The Apprenticeship

Square One

I rush into Owen's lab. There's a gazillion thoughts rushing through my head, I know what I need to do.

"Owen, I know how I can stay with you."

"Avery... I'm sorry but, that's not possible. The Council has been observing your progress."

"Square one."

"What?"

"We start at square one. When they run a test, I fail. Then they'd have no choice but to let me stay with you."

"Avery," I cut him off.

"Owen, this is revolutionary."

"Avery," I continue cutting him off.

"Isn't it amazing?"

"Avery," he sighs, "Maybe, it'd be a good thing for you to go back to Daniels."

"How could you say something like that?"

"Look," he leans forward, "It's not that easy Avery. You need to move on at some point."

"But why can't I move on with you?"

"That's not the way this works."

I take a deep breath and lean back in my seat. He's probably right but, that doesn't stop how I feel. I know that continuing is very important and I have to do it eventually but, I don't feel comfortable right now. Daniels hates me and frankly, I'm not the fondest of him either.

"Owen-"

He stands up with his hands on his desk, "No Avery."

Our eyes lock and there's something in me that wants to cower. Something that says just to give up. I've come too far to let my thoughts take over.

"Just kiss already." I jump. Behind me is Bell.

"Bell, what are you doing here?" I ask, trying not to sound scared.

"You know her?" Owen asks, obviously not seeing how we look alike.

I turn to face him, "She's my twin sister," I face back towards Bell.

"I wanted to ask if you wanted to each lunch together, I haven't seen you in forever."

"How'd you even find me?"

"You've hid your diary in the same place since we were little. After that, I just had to figure out who Owen is and where his lab is. It was easy."

"Bell, I take it," Owen starts, "You are aware that you're not allowed here?"

I look at her with stern eyes, I think that makes her uncomfortable. "I'm sorry Aves. But, I'm your sister. You can't blame me for wanting to spend some time with you."

I look to Owen, unsure of what he's going to say next.

"Bell, Avery and I really need to get back to the lesson."

"It didn't sound much like a lesson to me."

"What program are you in Bell?"

"Writing, what does that have to do with anything?"

"Who's your leader?"

"Why?"

"I wish to write her a letter to let her know how eccentric you are." He's obviously lying.

"Oh, in that case...no. Do you really think I'm that stupid?"

"Owen," Bell is going to hate me for this, "her leader is Dylan Centra."

"Thank you Avery."

Bell looks at me in shock, I know I betrayed her but, it's for her good. I mouth 'I'm sorry' to her as she walks out the door. It's going to be a long time before she trusts me again.

Owen puts a hand on my shoulder, "you did the right thing Avery. She shouldn't do such things."

"I...I have to go."

"Avery," he tries to hold me back but, I throw his arm off of my and walk with a purpose to the door. After I leave, I run in the direction Bella should've went. I hope I'm right.