"It's fine, let's just eat."
The plates were timed well and placed in front of us. I picked up the toasted tomato wrap. I could feel the sting of the buffalo sauce as I brought it closer to my face. After a couple of bites, I picked up a curly fry. My phone went off. Glancing over at the screen that rested on the table, it was a number I didn't recognize, and it had a local area code. Clicking the text message, I scanned it.
Hey sawyer, it's Lacey from the party. Do you want to meet up tomorrow and go over the notes for the quiz?
Sure, I’m free at 2.
Great! I'm in Blanton hall, room 304a
"Who are you texting?"
"The girl from last night, she's in my bio class."
"Huh."
"Why?" I asked flatly and put my phone back down.
"Where are you all 'studying'?"
"Her room."
Jacob laughed. "Yeah, you won't be loyal to the clone in there."
"What are you talking about?" my voice came out rougher this time.
"You and Lacey alone in her bedroom. Do I need to spell it out any further than that?"
"You're crazy."
He raised an eyebrow. Jacob leaned back and raised an eyebrow at me.
"Are you a virgin?
My face warmed up.
"I'm done eating with you."
His mouth opened wide.
"How the hell is a guy like you a virgin?"
"A little louder, I don't think the people in the kitchen heard you." I hissed.
"You're not ugly."
I swear his ears only partly worked.
"Thanks. I dated a little, but I was just so focused on getting out of my dad's house I never got far with the girls I saw."
Not that there were many dates, but considering Jacob's lack of volume control, I wasn't bringing that up as well.
"You need to fix that problem."
"Virginity isn't a problem. Loud and obnoxious so-called friends are."
I took a twenty out of my wallet.
"See you around."
I got up and left my fries with Jacob.
It was just Lacey and me hanging out to study for a quiz. It was not a date. Then why the hell did it feel like my heart was about to break loose out of my chest? I held my notebook and textbook were by my side. People passed me, and one girl went around me to the candy machine.
"Hey!"
Lacey was walking over to me in skinny jeans and a grey shirt. Her hair was tied back in a short ponytail that had hairs coming out and framing her face. She smiled at me.
"Hey."
She showed her badge to the guy at the counter, and we started to climb up the stairs.
"Thanks again for meeting up with me."
Lacey glanced over her shoulder at me. I just smiled and nodded. She turned the corner and stopped in front of a door. She pulled a key out of her back pocket and opened it. She held the door open for me. There were two beds. One side was light purple and black with black and white photos on the wall. The other bed was different shades of blue with family photos.
"Which side is yours?"
Lacey smirked and crossed her arms over her chest after she closed the door.
"Which side do you think?"
"Blue?"
Lacey laughed. "Yes. The other side is my roommate. She's a music major. She's at some dance thing right now."
I nodded my head. She walked by me and sat on the head of her bed. Lacey folded her legs and opened up her notebook. Was I supposed to sit on the bed with her or pull out the chair at her desk? She glanced up from her textbook and smiled with an eyebrow arched.
"Aren't you going to sit down?"
Taking in a deep breath, I let it out slowly. I climbed up on the foot of her bed. My legs dangled over the sides. I opened my book to the beginning of the chapter.
"So, what part of the chapter is giving you trouble?"
"Honestly, I was hoping to go through it all."
I nodded. Lacey scooted closer to me. Lacey pushed some of her hair behind her ear. The air was stuck in my throat as her floral perfume surrounded me. Lacey leaned forward, and I drew back.
"I have a girlfriend." The words flew out of my mouth before I could even register what I was saying.
Her eyes widened. Lacey blinked a few times and drew closer to the wall behind her. I didn't have a girlfriend. Why the hell would I say that? Madeline and I didn't have any agreements.
"Sorry, I just assumed since you were at the party-"
"Don't worry, you're fine." I interrupted her.
Her eyes stayed on the book in front of her.
"So, chapter one."
"Lacey, look at me." She glanced up. "Really, you're fine. Don't worry, and we can still be friends. I need some friends up here."
A weak smile formed on her face. "I think I can manage that."
Classes were constantly keeping me busy and if they weren't, then working at the restaurant nearby was. I hung out with Jacob or Lacey when I could, but mostly I was school orientated. However, Thanksgiving gave me something to look forward to. When I applied to go to Boston, my goal was not to come home. My car started to give me some trouble, so I had to leave it at a shop and take the train home. I was probably going to spend most of my time on a train than I would be home. My body was sore from being on the train all those hours, and my eyelids were heavy, but seeing Ricky leaning against his SUV at the train station made a grin show up despite it.
"You look great."
I chuckled.
"Thanks for getting me."
We gave each other a quick hug. I threw my bag into the backseat and climbed into the passenger seat upfront. I groaned as I got settled and closed my eyes.
"Long trip?
"Seriously long, try ten hours long."
"Ten hours? Gees, that sounds like torture."
"I'm surprised Justin isn't here."
Ricky started his car, and we headed out of the train station parking lot.
"He had some project to work on for one of his classes. He said college was harder than he was expecting."
I snorted. "I'm surprised."
Ricky laughed.
"How's Maddie been?"
