Equilibrium - #ProjectWomanUp

Seventeen

Will corners me in the bedroom, as I am packing a bag. "Where are you going?" he demands, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We have the weekend off, and I have plans" I shrug, slipping two guns and a knife into my bag.

"You've been in and out all week" he frowns, sitting on the end of my bed and watching me as I fold my newly washed clothing.

"I've just been busy".

"So where are you going this weekend? Because all the other Novices are either going home, or going for a party weekend in Area 46. So where are you going?"

"I don't know yet" I shrug, "meeting some friends and they know the plans". I don't like lying to my friends, but I know that I have to keep my relationship with Kane a secret until I was no longer a Novice.

"Maybe I can come with you" he offers. I know he is testing me, but I fall straight for it.

"Well I mean it's not up to me. My friend invited me, and it's his plans. I can't just invite someone along, that would be rude". I am rambling, but I am nervous.

"So it is a guy you're spending your weekend with then?" Will presses. I open my mouth to spout more lies, but Will carries on before I have a chance. "You can tell me if you're dating someone, Barbie. We are friends right?"

I give a heavy sigh, sitting down on the bed next to him. "Fine, yes, I am dating someone. But we're keeping it a secret at the moment" I admit, a soft blush on my features. My Warrior friends and I, only ever talk about the work or things related to the work, so talking about something 'girly' like boyfriends makes me feel weird.

"Are you dating your Intellect?" Will asks.

"What? I'm not dating Charlie" I laugh, shaking my head. "Look, we'll go public in a few weeks. And I promise you'll be one of the first to know". I shine a smile in his direction, before standing and finish packing. I zip the bag up, just as the clock chimes eleven pm.

A knock sounds on the Novice dorm door, and I exchange a confused look with Will – no one ever knocks, they just walk in. "Come in?" I say, more of a question than a command. A few seconds later, the door creeps open.

A One walks into the room, looking almost nervous. Will and I both spring to attention, and salute him. He nods at us, and we both relax. "Novice Barbie, the leader is requesting you in his office immediately" he tells me, and my heart skips a beat.

"I'll go right ahead, sir" I nod at him. Satisfied, he leaves once more. I follow him out the room instantly, almost jogging in my bid to reach the Leaders office as quick as I can. Most of the Novices have already left for their weekend off, and all the other Warriors are in bed or at least in their rooms.

I run through the Centre, my knife and my gun hitting my leg as I do so. I quickly reach the Leader's office, and butterflies flutter in my stomach. I am nervous, as I don't know why the Leader has called me here.

I knock softly, and I hear someone telling me to come in. I open the door, and see the Leader sat behind his desk. I instantly brace up, and salute him. He studies me from his seat for a moment, and I keep my respect up. Finally, he takes his glasses off his face, and places them on his desk. "At ease".

I lower my hand, but my shoulder and back still stay tense. "Take a seat, Novice" he says, and by the way he speaks I can tell he is not happy with me. I gulp, and take a seat on the chairs by his desk. His eyes study me for a moment, then he sighs heavily.

"Your Intellect was excellent today. You trained him well" he finally says, and I'm confused.

"Thank you, sir. But I can't take all the credit, my Intellect was eager to learn" I reply. He seems happy with my answer, and nods his head at me. As he does, the door knocks, and he invites them in.