Anthony and Layla huddled in a group, heads bowed and knees pressed together. They were the last two pairs, and after hearing the hissing and beeping coming beyond the mahogany doors, none of them wanted to dwell on what was happening.
"You scared?" Anthony whispered just as another hiss emitted through the doors.
Layla shook her head, her chocolate locks swinging. "Not at that, no."
"We're doing something completely foreign and new. Why aren't you scared?" More creaking and groaning sounds came beyond the doors.
"I am scared," Layla admitted. "But I'm not scared of that."
Anthony turned to look at her, eyebrows raised. "What are you scared of then?"
Her smile wavered. "I'm scared for them. My sister. My family. My friends. How will they cope without me?"
It was only last week when Layla told him a pivotal detail they had missed in the contract. By signing, you hereby declare yourself as a property of the Republic. Below that, a footnote. Properties of the Republic must be wiped of their memories and kept within premises at all times.
"If we weren't sitting here, what would you be doing?" That was what the two of them liked to do. Imagine. Wonder. Hope. It was the only joy in the misery of the Merging Institute.
"I would be a doctor," Layla said, a small smile lighting her features. "I want to heal and help people."
Anthony just watched her, how her nose would scrunch up when she laughed, how her eyebrows furrowed when solving a complex problem, how she treated everyone generously and kindly, even when they didn't deserve it.
The feeling was familiar; a tingling sensation that spread through his veins, making him want to utter words he'd never say. He wanted to stay like this, in this dank, shadowy room, where his knees almost touched hers-
Layla sighed and tucked a strand of hair to her ear. "I've read so many books about it. I've encountered it so many times. I thought I understood it, but I..."
Anthony's head snapped up. Layla never hesitated."I know that... We won't see each other very often after this." Her lip trembled slightly and her eyebrows scrunched together. "You're my best friend."
"I'll always be on the lookout for you." Anthony smiled. "We're the best friend duo, remember?"
"Layla's group, please enter." The speaker interrupted.
Time's up. Layla stood, smoothing out her satin blue dress, eyes blank and glazed. Suddenly, she lowered her head until her breath tickled Anthony's ear. "You're the best thing that's ever happened in my life."
You too. He wanted to say, but Layla was already taking confident strides towards the mahogany doors, leaving everything behind.
A/N: I know this chapter's really short, but this is just me trying out some teen romance (I have zero experience in this area :P). Let me know if you enjoyed it and would like to see more of this!
YOU ARE READING
C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)
ActionLyla doesn't remember anything. All she knows is that the Republic took her under their wing after the Merging Process. Now, she is training to become the greatest Republican there is. However, the voices in her head don't seem to die down as time p...
