Empty City

23 - Mathias

"He knows my name," I whisper. "Who is he?"

The newcomer calls out again, louder this time. "I hear voices! Jill, is that you?"

"How does he know where to find us?" I ask, panicking. Then I see the square contraption he's holding. "Oh lord, is that a -"

"Tracker," Thomas says grimly. "The hooligans must've placed a tracker on you."

I suddenly feel dirty. Where? On my clothes? In my shoes? Under my skin?

Suddenly I want to burn all my belongings.

But first we must deal with the newcomer.

"Is he hostile?" I ask.

"I don't know. I can't see his face."

"Jill, it's Mathias!"

Both of us gasp at the name. But neither of us stand. Who knows? It could be a cruel trap.

Mathias continues, "I mean you no harm. I've come here to warn you." 

"I don't think he's any danger," I say. "He sounds like he's about to pass out any time."

"I'm not worried about him being the danger," Thomas says. "That boy was head-over-heels for you. No, I'm more worried he's being played by darker forces at hand."

"You know what, Thomas? He needs help." I stand and wave. "Mathias, over here!"

I hear Thomas give a hiss of disapproval. But I'm not about to let Mathias pass out on our doorstep. Not after he apparently came to warn us of something. Great, more bad news.

Mathias looks up, and I see a face smudged with dirt. His face lights up as our eyes meet. "Jill! Ohmygod Jill, it's so great to finally find you. I've been looking day and night..."

I run down the stairs towards him. He struggles to his feet. His legs shake as he tries to stay upright. When I reach him, he wraps both arms around me and hugs me tight. 

"Ohmygod Jill, I missed you."

"Mathias, I -"

"I know. They erased your memories. But don't worry. We'll get those back."

I feel warm and snuggly in his arms. It feels nice - but my body doesn't react the way it does when I look at Thomas, or when we accidentally brush each other. 

Mathias pulls back and stares at me. For a second I'm afraid he's going to kiss me. Then he blinks and drops both hands to his side. Maybe he saw the fear in my eyes, because he looks upset about something.

"I've come to get you out of here," Mathias says. "It's dangerous. This isn't the experiment they promised." He looks up at the sky. "And yes, I don't care if the public hears this!"

"Hear what?" I ask, confused.

Mathias' face is grave. "That they don't care if you get out alive."