Surviving the Jungle

Sick

    On Monday, the Director came back. Like the first time, we were put in a line in the middle of the night. Apparently, some people have been caught going out again. The Director looked at Blade and I with an accusing glare, but it wasn't us this time. It was another girl, younger than me. When the Director confronted her, she cracked under the pressure. He shot her immediately, a bullet in the head. Then, he turned to Maria and punched her in the face. 

I understand her need to help the most vulnerable, but she took too many risks. She was already almost caught once because of me. Why would she risk it again?

As the Director was beating Maria up, I started feeling sick. My vision suddenly became blurry and I felt nauseous. Before my body hit the ground, Blade ran towards me and help me to him. That caught the Director's attention. Blade broke the line. The Director came towards us and caressed my hair. Blade held me tighter to his chest, showing that I belonged to him only.

"Put them all back in their cages, except these two. Bring them to my office."

The guards hurried to obey. Because I struggled to walk, Blade carried me in his arms. I felt dizzy.

"Blade, I feel sick."

He put me down softly and right away, I threw up. I thought my body was reacting to the violence: seeing a young girl killed and Maria beat nearly to death. After that, Blade picked me up again and we walked to the office, accompanied by two guards.

When we entered, Blade sat down with me on his lap. He refused to let me go.

"Is she okay, the Director asked Blade.

- I don't know."

Another wave of nausea hit me and I rushed to the trash can to throw up in it. Blade held my hair and rubbed my back. The Director looked at us with amusement. Once I was done, Blade and I sat down.

"I guess now I know who was the guard that helped you go out. She is going to suffer the consequences anyway. I'm sorry, Purity, but you kept this secret for nothing. You both suffered for nothing."

We remained silent. What he said was true.

"Do you remember the offer I made you, Purity?"

I nodded, curious to know what he had to offer next.

"Well, it still stands. Tell me the truth about yourself, spy on others a little bit, and I will set you free.

- And Blade too?

- And Blade too.

- Really?"

Blade laughed next to me.

"He's lying. Don't listen to him."

The Director frowned and came in front of me to sit on his desk.

"You know, it's obvious why you're sick. Look at you. Your body is changing already."

Looking down at myself, it was true. While I was still skinny, my stomach wasn't as flat as it used to be. How could I not notice. In a panic I wrapped my arms around myself and turned to Blade. Another wave of dizziness hit me.

"Just do what I ask of you and I will set you free. You, Blade, and your futur baby."

My head was spinning. Blade pulled me on his lap and I started crying. This was too much. A baby? How long had I been pregnant? It couldn't be true.

"Think about it. Some guards are going to escort you two back to your respective cells. Tomorrow night, I'll come and give you this offer for the last time. If you refuse, you'll be here until you die. A baby can't possibly survive in Zone 3. I guess we might have to take it away from you. Anyway, this is your last chance. Make the right choice, Purity. And you, take care of her, Blade."

Balde and I were separated and brought back to our individual cells. I was hysteric, couldn't stop crying. I felt trapped in my worst nightmare.

"Calm down" Blade called me from his cell. His voice felt soothing, but not to the point where I would stop crying. This wasn't happening. Not for real. I laughed in disbelief. A baby? I had a choice to make now, and I was almost sure of what I would decide.