The Gate

19. Revelation

Lena Matthews

"Ivy? Are you ready to talk?" Jessica asked from the other side of the door. 

"No." I answered flatly.

Jessica sighed. "It's been hours. You probably need to eat."

"I'm fine." I insisted. I walked over to the window for the fifth time to see if I could open it. I fiddled with the lock, but it was still stuck. 

"That's not going to work," said Jessica.

"How did you-" I frowned as I slowly pulled my arms away from the window. "How much can you hear?" I asked.

"I would love to answer all of your questions, but you need to let me in first." said Jessica.

"Do I need to invite you in?" I asked.

"No, that isn't necessary," said Jessica. "I just don't want to barge in if you don't want me to."

I was in Jessica's guest bedroom, still dressed in my hospital gown. After the most awkward car ride ever, Jessica had locked me here while she went to some important meeting. I've already exhausted every method of escape. Without a phone, I felt cut off from the outside world, trapped in a small room with way too many throw pillows.

"Listen," said Jessica, "we need to work together if you want to get through this."

"I know." I sighed. "Just come in." There was no point in delaying the inevitable.

Jessica unlocked the door and walked in. She sat down next to me and placed a neatly folded stack of clothes on the white and gold comforter.

"I get that you're scared," Jessica began.

"I'm not scared." I insisted.

"I can tell when you're lying." said Jessica gently. "Your heartbeat picks up."

"Okay." I was nearly dizzy at this point. I looked straight ahead, focusing on the window. Outside, it was drizzling calmly. I tried to focus on the gentle patter of rain to make myself forget that I was sitting next to a Forbidden. A remarkably intelligent Forbidden that could act human.

"What do you want to know first?" Jessica prompted.

"Is my family okay?" I asked.

"They're fine. We have no reason to believe that they know anything they shouldn't. They're a little worried, but they expect to see you tomorrow afternoon." said Jessica.

"Where's Makaya?" I asked.

"Makaya was tried today for negligence. But she isn't being charged. Luckily for her, she had enough sense to send Carter and I after you last night."

"Can she still track my phone?" I continued, the questions firing out of my mouth rapidly.

"She can," said Jessica. "But we aren't giving you your phone back until after this is over."

"And when would that be?" I asked.

"It's different for everyone." Jessica placed her cold hand on mine, and I pulled away immediately. For a second, pure disgust flashed across my face, but I tried to cover it with a mask of innocent fear.

"How many?" I asked. "How many Forbidden are in this town?" I rested my gaze on the door this time, still not trusting myself to look at Jessica.

"A lot." Jessica answered. "You'll see all of them tomorrow morning at your trial."

"How old are you?" I questioned.

"Would you believe me if I told you I didn't know?" Jessica asked.