chapter 3

I scanned in front of and behind me as I ran down the hall, careful to make sure my Nike’s weren’t stomping on the ground. Looking up, I could see the lit-up EXIT sign ahead and I was pushing myself to get to the end. I had to find a way out- I didn’t know where I was going but it didn’t matter. I went faster and faster. I was sure that my panting would give me away but grateful for all of the cross country training. All of those miles had finally paid off. Not in the way I had hoped, but I was still thankful. 

My eyes were focused on the sign and I knew there would be a door somewhere. The alarm would sound; I would sprint and hide before anyone could see me. 

All of a sudden I was yanked toward the side inside a small room. It looked like a supply closet but was big enough for a desk. I looked at my captor. It was Will! My eyes opened wide and I went to speak. “Wh-,” his hand clamped on my mouth.

“Shhhh”, he hissed. “They’ll be able to hear you.”

“But the hallway is clear,” I said.

Will said, “There are cameras everywhere. It may not look like it, but they’re always watching you.” 

I furrowed my brow in confusion. Why was I such a big deal to them? I was just a B student at a small school in Maryland. Maybe I was in this mess because of my dad. He probably dragged me into it. I would go ask him but I hadn’t seen him since I was strapped on a gurney in the cave. Was I still in the cave? I had been unconscious for a good part of the night and the only thing I could remember was my dad abandoning me. He was my father and he was still letting them do this to me… I didn’t even know what they were doing, but I knew it was going to be a big deal. I thought back to a couple hours ago when Will vaguely told me about it. It’s illegal and secret… but it would increase my athletic capabilities? What negative effects would that have on me. Clearly the positive outweighed the negative since they hadn’t been shut down yet. I would get to be the team captain like I always wanted, I could perform better than some of my rude teammates… 

I was jerked back to reality when Will shoved me. 

“C’mon, we need to get you back to your room before anyone sees you; your procedure is starting early tomorrow and you have to be well rested for what’s to come.”

He peered out of the closet and looked down both sides; “We’ll give it a couple minutes and then sneak back.”

I sighed. “Can you at least tell me what the procedure is going to be like?”

“All I can tell you is that it won’t hurt and it’s safe.”

“Safe?” I asked. “Then why is this undercover?”

“It’s not considered ethical in the eyes of the world, but we believe it should be. It’s just a helpful tool that costs a lot of money.”

“Oh shoot, I forgot about the cost, I didn’t think to bring any money with me when I was STOLEN FROM MY ROOM.”

“Keep your voice down!” Will urgently whispered, his hand coming up to cover my mouth but I slapped it away. “But chill, your dad is taking care of it…”

“So what happens if you don’t bring anything for payment?” I looked at him with confusion. 

“We always find something you can give to us,” he said but soon got a far away look on his face.

I noticed it and said, “What’s wrong?”

Will tried to play it cool but I knew something was up.

“Anyway…, I think we’ve waited them out enough. Let’s go.”

He silently creaked open the door and motioned for me to follow him out. We creeped down the hallway and I had to take soft, light steps so I wouldn’t make a sound. I heard voices from behind us and I quickly jerked my head around to see who it was. Will, not taking any chances, dragged me along quicker so I couldn't worry about the fact that there were scientists behind us.

We finally approached my room- marked by a scrawled “Layla” next to the door. I realized that he had been holding my hand the whole time and I instantly blushed and pulled away. Will began to look uncomfortable but glanced at his watch and cleared his throat. 

“You better get some rest for tomorrow, Layla. It’ll be your first day of a long week.”

I took my shoes off, placed them under the plain single bed, and played down.

“Good night Will.” I said and the last thing I remember before falling asleep were his eyes, completely fixed on my face as he walked out and silently shut the door. 

Author's Note

I hope you enjoy it-- I've been racking my brain for ideas for this whole "procedure" and get excited for some plot twists as well:)

Reviews

[matrixmark]

You started this chapter off at quite a pace, it really felt like a scene from Terminator 2 where the woman tries to escape the terminator in the hospital. And then along comes Will, snatching her into safety and away from the cameras. You really did a geat job on the dialogue, the hurried conversation which they had was fast and furious and perfectly executed. It felt so real and that's when you can tell the author has spent time going over their work to make it as authetic and realistic as possible. Some pieces I have read do feel forced - this didn't, it was natural.

The way in which it follows on with Will checking that the coast is clear was woven into this piece nicely and fitted perfectly into place. You ended it with a line that wil most certainly get the readr wanting more. I for one definately want to know whats coming next. It's a story which has got my curiosty levels rather high.

Mark.