THE HIVE

Chapter 30

We walk back inside the hive, not having shared any words since. There is a shadow beside me, and no matter what I do, I can't bring myself to speak to the person that owns it. It's not like Fiona won't talk to me. It's just that, I feel she's organising her thoughts. Because what happened earlier was quite a tough blow to her, and I don't think she was ready for that. Heck, even I wasn't.

As her steps patter out in my vicinity, I realise she's walking away from me. I turn around to see her walking in a different direction. One not in line with the noodle slide. In fact, quite frankly the opposite direction. I open my mouth to question her, raise my hand. But, I end up curling my fingers and pressing my lips closed. Guess I'll just tag along.

As I do, I can't help but ask, "Um, are the others the same way?"

She glances at my feet, then nods her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. Then, for some reason she smiles. It's a pained one, but nonetheless. I feel a tightness inside my stomach. I wish I could read her mind, thinking that I sigh.

Well, you could.

There's a pang in my chest, that causes me to look at her in bewilderment. Huh? What do you mean? I can read her mind? How so?

Space buddy grows mute, as if collecting his thoughts. Or perhaps recollecting some forgotten fact. Billy...couldn't... His voice trails off. He's trying hard; I can tell.

Hmm, what about Billy... If I remember correctly, earlier you said you can't detect each other. You'd only realise it's one of your kind if you see the mutated part on the host's body. Then what else is there?

His voice changes, to a much serious one. But not solemn. It's connected. Entwined. Perhaps too much for you, right now. But... maybe you could master it, sometime. You could connect with another, of my kind. Another host. You have to have a great mastery of Yttr for that.

I frown, still walking where Fiona takes me. Your cryptic words make little sense to me sometimes. But, I guess I understand.

...

And if it is like that, then maybe...

I ball my right palm into a fist tightly. Holding onto hope. I hope it's not only me and Billy who are special.

_____________

I gasp, taking in my surroundings. "I didn't know there was a place like this!" I've been missing out on so much. This isn't fair!

It's a huge space, with the familiar pillars. There's a golden aura to it as well. I think this is a sort of common room for recreational activities. It's about the same size as the dining hall, or probably a bit larger.

It's larger.

Yeah, and they also seem to have some stuff here that the kids are playing with, and are those three drawing? So they do take into account our mental health after all.

As I continue to gape at my surroundings, I feel someone's gaze on me. Noticing my astounded expression, Fiona smiles wryly.

"If it isn't Jordan!" Someone yips then runs towards me. A feminine voice brimming with youth. It's Bethany. She notices me having come in with Fiona. Blinks for a moment. Then her eyes open wide. "Hey, you sorted things out? Tell me about it! Diana won't say a word," She whispers to my ear, standing on tiptoes.

"I..."

"I'd explain it to you," Fiona says to her gently. "Meanwhile, I think Jordan has some announcements to make. He can prepare for those as we clear the misunderstanding." With that, she guides Beth along further. But Beth being confused keeps looking at me and Fiona in a back and forth motion, resisting against Fiona's feeble force. "Hey, come on. What's with you two?" she says, noticing our solemn expressions.