Living in the Lie

Chapter 2

AN The picture on the side is Ann's sister Joy
***.
I guess my story night seen a bit confusing right now, let me see if I can explain Warren and I.

Well, it started at the education center the years ago. We were in some of the same base classes and during that time something that I did must have caught his attention, because at the end of the year he asked me on an outing for the first time.

"Ann? " he said in an anxious voice.

"Yes? "I replied.

"I would like to umm.... I would like to ask you out on an outing with me," his voice gained more authority in every word, it seemed as though he was demanding I go with him not asking.

"uh...." I was flustered, I didn't like him but if I were to turn him down I could get in a lot of trouble. His father was our dictator and from what I'd observed you don't want to be on his bad side. "Yes..." I voted he didn't pick up on the uncertainty in my voice.

"Great, I'll pick you up later."

Ever since then I've been stuck with him. I am unable to break it off with him. I tried once, but he wouldn't hear about it and when I talked about it with my sister later she gave me an oppurtunity to make this "relationship" work...

***

I slipped my coat on and grabbed my running shoes and wig, it was late and I was off to meet the rebel group that I would be taking a part of. There are many groups that oppose the current government situations and my sister managed to get me an invite for the one of the newer groups. I understand that an invite seems weird for a rebel group, but things are very scary and the best way to keep names safe was to be recruited after showing interest.

I slipped out of my window and down the drain. My sister watched me out of her window, she wasn't able to get me in her group without arousing suspicion about me dating the heir of the government. It would be hard to get anyone to trust me and that is why I had to join a new group and hide my hair inside my wig.  I ran off to the woods that border my house and slow to a walk, I had to make it to the lake but I had plenty of time.

I arrived at the lake with a few minutes to spare and it seemed as though I wasn't the only one who was eager. There were several people, all about my age, a few were standing awkwardly off to the side but most of them had a hushed conversation going on. Unsure of what to do I walk slowly to the group careful to keep my wig covering part of my face.

"Hello," a girl with short dark hair greeted me.

"Um.. hi," I was waiting for to exclain something about how I'm the girl dating Warren.

"So, what's your name? "

"Oh, my name is Ann," I was waiting for her to reveal my identity.

"My name's June, I can tell that you're new to the group."

"Yeah, um... cool," I was being super awkward and I knew it. Thankfully the leader called us attention. "Hush down guys, we need to call this to order," a girl who couldn't have been more than 24 was upfront. "We have a few new members that need to be introduced, but we all know the rules about that," laughter broke out through the small crowd. "I would like to welcome you guys and I'll be contacting each of you individually. Onto further news our sister squad, or brother depending on the what individual you are referring to..."

The rest of the speech turned into a lot more technical terms and I tried to listen, but just couldn't. I was smart, but it was spoken using codes and was talking about their last meeting.

"So how'd ya get an invite?" June whispered to me.

"My sister is part of a different group, but they were full and she managed to get me an invite for this one," I said with a shrug.

"Cool cool," she smiled at me and then turned away.

The meeting came to a close and I lingered, I had talked with Joy and she told me I needed to tell the leader about my "relationship." Everyone else had left quickly and soon it was only me and the woman who had delivered the speech earlier. She walked up to me, "Most newbies are eager to leave, they're afraid of getting caught. I'm Madie the leader of this group of raga muffins, and what's your name?"

"I'm Ann," I responded shifting my weight back and forth on my feet.

"You appear to have something you need to tell me. Normally I'd humor you and let this conversation drag on, but I have places be tomorrow and would rather not get caught. So spit it out!"

"Well um..." I really wasn't sure how this would sound. "Okay, well you see I'mkindalikedatingWarrenyouknowthefutureheirofthegovernment."

"Okay, well I'm gonna have to ask you to repeat that but leave a break between your words." she laughed at me.

"I'm. Dating. The. Future. Heir. Of. The. Government," I took a deep breath.

She laughed, "And I'm the royal mistress. I don't have a lot of time and really don't appreciate your jokes. I've seen pictures of that bitch and she doesn't look like you."

Upon hearing that I reached up and carefully pried the wig from the top of my head. I heard a gasp, "Well, do you believe me now?"

"Why are you here?"

"I want to fix the country..." I was confused by her question.

"Who are you reporting to?" she growled and grabbed my wrists.

"Wait, what?" I struggled away from her grasp.

"You are the royal girlfriend, why would you be trying to cause your boyfriend's family to lose their power?"

"Because I don't believe in them, in fact I hate him. I'm in this relationship because that kid wants me to be his obedient puppy and it's the only way for me to gurantee the safety of my family."

"I don't trust you," she said but something must have convinced her that I was safe, because she let go of my wrist. "I'll be keeping a close eye on you and you will be working close with me."

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Don't be so happy about it, there will be more innvolved than you think. I'm looking forward to working with you, if you're loyal to us you'll be a great asset. If not, well let's just say that Warren wouldn't have such a pretty face to look at."

"I understand. Just to let you know, the king and Prince will be gone for three months, we could plan something big."

"I'm starting to like you," she smiled. "Now go home and I'll see you in a few days."