Stop and Smell the Roses

Chapter III

My breathing is ragged and rapid. I run my fingers through my hair, trying to calm myself down. I can't stem the flow of tears that comes.

I can't fall asleep anymore without reliving all of these terrible moments. I can't figure out which ones are real or just my overactive imagination. I rise from my pod and I pace around the room a few times. My heart rate slows to its normal speed, and my breathing regulates.

This process has become routine, since most of my dreams have become nightmares. I can't remember when they started. And I have no idea when they will end.

Wow, I think to myself. You're quite the pessimist.

I decide to head to the Park to take my mind off things. I bring my camera just in case I feel like taking some pictures. I'm not that hungry, so I skip breakfast and I step outside. I pass several people as I walk down the street, but none of them acknowledge me. I don't pay much heed to it, I'm used to it.

I reach the Park and I sit on a metal bench. I love it here, it's so beautiful and it feels more real that the Neighborhoods, where the flowers are metal and the birds are robots. They actually let in a few real birds here, and they bred and now the Park is full of them.

I take a few quick shots and then I stroll down the concrete pathway to the Woods.

I come to this place to think. It's mostly silent, other then the occasional bird call and the buzzing of insects. And it's free of people. I think that's the best part. I take a seat on a rock by a small stream. I don't know how long I sat there, maybe hours. All I know is that I was nearly asleep by the time I decided to head back. I didn't dare doze off, I knew I would face the consequences.

I stumble drowsily back to my Dome. I type in the code, prepared to lounge on the couch, when I realize I have company.

President Collins.

He hasn't changed much from the man I saw on the screen so long ago, only his hair has turned grey and his beard has thinned. He looks slightly different in person, much more muscular than I expected. And his eyes. They are such a brilliant blue, I can almost feel them penetrating through me. The thought sends a chill down my spine.

He smiles, revealing even, white teeth. "Hello, miss...?"

I actually have to pause and think for a moment. I haven't been called by my name in so long. It finally resurfaces after a few moments.

"Amelie."

My voice is incredibly hoarse from lack of use. I clear my throat and try again.

"Amelie." It comes out clearer this time.

"Yes. Amelie. The girl who pressed TRUTH. You know, even the most accomplished of rebels don't even think twice before pressing CLEANSER. You amaze me, Amelie. Pray tell, where are your parents?"

I stay silent for a few moments, before answering in a faint whisper. "Gone."

President Collins arranges his features in what I take to be pity. "I'm sorry to hear that. I can't imagine someone wanting to leave such a... special girl." He puts an emphasis on the world 'special.' My skin begins to crawl uncomfortably. Where is he going with this?

The President picks up a portrait of my mother and father. He stares at it for a moment. "Are these your parents?" He asks.

I nod. He smiles again, revealing those perfect, white teeth. I wonder if they're fake. "Charming," he says.

I finally blurt out the question that lingers on my tongue. "Why are you here?"

He leans forward. "I never thought you'd ask. Boys, come forward."
Two men dressed completely in black emerge from the shadows. Now I'm curious.

"Meet my best Agents- Roland," -the man to the right nods- "and Zachary."
The man called Zachary salutes.

"Why are you here?" I repeat.

President Collins' smile fades a fraction. "I grow weary of impatience, Miss Amelie." I stare defiantly into those brilliant blue eyes. To my surprise, I see amusement glimmering in them. "You show makings of a rebel. Which brings us to the answer of your question." I snort derisively.

"Me? A rebel?"

"I was doubtful at first, until I saw a recap of your assessment. Did you know that because of you, we began giving the Conditioning assessment to all children at the age of 12?"

The feeling of shock must be evident on my face, because his grin widens. "Yes. I just thought you should know. Well, I must be going. I do hope you will ponder on our little discussion." He nods to Roland and Zachary, and then strides out of my Dome.