The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 21

I KNOW THAT THIS SCHOOL VALUES security, but entering my code is tedious. I had opted for a shorter number combination, but the system rejected it. I needed more than seven numbers. Yes, there's also the option of pressing my fingers onto the scanner attached to the door, but I don't trust it. Call me paranoid or what, but having my QR code without my consent is enough. I won't let them have my fingerprints.

'7...3,' I mumble as I enter the last digits. The screen blinks green. I nudge the door open, readying myself to have a kip. I don't fancy doing homework after listening to teachers for hours. OK, maybe I don't really listen, but it's still tiring. Also, I cleaned an entire room, so there's that.

'Good evening, Mister Evans.'

'Bleeding hell!' I jump on my spot. My whole system is suddenly alive. 'Oh yeah, you live here now. Sorry, I forgot.' I check one more time if any of those weirdos are following me before closing the door.

'Yes. I very much like it here. The bed is soft; there is no water interruption. It feels like I have found the well of endless...water.'

I lean against the door, my arms crossed. OK, first of all, why are you wearing my shirt? Second of all, what happened to your English? My phone is about to lose juice, by the way.'

I push myself off the door and charge my phone. Inside this room are two beds, one bathroom; a kitchen with red tiles instead of a white floor like the rest of the room, and a big telly inside the study room. The study room itself has all the books and equipment we need. But who cares about those? We have a telly and two computers! This school is loaded!

'As your guide, it is my duty to familiarise you with Zone 1's language.'

'OK. But that still doesn't answer my first question.'

'Oh. Well, I didn't bring many clothes. I hope you do not mind.' That red shirt is my smallest one, but it's still too big for his small frame. Well, that does look comfortable.

I tell him to keep it. It's a small payment for healing me. 'Don't stretch it, though!' I say as he pulls my shirt from side to side.

'But it's so soft. And it's mine.'

'We need some ground rules here.' I stand up straight, reminding him I'm the older and bigger one between us. 'First of all, that's your side. This—' I gesture to my bed and to the door that leads to the study room. '—is my side. You may share it once in a while, but you are not permitted to touch anything unless I say so. Nod if you agree.'

He shakes his head.

'What? It's only fair!'

'No. It's not. To save your breath, I do not touch anything that is not mine. Save for this shirt because it's cotton.'

'You are one weird kid. OK, at least you know your place. I'll need a nap for at least... let's see,' I check my mobile, 'fifteen minutes. I need my strength before they come here.'

'They?'

'Oh, you know, people who take naughty children.'

'I am not a child!' He thrusts his fist forward. A strong force throws me onto my bed. 'Stop teasing me.'

Blinking, I dig my elbows into the mattress and sit up. 'Hey, just because you can do that doesn't mean you have to do that.'

He shrugs and plops down on his bed. His arm is flung across his eyes. 'We should learn how to control your pyrokinesis. You have no choice, mister, You'll have to release it soon, or you'll always have a burning fever.'