The Love Box

Chapter 27

I walked around the room, and I greeted a few people as they entered; then I retreated to my group of friends that stood by the glass.

“Who’s on the dance team?” Sadie asked me; her eyes filled with worry.

“I’m putting me on it,” I said. “That way if something happens and we can’t escape; I’ll be one that’s sold.”

“You shouldn’t do that to yourself,” Sadie said.

“I’ll take the other place,” Courtney retorted; I looked at her and saw determination. There was no way Courtney was staying in Apathy, and she was smart to ensure that she got to leave.

“So is it settled?” I asked them; then a lady began to walk towards us.

I glanced over to her, and my friends quickly nodded in response after the lady reached us she began to congratulate us; then I realized that I didn’t know who the lady was.

“Who are you?” I asked after the lady hugged me.

“Oh,” The lady said. “I’m so sorry; I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Claire. Leader of Prudent.”

My friends eyed, but I waved them off and said, “You should probably go talk with Ryan about the recital.”

My friends nodded in recognition of motion, and they left me alone with Claire, ruler of Prudent.

“Your recital will be amazing with no doubt,” Claire told me; then she glanced to Nicki and back at me. “You know your pictures are everywhere.”

“So I’ve heard,” I replied; there wasn’t any point in lying. Claire knew something was up, and I just needed to make sure she didn’t know what.

“You seem normal and peaceful,” Claire replied. “But you’re causing a rebellion. People on the outside see you and remember a time when Prudent wasn’t around. It gives them hope, and I don’t like hope. It ruins people, and I won’t let you ruin our nation.”

“I wouldn’t even think about it,” I lied. “Besides I can’t do anything. I’m just one girl.”

“Well just one girl can do a whole lot,” Claire replied. “I lived through an era where a girl decided she would take matters into her own hands, and it ended badly.”

“What was her name?” I asked; then I glanced at the door and watched more people enter the library.

“Sage Ashburn,” Claire said. “Does that ring a bell to you?”

“No,” I admitted. “Should it?”

“My guess is no,” Claire said. “My only question is how did you know that your picture is all over? I thought internet wasn’t allowed her except for in the study.”

“I’m Rylie’s prodigy,” I explained. Something about the way Claire talked made me feel as if she knew everything I didn’t want her to.

“I can see why she would pick you,” Claire said; then she took a drink from a glass she held. “I’m sorry would you like some?”

“What is it?” I asked as I examined the liquid Claire had in her glass; I didn’t know what it contained, but I knew it wasn’t water.

“Its’ wine,” Claire said; then she handed it to me, but I refused her offer. “Most teenagers don’t like it anyways.”

“Why are you not surprised that I’m Rylie’s prodigy?” I asked after a moment; I couldn’t contain myself. Claire knew something; she knew everything, and I needed to know what all she knew.