Field of Daisies

Epilogue

            I've been at The Collective for several weeks now, scheming with Theo over a plan to rescue Layla every chance we got. We only took breaks to complete our chores, sleep poorly, and retrieve his uncle's car—which I got to drive back. That hike to the car was much easier with adequate water and shoes.

Today is the day we leave. We've been given new clothes, identification cards, and hair. Theo is now brunette, cropped short, with the name Thomas. His family thinks he's gone for an extended period of time working on research for the company due to Major Monahan's gubernatorial victory. In contrast, I am now pushing blonde, going by Emily—just Em to Theo. My family probably still thinks I'm living a blissful life as a Steward. If only they really knew.

We stow away in the back of a rusty truck used by one of the runners, headed south. He never does share his name, but neither do we. It's below freezing out as we depart, so we get to hide in the back seat instead of the bed. Theo gets to gain an idea of what I went through when leaving his house.

Theo and I whisper to each other about different books, people, marketing ideas... every time the truck moves. We only stop talking when the truck does to receive visual updates from our driver. The two-and-a-half-hour drive flies by. It helps that Theo and I are tucked close together... for warmth and secrecy of course.

We get out of the truck behind a beat-up warehouse. We take along loaded backpacks and start walking in the direction of the train station. Theo and I meander the streets, gawking at different things to ham it up and appear as Christmas enthusiasts. It's fun to goof off with Theo, pretending to be someone else. I could get used to this.

The first snow fall of the year arrived last night, leaving the roads dirty with sand and everything else covered with a layer of wet white slush. The boots we were given have good traction, preventing either of us from slipping on the poorly plowed sidewalks. The snow keeps most people indoors, leaving the road practically empty. It's funny how rain and the first snowfalls make people afraid to go out or even drive.

An hour of wandering brings us within sight of a familiar building—The Transportation Center—where we plan to purchase tickets to the Metropolis. Before going in, I finally spot a post box, which I've been searching for to drop off an envelope addressed to Charlotte. Theo nudges me as I turn around and raise my head so my eyes can reach a hazel pair all too familiar.

"Did you miss me, Daisy?" Cameron snickers. "I'm so glad you found good ol' Teddy too. I just knew it would be worth waiting it out here. I must say, you pull of brunette better than blonde, Daisy. Though, the length suits you." How the hell did he find us. "You should know new hair is a poor disguise. Your mannerisms are all too telling.

"I hope you enjoyed your make-unders and little honeymoon. It's over now. Time for married life to get serious." Is there a hint of jealousy in his voice, or is my big head imagining it?

I find myself frozen, not sure if I should run or scream. Theo's fingers brush the back of my hand, which make me think he's pondering the same decision.

"Don't even try," Cameron stops me, reading my mind. "Let's make this easy. No scene necessary."

What am I supposed to do? I could try to run, but I doubt Cameron is alone this time. And there aren't enough people around whose attention we could catch. I could stay and let Cameron take me. But is that giving up too soon? I could try to negotiate my way out of termination, or whatever he has in store for me now.

Some part of the old Cameron—the Cameron who once called me the prettiest flower, who once told me he loved me under the glistening snow, who kissed me like he never wanted to let me go—has to be in there somewhere.

I speak before thinking to consult Theo in some way, "I'll go, no problems. But you have to answer three questions first. Honestly." Let's hope his old ticks are the same.

"Em—," Theo tries to stop me, but I give him a pleading look, trying to convey to him that I need to do this. I made my decision.

"Kallin here has to come too and we have a deal," Cameron negotiates.

"No, just take me. He's not a part of this..."

I hear Theo sigh, "Deal."

I turn to Theo, terror in my eyes. He should not be subjected to the near certain death sentence that I have. What about his sister? He grabs my hand, squeezing it in a way that signals to me that we'll be okay. That this is what he wants too. We found The Collective. I escaped Cameron once myself. With Theo by my side, surely I can do it again.

Knowing I won't be able to change Theo's mind, I choose my words carefully. "Why are you hunting me, considering all I want to do is disappear and live a quiet life?"

Cameron gives me a smile, "It's my job, Daisy. And the job's not done until the fugitive is brought in." His face goes hard, no sign of a lie, but not a satisfying truth. "That's one."

I stare him down as I ask my next question, fighting to keep my voice even. "What do you know about the Stewards, and me being one, since you became so cold to me after I received my Assignment?" Theo loosens his grip on my hand slightly.

Cameron narrows his eyes. "I already told you, Daisy. I know that they don't have relationships, so what would have been the point of continuing ours? Being cold made it easier to break up, did is not? That's two."

I'm displeased with his answer, but there's still no sign of a lie. I ask my last question with nothing more to lose, anticipating an avoidant response. I tighten my grip on Theo's hand, signaling to him that I need him here. "Who changed my Assignment the day of their reveal?"

Cameron smiles again, a twisted and awful smile that makes me want to shrink into myself. "Oh Daisy," he laughs as if this is just a joke between two friends, "I did."