Crossed Worlds

Chapter 24: Game of Truths

  "Jade!"

She was awoken to the sound of her father calling her name from the bottom of the stairs. It made her stomach flood with butterflies, and she stumbled out of her bed to go and find out what was happening.

"I know we shouldn't have opened it – it's addressed to you and all – but it starts on Monday. The ten-week placement at the Mixed School starts on Monday!" Chris handed the letter to her frantically.

With her own shaky hands, Jade read the paper. It was true. She'd be picked up from her home on Monday morning and escorted there. It didn't feel real, yet the ink was staring back at her, in clear black and white.

"So, they're working all day and night over the weekend to get it all set up for you," Dawn shook her head in disbelief. "We won't even know where you are; it's in an anonymous location."

"I probably won't know where I am either," Jade sighed. "This is crazy."

For the first time, all Jade felt was fear. The excitement she had been harbouring to find out what was really going on, and to investigate, had subsided. Now all she could think about was no more of her normal school day, no more freedom, no more of her parents and Grandma, no more of her dull but lovable seaside town. It made her stomach tighten with anxiety.

Her parents made her breakfast and sat with her, rubbing her back and clearly trying to stay calm for her.

"It will be okay," Jade said to them as much as she did to herself. "It's what I protested for, after all. We'll all be mixed together."

"You're right. We're worrying for no reason," Dawn smiled gently.

Jade knew her mother didn't believe her own words. Her parents were concerned she'd be mixing with a troublesome species. She was more concerned about the planning behind the whole thing. It would be naïve to believe there were pure, peaceful intentions behind this school when the ones who created the concept were sociopathic world leaders.

"Can I see Grandma Jo?" Jade asked.

Her parents shared a look; it was clear it had come to light that Jo was an influence in Jade's mindset, and that they shared what was to them twisted morals. Yet, they loved their daughter, and would do anything to put her at ease right now.

"Of course. We'll drop you off," Chris nodded.

  "I'm glad you all enjoyed last night. Do remember to thank your friends for not breaking anything won't you?" Jo smiled.

"I'll let them know," Jade returned the grin. "I just came here to see someone like minded, really."

Grandma Jo nodded and affectionately patted Jade's knee. She understood, as always.

"Well, it's come around quickly, that's for sure. You'll be all right, though, sweetheart. I promise. Just remember the advice I gave you and James."

To keep their heads down but their wits about them. To investigate. Jade could never forget that.

"The only positive is Wild Ones. I cannot wait to meet more of them," Jade said.

At this moment, her Grandmother's face dropped momentarily. It made the butterflies return all at once.

"Jade..." Jo paused and sighed, unable to find the words.

"Whatever it is, please tell me Gran."

"Well, the man I'm close to in the pictures I showed to you and your friends...that was my partner, Bill. It broke my heart when I lost him forever. I worry the same will happen with you and James, or anyone you meet," she explained. "I worry they will all be taken from you."