The Ark

3.

I woke to the chirping of my alarm as the automatic shutters above my bed slid open. Hazy grey light spilled in through my window and the second I opened my eyes, my vision filled with an overlay full of notifications and messages. I blinked them away, leaving a weather overlay that scrolled text over the dark clouds outside, telling me a passing supercell in the west sea was to blame for the windy rain.

I blinked away the last overlay and fumbled for my eyedrops, nearly falling out of bed in the process. I'd slept horribly, and although Mum having Emrys in the apartment until late would have been a good reason—it hadn't been what had ruined my sleep.

It was the dreams.

Every time I had closed my eyes, I was back at the bullet platform. A gun in my face and my heart in my throat.

I stumbled out of my room. Mum was in the kitchen, a vacant expression plastered over her face while she watched something on her MR.

"Morning!" She blinked hard and set her full attention on me. Her hair was braided into an intricate crown atop her head and her makeup was flawless, she was all big eyes and red lips. I didn't know how she did it.

I shuffled past her to the drinks dispenser and placed a mug under the spout. "Coffee," I croaked and it began to pour the dark liquid.

I put the mug to my lips and turned to face her. She was studying me with one hand poised delicately under her chin.

"You don't look like you've slept."

I scoffed. "You're all compliments this morning."

She arched a perfect eyebrow and came to stand by me at the sink. "You okay? Do you want me to do your makeup before academy today?"

"No, it's fine. I'm fine." I took another sip from my mug and leaned into her as she put an arm around me.

"Well, did you have a nice time last night at least?"

"Sure, it was... nice," I lied. I figured anything genuine I had to say about him would probably not be well received.

She released me from her hug, popping her own mug into the steriliser. "I thought so too! He's a really sweet guy, I would love it if you got to know him better. He's always asking questions about you."

I shivered involuntarily. His creepiness levels had just skyrocketed in my mind.

Oblivious, Mum gathered up her bag and a transparent black PVC trench coat. "I'll see you Monday. Say hello to your dad for me." She kissed my cheek, no doubt leaving a pair of red lips at the point of contact.

"Bye." I rubbed at my cheek and watched her close the door. A message popped into my Lens as she left—it was Celeste.

Are you sure you want to go through with this?