"She seems good in her emails. Maddie is taking classes with Justin. She's back with my dad, who has been leaving her alone because of Adam."
"That's good."
I yawned.
"I might crash when I get home."
"I wouldn't blame you."
My dad's house was only a few miles from the station, and I could tell I was zoning out. The place was dark, and I waved at Ricky when I got out. Using my key, I got into the house and didn't hear anything. Climbing the steps, I went slowly. My eyes were still not adjusted to the dark. The top step creaked slightly under my foot. I cursed and continued my way down the hall. The cracks around Madeline's door lit up then her door opened. Her eyes squinted at first, and a smile grew on her face. I got closer then put my bag down. She ran over to me and wrapped her arms around my neck. I picked her up, then held on tight. This moment, the hug, made the train ride from hell worth it.
I put her back down on her feet and picked up my bag. She took my hand and followed me into my room. Kicking my shoes off, I collapsed onto my bed. I scooted over, and she laid beside me. Pulling the blankets up, I made sure that she was covered. Madeline pressed herself against me with her head on my chest.
"Do you want to set your alarm so I can go back before your dad wakes up?"
I arched up and took my phone out of my pants pocket. Madeline took it out of my hands and set the alarm for five.
"That's so early," I murmured.
She raised an eyebrow.
"I know, but you know he doesn't sleep in."
Madeline placed the phone on the shelf of my headboard. While she stretched and I tickled her. She jumped and squealed. Madeline was squirming on the bed before I stopped. Her laughter was still ringing in my ears. I wrapped my arms around her and let my eyes grow h
eavy. Maybe I needed her as much as she needed me.
16
Madeline
Hearing that alarm was painful, but it was necessary. As I snuck back into my bed, it brought back years of flashbacks. My sheets were thin and rough as I climbed back into my bed, so different from Sawyer's bedding. As I closed my eyes, I could hear Dr. Vodola's door open from down the hall. Then the stairs creaked as he went down.
After a couple more hours of sleep, I finally got up, threw on a sweatshirt and jeans then headed down the stairs. I pushed my hair behind my ears as Dr. Vodola was sitting on the couch reading something on his tablet with the parade in the background. I went into the kitchen and poured myself some cereal.
"Don't forget you have a doctor's appointment with Dr. Green tomorrow." He called from the other room.
"Okay," I answered, then sat at the table with my breakfast.
Rolling thumps came down the stairs, then a thud. I raised my eyebrow towards the stairs. Sawyer went through the dining room with a big grin on his face.
"Good morning."
I smiled.
"You're in a good mood." Dr. Vodola commented.
"Yup."
Sawyer kissed the top of my head, and I heard the shuffle of bowls behind me. Dr. Vodola walked into the room.
"I ordered dinner, and it should be here in a couple of hours."
I nodded and went to wash out my bowl.
"You two need to keep an eye out for the delivery. I'm going to go check on Adam, so I'll be back later."
Dr. Vodola grabbed his keys and left through the garage.
"My day keeps getting better. First, I had a great night's sleep, and now my dad is gone for a while."
I laughed.
"Is he treating you better?" Sawyer raised an eyebrow then took a bite of his cereal.
I nodded. "Honestly, he's so wrapped up in Adam he's been leaving me alone. He drops me off at school then goes straight to Adam. When he's done with work, he picks me up. We don't speak much. I go into the office with him when I have an appointment. When he's home, he spends all his time in his lab. It isn't like before."
"That's good. I was apprehensive about me leaving and you being here alone."
Then why did you pick a school hours away? It was a question that I wanted to ask. I knew Sawyer wanted to be away from his dad and that we weren't talking when he applied, but it was a question that I continually wanted to ask.
"I'm good," I reassured him.
"I see that."
Sawyer had showered after he ate then joined me on the couch. We watched TV, and not long afterward, the food arrived. As we were unpacking it in the kitchen, Dr. Vodola came through the door. Sawyer was carrying the food containers to the table while I grabbed the plates and silverware. The door slammed shut, causing me to jump.
"I swear Dr. Green is not thinking clearly." Dr. Vodola dropped his keys and wallet on the counter.
"What's wrong?" Sawyer asked.
"Apparently, Dr. Green took it upon himself to take Adam to his house for the next couple of days for the holiday. He claims he told me, but I would have remembered an idiotic idea like that."
I glanced over at Sawyer, who only shook his head as his dad sat down. Tiptoeing, I placed the plates on the table. Sliding the chair out, I got on it.
"I'm sure Dr. Green just wanted to give the nurses a break from watching the baby for the holiday," Sawyer commented as he placed some of the turkey on his plate.
Dr. Vodola just shook his head as he put his napkin on his lap. I dished out some of the potatoes and peas. Slowly the food containers circulated the table. The room was full of forks and knives against the plates.
"He's just too nice to the subjects." Dr. Vodola randomly muttered.
My face warmed up. Glancing slightly towards Sawyer, I prayed he wouldn't start something. It was nice that Sawyer was home, but I didn't want another fight. Sawyer's jaw clenched. His eyes went to me briefly, then back down to his food. Dr. Vodola ate the last pieces of his dinner and got up. Dr. Vodola placed his dishes into the dishwasher and left us to go into the lab in the basement without another word.
