The Beginning Of The End

Chapter 9: Annabelle

I plan to use this woman as a source of information, and then get the hell out of here. Maybe She'll even take us to the people she supposedly kidnapped for our cooperation and we can just grab them and run. At this point I'm not going anywhere without Jonathan. I don't care what I said before.

We walk for about fifteen minutes. Jonathan walks really close to me, which for some reason I don't mind. I need my personal space, but it doesn't feel like he's invading it. It actually feels kind of nice. I let my hand closest to him hang down so he knows it's ok to grab it, but he doesn't. Wow this really is middle school.

We keep twisting and turning until I've lost all sense of direction. I don't see how anyone could ever remember this. Then again, maybe that's the point. So theres no way anyone could escape from their grasp. I really don't like this. Finally I grab Jonathan's hand. It's not the 1900's anymore- I can be the one to 'make a move'.

I look up and him. He smiles and me and gives my hand a squeeze, as if to say I wasn't sure what to do but I'm glad you just did that. He seems nervous about not knowing our destination or how to get back too. Then we turn back forward, and start focusing on where we're walking. 

Wait. We are alone.

Commander Malum is... gone?

We run ahead to see if she's just ahead of us, but she's nowhere to be seen.

"Dammit!" Jonathan yells. I can tell he doesn't like being lost. "I never trusted that lady! I swear if we get starved again I-"

"Jonathan calm down. Remember what she said? When we were locked in those rooms and had to escape? When we were released outside and on our own? When we had to break out of those prison cells? They were all tests. What if this is the same thing?"

He takes a deep breath.

"Ok, ok. You're probably right. Ok. What do we do?"

"Well they said they were studying our reactions to things, and what we did to solve the problem. So they're watching us somehow right?"

"That would make sense, yeah."

"So there has to be some kind of security camera somewhere, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I read online that most of the newer security cameras have a chip inside that shows you where the main controller is. When you take that chip and plug it into the side of the camera, it should show you a map to where it is. I have a feeling that if we can get there, we'll probably find Commander Malum there."

"Couldn't we just put our right hand on the wall and get out that way? If this is a maze, then that's how they work right?"

"Getting to the control room and getting out are two very different things. If we got out, we would need to make a break for it. We don't know where we are. We have to remember that we're still on that island, and the storm is still going on. We might be better off just staying where we are right now. Besides, whether we like it or not, Commander Malum does have answers. And I plan to get those answers before I leave."

"You're right...where would the camera be?"

"They're usually placed up high so they can zoom in and out easily. They're usually in corners so they can be assembled easily as well. I say we keep walking with our heads up until we see one."

"Sounds like a plan."

We start walking again with our heads craned. It's been two minutes and I can already feel the crick in my neck.

"Hey Annabelle?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you ever considered dating Daniel?"

I stop walking and give him a puzzling look.

"Why?"

"I don't know. Just wondering."

I begin walking again.

"No, I haven't. And I don't plan to. Daniel's like a brother to me. Dating your brother would just be wrong."

"Hm."

I wonder what brought this on?

"Why do you ask?"

This time he stops walking.

"Well, I was wondering..." he hesitates.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering if, when we get out of here....you would maybe want to...go out with me?"

I'm quiet. I've never dated before, and do I really want to start now?

You know what? Yes I do. I'm eighteen and only getting older. I don't know Jonathan that well, but we've already been through a lot together and I like him. So yes Jonathan, yes I will go out with you.

Now I only need to say it out loud.

"Well, um I-"

"Nevermind," he laughs, "It was a stupid idea. You don't want to and that's fine. Is that one?"

I'm crushed. I was already looking forward to that date. I can imagine him ringing my doorbell, all dressed up, with his hair combed back neatly and holding a single rose for me, the deep red color of a setting sun. I'd smile at him, wearing a dress for the second time in my life, the first being my mothers funeral. My dad would be passed out drunk in the living room, so he wouldn't bother me. It would be the perfect night. And now it's not going to happen.

"Oh, um, yeah."

There it is, the security camera we've been searching for. Now how do I get to it?

I look down at Jonathan. Wait, down? Why's he on the floor?

"Well step on. We both know I can't do whatever it is you have to do to that thing."

"Um, okay?"

I put my foot on his back and hesitate. Does he really want me to do this?

"Just get on already."

I sigh and step up onto his back.