Swarmed

by Simone Pond

  “About that.” He pauses, looking down at his freshly shined shoes.

  Before he says another word, the sky closes in on me, and everything goes completely silent. The air is being pulled from my lungs and I’m about to fall on my ass. Noah grabs my arm and escorts me to a chair, but I refuse to sit.

  “What is it?” I force out the words.

  “I can’t go off-grid with you. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you.”

  An icy grip clamps around my heart. “You’re backing out of our deal? But you can’t. We shook hands.”

  He stares down at the grass, not making eye contact. “My father wants me to start working for him right away.”

  There something he’s not telling me. This isn’t about an obligation to his father. Parker must’ve gotten to him. I should’ve known better than to trust a Long-Timer. But I don’t need Noah Brenson’s help. I’ll find another way to get off-grid. Lifting my skirts, I step away with as much composure as I can muster and smile. “I understand.”

  He gives me a curt nod and turns around to return to his group of friends. Once he’s far enough away, I hoist up the layers of my dress and run in the opposite direction. I pass by students filing onto the field, the families making their way onto the bleachers. I keep running all the way through the courtyard, past the rose garden and all the way across campus until I reach the top of the hill and collapse next to a tree. I bury my face into the layers of fabric and sob until there’s nothing left in me.

  *

  I’m dreaming. I must be. I’m sitting in a boat, sailing through a narrow straight flanked by enormous rocks. A woman with long golden hair, resembling my mother, calls from her perch, Kalliste, be strong. Fear not. A swell of wind whips up, and the water becomes violent, knocking the boat. I hold on, rocking back and forth. The wind begins to howl, and vines rise from the water below, yanking me overboard. I sink into the water, struggling to hold my breath. The woman’s voice penetrates my essence, reminding me to be strong. As if struck by lightning, my fear vanishes. I’m no longer being controlled. I’m able to think clearly. When my feet reach the bottom, I automatically bounce back up to the surface and breathe again.

  A cool breeze brushes against my cheeks, and I bolt awake from my dream. I’m still next to the tree on the hill, but the sun has moved and the dusky veil of twilight is beginning to saturate the sky. The football field is empty, except for a few custodians folding up the white chairs and picking up trash. I slept through the entire graduation ceremony. I catch a glimpse of pale light glowing on the inside of my wrist. My DOD assignment has arrived. I’m afraid to look. After a couple of double takes, reality sinks in.

  Ten days.

  They gave me ten shitty days to start contributing to the System of Balance, and if I don’t comply I’ll drop like a fly. I should be furious. I should be shaking with rage. But I don’t care. I’m still going through with my plan to leave the grid tonight.

  9

  As nightfall settles over Richmond, I’m in my room changing back into my regular clothes. I quickly write a note to my father explaining that I’ll be gone for a few days and not to worry about a thing, and to please remember to take his medicine. Then I sneak out of the house before he gets home and tries to stop me. I take the trolley to Main Street and start cutting through the alleys, making my way to the train tracks. I’ll follow the rails all the way to the South Gate, where I’ll exit the grid. I still need to figure out how to get off-grid without a passport and only a couple of coins to my name, but I’m hopeful. Or maybe it’s blind determination that’s driving me. Something clangs from behind me, and I duck next to a dumpster. The last thing I need is to get caught roaming around after curfew by any of the Watchers policing the grid. Usually they just give a warning, but if they see my DOD, they’ll probably haul me to the station. I press against the bricks and wait for footsteps, but nobody approaches. I let out a small sigh of relief, then something else clangs. My heart lodges into my throat, trying to pound its way up into my mouth. Since there’s no sense in running, I stand up to surrender.

  I laugh when I see the little black kitten—the same one I saved from the speeding trolley car—standing on top of a trashcan lid. It bounces down and comes over to me, rubbing against my leg and purring softly.

  “You, again?”

  Before I get too comfortable with our reunion, two shadowy figures enter the alley at the far end. I can tell by their uniforms they’re Watchers. Once again, I sink low against the dumpster and hold my breath. The kitten rubs up against my boot. “Go on, get out of here,” I whisper.