"You-"
"Before you say anything, I don't take him seriously." I interrupted him.
Sawyer stared at me for a minute. My heart raced as those eyes stayed on me. I could almost hear the clock ticking.
"Okay. Well, let us grab some cookies and head upstairs to watch a movie?"
I smiled. "Sure."
My stomach was in knots, and my arms crossed over my chest. The wind was making my hair twirl around me despite being in a ponytail. Ricky was sitting in his car as Sawyer was throwing his bag into the back seat. Ricky waved at me, and I smiled and waved back. Sawyer had a long train ride back to school, and he could not wait to have his car back. Sawyer closed the door. Sawyer walked over so that he was standing in front of me. I looked up at him, and he wore a lopsided grin.
"Don't give me that look." Sawyer chuckled slightly. "I'll be back in less than a month for Christmas."
"I know. It's just seeing you made me realize how much I missed you."
Sawyer wrapped his arms around me and drew me close to him. My arms went around his middle. I guess it didn't matter if Ricky was watching us.
"I know. I love you."
"I love you too," I whispered.
Sawyer leaned down and lightly pressed his lips against mine. This time I leaned more into it; his arms tightened around me. Sawyer, little by little, unwrapped himself and went around the car to the driver's side. I watched him get in, and Ricky drove down the street. I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as I hugged myself. When Sawyer left for school, he had done so in the dark so that no one knew we were together. This time I got to see him go. I was not sure which one was worse.
My head hung low, and I shuffled back into the house. As I was closing the front door, Dr. Vodola marched down the last couple of steps. His face was red as he snatched my elbow in his grip. I yelped. Dr. Vodola dragged me through the dining room and kitchen. I stumbled with every step that he forced me to take. We got into the garage.
"Get into the car." Dr. Vodola growled.
I didn't ask questions as I got into the passenger's seat. The car roared on, and he zipped out of the driveway. My fingers curled tighter around the door handle.
"I'm the only one who takes these experiments seriously. Dr. Green is taking Adam home for Thanksgiving like a houseguest, and then there is you. You and Sawyer are kissing, and God only knows what else like it's not a big deal. You're going back on lockdown."
My stomach dropped.
"What?"
Dr. Vodola glanced at me then back at the road.
"I saw you two kissing just moments ago. I saw you going into Sawyer's room the night he got home. You two must think I'm the dumbest person on the Earth."
"We don't-"
He laughed. "Really? You two were kissing outside in my driveway."
My face warmed. "Please, don't put me back in that room."
"Would you rather go back to sleeping on my lab floor at the house?"
My eyes started to sting. My voice was gone as a lump started to grow. Dr. Vodola scanned his badge at the parking lot and parked in his spot. We got out of the car, and he grabbed my elbow once again. My eyes stayed on the floor as we went through the halls. My heart raced as I mentally went back to that room that had been my prison all those months. I was alone except for the tutoring. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere. We stood outside the room once again, and it didn't change. It still had my name on it. Dr. Vodola opened the door and shoved me in. I stumbled over a couple of steps and turned around to face him. I watched as he closed the door then I heard a click.
I leaned against the wall with my knees pressed to my chest. My chin rested on the tops of my legs. I sat outside the door, hoping that this was only a scare tactic and that I would be allowed home soon. Or that Dr. Green would come to my rescue once again. My ears perked up as I heard footsteps heade
d towards my door.
"Have you lost it?" I heard Dr. Green hiss.
"No, I haven't, but she needs constant monitoring. If we lose her, we lose so much."
They were closer to my door now as their voices were louder.
"I'm monitoring her and her health. Her menstrual cycle is on track too." Dr. Green's voice stayed strong.
"I saw the files; you lied to me about her immune system levels."
I lifted my head and looked over my shoulder. Dr. Green lied about that? Dr. Green has always been meticulous about everything. Why would he falsify records?
"You accessed my files without my permission?"
"I wouldn't have to if you didn't put about seventeen years of research at risk. We worked for two years before she was a success. Then it took fifteen years to get to Adam. Her immune system is rocky at best, and she's been going to school plus is hanging around Sawyer, who is also at school. She is exposed to so many germs. Plus, I've caught her and Sawyer kissing. God only knows what their relationship could do to her. We don't even know if she can produce kids as a clone. Is that fair to set my son up for a relationship like that?"
My stomach dropped. I didn't think of that. I might not be able to have kids; we weren't sure about the reproductive system and how well it worked. I was still getting looks and talked about as being a clone. Did I want to drag Sawyer into that mess for the rest of his life? He didn't deserve that. He had a chance to escape all of this situation with his dad and me.
I pushed myself up and slowly made my way to the window. My fingertips pressed against the glass. The door opened behind me, but I didn't even turn around.
"I heard you two. My immune system is still weak, and you're worried about what kind of life Sawyer could have with me. What do you need from me?"
Part Five
Two years later
17
Sawyer
My phone rang as I headed out to work. I saw my dad's office number across the screen.
Beaker to Life Page 12
