A Land of Despair

You Coward.

Since we had done well at the sports festival, the day after we arrived back in school would be a free day for everyone whether they were in a sports team or not. It was the same with any other club that did well in an inter school competition.

I took the opportunity as a chance, to try to persuade Hope not to say anything.
All morning, I spent searching for her, but she was no where in sight.
She was probably in her dorm room, so I decided to go to lunch with my friend instead.
The cafeteria was intergrated so anyone sat anywhere. We preferred the tables that were outside, yet still under the protective dome, because they were far apart and people wouldn't be able to hear our conversations.

"... and then we all walked back to the sports festival." Tina was finishing up her narration to her brother as I join them at the table.

Mike looked at me warily, "Are you worried?" He asked.

"Of course I am, we could get into some serious trouble if we were exposed." I huffed.

"She won't though." He said, matter of factly.

Tina and I exchanged glances, surprised by his statement.

"How can you be so sure?" Tina inquired.

"She's too empathetic. She would much rather find out what your drive is and help you do what is least likely to hurt you before she throws you to the wolves. And even then, I'm sure she wouldn't do it to hurt you." Was Mike's response. He took a bite of his food and gave us a smug look.

Tina rolled her eyes. "You say that and you seem so sure. But you don't really know her that well. She might come out that way on the surface but be as evil as the controllers deep down."

They were both right.

"So what do you suggest sis? We shut her up for good?"

"It's not like we've never done it before." Tina spoke up, confident as ever.

Guilt washed over me. I felt the blood drain from my body, why did she have to say that.

"That was unnecessary, Augustina!" Mike scolded. "You really don't care how you make others feel do you?"

She wasn't fazed by his question. For her, it was okay because she wasn't directly affected by the incident.

"Don't call me Augustina!" She spat. Augustina was her full name, she never cared for it, we all knew this.

Mike couldn't believe it, " are you serious? That's all you got from what I said?"

"Guys, don't start. We need to be on the same page right now." I pleaded. Left on their own, the bickering could go on for hours.

"You're one to talk, you haven't backed me up with anything I say or suggest and yet you go so easy on her. If we get screwed over, it's on you." I was taken aback by Tina's words.

I could not find a way to digest them, so instead, I turned away from her hoping to end the conversation, hoping she would not be relentless about her thoughts.

"Won't you say something?" She went on. "Anything..."

Taking my now empty food try, I stood from the table and started to walk away. The conversation had taken a turn that I was not prepared for, running away from it seemed like the safest option for me.

"You coward!" She hissed under her breath, but I heard it clearly enough.

You have to calm down. I thought to myself.
Stay calm.

My heart was beating fast, my blood pressure raising. If things continued this way, I would trigger another migraine.
Something I had no time for.
Something I did not want not need.