𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭

Chapter Four

As Victoria sat among the other chosen children, she wondered why she was the one with two abilities.

Doctor Reed stepped aside to make way for another doctor to approach: an African American woman in her late thirties exuding confidence and expertise. Her black hair was neatly tied in a sleek bun, framing a face that reflected both warmth and professionalism. Dressed in a crisp white lab coat, she carried herself with poise and authority, embodying the role of a dedicated and knowledgeable doctor.

"Hello, chosen children of the six districts," she greeted as she circulated among the 12 selected children, observing them closely.

"My name is Doctor Sinclair," she paused briefly to look at them.

"I understand that you are still between the ages of eight and ten, but here you are adults, capable of making thoughtful decisions," she took a breath, her composed and stone like face remaining unchanged. "What I am about to tell you must be taken seriously, thought over wisely before reacting."

She flicked to the screen displaying information about the Earth. "This is where we are right now-fresh grass, growing seeds for our food, to feed our animals. Here, we are safe."

Turning away from the screen, she faced the children again. "Chosen children, do not take lightly what I'm about to say." She sighed and then turned back to the screen. "Our lands, our lands are becoming overpopulated. We need more land."

"But where will there be more land?" Imogene asked.

Doctor Reed stepped forward next to Doctor Sinclair. "In the half-burnt world of ash."

"Why do you need us then?" Holton inquired.

"When the time comes for you to know that information, we will provide it," Doctor Sinclair said firmly. "For now, we will train your minds and bodies for what lies ahead in the years to come." With that, she walked out of the room.

"Well, that was a bit dramatic," Mack commented. Doctor Reed walked over to him, stroking his chin before addressing the chosen children again.

"As a mother of my own two children, you are now my children as well," she said, looking out the window where tall buildings and a blue sky were visible. "I promise you one thing, children: I will protect you at all costs."

Just as she finished speaking, Doctor Sinclair returned with thin books in her hands. "These are your training schedules. You will wake up at 7:30, get ready, and go where the instructions tell you," she announced.

"But what if we get lost?" Luca asked.

"You have assistants for that reason, Mr. Bayview," Doctor Sinclair replied.

Clasping her hands together, she continued, "You have today off to explore and wander around, with a guard and your assistant."

"We have many facilities here: a pool, televisions in each of your rooms, and a library for those who enjoy reading. Any questions?" When none of the children responded, she smiled and shook her head.

"Alright then, that concludes the meeting. Your assistants and one guard are waiting outside those doors. You are free to go wherever you like, but only for today," she added sternly. "Remember, training starts tomorrow."

The frosted glass doors opened and all the children's assistants guided their way out, Victoria looked at Doctor Reed and Doctor Sinclair as they looked at her aswell while Xanea guided her out the door.

When all the chosen children were escorted out, the glass frosted doors came to a close with only Doctor Sinclair and Reed in the room.

The frosted glass doors opened, and all the children's assistants guided their way out. Victoria glanced at Doctor Reed and Doctor Sinclair, who were also looking at her, as Xanea ushered her through the door.

Once all the chosen children were escorted out, the frosted glass doors closed, leaving only Doctors Sinclair and Reed in the room.

"What are your thoughts, Lydia?" Doctor Sinclair asked.

"It's nothing you need to worry about, Julia," Lydia replied, turning away. Before she could move, Julia placed a hand on her shoulder. "Is it about the Meadowbrook girl?"

Tears welled up in Lydia's eyes as she nodded. "I had hoped she wouldn't be chosen. I prayed for her not to be chosen!" Lydia exclaimed, sinking onto one of the brown leather couches. "But here she is, just like Isobel, facing the same fate," she sniffled, wiping away her tears.

Julia knelt in front of Lydia. "Lydia, it was twenty years ago. Our technology was old and useless then. Now, we stand a chance," she reassured her.

Lydia looked up at Julia through teary eyes. "Victoria looks exactly like her, Julia. The thin, small freckles, her striking figure, sweet-heart face, fair skin, plump lips, brunette hair. Her eyes, the same captivating shade of green as Isobel's."

Julia didn't know what to say to comfort her friend."Julia, I know of the history between you and Isobel, and it's heartbreaking that the experiment didn't work, but I have hope, and I trust that this time, it will work, and Victoria will come back and you can tell all your stories about you and Isobel,". But Lydia only nodded, Julia pulled her in for an embrace and whispered, "It will all be fine,"

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"So Xanea, where is the Library?"

Xanea stoooed in her tracks as did Victoria, "Victoria, you have an off day to do whatever you'd like and you want to visit the library? "

"I don't see why that doesn't count as a fun plan?" Victoria pouted.

"Alright then, if that's your way of fun, follow me, "

They turned a few corridors, embracing the lobby and into a silver elevator, Xanea pressed the button 11 and they were lifted, the doors opened with a 'ding' and she turned left and then right, in front of them was double oak oval doors, Victoria looked at Xanea, "This is the library you requested," Victoria was amazed at what she saw, a grand oak library, exuding luxury and warmth. The centerpiece is a large fireplace, nestled in the middle of a wall adorned with intricate oak panels. Surrounding the fireplace are three plush brown leather couches, strategically placed for comfort and relaxation.

This library is not just a single level; it boasts a double-story design. Ascending to the second floor via a sweeping staircase, you're greeted by a view that perfectly frames the fireplace and couches below. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the cozy ambiance of the seating area and the flickering firelight.

Nearby, large windows on the first floor invite natural light to spill in, offering a serene view of expansive fields and the lush embrace of nearby forests. A seating area by these windows provides a peaceful retreat, allowing one to immerse themselves in both the tranquility of the surroundings and the knowledge housed within the library's extensive collection. She began looking at the books that was neatly kept, so many stories, each section of the library walls had golden plates with what sorts and kinds of books they are.

A title caught her eye, "The Experiment by Catleen Stark", just as she was about to reach for it Xanea spoke, "Victoria, we have to be going now, it's almost time for dinner," Victoria only turned aroumd and nodded looking at the book once more and moving to Xanea, they took the same walk with Xanea and the guard to the elevator.

"Are we all eating dinner together again?" asked Victoria. Xanea nodded her head "This is your first night eating with the rest of the chosen children."

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I would like to extend a personal thank you to butter_imagination for
her invaluable assistance in helping me revise all of these chapters.🤍

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Author's Note:

Hello readers! I hope you're enjoying this story. Please let me know in the comments or by voting. Onto the next chapter!