The Eyes of the Dark

Two.

When I wake up the next morning I forget where I am. It startles me for a moment before everything comes rushing back. I'm in the City of Fire because I'm a Red not a Black. Maybe the more I tell myself that lie, maybe I'll start to believe it and so will the people around me. The room around me is simple. A dark wood dresser against one dark wall and a desk against the other. I must say, the ginormous bed I'm lying in is very comfortable. More comfortable than my bed at home. I still wish I was back home with my wooden desk and my sketches. Sunlight peeks through the curtains beside me. At least I have a window. I saunter out from my bed and open them. I squint through the bright light and peer down at the city of red. The city seems to be filled with people. In the distance I watch the smoke from the trains rise into the air and disappear. I can't help but stare at the mountains that break from the horizon and wonder what else is out there.

A knock breaks my focus. Sounds of the guards waking us up echoes through the hallways. I see a stack of clothes on my dresser. Training clothes. Dale's words echo through my head. Be careful. I gather my clothes in my arms and head into my private bathroom. I check for cameras and then shut the door. I quickly change into my red training top and black pants. I braid my snow-white hair behind my head and brush my teeth with the toothbrush provided. When I come out of the bathroom, I put my grey dress in the bottom drawer of my dresser, so I don't have to look at it anymore. I slip my shoes on and tuck my necklace under my shirt. I pause before opening the door. Everything will be fine.

When I go downstairs for breakfast Kim is waiting for me at a table with a plate of food for me. I walk towards her and sit down.

"There you are, I thought you got lost," she says pushing the plate of food towards me. "Eat up." I smile and start eating. When I look up from my plate a girl and boy have both taken their seats across from Kim and me.

"I'm Ava," the girl says. Kim rolls her eyes.

"I know." The girl glares at Kim.

"I wasn't talking to you," she sneers. I set down my fork.

"I'm Octavia."

"This is Jeremy," Ava gestures to the blonde boy next to her. He winks at me.

"Ava, and I were in the same class, every year." I raise my eyebrows. Every year?

"I like your hair, Octavia," Ava says ignoring Kim.

"Thanks," I say taking another bite of food.

"Ever thought of cutting it?" I almost spit my food out. I raise my eyebrows at her and turn to Kim. What is her problem? Passive aggressive much?

"Ignore her. This is just what she does. She's a bi-."

"You shouldn't listen to Kim. We could be friends, Octavia," Ava interrupts Kim. I look at her closely. She's pretty. Auburn hair and hazel eyes, but I can see right through her. She is no friend. I can't trust anyone. Not even Kim.

"I don't think so," I state. Kim smiles beside me as Ava and Jeremy stand up.

"Come on Jeremy," she says glaring at us. They walk away and Kim giggles.

"For a second I was afraid you were actually considering being her friend," Kim laughs.

"You know what they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer." I say taking one last bite of my food. She gives me a lopsided grin.