Transcend

F O U R

"Our itinerary for tonight is to arrive at the depot at 8:05 and have the driver transport us to the Capitol building where they have a double suite room assigned to us. Although we don't have any meetings tonight, you are free to go to the dining hall to eat if the food on this luxury speed rail doesn't satisfy you. I would prefer you don't go wandering around by yourself. Even though we are here on friendly terms, I can't guarantee you're safe anywhere within the borders of the East Alliance. I'm responsible for you, and if you screw up, it reflects badly on me. So, please, be smart.

I also advise you get some sleep. I will be waking you up early to ensure we have time to get you ready for your tour. You will be meeting a lot of local shop owners, and like I said before, your image of being interested in their ideologies is important to what we are trying to accomplish."

I nod, trying to take mental notes on everything Ella is telling me. She seems incredibly stressed, and I don't blame her. She knows more than I do about what I'm supposed to do. Not only does she have to keep track of the things she has to do, she has to make sure I'm doing what I'm supposed to be while not screwing up or doing the wrong thing.

She could use a drink of whatever strawberry pink liquid I have in my glass. It's doing wonders soothing the nerves threatening to jump right out of my body. Or she could reach into the gigantic cooler lining the wall of the train and pick out a beverage for herself. Extravagant is an understatement to the interior of the train, but I don't expect any less from the Supreme Commander. In all honesty, I'm used to the luxury of the velvet couches and gold accent decor. The Manor is full of one of a kind items that have priceless values. I was raised in a house that was made for a man with expensive taste.

"We still have an hour before we get to the depot. Have a drink with me?" I ask, and Ella stops pacing and shakes her head.

"I shouldn't. There are still so many things I have to make sure are ready for our arrival."

So this is how I look in the eyes of the people around me back home. Organized, overthinking, and a little uptight. Maybe that's just the alcohol talking.

"You said the driver will pick us up at the depot at 8:05, right?" She nods. "So, there isn't anything to worry about right at this second. Also, we're going to be spending a lot of time together, and I don't think we're going to survive if you and I keep up with the 'planning every second of our lives' thing."

The hint of a smile appears on her face, and she brings her lip into her mouth.

"Fine. Fine! Just one glass."

-----

"And then, I walked straight into the men's bathroom and your brother was in there. My God, I've never been so embarrassed in my entire life! I tried to apologized, but he just smirked and laughed. I was humiliated!"

Her face is beet red, and tears threaten to leak from the corners of her eyes as she laughs. I'm laughing, too, and it feels good to relieve some of the stress I've been drowning in the passed week. I've never done this. Not drinking, but gossiping with another girl. I've always been around my brother and some of his friends from basic training. My mother home schooled me, so I didn't go to public school. It wasn't "suitable for someone of your title." And then, after James started following my father around and became a part of the cabinet, I did my own thing. Luke became a good friend, but we didn't talk about many personal things. Even so, he still knows me better than anyone else. 

"Honestly, I feel sorry for you because seeing that probably scarred you for life," I say, cringing at the thought of walking in on my brother in the bathroom.