When Stars Align

Chapter 9

I slowly make my way around the table to Lauren, with my eyes trained on my feet to avoid the stares I'm getting. I take my place at the table and pick at my food, my appetite lost. I can't help my eyes from wandering to Max. A couple of times I see him glancing my way, a nervousness in his eyes that looks completely foreign to him. He almost looks scared, I think, scared of me. After a couple minutes of Lauren attempting to make small talk with me, she finally gives up and turns to her other side to talk with the man sitting next to her. A little girl around the age of ten walks into the door and collects a small serving of mac and cheese and half of a roll. No one looks up or seems to notice her except for me. I offer up a shy smile and she grins sheepishly at me and walks over to sit in an empty seat. I suffer through the rest of dinner and then Lauren decides I need done rest and shows me upstairs to an empty bunk.

I come back into the room after washing my face and changing into the teeshirt and shorts that were given into me, and I'm climbing under the covers when in walks the little girl. I sit up against the wall and watch her in the dark of the room. She climbs into one of the other bunks starts sobbing quietly. I stand up and make my way to her bed.

"Hey," I say as I sit down.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. I didn't realize anyone was in here," she says and drops her head in shame.

"Don't worry, I wasn't asleep yet. My name's Celia, what's yours?"

"Jane," she sniffles out.

"Why are you crying, Jane?" I ask.

"They wouldn't let me play cards with them," she sobs.

"Why not?"

"Because I'm the youngest person here and no one likes me!"

"Well, I've only been talking to you for a couple of minutes, and I already like you," I say as I put my arm around her shoulder. She smiles and wipes her eyes with her palm.

"You said your name was Celia, right?" I nod. "Max talked about you. Not to me, of course - no one tells me anything - but I've heard him telling other people about you.

"What did he say?" I asked, intrigued.

"He said that when he was released out of the compound, he didn't remember anything except his name and you,"

"He was released? Nate told me he was dead." She nods.

"What did he say about me?"

"He said you were the reason he ended up there. That you tried to kill him. Is that true?"

"No! That's not true! They must've changed his memories! You have to believe me!"

"I believe you, but I don't think he will. He seemed pretty convinced that you were dangerous."

Of course he was. I am dangerous. How, I don't know, but the Council decided I was.

"Jane, we should probably get some sleep. I'll figure out what to do about this in the morning." She nods and wraps her thin arms around me. I hug her back then go to my bed, knowing I won't be able to sleep.

*****

"You know the Lab can change memories!"

"When they change memories, usually it's fuzzy and has a couple of holes. His story was detailed and complete! I'm sorry, but we can't have you here. You'll get us all killed. Or worse, taken back to the Lab. Please leave by the end of the day. We'll pack you some clothes and provisions, but that's all we can do," Nicholas explains.

"Fine! I don't want anymore help from you! Go ahead and believe that I'm 'dangerous!' Believe the people who forced you into hiding! Took away your lives!" I yell as I storm out of the hospital and onto the street, tears streaming down my face.