  Footsteps grow louder as the men head in my direction. I squeeze my eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable.

  “I definitely heard something,” one of them says.

  “You’re always hearing something. Maybe you should cut back on the whiskey.” The other one laughs.

  Their shoes grind onto the pavement as they encroach on my hiding place. I curl up into a tight ball in a feeble attempt to become invisible. The kitten jumps into the alley and onto a trashcan, causing the lid to clang against the cement. One of the Watchers screeches while the other laughs. “Pshaw! It’s a cat, you nimrod.”

  “Maybe I should cut back on the whiskey.”

  They chuckle and turn around, heading back to the street. I wait until they’re completely out of the alley before I uncurl from my spot wedged up against the dumpster. Blood rushes through my limbs and sweat trickles from my brow. The kitten returns and presses against my boot with more purring.

  “Thanks, cat. You saved my ass. I guess we’re even now. Although, I could use some company, if you wanna come along? But you’ll need a name.” I pick it up and check underneath, deeming it a female. “How does Phoebe sound? She was the goddess of prophecy. Also, was associated with the moon. And since it’s full tonight, I think it’s fitting.”

  She purrs loudly and nestles against my neck.

  “Phoebe it is. I’m happy to make your acquaintance. I could use some encouragement.” I kiss the top of her head, just as a shadow appears on the pavement. I shriek, dropping the little black kitten. Standing before me is the deal breaking Long-Timer, Noah Brenson, wearing rugged outdoorsy clothes and looking completely out of place.

  “Are you talking to a cat?” he asks with a laugh.

  “Dammit. You scared her away!” I shove him.

  “What are you doing out here past curfew?”

  “What do you think? I’m going to the South Gate so I can get off-grid and go find my brother, asshole.” I snap, no longer caring how snippy or impolite I sound.

  “You’re a mighty determined one, aren’t you?”

  “When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. And how in heaven’s name did you find me anyway?”

  “I put a tracker on the bag before I gave it to you.”

  “Whoa, that’s a bit creepy. Stalking me like that.”

  “Calm yourself. It’s so I could track you to the speakeasies.”

  So that’s why he didn’t need the codes; he was going to follow me around. Bitter indignation reaches a tipping point. “You’re nothing but a deceitful, no-account brute who breaks promises.”

  “You’re right,” he says, looking at the ground chagrined.

  “Were you planning to follow me to the off-grid locations free of charge?”

  “I put the tracker on before we made our deal about going off-grid together. I was going to follow you to the speakeasies in town. It seemed a lot better than relying on Parker to get codes. Or getting caught again.”

  “Well, there’s no more deal. I’m going on my own. I don’t need you or anyone.” I start looking for Phoebe because I’d actually like her to come along.

  “You won’t make it off-grid. Not without help. You almost got caught already, and you’re not even close to the gate.”

  Unfortunately, he has a valid point. “So, what are you saying, Long-Timer?”

  “I decided to go with you,” he says.

 
; I laugh, placing my hand over my heart like one of the ladies he courts might do. “And what pray tell changed your mind?”

  “I can help you.”

  “That’s awfully kind of you, but I think I’ll pass.”

  “Look, I want to know who killed my brother just as much as you want to find yours. I hate to admit it, but you’re right about having more luck off-grid.”

  I point to his durable jacket and laugh. “Is that why you wearing this get-up?”

  “You’re not winning any affections over here, Fly,” he says teasingly.

  A rush of heat comes to my cheeks. “I’m not the slightest bit interested in winning your affections, Noah Brenson.”

  “You could stand being a little more polite.”

  “Coming from the boy who constantly calls me names.”

  He looks down at his boots. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Ever since Julian … it’s been rough.”

