged on Utopia. I'd been raised on the floating city for sixteen years. I'd spent no more than a few hours on Earth before I had to be evacuated with my parents. My mum may not have showed me much affection, but her actions before her death proved she loved me. And my dad. He loved me with his whole heart.
Approaching the bookshelf I'd been eyeing earlier, I ran my fingers along the books' spines. “Are these from Earth?”
“Every one of them. I couldn't bring myself to leave them behind. So many amazing tales and stories would've been washed away in the floods or turned to ash in the fires. I packed most of them instead of clothes and other essentials,” she laughed.
“I like to read, but I've only ever read on my tablet.” I slid one from the shelf and ran my hand over its cover.
“Well here, take this one. It was one of my favourites w
hen I was your age.” She pulled out a book with a blue and black swirl across its cover. The words, 'Teenage Mage' were written in cursive across the front in gold.
“Thank you, it's beautiful.” I turned it over in my hands in admiration. I'd never held paper before. It was so delicate.
“It's my pleasure. I think you'll be able to relate to the main character. She might have magical powers but she goes through trials much like yours,” Domino's smile was warm.
I couldn't help but think she meant the loss of my dad. “Did you know my dad before you came to Utopia?” I asked.
“No. We met up here. He was a curious man, your father, seems like you've picked up the trait,” she said.
I grinned to myself, enjoying feeling like I had a part of him with me.
She slid another book from the shelf. “Would you like a book, Fletcher?”
“Me? No thanks. I'll leave the reading and imagination up to Aurora. I'm more of a physical type of guy,” he replied.
I raised my eyebrows at him. “Yet, a girl can still kick your butt in a race.”
“Touché.”
Domino grinned at our exchange. “There is more to this bookshelf than meets the eye.” She winked. “Check this out.” Her eyes lit up as she leant against its left side and pushed until it gave way.
My mouth fell open and my eyes widened as it slid across the projection wall to reveal a hidden room. She switched on a dull bulb hanging from the ceiling, its light revealing a small space lined with metal walls and ceiling and a concrete floor. In the right hand corner lay a large square mattress. A two-door metal cupboard stood on the other side. You could walk across it with two and a half long steps, but it would have to do. After seeing what people were living in in the Undercity, I couldn't bring myself to complain.
“You're welcome to the clothes in the cupboard. The standard Utopian Guard issued clothing, some civilian clothing and a few extra items we brought up from Earth. If you need food, water or want to pee, knock three times. I'll let you out if the coast is clear.” She gave both Fletcher and me a sympathetic smile.
“Thanks. You're risking a lot to have us here.” I tucked the book under my arm.
“Don't thank us yet. Not until we have you both out of here safe and sound.” Domino gave my arm a light squeeze.
“Out of here? Where will we go?” I asked.
“We'll discuss our plans tomorrow. There's towels on the end of your bed. Go have a nice warm shower, then we'll shut your room up for the night and you can have a decent night's sleep. I'm sure you're both exhausted.” I nodded, nervous about being locked away with my thoughts and memories.
I looked towards Fletcher, who was as nervous as I was, although he did his best to look brave. At least I had him with me.
After grabbing myself a towel, underwear, and a long white shirt from the cupboard, Domino pointed me down the short hallway in the direction of the bathroom. Most houses were the same on Utopia. Two bedrooms, small living room, combined kitchen and dining. Only difference with Domino and Lark's house was they'd managed to install a secret room. It was a brilliant idea. With all of the homes being identical, they'd never imagine it existed. And I couldn't forget the trap door installed in the floor of their spare bedroom. I closed the door behind me, and my grin dropped as the memories of the night my mother was murdered flooded through my mind. My step faltered, and I leant my back against the door. Come on Aurora, keep it together.
I swallowed hard and stepped towards the basin. Domino's bathroom window was still intact. It wasn't my bathroom. I was at Domino and Lark's house, and they were going to help me.
Sliding my shirt over my head, I threw it beside the glossy white vanity, allowing myself to look over the damage I'd done for the first time. Fletcher had used body glue to seal up the wound, but it couldn't have been easy. The deep cut ran from the top of my ribs under my right arm, down to my right hip bone in a jagged messy line. It was red and warm to touch, but I was sure it would be fine. Domino and Lark had enough to worry about with us showing up on their doorstep. Well, spare bedroom floor in this case.
I turned on the shower and climbed in. My scar stung as the water ran over my side, but the way the heat soothed my aching muscles and warmed my bones made it worth any pain I had to endure. I'd lost so much over the past twelve hours. My world was shaken and I wasn't sure if I'd ever manage to find my footing again. Mum was gone. I may have resented her for not loving me the way I wanted her too, but I loved her. She was my mum. The desperateness in her voice and her last words to me proved she did love me in her own way. Now she was gone. Part of me wanted to sit on the floor and cry, crumble into a million pieces under the weight of it all. But I knew if I did, it'd be the end of me. I wouldn't be able to crawl out of the hole I'd dug for myself. So instead, I closed my eyes and stepped further under the shower head, letting the water wash over my face, taking away my pain and anger, soaking my hair and running over my olive skin.
