DIVERSITY

DIVERSITY- Chapter 24

I startled awake, my lungs convulsing with fearful trauma. Instantly, my hand raised to clutch my chest, jolting Into an upright position, my feet pressing onto the glassed sides of the tube concealing me. I choked, sputtering coughs of distress as I cringed from the needle sharply dislodging from my back.

I was still alive. The scientists had pulled me from the simulation just as the bullet was about to fire Into my head. My temple throbbed painfully, and I brought my free hand to rub circles around the creased skin. I closed my eyes to keep the stinging sweat that glazed my face from seeping In. I focused on controlling the heavy heaves that pulsated through my chest, still unstable even minutes after the simulation had come to an end. I suddenly had the feeling of a stunned reaction to whoever was present In the audience behind the two-way mirror, as I sensed an unpractised pause. Perhaps, as they observed my simulation from their screens that projected what was happening Inside of my mind, they were taken by surprise at my determination and bravery to protect those I love.

My eyes opened at the woman's voice blaring through the walls, the abrupt sound cutting through the numb silence.

"Test patient number fourteen, we thank you for your cooperation. Please exit the simulation tube, and wait to be escorted back to your cell. You will shortly find out If you have passed or failed your final test."

I pressed my palms Into the glass of the tube, steadying myself as I hauled my exhausted form to my feet, sniffling In distress, holding back more tears. The gun-shot fire still echoed within my ears, making me shiver. I had held a gun to my own head moments ago. My features turned from pain-filled to disbelief. 'Did I really almost kill myself? If so, I could not fight against the pushing interpretation that threatened to rise to the surface.

My hand raised to my pale face, holding my mouth, masking the aghast emotions that mulled over my features. As the curiosity of the outcome of my result for the final testing became unbearable to ignore, I focused on the distraction of returning my cell, where I could hide in the secluded area until it was time to face reality again.

I watched soullessly as the outer surface of the tube's glass slide back, allowing for me to emerge from the air-tight space. As I stepped out and onto the tiled surface of the test room, my release was dulled by the sight of two soldiers marching in my direction. I remained silent as they took my thin arms within their tight grasps, letting them lead me away to my prison.

As I dragged Into the corridor a relieving thought struck me. 'At least now this will all be over soon. One way, or another.'

My feet slipped uneasily along the tiles of the cell floor, self-consciously glancing Into every cell that I passed, staring with wide eyes at each of the restless test patients that gripped the bars of their doors, waiting anxiously on the inside. My chest heaved, stomach churning with nausea as I gasped at the figure being dragged out of their cell, meters away. Damon struggled against the soldier's harsh grasps, infatuated with anger as he tried to pull away from the soldier's painful grips on his arms. Memories from the final test flooded my mind, as I mentally recalled how I risked my life to save his. I shuddered as I remembered I had been prepared to shoot myself for him.

Lifting his gaze, Damon's eyes locked with mine. I watched breathlessly as a flare of desire sparked within his emerald pupils. The longing In his stare did not falter as he was dragged past me, toward the elevator. As our paths intersected, before continuing In opposite directions, Damon slowed. I watched, the breath leaving my lungs for that one moment as he edged closer to me, his eyes locked Into mine for a final time. Damon nodded his head reassuringly, In his own way implying that everything would be okay. Then he was shuffled past me, and carried off into the elevator, bracing for the test he was about to take.