Hide and Seek

Chapter 3 - Trouble

I watched from a distance as Aya continued to make mistakes. She's been here for two months now and she still can't get her duties done. It was making me frustrated, she was going to get both of us in trouble. That would ruin my clean record, she needs a wake up call. I motioned to Aya and she jogged over. I could see the embarrassment plastered on her face.

"Yes?" I smacked her head with the newspaper roll I had close by.

"Ow!" I placed the papers back down and scolded her.

"Aya! Get yourself together! Keep getting this wrong and you'll get both of us in trouble you hear me?!" She nodded.

"Yes!" I pointed to her station.

"Get going then!" She hurried away while everyone watched.

I was put in charge of her, since she was new, I had to observe her to make sure she was ready for this establishment. Aya's only a few years younger than me yet she acted like a child with completing her duties. If she couldn't learn from her mistakes she would get sent to the judging room, I let some minor ones slide by to avoid that punishment, but it's starting to pile up. Even though I wasn't popular, I was highly respected by others. I was a senior at this building, there weren't many that survived as long as I have. The leaders took a liking to me as well, at least I know if I went to the judging room, I could negotiate with them.

Cameras have been implemented for awhile, I noticed they would follow Aya a lot. She needs to be careful, they're already assessing her state, it doesn't look too good for her. Even though I was supervising her, her mistakes are being made by her, I just give her advice and make sure she doesn't damage anything. Aya was washing the dishes. I cringed as she struggled to do something as simple as wash dishes. I buried my head in my hands. She rushed around with water dripping from her hands, her apron drenched with water. She was incredible at making a mess.

"Don't walk too fast Aya, you're going to slip." She spun around and of course, as expected, she slipped.

I had enough of her faults and rushed over to her, helping her up.

"Aya, how in the world do you make a mess like this?" I pointed to the puddles and drips of water on the ground and counters.

"You're only washing dishes! Have you even washed dishes before?" She widely nodded.

"I have! It's just that, I can't wash dishes while you're watching me." I squinted in confusion at her words.

"What? Just do your duties-"

"3431 this is enough." One of the leaders held my shoulder. He stared at Aya with cold eyes.

"You're giving 1001 a hard time. Have you not learned from your mistakes? You're clearly not fit for this responsibility. Go to the office, they'll figure out what new role to give you." Aya rushed away and I was left in the kitchen that was turned into an ocean.

I quickly begin to clean up Aya's mess. The leader grabbed my wrist.

"1001, please go back to your room."

"Yes." I tried to move but he was still holding my arm.

"This wasn't your fault. You've tried your best." He slowly loosened his grip.

"I used to be like you, just hang in there. Once you become a leader, you'll be able to leave." I looked at the clock and back at the leader. He gave me a faint smile and I walked away.

Why did he tell me that? Isn't he in charge of the hide and seek games? I stared back to see him looking at me. Now that I thought about it, he looked like one of the first batches that came into this place. What was his name again? I remember him being my partner for one of my duties along time ago. I can't believed he remembered me. So he finally became a leader... He lasted for along time. It was clearly shown by his appearance. His eyes were hollow, scars covered his face and arms, and his hands were rough. That was someone who experienced and saw things no one should have. He's like me. Hopefully I can leave this place like he said. I rushed off to my room.