* * *
After telling Fletcher it was his turn for a shower, I found Lark and Domino snuggled up on their couch talking. I watched them for a moment, remembering a time when my parents had spent hours cuddling on our couch. I'd squeeze in between them and snuggle into my father's warm chest. I hadn't realised my mother's awkwardness towards me at such a young age. But it didn't take me long to notice once I hit the age of ten.
“How was your shower?” Lark asked, pulling me from my reverie.
“Great, thank you. It was exactly what I needed. I almost feel human again.”
“Fletcher said you were hurt during your escape. Can I take a look?” She beckoned me over to where they sat.
“He's patched me up. It should be fine,” I said as I turned and lifted my shirt to show her.
Lark's eyes widened. “You ran the whole way with a gash in your side? I don't know what you're made, of but it took a lot of guts.”
“I didn't have much of a choice. Plus, I think adrenaline played a huge part,” I replied.
“It's a bit red. Wait here and I'll grab some ointment to make sure it doesn't get infected.” Domino rose from the couch and left the room.
“Take a seat.” Lark patted the chair next to him.
I did as he asked, sinking into the soft cushions.
“I can only imagine the million thoughts running through your head. I promise we'll do everything in our power to keep you safe. If it wasn't for your father, I wouldn't have Domino,” he said.
“Can I ask what happened?”
“Domino used to work in the labs. She was caught creating an explosive and was sentenced to death. They believed she was a threat to Utopia, but in reality the only people she was a threat to was the Utopian Guard.”
“Why was she creating explosives?”
“She was young, and wanted to make a difference. She was sick of being told what to do and was being influenced by a group of extremists who thought taking out the Elite was the answer.”
“And you don't think it is?”
“I think the truth does set you free. And to take action before having proof would be foolish.”
“So what happened?”
Domino appeared in the doorway. “Your father stood up for me. Told them he had instructed me to create the explosive as a defensive weapon. Lucky for me, he was well trusted by Officer Banks and Mr. Saxby. They believed him. I revealed the identities of the group to your father, and he had them all arrested.”
“Why? Weren't they your friends?”
“I didn't want to betray them, but they were dangerous. Their ideas and thoughts were getting more and more reckless. We might be rebels, but we don't want to hurt anyone. We want to know the truth. Now let me have a look at your cut again.” She stepped towards me.
I lifted my shirt, and she applied a yellow mixture along the cut. It stung a little, but I clenched my teeth in an attempt to look unfazed.
“There, the ointment should stop any infection,” she said.
“Thank you.”
Lark rose from the couch and stood next to Domino. “We've called a meeting with the rest of the rebels for tomorrow morning. You and Fletcher can join us if you like, and we'll work out our next steps from there.”
“I can't speak for Fletch, but I'd love to. All I did was sleep at Maya's, and my eyes are still struggling to stay open. I might go lay down. Thanks again for helping us.” I rose from the couch to stand in front of them.
“I'll come help you settle in.” Domino walked me into the room hidden behind the bookshelf.
Inside, I crawled down onto the mattress next to the book Domino had given me and Domino helped tuck me in. It was a nice gesture. I hadn't been tucked in by anyone since my dad passed away.
“Sweet dreams, Aurora. I'm sure we'll sort out this dilemma in the morning,” she said with a caring smile.
“You won't forget we're in here, will you?” I asked as she walked across the doorway.
She laughed a little. “Not a chance. It's not every day Benjamin Adams' daughter is a guest in our house. Even if we do have to hide her.”
Her words made me feel proud. I enjoyed the way they spoke so highly of my father. I'd loved him with every inch of my being, and it was nice to know I wasn't the only one. Mum stopped speaking about Dad after he died.
I'd never forget the night the banging on the front door woke us both and we ran to see who it was. Officer Banks had been standing there when mum swung it open, a solemn look across his face. Dad was dead. An experiment gone wrong. An accident. Mum collapsed into his arms, sobbing. I stood still, watching as my mother unravelled. She may not have wholly loved her daughter, but my father had been her world.
I didn't cry when I found out my dad died. Instead, I stood in shock until Officer Banks looked into my eyes with pity. I ran into my room and slammed the door. Part of me expected my mother to check in on me, to make sure I was okay. But she was too busy drowning in her own grief to worry about how her daughter was dealing with it.
Despite what I'd always thought of her, she'd reached out to me the day she died. She tried to tell me information she was desperate for me to know. And when it had come to the end, my mother, who I thought didn't have any love for me at all, gave her own life to save mine.
Utopia (Secrets of Aurora Book 1) Page 5
