Invisible

Chapter Eighteen - Escaped

IMPORTANT  - - - Please read the author's note at the end!

Bree gulped air into her suddenly oxygen starved lungs. At once it the events of the day seemed to much, she became acutely aware of a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Abruptly, Bree's mind flashed back to the only other day in her life that she'd ever felt this out of control - the day she received the news of her parents death.

She'd been at home, diligently doing the homework that had been assigned to her second grade class so that she would be free to participate in family night. Ever since she could remember Bree's parents had set Friday nights aside to spend doing whatever she wanted to - as long as her homework was finished when they got home.

A loud banging on the front door broke Bree's concentration. Looking around she slowly got up and peeped through the door. Even at the young age of seven the sight of a grim looking man in a Guard's uniform sent Bree's heart straight into her throat. With shaking, sweaty hands Bree reached out and twisted the lock before pulling open the door. Immediately the man's eyes softened, "Ma'am, what's your name?" The Guard was struggling to keep his professionalism in tact  considering the news he was bringing. He prayed to the heavens that this little girl wasn't all alone.

"Patyon Bree Micheals."she whispered proudly.

The man smiled,"Warrior and the exalted one, wow sweat heart, your mommy and daddy picked some doozies for you to live up to."

"Mommy says I'm special." Patyon said with a toothy grin.

"Mhmm, I bet," he replied, "Sweetie, is there anyone else home?" the man asked with a hint of desperation.

"No, it's just me and mommy and daddy. Why are you here? Do you know where they are? They said they's be home from their trip tonight." Payton's eyes glowed with pride. Even if she didn't know what it was all about she understood her parents had been picked for something important.

 "No Aunts or Uncles? What about your grandparents?"

"They're not here. Mommy says they live in a big city." The guard watched as the little one became increasingly suspicious. Her brilliant green eyes narrowed as she crossed her thin arms over her chest.

"Why are you here anyways?"

I hate my job, the guard thought, as he let out his own tired sigh. "How about I come in and then I'll answer your questions alright, darling?" 

Bree remembered how she'd stayed there for a minute sizing the man up. She wished she could go back in time and tell her seven-year-old self to shut the door in his face. 

After she let the man in he told her gently that her parents were never coming home. At first all she'd cared about was missing family night but as the days passed she was finally able to grasp the situation. 

 Three days later the same guard who had told her the news came banging on her door in the middle of the night. "Get your stuff Payton, NOW." He looked so angry, so frightened, that she had immediately scurried off to her room and packed a small duffel bag. The man brought her to the edge of the Academy's's property and bent down next to her. "You have to leave, sweetheart. There are men here who know just how special you are but they're not nice men, Pay, they just want to test you and test you and then use you. I know this is a lot little one but you must be a warrior for me okay?"

Payton nodded. She was still trying to wrap her head around everything the man was saying.

"Here," Payton took the small sheet of paper he handed to her, "this is your file. I've gotten everything restricted for you. So I need you to take this money," again he paused to hand her a wad of bills, "and get the man to drive you to your Nanna's." It was the first time that Bree noticed a sleek black car parked just outside the gates. "When you get there tell your Nanna to pass in this file, that way you'll be able to live with her and no one will come looking. Do you understand?"

Again Payton nodded. Finally, the guard pulled her into a hug before pushing her toward the car. "Wait!" she called but he had already slammed the door. "I don't even know your name..." she whispered.

When Payton finally arrived at the Academy in the city they told her, her Grandmother was gone. Where? They didn't know. Not knowing what else to do Payton caught a cab and went to the closest Academy. There she'd told the lady at the office desk that her Grandmother had told her to pass in her newly updated form. The reception lady bought the lie without hesitation. When Payton burst into frightened tears because "her Nanna had finally let her get her own room and she'd lost the keys" the kind lady didn't hesitate to hand over another set and assure Payton of her room number. From then on Payton used her middle name, Bree, and kept her first name off record. Payton grew up in the shadows hoping no one would notice...and no one ever had.

Until now.

The tests, the investigation, the questions, it all just reminded her too much of the things that had brought her here. Bree's vision began to fade, as it all overwhelmed her at last. She welcomed the darkness and let it take her.

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Because I didn't have this chapter planned out when I started the story a few things here and there may have to change. Nothing important to the storyline will change but if you'd like to go back and read them enjoy!

Also, in case anyone's confused by this chapter here's a breakdown: 

--Bree is Bree's middle name. Her real name is Payton. (Payton means warrior and Bree means the exalted one)

--Bree ran away because the guard wanted to do testing on  her and use her powers

--When Bree arrives her Grandmother is gone(they don't know where)

--Bree goes to another academy (the one the rest of the story has taken place at) and lies in order to get a room and make them think she is staying with her grandparents

I hope this makes sense!

Please vote! xox