DEVIANT [H.S.]

14 - Breaking Curfew

For the remainder of the day into the night, I stay in the lab.

Into the early hours past midnight, past curfew, I'm awake thinking of all the possibilities of how things can end up horribly wrong.

Caleb is in the compound, but no one knows he's a Protector yet. They'll find out eventually.

Aubrey is one example of the Deviant's distrust with me being here. Her sister Mona is one of many that need medical attention.

Malachi is helping me acclimate to the Coalition lifestyle. He'll get tired of me, I'm sure.

And then there's Harry. Don't get me started on the fluttering in my stomach when it comes to him.

I'm just about to turn off the lights of the lab and head off to my room when I come face to face with Aubrey at the entrance, throwing me off guard.

"I'm sorry it's late," She speaks with a low voice. "Can we talk?"

I gesture over to the nearest table, sitting down by her side. She's still in her clothes from the day, giving me the impression that she can't sleep either.

"I talked to my sister. She said she felt comfortable with you," Aubrey starts off. "Do you know what's wrong with her? Why she was in Isolation?"

I turn my head to the side, not looking up at her. "She has a severe case of tinnitus. She says she hears buzzing and ringing in her ears during her symptom, to the point of deafening."

Aubrey nods, hopefully getting it through her head that I'm not here to hurt anybody. "Can we treat it here? With what we have?"

I hum in thought, answering as honestly as I can. "I'll talk to Malachi and see what we can do so she doesn't end up in Isolation for that long again. Keep in mind, I've only just started shadowing him. He's the one you should be talking to."

"Thank you," Aubrey tells me, standing to her feet. "I know you're only trying to help. It's more than we asked for."

I stand to my feet as well. "You're welcome. Try to get some sleep."

She nods with half a smile, turning on her heel out of the lab just as fast as she entered.

I let out a sigh and walk back to the exit, turning off the lights before heading to my room nearby.

To my surprise, Caleb stands by the door.

"Caleb, move," I growl lowly. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to protect you, remember?" He says quietly. His voice feels like a soft breeze and a thousand pricking needles all at once.

I open the door, paying no mind to him as I walk in and start to get comfortable. It's been a day, and I don't need a multitude of social interaction at this hour.

I sigh again, convinced I will be out of sighs by the time I fall asleep. "Thanks, Caleb. But I don't think I'll need much protection here."

"Tell that to the girl who threatened you today," He scoffs.

I roll my eyes as I run a free hand through my hair. "It was a misunderstanding.. okay? Calm down."

"But what about the cast on your wrist? Was that a misunderstanding?" Caleb snaps, looking at my white cast. I shift my arm in a way so he can't see Harry's note in Sharpie.

I stop my motions and turn to face him fully, his body still hovering by the doorframe. "I deserved this cast. I was a bitch when I first came here because I didn't get what was going on. Some things I'm still sketchy on, but they're clearer now. Someone helped me understand."