Escape

Chapter 5

When I return to my room I hear a knock at my door.

“Hey Arielle, can I talk to you for a minute?” It’s Pierce.

“Sure, what’s up?” I ask, curious.

“Let’s go for a walk on the beach,”

I knew something was off because Pierce didn’t say another word until we were far enough for no recorders to hear us.

“What’s going on?” I ask Pierce.

“I know that you sneak out to the woods with Aspen past curfew,”

I have no idea how he knew that, but if he told anyone Aspen and I would both be killed. So I lie, something that has become a second nature to me in recent years. 

“What are you talking about?” I try my hardest to look and sound completely confused.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. I won’t tell anyone, I don’t want you killed. I’m worried about you, it’s too dangerous. You could easily be killed. The Praetoriis will always outnumber you. If you are caught they might hold a trial for appearances, but I doubt even it. They would probably just kill you immediately. I assume you’re meeting him tonight, please don’t go. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.” He looks at me with genuine fear in his eyes.

“How the hell do you know any of this?"

“That’s not important! What is important is your safety.”

“That is not any of your concern, we have it covered.”

“How?” the doubt is clearly written across Pierce’s face.

“We’ve taught ourselves how to fight, and we both carry guns, just in case,”

“It’s still not enough, the Praetoriis could still easily kill you, and they outnumber you. And how the hell did you get your hands on a gun, Elle?"

“That is certainly none of your business and I am sick of answering all of your questions!” I practically spit at him.

“Why do you even go there anyways? You have plenty of time to be together during the day.”

“It’s not enough.” I state simply.

“Why not?” 

I give in. “Haven't you ever dreamed about a world without all the government’s restrictions and insane Legem? I have, and so has Aspen. At first we went there just to figure out an escape plan, but now we know we have to do more than that. We know a lot of people who would be willing to help us. We want to change the government, not just for us, but for everyone. The way things are now, it’s not right, Pierce. Someone needs to change it. And we are going to try.”

“It’s suicide!”

“No, it’s not. Not as long as it’s planned properly and we have enough people, and we almost do,”

“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” 

“It’s the most important thing I have ever done. I am almost eighteen, I should be able to make my own decisions, everyone should.”

“I’m in.”

“You just said it was suicide.”

“I changed my mind.”

“You have no training, no weapons, no experience. What makes you think I will let you ‘in’?

“You need all the help you can get. Besides, if the two of you can teach yourselves you can teach me.” He states matter-of-factly.

He makes some good points. We are in no position to be turning away someone who is willing to help us. “Can I trust you?”

“Always.”

“You better hope that's true.”

“Can I come tonight?”

“Not a chance! I love you, Pierce, but you are not ready for that.” I scoff, holding my laughter at bay.

“Why the hell not?” He growls at me.

“You have never been in a fight. You have no idea how to use a gun. You have never had any training in hand to hand combat. And no offense but you are really clumsy. If you come you could blow our cover just by being loud.”

“Fine, but one of these days you will take me with you!”

“Only once you’re trained, Pierce! You can’t just go out there unprepared, that is a surefire way to get yourself killed.”

“You’re just going to have to train me then.”

“I guess so!” I sigh, “I’m going to go and pretend to be asleep now before Mother and Father find us.”

“Good idea.” We turn back towards the house. “Why is it that my baby sister is calling the shots?” Pierce asks. 

“Because, face it Pierce, I am way more of a badass than you.” I reply jokingly, playfully bumping him with my shoulder.

When we get back to the house and I am walking towards my room I hear 

my cell phone ring. This can’t be good. It’s Aspen’s number. He never calls me before we meet in the woods, unless something has happened.

“Aspen! What’s wrong?”

“Arielle, we’re locked.” This is our way of communicating that it is no longer safe to go out tonight.

“Okay, are you okay?” I ask, the worry evident in my voice.

“I’m good, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow!” Relief washes over me with his reassuring words.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” I hang up.