The Color of Knowledge

Chapter Sixteen (pt. 1)

There was silence in the air as people returned, one by one, to Pulse Lounge. Their tasks complete, they convened. Every time someone walked in, Ivy jerked her head up to see who it was. First was Topher, her parents without Spencer, Principal Moore with Spencer and K.J., and then Tima followed closely behind with Ronaldo. Finally, Terri arrived.

Ivy stood. "What did you find?"

"We should wait for everyone to get here," said Terri. "I'd rather not have to repeat myself.

"Everyone's here."

"Nadia isn't," said Zari.

They looked around the room, ready for Nadia to emerge from the shadows. There was no movement.

"She should be back by now," said Ivy.

"Do you think something might have happened?" Milo asked.

"I can't imagine it. Nadia is more capable than anyone here," said Ivy.

Keegan shifted his feet.

"We can't wait forever. What did you find in Alex's autopsy report?"

Terri sighed as he pulled a folded paper from his pocket.

"Alex T. Turner died from his peanut allergy by eating a peanut butter sandwich made in the hospital cafeteria." He stopped reading. "I gave him that sandwich," said Terri, rubbing his forehead. "I should have known about his allergy. It's my fault."

The room was silent until Ivy spoke.

"No, it wasn't your fault, Terri. The cafeterias in The Society don't use real peanut butter on their sandwiches. Even people with the worst peanut allergies wouldn't be affected," she said, remembering what Yani had told her on her first day a part of the Childcare Unit. "That report is bullshit!" She grew angry. "Who made it?"

No one spoke, nor dared to look at her. They all knew the answer.

"Why would Pres—" Ivy glanced at K.J. "Why would anyone want to kill him?" She remembered the promise she had made Alex the last time she had seen him. Everything would be better after she was gone.

"Ivy." It was Mr. Stone who spoke. "This terrible loss of your friend is saddening. I know it is hard for you, but we must move on."

She took a seat and held her forehead in both hands.

Mr. Stone moved toward her, holding her as he would someone in need of the human touch.

"We must move on," he said once more.

"There is something you need to know," said Ivy, looking her father in the eye. Her vision blurred by tears, she wiped them away to see him better. He looked worn as ever. The stresses of life had aged his appearance past what it should've been.

Revenge. She tasted it on the tip of her tongue. It was what she needed. It would make her feel better. But was it worth it?

"I love you," she said, standing up. Something she could never explain to anyone suddenly became apparent to her. "I love all of you, each in a different way. You have all come into my life for a reason, and I might just have realized what those reasons are. Thank you for playing your part flawlessly. There is one last thing to do and I must do it alone."