Code: 16B

Chapter Eighteen

Eighteen

    I didn’t know when I fell asleep, but the sound of a doorbell ringing was enough to jolt me out of my dreamless slumber. I rubbed my eyes with my fist, as I slowly got out of bed. I carefully dressed for today in a pair of sweat pants, and a t-shirt. I walked slowly out of the bedroom, and in the living room instead of three people, there were four people.

    The new person was…she looks like me!

    She had the same black hair color as me, and just about everything she has looks like someone had taken my body and Xeroxed it with a copy machine.

    “Amanda, thank goodness, you’re up.” Violet said as she gestured for me to come, and have a seat within the group.

    Reluctantly, I went and took a seat right next to Cyrus. As soon as I sat down, Cyrus quickly grabbed my hand, and squeezed it. I squeezed back hoping to reassure him that whatever Violet has in mind, it might solve our problem.

    “Okay, now that we have everyone here. I have an idea that will probably work, but it might be risky.” Violet began with the business feeling in her voice.

    “What is it?” the other me said, and her voice sounds almost exactly like mine.

    “Yeah, what is it babe?” Garrett asked, his tone was clearly excited, and eager for whatever the job is.

    “Okay, before I begin, I think it’s okay to let Amanda meet her double.” Violet said, gesturing towards the other me who looked around nervously. I also noticed that her eyes were the exact same shade of brown as mine.

    “Hi, I’m Abigail.” She said with a slight smile.

    “Hi,” I squeaked nervously. This girls sounds exactly like me, and I couldn’t help but be freaked out a little. It was like meeting my very own clone face-to-face.

    “I can tell that you’re freaked out, and don’t worry. We get that all the time when the real person meets their own double.” Abigail said with a voice that is calming.

    “Okay, now that the obvious is out of the way, I can now get you four up to speed.” Violet said with a quick laugh. Then, almost instantaneously, the business tone was back when she continued. “Yesterday, after learning about Victor’s location, and knowing that he’s obviously trying to get to us—the chip mostly—by using Amanda’s friend. I was thinking of someway to get to Victor without risking him getting the chip, and doing God knows what. The plan must also have to include not risking our true identities, and cause something drastic within the public eye. But last night, Amanda came up with an idea that was so obvious I couldn’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner.”

    “What?” I blurted, my tone was thick with confusion.

    “Well, you said and I quote, ‘What if I could talk Missy out of dating Victor?’ and that’s what gave me inspiration. ” Violet said with nothing but pure gloating.

    “Care to elaborate?” Cyrus finally spoke, and I couldn’t help but notice that it was very wary.

    “Now hear me out.” Violet said reassuringly before she continued. “I say we have Amanda meet up with Missy—with a wire—and try to convince her not to get herself involved with Victor before it gets out of hand.”

    “What?” I heard myself blurt, and I also noticed that I wasn’t the only one who spoke, and it was obvious that everyone was staring at Cyrus.

    “Cyrus, sometimes you’re such a drama queen.” Violet said as she rolled her eyes dramatically.

     “In what universe do you think putting Amanda out in the field, and risking her life is a good idea?” Cyrus asked incredulously, his eyes were glaring at Violet.

    “The universe where your opinions seem important, but are irrelevant.” Violet said with a quick giggle. “So, what do you think?”

    “I think it’s a great idea babe.” Garrett blurted.

    Abigail nodded in agreement with a sly smile.

    “I think it’s a bad idea.” Cyrus said, his voice was cold and hard.

    Part of me wanted to agree with him, but for the safety of my best friend, I opened my big mouth and said, “I’ll do it.” and when I’m met with an incredulous stare from Cyrus, I quickly added, “It’s the only option we have.”

    “She’s right.” Garrett said.

    “Yeah, I mean, I would do the same thing if I were her.” Abigail said.

    Both of them were obviously agreeing with Violet and I.

    Cyrus eventually sighed in exasperation. “Fine.”

    “Then it’s agreed.” Violet said in a singsong voice, but she quickly added in a serious tone, “Amanda, when did you plan to meet Missy?”

    “Five-thirty this afternoon.” I answered automatically.

    “Great, that will give us plenty of time to get you set up.” Violet said with relief in her voice.

    “Set up?”

    “You’ll see!” she squealed, clearly excited by whatever it is she has in mind for me.

    And for a moment, I actually wondered if this was a good idea.