  Am I supposed to let him off the hook? We’ve all lost someone. A day hasn’t gone by that I haven’t thought about Achilles or my mother. I still run home to share good news, forgetting they’re gone. Grief tangles up the heart the way nothing else can, but I don’t go around disrespecting people. However, I’m not exactly Miss Congeniality either. I could ease up on him a bit. After all, I know what it’s like to miss someone so much you never feel complete. “He must have meant a lot to you,” I say.

  Noah holds his gaze, sadness weighing in his eyes. “He meant everything to me.” Then he pulls out an envelope from one of the oversized pockets and hands it to me. Inside are a passport and a bunch of coins.

  “This is too much. I only need the passport.”

  “Just in case something happens or we get split up. Also, I’m only staying out there a couple of days. You can continue your death wish without me.”

  “Death wish?” I hold up my wrist. “I don’t think it matters any more.”

  He grabs my hand and stares at my DOD. His fingers tighten around my wrist. “They only gave you ten days? You had better grades than anyone in our class.”

  “Looks like you were right about calling me a Fly all these years.”

  “I didn’t mean it,” he says mournfully.

  I pull my hand away and wave it as though brushing through cobwebs. “We don’t have time to get all sentimental on this odyssey. Let’s get going already.”

  Noah nods and half grins. As we sneak down the alley toward the woods, something skitters behind us. I jerk around to see Phoebe standing a few feet away, her violet eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

  “There you are, Phoebe.” I pick her up, and she meows.

  “You can’t bring a cat.” Noah scoffs.

  “I can do whatever I want.”

  He rubs his nose and sneezes. “You’re seriously bringing that cat?”

  “She’s a kitten. And yes.”

  “Are you completely insane?”

  I laugh, pondering his question. “Maybe.”

  “You realize this will be a grueling hike? I’m not convinced you’ll be able to manage, let alone a cat.”

  “She’s a last-minute addition to the party. Kind of like you.” I pause while he sneezes. “And her name is Phoebe.”

  “I don’t care what her name is. You’re not taking this very seriously.” He stalks off, grumbling under his breath and releasing a succession of sneezes. I don’t bestow any blessings. He doesn’t seem worthy of them.

  *

  After hiking through the woods in silence, we arrive at the train tracks and continue on, still not speaking to each other. The pearlescent moon overhead gives the night an ethereal glow. I glance up at Noah, who’s marching on at least a hundred feet ahead of me. It’s a shame I’m not sharing this journey with a friend. We could talk about this beautiful night and discuss our future plans. I look down at Phoebe snuggling in the crook of my arm. At least I have her to keep me company.

  My foot catches on something and I trip, tumbling to the dirt. Phoebe leaps from my arms and darts into the woods.

  “You okay back there?” Noah calls over his shoulder.

  Brushing gravel from my palms, I ignore him. It’d be nice if he had the decency to offer me a hand. Instead, he keeps plodding forward.

  “Wait!” I yell when Phoebe skitters into the trees.

  “Dust yourself off and try to keep up.”

  “Phoebe’s gone!”

  “What?”

  “My kitten. She ran off. I’m not leaving without her.”

  Noah gives me a disdainful glare, which reaches across the distance between us. When he realizes I’m serious, he gestures for me to go find her. I run to the place where Phoebe darted off, calling her name. Though the moon is bright, the woods are inky black, making it difficult to navigate. I do my best to stay on the path to keep from getting lost. I’m pretty sure Noah would let me die out in these woods.

  “Phoebe,” I call into the darkness.

  Woodland critters scamper about, and branches snap under my feet, but no Phoebe. And after fifteen minutes, I’m convinced she’s gone for good. I wipe away a few tears.

  “The stupid cat is that important to you?” Noah’s voice startles me, and I collapse against his chest, regretting my girly reaction.

  “You scared me half to death!”

  He laughs. “And you wanted to go off-grid on your own?”

  I pull away and square my shoulders. The thought of continuing alone with Noah is mortifying, so I stomp through brush, tripping over roots and rocks, upping my effort to find the kitten. I whistle and make weird kissy sounds, somehow knowing this is pointless. Cats are stubborn.

  “It’s just a cat,” he calls out to me.

