White Lies

Part 1: Chapter 6

Thomas's POV:

   His grip was strong, secure. His hands were warm. It comforted me slightly. Ramona and I showed him the way to my house.

   Once we got to the door, he gave it a hearty knock. My mother opened up, surprised, "Th.. Thomas?.. Ramona?! What happened, who-" She saw the Artemis symbol, "Were.. Were you attacked?!" The service member kept his voice stern, direct, "Ma'am, I would like to see images of your son, dating back to when he was younger, preferably at some sort of swimming event or another thing of the sort".

   My mother was obviously thrown off, pausing, before calling my father to get what he wanted. She sat us down in the living room. The member proceeded to explain everything to her.

   She sat, dumbfounded, "No.. That can't be.." He frowned, "That's what I thought so too but.." He suddenly scanned me and the device went crazy, "It's seemingly not so. This is a rare case though.. Actually, I don't believe something like this has ever occurred.. I need to bring him in". She looked to me, her eyes with slight worry, then back to him, "What are you going to do to him?.."

   My father brought in a scrapbook and my birth certificate, setting it down, the member answering, "Some tests of course. I don't work in the lab, so I'm afraid I can't tell you exactly what that consists of. He'll be in good hands", he reassured her, flipping open the book. And just like that, the pictures of my youth, wherever my sides and torso were visible, displayed the speckles. He stood, "I would rather not take these away from you. Copier?"

   My mother pointed to our printer and he slipped out some images from the plastic slots along with my certificate, lifting the top of the copy machine, putting them inside to print. My father and mother exchanged whispers before my dad perked up, "Very well then. If it's for not just our safety, but his.. Please, do what you need to". The member gave them a nod, "Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. I'll make sure nothing bad happens. Promise".

   I thought to myself, repeating his words, He'll make sure nothing bad will happen to me. He promises... I clutched my chest slightly, feeling my quick heartbeat. My chest felt tight, like my heart was going to explode, nervous. Ramona gave my shoulders a squeeze, gently hushing me. She lifted a hand and rubbed my head.

   The member cleared his throat, "We must go immediately. Say your goodbyes".