Palinoia

Chapter 22

I walked into my dark apartment, noticing everything the way it should've have been. My books and items were just the way I kept them and the silence did not feel eerie.

I entered my room and stretched while examining everything. My room was also how it was from before. Tidy and clean. I sat down on my bed and thought heavily.

I pondered over everything that had happened. What Peter had said and the close up training to the exam. I knew I had to make a decision sooner or later. I wondered if Mari would leave me alone if I did join the force. It also made me think of what she was planning to do if that ever happened. Would she give up or unleash a hidden army of Demolishers against us? If she did the second option that would be stupid.

I punched my duvet. What the hell was wrong with me? Why did I always have to make things complicated than they really were? I was doing the right thing wasn't I?

It's not like they're human...

But. Did Mari really tell the truth when she said it was our fault? I mean, who knew how those creatures came about. The thought was driving me crazy and made me want to punch a wall.

I soon felt a chill crawl up my spine and my head snapped towards my window. The moonlight shone through, allowing light to enter into the room. I stared out.

I could see the city lights and beyond. Such ugliness was disguised with immense beauty. It fascinated me. Who knew behind the peace and tranquillity could there be such lies, deceit and hate no one could have ever imagined.

I stared out the window and glanced around the area. My eyes stopped searching once I found the person I was looking for.

This time I was no longer scared and anxious to see those auburn eyes. If anything I was grateful that she had the courtesy not to barge into my dwelling. Her smile was still something I was not comfortable with.

The way she stared up at me expectantly told me that she had been waiting for me to find her. She knew that much about me which nearly creeped me out.

I left her sight and headed out. I didn't bother to change clothes and just grabbed my bag and wore back my old shoes. I locked the door and headed down the quiet building. Rarely anyone made a sound because elders mostly lived here. One of the reasons why I chose the apartment block.

I walked towards the backyard where I saw her and she was still there. This time she wasn't staring up my window but had crouched to the ground and picked up a seeded dandelion.

I stopped walking and watched her carefully. She twirled the dandelion around with a small smile on her face but a strange look in her eyes. I knew that she had sensed my presence but her eyes were purely trained on the plant.

I didn't want to admit it but she was beautiful. She was so beautiful that I had to remind myself who she was. Her pale skin glistened with the night sky and shone bright. Her lips were also a natural cherry pink colour...And her hair. It was long and stayed effortlessly down her body.

I shook my head from such thoughts. Never had I ever been so entranced by a female before but I knew better than to let her gain the upper hand.

She blew the dandelion parts away and they flew gracefully through the air. I decided to break the silence.

"The exam's coming up and I'm in the top ten rank."

She finally looked at me, the small smile still on her face. "I know."

I folded my arms. "I guess I can't help you then."

She stood up and walked in my direction but not towards me. "Come with me."