UNIQUE (A Powers Novel)

Twelve

Bianca and I are in the hallway when she suddenly lets go of my arm. It throws my balance off a little, but I manage to keep from stumbling over on my face like an idiot.

"Ugene." She sounds surprised to see me.

"Um... yeah." A lump forms in my throat and words fail me like they often do around her.

"I didn't know you were here," she says. "When did you start here?"

Bianca is wearing her black Paragon Diagnostic security uniform. Despite the bulkiness of the jacket with all its pockets and the security com device attached to the shoulder, and despite the relaxed fit of the matching pants, she is still just as stunning as ever. The bulk of the security belt does nothing to hide the shape of her hips.

"Ugene?" Bianca leans forward a little to look over at me, and I realize I'm staring at her as we wait for the elevator. "When did you start here?"

My hands clench at my sides, and a blush heats my cheeks. "Yeah. Thanks."

Bianca's brows squish together, and it's so adorable. Then she runs her ponytail through her fingers and turns her attention to the elevator.

"So how is it so far?" she asks, trying to make conversation.

"Um, your brother is very clinical," I say.

Bianca laughs, and the sound lifts my heart. "I suppose he is."

The elevator dings and the doors slid open. We step on together. From the corner of my eye, I watch her slender fingers pull out a security badge and swipe it. Her manicured fingertips press the numbers for floor 101. My mouth goes dry, heart pounding. She's taking me back to my room.

"So you're doing clinical trials?" Bianca says, making conversation.

I swallow. "Um, yeah."

"Well, Forrest is one of the best researchers here. You're very lucky."

Is this elevator moving slow, or is it just me?

"How do you like it?" she asks, leaning against the wall of the carriage.

"It's, uh, okay. Exhausting." I rub at the back of my neck, watching the numbers climb closer to my floor. "And a lot like high school." Trying everything, failing. No one talks to me.

"How long have you been here, then?" Bianca asks.

I lean against another wall. "A—a little under two months." Between the initial settling in and the rounds of tests, Forrest put me through already, the time went by so fast. "Have you seen my parents?" For the first time since stepping into the elevator, I dare to look at her.

"Around, I guess." Bianca shrugs. "Haven't you?"

I shake my head, examining the scuffs on my gray boat shoes.

"Oh." Her boots shift. "I can check in on them for you if you want."

The elevator door slides open on my floor. I push away from the wall ad walk out. Bianca follows me. "Thanks," I say. "I don't want them to wonder why you're checking in, though. My mom is anxious about me being here."

"Why?"

A good question. I frown. "I... I don't know. She wasn't really forthcoming."

Awkward silence settles over us as we walk back to my room. The dryness of my mouth isn't getting any better, and I could wring buckets from my sweating hands. By the time we reach the door, it's hard to breathe. My hand slips on the doorknob.

Focus on something else. I need to focus on something else.

Henry.

"Hey, um," I turn to Bianca to ask her about him, but she brushes past and into the room. Her shoulder just grazes mine and heat rises up in my chest. I follow her in, leaning against the dresser near the entry. "The other guy that was in there with me. Henry. Do you know where his room is?"