Wasteland

VI

Ray

I've been shaking and crying for hours. No one will answer my questions and all I've been given was a sandwich and a glass of water. I don't dare to touch it, though. I don't trust a single thing they'd provide me with in this place. I don't trust any of these people.

"Please, just tell me where my mother is." I sob once again to Officer Parker. I recognize the stone-faced guard from my last visit here. I don't even care that I'm handcuffed to this table although I've done nothing wrong. I don't care what happens to me at this point. I just need to know that Rosa's okay.

Parker studies me up and down. "You West Village citizens are good for nothing." He spits. "But you're okay looking, kind of cute. I'll be sure to remember you in a few months when you're rotting away in the shelter." He brushes my cheek with the back of his hand.

I pulled against my restrains. "Just tell me where my mother is." I repeat. "Please."

"Waste of food, of money, of time." Parker tilts his head almost thoughtfully. "I could be out, doing some real work. But instead they have me patrolling your kind five days a week."

"W-we're all the same kind. All human. It's not our fault, the way we live. If I could have as much money as you all and live in luxury like you, you don't think I would?"

Parker chuckles with a mean smirk. "I would destroy you all if I had the chance. If I were the one in charge-"

We both straighten up when the door finally opens for the first time in hours. I've been questioned by Commander Sullivan twice. But outside of that, he was the one who presented me with my diploma just a few weeks ago. Those have been the only times I've ever seen him up close. Every other time was during assemblies at school or on TV for special announcements. I always have trouble looking him in the eye.

He comes in with Max trailing behind him. I don't want to even look at Max. He betrayed any inkling of trust I had in him. I don't want him here-the least he could have done is watch over Rosa all this time to make sure she's safe. An irrational part of me feels like he owes me.

But this is his job. It's not fair of me to assume that of him. Why would I expect him to bend his rules and his lifestyle for me?

Sullivan looks between me and Parker. "Well, take the cuffs off the girl." He says as if he's appalled that I'm being treated this way. I'm confused but I don't questioned it as I'm being freed.

When the handcuffs are unlocked, I rub at my sore wrists. Sullivan dismisses Parker and takes a seat across me with a warm smile, Max sliding into the chair next to him but not looking up.

I look directly into Sullivan's eyes this time, forcing myself not to blink away. "Can I at least say goodbye to my housemates? You know, before I'm removed from my home." I'm shaking again.

He lets out a deep chuckle. "You're not under arrest, sweetheart, I promise."

"Then why was I just handcuffed to a desk for hours?" I glance at Max. "Why was I sent here at all?"

"This was all a big misunderstanding. Happens a lot around here with these newbies." Sullivan laughs it off like we're good friends talking over dinner. "I'm just in here to clarify some things and then you're free to go. You're a very smart girl, aren't you?"

"Only student to ever graduate early in either village." I say proudly, lifting my chin slightly. "Much more than you can say about those East kids, huh?" I don't give up my pride for anyone.

Sullivan laugh is deep. "Yes well, I'd have to agree with you there."

"Where is my mother?"

"In the medical wing. We can have you escorted back here in the morning to see her. We believe our doctors can provide her with the right treatments to restore her health."