The Worthy

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Harry
THE HALLS ECHOED THROUGH THE sound of our footsteps. I'm partly relieved the girls and Tyler will be okay, and part searching for wise excuses to tell father. I could not fight anymore, because first: we don't want to scandalize our names; and second, this could buy them time to leave the place. Let's just be submissive for a while.

Though, I'm still tempted to rip off the guard's tight grasp. Any minute now.

Right in front of the doorsteps, Uncle Robert turned back to face us, "I'm guessing you boys know the drill. You have witnesses here, and there's nowhere to slip through," His rough face smirked grimly. "Well, there's nothing to do enough here, so let's get you home." He jerked his chin to the five guards behind us.

They half-dragged, half-pushed us to the awaiting cab. I suddenly felt impatient, but they released their grip once we stepped in. James and I shared worried looks-- no, scratch that --stern looks, as we looked out the windows for signs of them. Sadly, none. The vehicle jolted, and off we head into the cities.

James sighed as he leaned back in surrender, "I hope they make it through."

I snorted, "Through what? Pass the guards or through the competition?"

"Both."

It was my turn to sigh, "Yeah, well, at least they kept the books." Half lie. I wish I had them in my hands right now, show the proof to father, and have Cass by my side and convince everybody. Well, I meant Jillian and Max, too. But everything's screwed up past a blur.

I relished the time when I sneaked up to their unit. It's not what you think, but theirs were the most appealing. Sure, it wasn't that grand, but it made me suspicious.

Their door was unlocked (plus point), and the regular dirty-white Extras unit-- theirs were cream white (another point.) A bit unclean, and nice enough. Once I stepped in, the first things I noticed are the scattered-but-organized piles of papers, photographs, and bills. They also have these small desks, suitable for three occupants.

A wall beside the kitchen door is decorated and gorgeously full of photographs, with matching dates and captions. I set my eyes on one photo, one with three teenage girls (my age, I guess) wearing matching shirts. They all look so care-free. And each person was labeled by their names with an arrow. The one who took the picture, was Cass. She's all smiling beautifully and widely and that. I didn't see her smile like that earlier today.. bugger.

James turned to glance at me, and whispered, "I know you didn't mean that. They would be caught with us if we didn't sacrificed ourselves to submit, and they'd also face Dad, which adds to the mess."

"Thanks," I muttered. "You know me too well." I smiled at him. At this point, I was glad I had him. Despite the many times we fought as children, it's nice to have someone in your back, though that'd be Red if he hated being together with father much. "And stop calling him 'Dad', you sound too close to him."

Sounded like Red. But don't get me wrong, I'm still fine with him as my brother, just not as much as before.

James made a mocking face, "Yeah, whatever."

Afterwards, we didn't speak, so much had wandered in our thoughts. I hope they're safe. I hope we convince father. I hope the Competition isn't too soon. I hope we'd also convince Red. I hope we'll show them the truth. I hope, I hope, I hope.

Before we knew it, we're back at Mayberry. The cab came to an abrupt stop. This time the guards didn't take hold of us, thankfully. We were escorted to the foyer, to the hallways, and upstairs to father's office. Mother was there, too. And Red. Of course.