Red Spider Lilies [TPN]

Chapter 21

"Look it's a letter, Everyone! It's from Norman!" Mom calls from downstairs. "Come down quickly so we can read it together!"

Ray and I look at each other, ecstatic. This is amazing. I never knew they could write letters home.

"Let's go, come on, Ray." I grab his wrist and run down the halls and stairs at full speed. Passing the other kids quickly and practically dragging Ray behind me.

I skip steps down the stairs and find Mom in the kitchen with an unopened letter in her hands.

With Ray still in my hand I walk over to Mom.

"Is it really from Norman?" I asked. "Could I read it aloud? Please?"

Mom peacefully nodded and I quickly laid my hands of the egg white letter with a wax stamp. God, that's so Norman of him.

I looked over at Ray who was peering over my shoulder as we waited for everyone of us to enter the room. Finally, everyone was in the kitchen waiting for me to open the letter.

"Ready, everyone?" I announced as I opened the letter as gently as possible, so we could keep it. Quickly, I cleared my throat.

"Ahem, 'Dear, Everyone, Mom, Emma, and Ray. I'm doing fine here in my new home, how are you? I live with 2 other boys my age in a cozy space, they're both awfully nice. I miss you all dearly, but I have to stay here. Sadly, I can only send this one letter as a treat and can't receive any back. I wish I could see you, but I have a duty to serve. Stay safe, Norman.'"

'P.S. I know you want to laugh at me using the word duty, Emma.' Read at the bottom of the page. I smiled to myself.

"Is that all, Emma?" Connie came up to me, tugging at my skirt. "He didn't say anything else?"

I chuckled and handed the letter to Ray, who examined the letter quietly to himself.

"That's all he said, Connie. Now come on, let's go play everyone!" I pushed Connie and everyone towards the living room. All distracted from the letter now.

"This is a very sad letter." Ray whispered to me, walking to my side.

He continued walking followed by mom, leaving me in the kitchen. I sighed and grabbed the hem of my skirt.

"You don't have to tell me that."

—-

"So, we're back to where we've started." I cleared my throat, leaning my back on the wall. "To be honest I didn't plan to be recaptured like this."

Paul flicked my forehead. "I know you're talking a lot because you're trying to make yourself sound like a stupid child but for your safety I'd like you to quit that act." He smiled. "Okay, sweetheart?"

I clicked my tongue and gave a frustrated smile. "Fine, I was just trying to lighten the mood, Paul."

His name even sounds stupid.

This was bad, I was now in a room with 5 soldiers, one of which was Norman of all people. If I had known he was going to turn me in I wouldn't have run to hug him. A mistake on my part, Ray's right to call me a fool sometimes after all.

"So are just going to keep an eye on her until we capture the guy she was with?" A woman yawned. "That's so boring."

"It's boring but we have to wait, Barbara. Not everyone we capture we kill right away." Sighed one of the male soldiers.

Barbara eyed me from the table, making me uncomfortable. She smiled.

"What's you're name, girl? Emma, was it? That's such a cute name for such a cute girl, it's a shame you committed treason against the army." She smiled. "I'm sure you heard but I'm Barbara, it's nice to meet you."

She sure spoke casually for someone about to murder us if they find Ray.

"Awfully cool talking to someone we're about the kill." Norman said, looking at me sadly. "You seem sad, Emma."

"Well, you would be too if someone was going to kill you and best friend. But thanks for the sympathy, though I'd rather you save it." I huffed in a breath. "I don't even know your name after all."

Norman stared at me, shocked like I had slapped him the face. He looked away, but I didn't waver my gaze.

"My name is Norman."

I smiled. "Norman. I used to know someone like you. He was awfully sympathetic and super sweet. He was like a brother almost, too bad he's gone now."

My words clearly hurt him as he looked at me so betrayed. He quickly excused himself from the room and left. I feel bad sure, but he also turned me in and has put me and Ray in the line of death.

"Well he's awfully sensitive today." Paul said. "Anyway, I'm gonna go turn in for the night, anyone else want to join me? Of course we'll be taking day shift tomorrow."

One raised his hand. "I'll go."

Paul nodded. "Okay, let's go. Night everyone, tell that to Norman as well."

The two quietly closed the door behind them and walked down the wooden floor until I couldn't hear their footsteps anymore.

"So, Emma, are you an orphan by any chance?" Barbara turned her head towards me.

I felt myself stiffen. "Technically, yes."

"Technically?"

"Technically. I was a few weeks away from moving in with my adoptive father before all of this started. So I technically have a dad, not quite an orphan."

Barbara nodded and smiled. "Ah, so you really are that Emma. I'm so happy to finally meet you. Norman talks so much about you, almost like he's in love with you or something." She laughed.

I stared at her blankly. "Huh?"

"So, Emma, tell me about yourself. Are you really as brave and stupid as Norman tells us you are? Actually don't answer that question, you obviously are, only someone brain dead or brave would be as big mouthed as you just were. If you would have talked like that to some of the other soldiers here you would have gotten hurt."

I shook my head. "Wait what? Big mouthed? Ugh." I banged my head against the wall before resuming eye contact. "Please explain to me what's going on."

Barbara sighed. "Darn, I had more questions. Well first of all, we're good guys. Over there is Vincent and the guy who just left with Paul was Ciclo, and you already know who I am." She smiled. "We're gonna help you escape, and hopefully not see you again until after this war is over."