Project Alpha

Chapter 23

The path back to Mendel was clear, with no one but the mourning doves to greet me with their throaty coos. All the other Mendelites were cooped up inside. Tested, gauged, prodded and poked -- where would they all net out? And what about me?

Schism.

The word tumbled around my head. What was brewing underneath my skin? Two aptitudes in a genetic civil war, testing their strengths to decide who would take over? Which one would win?

I plodded down the path, uncomfortably numb. Sunlight fell through gaps in the trees, splashing against rock and lush patches of grass. I walked in and out of shadows, sweeping unwanted thoughts to the furthest corners of my mind. The doves' gentle coos filled my ears until I stepped into the clearing and made my way to Watson's backdoor.

The soft-lit hall was dark as a cave compared to the afternoon sunlight. As I climbed the stairs, I willed my brain to be quiet and focused on getting back to my room.

Dead. Tired. Don't. Think.

With trembling fingers I unlocked the door, kicked off my shoes, staggered toward the bed and passed out.

***

Someone was knocking.

"I'm coming. Just a second." My voice was withered with sleep. Eyes bleary, I glanced at my Mendel-issued wristband. It was 4:15. Hoisting heavy legs over the side of the bed, I scraped my hair into a ponytail and padded across the soft carpet toward the door.

Archer's size was somehow more imposing in the hallway. His strong shoulders were almost as wide as the doorframe, practically drowning me in his shadow.

"Are you ok?" He spoke in a rush, voice like gravel, eyes a navy shade of blue.

"Yeah." I shifted from one foot to the other. "I'm fine." I hadn't been expecting his visit.

Clearing his throat, Archer took a breath. "I hope you don't mind me tracking you down. I ran into Gracie and she told me where your room was."

"Did you tell her what happened?" My throat felt tight. It wasn't that I didn't want Gracie to know. It was more that I didn't want anyone to know.

"No. It's your story to tell -- or not." He shrugged. "No one else was left in the room, so the only person who saw it happen was me. Well, me and Dr. Kelly."

Hot coals of embarrassment pressed against my cheeks. I was thankful the class was empty when my brain decided to schism, but the thought of Archer watching me pass out made my stomach lurch.

Glancing down the hall, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, is it ok if I come in?"

"Oh yeah, sorry -- of course." Nodding like a bobblehead doll, I stepped back into the room as he closed the door behind us.

Making a beeline for the bed, I quickly rearranged my comforter to hide the messy sheets and took a cross-legged seat while Archer stopped to peer at the pictures on my shelf.

"Your family looks nice." He held the photo of my parents and me in front of Cinderella's castle. "I've never been to Disney. Is it fun?"

"Yeah. I mean, I'm not obsessed with princesses and wearing mouse ears or anything." Pushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear, I tried to ignore the nervous energy coursing through my fingertips. "It's kind of magical though."