The Dark Society

7

Sabrina peered through the window as the last images of home faded. Luckily, Tatum, her traveling companion, often flew, and unlike Sabrina, enjoyed it. Moreover, her parents supported the decision to attend school abroad. So, she didn't want to disappoint.

As they settled in for the long flight, the two got better acquainted to ease anxieties. Sabrina was mentally and physically strong. Though with Julia's guidance, she'd learned to conceal symptoms of the ascension.

Despite brief moments of clarity, she often felt alone. Sabrina gazed into the night sky, seeking guidance and wisdom. However, as she did so, Jennifer proved reliable and honored her promise.

"How are we doing?" Jennifer asked, approaching.

"Not bad, all things considered," Sabrina replied.

"Do you two know each other?" Tatum questioned, noting their exchange.

"Kind of..." Jennifer said, her gaze lingering on Sabrina. "Can I get you anything?"

"Scotch, neat," Tatum requested.

"And for you?" Jennifer asked Sabrina.

Sabrina chuckled.

"The same."

"I'll be right back," Jennifer said, crossing the aisle.

"She's perceptive, isn't she?" Tatum observed.

"What do you mean?"

Tatum smiled.

"The eyes never lie."

Sabrina laughed.

"Now you sound like my father."

Tatum watched as Jennifer returned and arranged a folded napkin under Sabrina's glass. Sabrina didn't notice at first and set the drink on the armrest.

"What's that?" Tatum asked.

"What?" Sabrina looked confused.

"Open it and see what it says."

Sabrina froze as Tatum reached for the napkin.

"I bet there's a message."

Sabrina reclaimed the napkin and tucked it away. Then, pursing her lips and squinting, she sipped the cocktail.

"Not much of a drinker, are you?" Tatum teased.

"You noticed."

Tatum retrieved a bag from the overhead compartment.

"Then why did you order it?"

Sabrina slumped into the seat.

"I thought it'd make me feel older."

Tatum turned.

"Older? Nineteen or twenty tops."

Sabrina giggled.

"Thanks for the compliment."

Tatum's eyes widened.

"How old are you?"

Sabrina finished the drink.

"Seventeen."

Tatum looked shocked.

"Do you think the flight attendant knows?"

Sabrina shrugged and pondered Jennifer's behavior. As a result, she pulled out the napkin and unfolded it.

"What does it say?" Tatum asked.

Sabrina looked toward the front of the cabin, then back at the napkin.

"'See through the lies--the truth is everywhere,'" Tatum read over her shoulder. "What does that mean?"

"It's something my mother often says," Sabrina admitted. "But how could she know that?"

"Strange way to make friends, don't you think?" Tatum joked.

Sabrina considered the message. But soon noticed a thick manila envelope protruding from Tatum's bag.

"What's this?"

Tatum pulled out several documents.

"Admission paperwork for Imperial University."

Sabrina looked up in surprise.

"That's why you're going overseas?"

"Yeah, to study Criminal Justice. Why?"

"Marketing and accounting," Sabrina said, producing identical forms. "You could say I'm going there too."

"Well," Tatum said, shuffling through papers, "let's see what else we have in common."

Sabrina leaned in to look.

"No way!" she exclaimed. "Looks like we're going to be roommates!"

Sabrina considered this unexpected turn of events.

"Seems like fate, doesn't it?"

Tatum nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.