Ultramarine -- REWRITTEN

Twenty Five. [h.s.] -- REWRITTEN

          I should've been more cautious. For her sake. For mine.

          I should've known something was off when I walked in the next day; should've sensed it and pressed the button. I should've pushed Aria aside and ran to her, getting rid of the force field and dragging her out of the complex. It would've been better than where I ended up.

          But I didn't sense anything when I walked in, not even when Aria approached me and asked for me to step into her office. It was casual and I foolishly was afraid of nothing until she opened her mouth.

          "You are no longer in charge of guarding Charmaine."

          It didn't sink in.

          "What?"

          Aria sighed, crossing her arms over her chest and sitting on the edge of her desk. Moisture began to form on my palms from my heart pounding against my ribs. "The Consort Data Department has notified me that in the time you were using the consort matching discs, you dreamt of Charmaine. After two weeks, they have no data, and you sent it back a few days early. I've been questioned harshly about your dreams and why you would dream about someone with blue eyes. Doctor Gallagher and I have been speaking concerning this and have come to the conclusion that you have not been taking your capsules like you've claimed.

          "We've tested the area around your house and have watched what goes down your sink and upcycling compartment for the past few days and have found that our suspicions are correct. For your lying, you could be killed or extricated." She lifted her hand and observed her manicure. "But we always give citizens a second chance to get back on track. Your parents will be notified and will now watch you take your capsules every morning since you've been skipping out on them if you want to avoid death or extrication. Today, you have the day off and your new uniform and vocation will be sent to you tonight. Doctor Gallagher will be contacting you shortly about changing your schedule. And, to top it all off, her broken nose healed much too quickly."

          She looked up at me through her lashes. "I'd go home and take a capsule, if I were you."

          And I should've ran to her. Pressed the button. But the shock was too overwhelming to do anything else except to follow her instructions. I had been caught, they had proof, and I had been too reckless. I came into the complex a human, but left as a ghost. Hazed memories trotted behind me but one held my hand as I walked back to the house, tugging on my arm to keep up with me. I ran a hand through my hair with my steps in slow motion. I wasn't going to see her everyday.

          I groaned and kicked a rock away, the button pulsing against my wrist. I could press it, but that would be too brash. What would she do without me? What would I do without her? What about our deals, words conversed, company shared? What would happen to all of that?

          The door made fun of me. I opened it and slammed it shut, a single thought stepping in my way.

          I rummaged through the house, comparing the size of the small emerald sphere to items in drawers, closets, and desks. I pulled out the small sewing kit, finding a rounded button approximately the same size as the capsule.

          Stepping in front of a mirror, I shoved the button into my mouth. They would ask to check under my tongue, so I could not hide it underneath. I moved the button between my gums and mouth and opened. A small lump appeared, but only noticeable if you were really looking. My parents would be focused in my mouth.

          Time passed as I practiced throwing the button into my mouth and moving it into the exact location within seconds, choking and cursing a few times when it would slip. The capsule would instantly begin to dissolve in my mouth and stick to my gum if I wanted it to, but the trick was to move it in a few seconds. What amount of time would be believable?