Closure

14. Pills

The truth was this. Michael had provided us with a condom, which he secretly hid in Anne May's small cardboard box. There was so much fog in the showers, that the cameras did not catch me putting it on.

Doctor Davenport was shocked. He swore that the tests showed our reproductive systems to be perfectly healthy. He also revealed the reason why he'd given us the same room, which was obvious. Doctor Davenport told us he'd be waiting.

Michael took it upon himself to deliver us our meals. He slipped birth control pills in Anne May's napkin.

The time came for us to do it again. And again. And again.

Doctor Davenport became increasingly furious.

"It's not working. Why isn't it working?" He turned around to face Michael.

"I have no idea, sir," Michael replied.

The old man ran a hand through his greying hair.

"I think I know," Ruben spoke up.

Doctor Davenport lifted an eyebrow.

"You know the pills we've been giving Anne May?" Ruben lowered his voice.

A look of alarm flashed across Michael's face, but he quickly recollected himself.

"Yes, the ones that diminish the effect of her special abilities," Michael said quietly, but loud enough for us to hear.

"Are you suggesting we take them away?" asked the Doctor.

"I think so. They may be interfering with our results," explained Ruben.

The Doctor paused, stroking his chin in thought. "It's risky.. but we'll have to try it."

Ruben nodded, except Michael seemed a little stressed out to me. He looked at the floor and scratched his forehead.

I began to worry. What was the risk? I tried to remember Anne May's abilities. Was there something dangerous about her? The only dangerous people I could think of were the scientists (not Michael) and Darcy. Speaking of Darcy, I hadn't seen her since the time she injected me.

"Michael, please walk them back to the room." Doctor Davenport commanded. "It appears they trust you more than anyone here." He gave a small smile.

———

A few weeks passed by since Anne May was taken off her ability pills. We were moved to a new room.

Ruben grinned pervertedly before leaving. "Whenever you're ready." He shut the door.

Anne May and I were alone once more.

"Anne May, I must know," I began. "What is your power?"

She looked down and to the side. "I think... It was something about absorbing energy from other life forms."

Fear struck my heart. We hadn't done anything with our clothes off since she was off the ability pills. What would happen?

"I don't want them watching," Anne May said contemptuously. I walked toward the door and flicked off the lights.

I went to back to the bed where Anne May was sitting.

"I'm afraid," she said softly.

I leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Let's just try it. If something feels wrong, we'll stop and tell the scientists that it's too dangerous."

I felt her nod. I reached for her hand. Everything felt normal so far.

She turned her head slowly, pressing her lips on mine. I kissed her softly. I slid my hands up her bare arms, onto her shoulders. She paused to slip out of her napkin dress, and I did too.

I went on top of her, kissing the edges of her lips and moving down her neck.

I still felt normal, but a little tense. I was afraid too, I'll admit. This could be life or death.

She turned me over, to where she was on top of me. She slid her hands through my hair while planting kisses all over my face.

Suddenly, we were both on our knees. We were drowning each other in a series of passionate kisses and couldn't keep our hands off of one another.

I felt myself melting into her embrace. I could stay here forever, as long as I was with her. I don't think it had ever felt so good. Each kiss she gave me was stronger and stronger.

I was on my back again before I knew it. My eyelids fluttered and I felt myself drifting away. I was slowly falling, sinking below the bed and ground. I closed my eyes.

I don't know why, but this feeling felt vaguely familiar. Maybe I was getting a case of déjà vu.

I opened my eyes, but maybe not my real eyes. I saw a scenario unfold before me. A memory.

Anne May and I were alone on the balcony at Jean's party. I was trying to calm her down while I held her hands. I remembered that odd falling sensation. Anne May had pushed me away and cried, saying that it was better for us not to be together. Could it be.. I had experienced the effects of her deadly powers?

I awoke gasping and sweating, Anne May squirmed away from me. She was on the opposite side of the bed, breathing fast.

"Anne May..." my voice came out hoarse.

"Oh no..," she sobbed. "No no no! I'm so sorry Tanner. Please I didn't mean to- I couldn't control myself!"

The room swirled. Multiple shades of darkness whirled in front of me.

She screamed at the top of her lungs, "TANNER!"

Her terrified voice reached me, now that her own hands could not.

I reached out my hand instead, but it felt so heavy that I had no other choice but to drop it. My body ached, that wave of tranquility had long since escaped me. I groaned in pain.

"SOMEBODY HELP!" She sprinted to the door, pulling on her napkin dress. The door wouldn't open.

My eyelids were begging me to close them.

I saw her bang on the metal door with her fists, more distressed than I'd ever seen her be.

"PLEASE!" She cried out. She sank to the floor, wailing.

And that was the last I saw of Anne May.