Indigo Ch. 6

It had been nearly an hour since Sam had seen the last convenience store and several hours since she talked about the relationship with her parents. She still had many questions, but she did not want to ask them. Instead, she watched the scenery change through the window. Though she had seen a few houses since their last stop, they were extremely rare and appeared to be hunting cabins more than actual homes. Large pine trees dominated the view. Snow-capped mountain loomed above the tree line. Her ears had started to pop from the change in elevation. Wherever they were going, it was definitely isolated. Edward must have noticed her concern about the surroundings.

"The Commune was intentionally built in this location. We are close enough to a major airport so that we can travel when needed, but detached from most of society. It makes us hard to find and easy to stay off the grid." Sam was startled by the voice emanating from Edward's mouth. Not only had it been hours since they spoke, but he sounded so procedural. It was as if his proximity to his home had flipped a switch. His voice no longer carried the concern from their earlier conversation but he was now ready to work and bring back his target.

"Is everyone in hiding like I am?"

"Not exactly. Your circumstance was quite peculiar. Often, we help people get out of hospitals or find them living on the streets. Their families typically do not try to find them. On the rare occasion, families do send their children here to live, either knowingly or not." The SUV slowed and then turned right into a gravel driveway. Sam stared up the long driveway, realizing this was her last chance to refuse her new home. Edward continued, "The fact that we left the P.I. laying on the ground, is causing us some concern. However, I am fairly certain she will find it impossible to track us down."

Sam felt some relief. At least she was not headed back to Virginia. She could hide here. She could rest. She could figure out what her next step was. Even though Edward, and whoever his bosses are, intended for her to stay. She wasn't sure for how long or for what purpose. Though he was a complete stranger, she knew he was not intending to harm her and that he truly believed that she was safe. For now, that was enough.

After a several mile stretch through a dark coniferous forest, the lights of the first building started to shine ahead. A cylindrical, dome-covered building overlooked a small pond. The sides were wrapped in windows, through which Sam could see several people looking at computer screens or talking to one another across large wooden tables.

"This is, for lack of a better term, the library." Edward said, noticing Sam stare at the windows. He spent some time describing how the library had very few bound books, but a full selection that could be utilized electronically. This was also where younger children had classes and labs.

Edward continued. "I would imagine, given that you weren't able to finish high school, that you will be getting familiar with this building. There are some small labs on the attached building for classes and a large auditorium where we host community-wide meetings."

The SUV continued up the steep drive. With the sky darkened, Sam couldn't make out all the structures. Situated behind the library, were two larger square buildings. All thee buildings seemed to be made of the same materials; light-colored stone work with metal accents near the roof and expansive windows on each story. On top of the roofs, she saw the raised solar paneling. The vehicle turned right and worked its way through one side of a large circular path that connected many smaller buildings, all connected to the center like spokes on a bicycle wheel.

"The buildings along the circle are the residences. Once you have been here a while, and we see how you are doing, you will be assigned to one of them. Nuclear families tend to live together, and then everyone else is assigned based on individual needs."

"I don't like this idea of assigning me a place to live." Sam mumbled to herself.

"I realize your concern is not so much with where you will be staying, but with whom." Edward stated. "I promise that we will do our best to make sure you are comfortable."

This pitch was beginning to sound entirely too familiar. Sam was starting to doubt her ability to read this situation. Though Edward seemed incredibly sincere, the things he described and the way he described them were absolutely clinical. She started to wonder whether she was tricked into trading one hospital for another. After all of this time, maybe she was finally being captured. Maybe the peace she was feeling was just defeat.

"We own a great deal of land behind the residences. You can get the tour over the next few days." A group of teenagers caught Sam's eye as they were walking toward one of the smaller residences. " It seems that dinner has just finished. I am certain you will need to meet with Dr. Franklind. She will be able to get you setup with some temporary living quarters and talk to you about what is going on."