  “Phoebe is far better company than you,” I yell, surprised I’m so upset over a kitten I hardly know.

  Noah comes up from behind and takes hold of my arm, attempting to end my crusade. “Come on, Kalli. We should get closer to the gate and get some rest before morning. She’ll be fine.” His voice is almost kind and heat begins radiating where his hand lingers on my bare arm. I start to pull away, but he holds tight. Breathing suddenly seems to be a problem.

  “You don’t know anything.” My voice sounds strained.

  We stare at each other. His skin is as flawless and smooth as the radiant moon. His broad shoulders are like a protective shield of armor. I’m afraid to swallow. Afraid to move. My heart throbs against my ribcage. He notices my level of discomfort and shines a grin. The smug bastard. I remove his hand from my arm and shout, “Phoebe! Come here, girl!”

  “She’s not going to answer your call.” I know he’s right. Cats aren’t only stubborn, they’re also rebellious. “You’ve got two choices. Either keep walking, or camp here for the night. I’ll leave it up to you.”

  “What time does the gate open in the morning?”

  “Six.”

  “I’d like to camp here and wait for Phoebe.” I don’t bother mentioning that my feet are killing me and I’m starving.

  “We should gather up some kindling to make a fire,” he says.

  “A fire?”

  “Yes, a fire. Did you prepare for this trip at all?”

  I shake my head. “I planned on winging it.”

  “Just help me gather some kindling.” He detects my confusion. “Twigs and dry leaves.”

  Once he gets the fire going, he drags over a log and uses it to lean against. He seems to know what he’s doing, whereas I’m clueless. I even forgot to bring a jacket. Though I’m next to the fire, I’m still shivering. Noah sighs and removes his jacket, tossing it to me. It’s a rare moment of chivalry. I smile, thanking him, and put it on. The material is warm and smells like fresh pine.

  “I’m sorry about this, but I really like that kitten.”

  “Don’t worry about it. We’re close enough to the gate. But we’re leaving at dawn—with or without the damn cat.”

  “I’m worried leaving her all alone.”

  “She’s feral. She’ll be fine.”

  F
rom his backpack, Noah pulls out a lightweight sleeping bag out and rolls it onto the cold ground. Another reminder of how exceptionally unprepared I am for this journey.

  “I don’t suppose you brought a sleeping bag?” he asks.

  “I’ll be okay. Your jacket is warm enough.”

  Noah slides into his sleeping bag and rolls to his side. “And you’re worried about saving a cat.”

  I try dragging the log closer to the fire, but after a few minutes of listening to me grunting, Noah grumbles, “Please stop whatever it is you’re doing and come over here.”

  Kneeling down, I want for him to scoot over so I can get inside. “You gonna make some room?”

  “You can sleep next to me on the outside of the sleeping bag. Body heat will keep you warm.”

  “You’re a real son of a bitch, you know that?”

  “It’s a lot better than sleeping on the dirt.” He rolls over, facing the other direction. “Your choice.”

  My need to stay warm outweighs my pride, and I lay next to him on a strip of the sleeping bag with my back pressed against his.

  “When are you going to give me the codes?” he asks.

  “I can give them to you right now.”

  He removes his hand from the sleeping bag and holds it out.

  I laugh. “I don’t have them written down.”

  He turns around and stares at me, suspicion glinting in his eyes. “Where are they then?”

  “Up here.” I tap my head.

  “Yeah, right.”

  “I memorized them.”

  “Whatever you say, Kalliste.”

  Not too many people can say my name with the perfect delivery, but Noah Brenson has done just that. And I hate him for it.

  “I’ll write them down for you tomorrow. After we get through the gate. Deal?”

  He flips around again and sighs. “Deal.”

  At some point in the night, I wake up finding myself spooning against Noah with Phoebe nestled into my neck. I’m still on the outside of the sleeping bag, yet surprisingly warm. He was right about the body heat. I cradle Phoebe and she purrs into my ear. For the first time in a while happiness feels possible.