Hide and Seek

Chapter 6 - Prepared

     More weeks passed and it came to a point where everyone was preparing themselves for another game of hide and seek. I wasn't worrying, it became so routine to me that preparing for another game was just a normal day. If they were here as long as me, they'd understand.

     "Aren't you getting ready for hide and seek?" Some of the new batch kids took a seat in front of me in the cafeteria. I didn't mind, they need the advice.

     "No." They exchanged glances amongst each other.

     "Then what are you doing?" I raised my spoon slightly.

     "Eating. If hide and seek is coming, you need to eat and get a lot of rest. This isn't the hide and seek you play back at home, not here."

     "We know, we just wanted to ask how long you've been here."

     "Yeah! We heard that you're one of the seniors that lasted. Is it true?" I looked around and nodded at the group. 

     "How did you survive this long?" Good question.

     "I..." I couldn't answer, there was nothing I could give.

     "That's a difficult one... You see, I'm not even sure how I ended up here in the first place. You just have to be strong and find a good hiding spot." The bell rang. They at least prepared the new batches on how to survive. There weren't any practice runs though. In a daze I watch them scurry away.

     "Thanks!" They smiled. I gave them a small wave and they disappeared.

     I continued to eat my food when I spotted Aya walk towards me. After what happened in the kitchen shes been ignoring me, but it's alright. It makes things easier not having to worry about her. I have more important things to do. I secured my eye contact not breaking it, she passed by me not even taking a glance. I needed to intimidate her. She took advantage and underestimated me, I have to make sure that never happens again. I took a sip of my water and rolled my eyes. This is why I hate having friends.

     I was once again cleaning the kitchen. Thankfully, it wasn't Ayas doing. I cleaned quite quickly as water was easy to wipe off the ground.

     "Thanks, Delilah. I didn't mean to spill it, I just spilled the cup without knowing." I nodded.

     "It's nothing, water's easy for the pick up." I disposed the used paper towels and helped around the kitchen. 

     I noticed that Aya was chopping some of the vegetables on her own. I turned away and focused on the other people, teaching and giving aid depending on their area of work. I was helping one of the new batch chop the onions, I moved my left hand and a knife quickly stood in place where my hand once was. It was slightly piercing the counter, the blaze looked freshly sharpened. I turn to Aya and she stood there dumbfounded.

     "Sorry, I didn't know your hand was there." With that statement everyone stared at her with terror.

     "Aya, how could you do that?!"

     "Yeah! Are you crazy?"

     "You could've stabbed her with that!"

     I was about to confront Aya but she stood her ground despite the attention. I didn't back down either, I grasped the knife in my hand and walked up to Aya.

     "You trying to start something?" Aya held up her hands.

     "I told you I didn't know your hand was there." I fiercely stared at her and clenched the knife until my knuckles were white.

     "I don't buy that excuse, Aya." She noticed my hand and slowly backed away.

     "Number 3431!" I turned to the leader.

     "Do you think we're stupid? We can see everything you're doing. Do you think you can get away with this?" The leader pulled Aya away. 

     I turn back to the counter and pulled the knife out. She could've definitely done some damage if I wasn't careful. 

     "It's alright, how about we get back on track?" Everyone went back to their stations and finished up for the day. 

     I was left alone in the kitchen to make sure everything was correctly placed and in proper working function for the next day. The same leader that took Aya away walked in and gave me some of her words.

     "Sorry about this evening, 1001. I didn't expect that. I apologize, I should've been more careful and paid attention. I've been notified that 3431 has been troubling you often. We will try to prevent that." I finished my inspection and turned to the leader.

     "It's alright. It's not your fault, but where's Aya?" I saw the leader break a sweat.

     "Aya?"

     "Yes, where's Aya? She should be the one apologizing not you. Where is she?" I place my hands on the counter leaning over to the leader. She apologized again.

     "Aya is being evaluated as of right now." I tilted my head with piercing eyes.

     "How many times has she gone into the judging room?" She stayed silent.

     "And how many times has she gone out unchanged without punishment?" She remained speechless.

     "Every time she comes out I expect her to change, but nothing does. Her behavior is the same as when you first put her in the judging room. All of you keep giving her second chances and she wastes all of them." She stuttered with her words.

     "I assure you, 1001, we are evaluating her accordingly."

     "Really? Or are you guys hiding something." Her hands shook. Bingo.

     "There is nothing to hide." I nodded and opened another cup board. I inspected it leaving some silence to linger, I closed it with a thump.

     "Then I suppose something will change?" She shrugged.

     "That is not my decision to make."

     "By that remark I expected her to come out of that judging room unchanged as she has been through the time shes been here." I walked out of the kitchen door leaving her unspoken.

     "Have a good night."