Beyond Our Control

Chapter 6

 When she woke up, it was dinner time.

The sound of a light sweet bell rang, waking her up. Not knowing what it was, she pulled the blanket of her sheets above her head.

Until someone called out loudly: "Dinner time! Put your work down and come eat!"

She finally got up from her bed, wishing she could just lay down forever. But her stomach rumbled like thunder, remembering she hasn't eaten much lately. Again, thanks to Dr. Novak. The woman really doesn't care about her, breaking the rules of the proper amount of meal set by the city government. The only thing she was served was small portions of bread and water in that place they kept her, barely enough. At least now, hopefully she'll get more portions, the portions she was supposed to get. Although now that the thought of right portions of food had crossed her mind, she can't help but think of Lina once again. Is she getting enough food? Is her stomach growling like crazy at this point? Is Dr. Novak treating her alright?

Still remembering the image of Lina, how they kept her in her dirty clothes, leaving her hair messed up and not cleaning her at all. All the wrong thoughts come across Kenna, but maybe, she thought, maybe taking this deal also meant that Lina is being treated better now. Remembering the blood and wound around Lina's wrists, hopefully Dr. Novak or one of her assistants treated that.

Enough thoughts about Lina, she tried to think of something else. Anything, as she walked out her room. Then the strange thing happened, she thought of Faye.

Stopping when she closed her room's door, she gazed at the door next to hers, Faye's. Wondering if Faye had heard the bell and is getting ready to go to dinner too. Should she knock? Maybe Faye happened to miss the sound of that bell? But remembering the blank expression of hers, and her terrible attitude, Kenna decided it's best not to knock. She probably heard it and is getting ready, she shouldn't bother her. Assuming she probably doesn't like to be bothered.

Not hot like in the morning, the afternoon felt colder. She pulled her self heating jacket over her shoulders before stepping out of the cottage. Turning back one last time to see if Faye was coming. But she wasn't. Maybe she just didn't want to walk out with her, she thought.

Closing the door behind her, she looked up at the sky, breathing in the afternoon breeze. The sky carried a twilight purple with clouds mixed in it. The sun, already setting behind the view. She's never seen the sky like this before, is it always like this here?

Everyone was running and gathering toward the big white painted cottage, whatever it is called. A girl from behind ran so fast and bumped into Kenna, the two of them collapsing onto the floor.

Kenna felt her arm ache, that was the last thing she wanted for today.

"Owie," the girl frowned, scratching her head in embarrassment.

It was Annika, the wheelbarrow girl. Her black hair tied up in a high ponytail, perfectly cut bangs above her eyes, her cheeks pink and red. Her brown eyes widening at the sight of Kenna, coming to some sort of realization.

"Newbie!" She pointed a finger at Kenna, her lips curved as she grinned.

"Uh, hi?" Kenna managed, trying not to be rude on her first day. But the girl did just knock her out onto the floor.

Annika jumped up quickly, brushing the dirt off of her pants. She offered a hand to Kenna to help her up. "So sorry about that, I was just too excited for dinner. I heard we're having pie for dessert today!"

"Pie?" Kenna frowned.

"Um yeah, pie! Trust me the pie here is delicious!"

Oh right. Suddenly remembering the little stuff from the fat book. Pie was some kind of baked good, and dessert was any kind of sweets of any sort to eat after a proper meal. She never had anything like that before, everything she has ever eaten was plain and not always the tastiest.