Under the Willow

Chapter 30

The stars above us glistened like diamonds on a ring. I was the only one who couldn't go to sleep. So much had gone on in just one day, it was unbelievable. Rory stepped out of his messy tent, and sat next to me. For a few minutes, we just sat in silence.

   " You know it's 12:00, right?" said Rory, and smiled.
I small smile slipped from my grasp.
   " Yeah."
And as I looked into his eyes, I knew that I loved Rory. His eyes reflected the stars in the shimmering sky. In my head, I made a list of all the things I loved about him. His kind heart. The determination. His love.
  Right now, in this moment, was perfect. It was just him and I, Romeo and Juliet, under the stars. And as my lips lost control and meet his, a feeling so strange fought over me. Was it happiness? Love? No, it was something else. Something.... Beautiful.
  This moment, right here, was beautiful, and I would hold unto it forever.

   Because who knew how much time we actually had left?

***

     Today was the first day I would work at the hospital in District 4. Rory had always kept one of his eyes on me, ever since the bombings of District 8. That day we mostly stitched wounds and administer vaccines in the rotting hospital. It smelled like flesh and sweat, but we adjusted. My silver heart jingled on my chest, and once in a while I would close my eyes and smile.
    Weeks passed by in the hospital, and before we knew it, we were packing up to transfer back to 13. Lidia decided to come with us. She thought 13 was the safest until the rebellion was over. The train ride was mostly underground, because the Capital had increased their security in the past few days.

     Before we knew it, we were back in 13. Right as I stepped off the train, an officer stood in front of  me.

"Coin has requested your presence."

  I walked slowly, and for some reason there was a tinge of nervousness in my stomach. Why was I scared?
  Coin's pale grey eyes meet mine.
" Welcome Primrose." Coin said, in almost a comforting voice. " Please have a seat."
  I sat myself down in a velvet chair in front of a mahogany desk. This woman must be giving so much of her wealth to the rebellion..
    " Now, I'm sorry I couldn't have you settle in. This is just urgent."
  I nodded.
" Are you settling 13 alright? "
" Yes."
" How is your cat?"
" Fine."
  Why was I being so curt?
Coin paused, and folded her hands.
" Prim, are you truly part of this rebellion?"
  Why would she even ask me a question like that?
  " Yes, I am Ms. Coin. What is this about anyway?" I asked.
Coins's eyes gazed down to the floor.

  " It's funny, you know, that you called me miss." Coin said, and slowly got up for on her seat. She slowly walked behind my chair, and was doing something with my hair. I held my breath.
   " I once had a daughter. Her name was Daphne. Had a pretty face like yours. Red hair and clear blue eyes. "
Her eyes clouded.
" Prim, will you do anything to let the rebels win?"
  I looked down. Would I truly do anything?
The answer finally came.

  " Yes, I would Coin."

" Good," she said. " I'll keep that in mind." 

  When I was dismissed, there was a strange feeling I had that Coin was going to do something to me.