Unmarked

50. Impossible Reading

Slumping backwards onto the bed, I groan loudly. This is impossible.

Why are there so many letters in the alphabet? And why do so many words look the same? I've memorised the cover story Charlie created but only due to Grey reading it to me.

Now Grey is attempting to teach me how to read words I may encounter on signs inside the building. I'm hating every minute.

"If I was finding out about the secret inner workings of a laundry factory this would all be a lot simpler. At least then I would recognise some of the words!"

"I didn't realise there was a need for a rebellion in the laundry world. What would they fight for? Better washing detergent? A more effective fabric softener?" Grey laughs while I scowl at him.

I push away the paper he's been writing on. "I'm done. I can remember the key parts. I'll learn to read another day."

"If you manage to survive." Grey frowns.

"Don't start."

Grey holds his hands up defensively, "I'm just saying you can still stop all this. You have nothing to prove to anyone."

"Grey, don't."

"We could leave and head to another city."

"An Unmarked and a labour camp escapee? Sounds like a recipe for disaster," I say, but I can't ignore the sudden increase in my heart rate. Sitting up, I realise that's exactly what I want but it's a selfish desire, leaving with me will only increase his chances of being caught. "You want to make a change. You'd regret leaving."

Especially once he found out I'm a fraud. Once he knows the real me, I doubt he'd be able to look at me the same, let alone want to leave with me. A knock saves me from saying or committing to something we'll both end up regretting.

Opening the door, I'm strangely grateful for Jas standing in the doorway, his presence prevents me from doing the ridiculous and asking Grey to leave with me.

"I'm glad to see you're both dressed and taking this task seriously," Jas says.

"There's a lot you can do whilst dressed which has nothing to do with the task you've set," I respond flatly.

Grey laughs in the background and Jas shakes his head in exasperation.

"I thought after our talk we were on the same page. I thought you had a little more drive to ensure this plan of yours is successful. Charlie said you stormed out of her office today and disappeared with Grey. She believes you're having doubts, but I assured her it was nothing of the sort."

"She needed some air. She's risking her life for you and even though I think she's making a huge mistake, she's adamant to go ahead so cut her some slack," Grey snarls as he steps behind me.

My body reacts to his presence and I feel myself involuntarily leaning towards him. What is happening to me?

"She's not risking her life for me, no..." Jas chortles.

"Jas, we're busy so let's stop the idle chat. Why are you here?" I interrupt.

Jas's eyes dart from Grey to me. "I'm here to ask if there's anything you need and to give you a little pep talk before tonight."

"I'll be right back," I say to Grey before stepping out into the corridor, forcing Jas to edge backwards. Pulling the door closed behind me, I lower my voice. "I need a room. I asked Teddy to meet me here but I don't want him to see Grey..."

"Don't worry, I'll get the receptionist to ring you when he arrives and tell you which room to meet him in." Jas rests his hand on my shoulder. "I know you don't value the importance of what we are trying to achieve but try to understand, if you're successful, we will be even closer to destroying The State. We can change the future so our every action is no longer controlled, people will no longer be punished for trivial misdemeanours, you would no longer need to hide."