I put my leather jacket on and rush after her. The others don't ask any questions and know that is how it should be. I take my time while I pass Blondie's table, eavesdropping on their conversation and picking up a segment of their sports tactics. Most of it is all jibber-jabber and worthless to me. I pull my hoodie over my head and continue my exit, leaving their burning stares behind.
The weather, outside, is just perfect. The blue sky stretches as far as the eye can see. Its flawlessness is spotted by puffy cotton-ball clouds adding greatness to its vastness. It looks like spring, with blossom trees and brighter green leaves, but it's hard to tell. The wind doesn't feel quite right, though. Other than that, the nanites are doing a hell of a job. They erected the dome before building the city inside. At first, it was simply a translucent shield meant to make the air breathable again and shelter the construction site. It was only after they programmed the nanobots to execute complex choreographed dances, that the aegis came to life.
After the bombings, the sky turned black as ash and the smoke was so dense it was impossible to breathe. But that was only the beginning. The real enemy has been awakened. Natural catastrophes followed one after another, some flashing in the pitch-black revealing their whereabouts, while others doing the damage in utter secrecy. At the beginning, acid rains burnt everything in their way. By this point, the population more than halved. Then followed the earthquakes, creating a ripple effect so huge there was no coming back. It is said the first wave of tsunamis and hurricanes lasted only a few minutes, long enough to wipe out entire cities.
The last punch that knocked the human race out, were the thunderstorms. Flashing their spectacular, yet deadly bolts of anvil crawlers across the sky, it was Mother's Nature cruel joke of ending up the world.
Those who acted fast, and without hesitation, hid in the underground and were too frightened to hope for redemption. The air is still hard to breathe and it doesn't kill on spot. It rather brings a slow and painful death.
The pandemonium lasted for months, killing what was left of the world's last breath. Several months passed until the waters succumbed to the scorched lands, revealing a dead planet not suitable for living anymore. From what it looked like, humankind couldn't stand a chance against two lethal enemies, a viral disease and a pissed Mother Earth. But aren't we a resilient pest?
The campus is teeming with busy students, each one following a pre-established trajectory, and moving hastily from one building to another. Some are bold enough to venture in their own quests, roaming around and spending what's left of the lunch break. I keep treating them like machines, cold and empty inside, but the truth is, we are not that different. Whatever, I let it out still not in tune with that idea.
As soon as I see the front gate, I pick up the pace, striding across the perfectly trimmed lawn. I know too well that if I start running, I'll alert the guards. They are always watching, with their weasel eyes glued to the monitors.
I can't help but think that Nerissa is wandering alone in the City. The Iron Guard is more devious and dangerous than ever, and I can't afford taking any chances. Who knows where they will attack next? Unpredictable half-brained bastards! I curse under my breath and break out in a cold sweat. God, this girl can walk fast. How could I lose her twice in one day? My heart is pounding, making the blood rush through my veins. I roam the deserted city fretting and blaming myself for being so reckless. I have to get my shit together or this mission is dead.
I recall the paths she could have chosen to go back home. She usually takes the trail on the river bank, which is less crowded. However, at this hour, almost everyone is held up either at work or at the Institute. The rest of them stay hidden in their miserable homes. The only living souls you could meet on these empty streets are the patrolling guards and the stray animals that scavenge the back alleys.
Right when I'm on the verge of giving up, I see her cornering an old brick building. How she managed to cover half the distance so damn fast, is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. My legs are moving on their own and I find myself running after her. What the heck is wrong with me? This girl is driving me insane. I even broke my own rule for her sake, to never run, so trivial and, yet, so troublesome. Not that I am the most inconspicuous character here, but rushing is a sign of passive-aggressive behavior, and I'm pretty sure it is in the highlighted section of potential triggers. During our training, we've all learnt how to think like them, and we know exactly what to avoid to pass undetected.
I decide to cut her off on the other side of what looks like an old Post Office. They even preserved the year of the monument, with the cursive numbers hand-carved in stone and all. 1920, from what I know, this could be the only heritage left from our ancestors. I cross the rear parking lot, totally aware of the cameras at each corner of the building. They already know where I am, so I don't bother hiding. I take a good head start before dash vaulting over the brick wall, landing softly on the other side. Knowing she's about to diverge from behind the corner any second now, I take a deep breath to man up and, then, I stride along the sidewalk, waiting for the impact.
1...2...there she is. She bumps right into me, so stunned, she almost falls to the ground. I want to grab her elbow and steady her, but that would be way out of line. You've already overdone it in the park, moron, my annoying subconscious warns me.
She takes a few steps back, completely abashed about the sudden collision. If only I could snapshot every subtle move of her face, starting from the very beginning and up until she recognized me. To preserve those little frown lines between her eyebrows, from when she didn't have a grasp on what was going on. Or better save the moment her plump lips parted to let the air in, causing the tiny freckles look like they are floating on her pale expression. Her fearful eyes expose two different worlds, so bright and clear they look like gemstones in the stretched white. All those photos of her and they didn't get them right. Water and earth, two powerful elements, are now watching me, waiting for my next move.
I take my cover off, letting my hair fall on my forehead. I see her wince, aghast at my unexpected gesture. What the heck? Is she scared of me? From all the possible scenarios, I didn't see this one coming.
'What are you doing here all alone?' I ask..., the first thing that pops into my mind. Her deadly stare is making me uncomfortable. Okay, I admit. It's not the best one I could have started with.
She doesn't say anything for a few seconds. Her silence is making, whatever this is, more awkward than it should be. I sway from side to side keeping myself busy, while I chase a bird in the sky.
'You tell me! You're the one following me!' She finally snaps, taking me by surprise. Her tone is harsh and offensive.
I've met her for five seconds and she already irritates me. I have to agree she looks cute when she's angry, though. Focus Roone, she's your mission, for crying out loud! I grab the bridge of my nose and take a deep breath. Then, with my eyes squinted at her, I prepare for my comeback, when she cuts in again. If only she stayed quiet, I would have been more careful with my next words. But no, of course, she had to continue, provoking me even more.
'Look, if you want to report me, do it already. What are you waiting for, anyway? What do you want?' She barks out, one word after another.
I swear, I could forgive her cheekiness, had she not hurt my pride. A second later, and her face turns bright red. So that's what has been bothering her. She breathes heavily waiting for my reaction. The ball is in my court now, and I'm not going to let her off so easily. Amused by her sassy attitude, and now, by her innocent look, I start laughing. That hysterical laugh, which you can't control and it always ends up in tears. Her eyes are fixing me, shocked, as if I went mad. I don't care. I have to put her in her place.
'Listen to me, cry-baby, I have no intention in reporting you to anyone. It's your problem, not mine!' I bite back, still miffed about her snarky attitude.
Then, I bend over, just enough, to look her straight in the eyes. It's hard to resist not to lose myself in them. They are still new to me, no matter how many times I've watched her before. But then again, I thought she'd be taller, still, she barely reaches my shoulders. Right before walking away, I do the one thing I know will piss her off for sure - I poke her forehead, treating her exactly like she herself has been acting, childishly. After all, she's still four years younger than me.
I've already made a few steps, when she starts yelling after me, clearly aggravated. I thought these people don't get angry.
'Why were you following me, then?' She cuts directly to chase. