The Anonymous

Chapter 28: Fake

Shannon’s POV 
 

I am staring at the unpainted brick wall of the room while my thoughts are running wildly on different scenarios that might happen to me once I arrive on Gereo. I must admit, I am nervous and scared for my life. I have so many plans and goals in this lifetime, not just for myself but also for my family. But going back to the number one reason why I surrendered myself, I know my dreams and plans are worth sacrificing for.

"Whoo..." I puff out all the frustration and boredom that I've been feeling as I exhaled. I let my thoughts wander and have it's what ifs.

What if I didn't surrender? What would happen to Huxley? What if none of these had happened? Will I still be with them, enjoying the mini vacation we have? I wonder how they are. Is Milly and her family okay? The boys, are they in the unit enjoying their time? Are they looking for me? 

I hope they can forgive me, my friends and my family. I hope they will understand why I did this. I just wanted to give them the peace and happiness that they deserve.

I sigh before resting my head on my knees, trying to compose my emotions. It’s been what? Three days? I honestly lost track of time ever since I came here. I am just waiting for the guard to give me my food and have a hint of the time. 

I heard the door creak open followed by the silent footsteps coming inside the room. I lifted my head slowly to see if my food had arrived, but I was stoned on my place. My eyes widened and my face showed the evident shock I am feeling right now.

“W-Why are you here?” I ask him.

He only gave me a glance, but didn’t answer my question. He pulled me up and quickly looked at my face, scanned my hands and whole body to check for any scratches or wounds, while I was staring at his face.

“Did they do something to you? Are you hurt? How are you feeling?” he asks.

My eyes pooled because of his questions. I never shed a tear ever since I came here, but the moment I heard him ask those questions and felt his worry for me, I suddenly became so sensitive and vulnerable.

“Shannon, are you fine? C’mon, let’s go now,” Blaze says.

I wiped my tears and shook my head. As I tried to calm myself, I avoided looking at his eyes. “No. Get out of here, Blaze. Leave me here.” I tried to sound as tough as I pretended to be.

“That will never happen. Wyn is waiting for us outside. Let’s go.” He tried to pull my arms but I removed his grip.

“You don’t know anything, Blaze. You don’t know me at all! This, this chaos that is happening in our country? This mess and hardships that our countrymen are facing right now, it’s all because of me! I deserve the punishment, Blaze, so leave me here.”

I badly want to come to him, hug him, and follow whatever he is asking me to do, but I have to remember the reason why I am here. I need to stand by my decision.

“You’re wrong, Shannon. I know you, I know about ‘Through The Looking Glass.' I know that you are Alice. I also know that whatever is happening right now is not your fault.”

Confused and shocked with what he said, I forgot how to utter any words. What did he mean by he knows I'm Alice? When? How?

“I knew it was you the moment your sketch trended on the Oasis. I unintentionally saw your illustration before, the one with your signature as Alice. I thought it’s just a simple signature, but when I saw the illustration that trended online, that’s when I discovered your secret,” he continues.

He was about to say something, but was interrupted by a call from his in-ear. It gave me time to process what he said and understand what is really happening right now.