Charred Feelings

2 : Ashes

I finished my shifts and headed to the HerbMedicate company building at 3:00 pm. I came 30 minutes early just in case.

As I sat in the waiting room I thought of Aspen and last night. I was standing on a fine line not knowing to love or to stay as friends.

I fumbled my jean pocket feeling for my compact.

It wasn't in there.

My heart skipped a beat.

If you lost your compact you were tortured or whatever punishment they have for you. No one ever came back from the Camp of renewals. The camp of renewals is where people are taken away to be punished. I shivered at the thought.

I checked my other pocket and felt an object. I curled my fingers around it. My compact.

"Miss Kim?"

I looked up. " yes?"

She smiled."Your appointment with Mr Waters is ready."

She showed me to a big room where he--Mr. Waters-- sat in a big rollie chair.

I sat across from him.

Mr Waters was a very tall man. He looked like he was in his late 20's.

He had a slight athletic build.

"Hello Miss Kim.", he ran his hand through his blonde hair.

I smiled. " Hello "

He opened a folder." I heard you that you were wondering why we are going to send you out into the fields again...well..you see we think there's been a rebellion among the farmers in the outer fields. They're planting unidentified plants and herbs without being issued to. We need someone to go check it out. But we need someone with knowledge.", he motions his hand towards me," you."

I blink. A rebellion? Why would anyone be dumb enough to rebel against our goverment? Aren't they scared to be taken away to the Renewals?

I look at Mr. Waters.

"And why isn't the the goverment doing anything about this?"

The sides if his lips twitch and he brushes against his 5'o' clock shadow beard.

"They're sending you. It's just we we were told to tell you this. My company isn't involved in this in the least bit. It could be a few farmers planting the wrong things. Now let us plan out when you'll be going and then we'll be done here."

------------

His hand slid up and he played with my bra clasp. He slowly sucked on my neck. I groaned.

"Aspenn.."

I woke up dreaded in sweat. I sat up and held myself. What was that? I looked outside. It was still dark and I could hear the shuffling feet of the green coats. Someone shouts in the distance.

I lay myself back and drift back into deep sleep.

3 days later...

Aspen and I walk onto the platform of the station.

Aspen hugs me. "Good luck Lyra. Let's hope that it's not a rebellion so no one gets hurt."

I smile at him. His green eyes stood out most today.

We stood there awkwardly staring at each other for minutes.

He tips his head downwards.

I closed my eyes.

I felt him move a little.

WhoooIOOoOOOOOO!!!

He blows in my ear at the same time as the train whistle. My eyes flutter open and I pouted.