The logical part of Sam knew that her choice to get in a car with a strange man and drive for almost a full day was an idiotic one. There was no reason for her to trust him. He hadn't told her anything about where they were going or why. All he had done was save her from the blonde. He only wanted to bring her to a different hospital. And though Sam knew this was a possibility, she couldn't believe it. It couldn't be true. Her mind was reeling.

Finally, Sam allowed herself to say in a slightly cold and sarcastic voice. "This is starting to sound more and more like a hospital."

"I promise that it is not. At least, not in terms of what you have experienced." Edward left it at that. She wasn't ready to hear what he had to say. The fact that she hadn't asked any questions on the drive worried him. However, it had been a while since anyone with her particular talents came to The Commune. In fact, he had not even been born when she arrived.

Edward pulled the vehicle halfway around the circle. Opposite from the side where the library and auditorium were located, was another larger building. He pulled to a stop and the pair exited the vehicle. Sam followed Edward into the building. Those leaving the dining hall trickled past. Sam tried to think about very concrete things: the color of the walls, the smell of the food, and the coolness of the air. She did not allow herself to even glance at any of their faces. These kinds of coping skills often helped her to get through crowded rooms and avoid unwanted contact. He pointed out the dining area, clinic, and the direction of the new resident's quarters. He then walked her to an office at the end of the hall. The only sign on the door was "Dr. R. Franklind."

Edward knocked gently at the door. Almost instantaneously the door came open. A middle-aged woman with sandy, shoulder length blonde hair appeared in the doorway. Her dark framed glasses and petite stature gave the impression of youth, but the wrinkles around her large brown eyes gave her away as someone slightly older.

"Dr. Franklind, I have Sam with me." Edward said, encouraging Sam toward the door.

"Thank you…" she hesitated only for a moment, but it was enough that Sam noticed. "Edward. Go grab something to eat and get some sleep. I will meet you at the lab tomorrow and we can talk about this vacation you keep mentioning." She smiled and winked while ushering Sam into her office.

When the door closed, she stuck out her hand to Sam. "Hi. I am Rose. And before you ask, I insist that you call me Rose. Edward and some of the others insist on calling me Dr. Franklind, but all things considered, it just seems completely ludicrous." Rose gestured Sam toward a seat and she settled into the one beside it.

"I know that you have driven a long way, and are probably terribly confused about all that has went on the past few days. So, I am here to answer anything I can. And, if you still want to be here, I will get you situated for the first night."

"You mean I still have a choice about staying here?" Sam questioned.

Rose took her hand and placed it upon Sam's shoulder. "You will always have a choice. I promise." A surge of peace and calm washed completely over Sam. With these few simple words, it was as if the remnants of her last feeble attempt to logically explain this situation had faded away. She was no longer concerned that she had only yesterday been saved from a ruthless P.I., ridden halfway across the country with a strange man, or was moving to what seemed like just another hospital. It didn't matter any more. She was going to be safe. And she had a choice. It was enough.

"What exactly is this place?" Sam questioned, regaining control of herself.

"It is more or less a commune in the mountains. We live here off the grid, take care of each other, and try to lead happy lives." Rose said this with a smile.

"That sounds a little overly simplistic. I don't think most people living off the grid have multiple science labs, their own computer center, and such nice buildings." Sam stated dryly.

"Well you are right about that." The grin grew on Rose's face. "Without getting into too much detail on your first night, just know that this is a safe place for people like you."

"You mean crazy people?"

Rose's face became instantly serious at Sam's words. "One of the first things you must learn about staying here, is that there is nothing wrong with you. I realize that you have had a lot of people in your life try to convince you are sick. I am here to tell you that it is untrue. Quite the contrary: you are a particularly gifted young woman. And if I am not mistaken, with some healing and help, you will find yourself even more special than you can understand."

"I am not sure what you mean." Sam said. What she was hearing did not seem real. Her voice became slightly panicked. "I must finally be losing my mind. You know, this has to be what a psychological break feels like. Some random person is telling me that I am well, and that my parents and doctors were wrong, and that life can be happy. This typically ends with patients tonguing their meds, losing control, and being sent to isolation."

Sam let her mind slip back to some of the worst moments from her eighteen months at the hospital. Many patients went through this cycle; taking their medications and following their treatment plans, then quickly dropping both. When they were feeling well, they became consumed with the idea that they were well and that they no loner needed the pharmaceuticals. Then the paranoia and psychosis would return. The patients would then disappear for a few weeks, and come back subdued and distant. It was hardest part of her time there. The mania and the hope mixed with constant crashes and despair. It was hard on everyone, but excruciating to Sam. It was a time of her life she didn't want to remember, much less think about now. She could be getting a chance at freedom; she did not want to lose it.

"I know you logically cannot believe me right now. But you must know that I am not lying to you." Rose kept her eyes on Sam, and gently smiled at her over the thick framed glasses. Her dark brown eyes met Sam's gray and Sam knew she was being honest. She didn't believe Sam to be sick. She meant to keep Sam safe. She was also extremely tired. That was enough for Sam. Sam was no longer interested in talking. She wanted to get some sleep and clear her head. The past few days had been too long and she needed some alone time.

"Edward said that I would be assigned a place to stay. Will I be alone?" Sam asked cautiously.

"Of course. How about I show you to your room?" Rose said, as she stood. "I will make some time for you this week and you can organize any questions that you may have. You are welcome to take a few quiet days, but I will really need to talk with you soon. So please get yourself situated and let Edward, or James, know if you need anything. They will be annoyed, but let them know that I requested their assistance." She gave a coy smile and walked to the door.

They left Dr. Franklind's office and took an elevator to the top floor. The pair exited together and walked along a hallway that curved to the left. Rose handed a metal key to Sam. It unlocked Sam's room, the dining hall, and some of the major room on the campus. There were other keys to more specific rooms and buildings, but it was obvious that those came with time and trust.

"This seems a little odd considering the state of the buildings." Sam said staring at her key. This place was not exactly what it seemed. It was too quiet and calm. It was a confusing confluence of technology and old-fashioned practices. Rose and Edward were inviting but guarded.

"You will find that we embrace technology and innovation here Sam, but we stay away from some things. I am certain Edward will delight in telling you all about it tomorrow. In fact, his presence here has really brought us out of the dark ages without any harm to those who live here. He has been quite the asset. And please understand, he is well aware of how important he is." She grinned, but it was obvious that she to was ready for some sleep and quiet.

Rose continued, "This section of the hall is deserted, but if you find that you need something quieter it can be arranged for you up the mountain. Just feel free to ask. Take the elevator downstairs when you wake up tomorrow and someone will give you a tour."

"I am sure I will be fine. I have stayed in louder places." Sam knew that the noise level wasn't her only worry. It was obvious that these people had read Sam's file and knew about her issues. For once, that thought was oddly comforting. Someone would try to accommodate her needs here. That was something no one had done for her before. Hospital or not, maybe this place was worth being optimistic about.

"Well, you are the best judge of your needs. Please get some rest. Edward brought your things up. We will talk in a few days." She started to turn around, but stopped herself. "Please know I am truly happy you are here."

Sam put the key into the door as Rose walked back to the elevator. Inside, the room resembled a nice hotel. The door opened to a small bathroom on the right and closet to the left. Through the small hall, she could see a full-sized bed with her bag lying on top. Across from the bedroom was another small room containing a couch, desk, chair, and small kitchen area. It was all fairly plain, but kept in good condition. Pulling back the curtains in the living area, she exposed large windows opening to a central courtyard. The building curved around the courtyard on all sides.

As Sam looked down, she could see many people hanging around the courtyard. Some were chatting, others were reading by the light of a few street lamps, and a small group of teenagers were playing with a Frisbee. The grounds were manicured and raised beds grew a variety of plants. Everything about this place was polished and clean, but there was something missing. An indescribable calm and quiet hung about this place. It was peaceful but unnerving.

Sam headed back in to the bedroom, and sat down on the bed. She opened her bag to find the water and snacks from the previous day. After eating an apple, she pulled off her jeans and climbed into the bed. She fell asleep quickly and slept soundly.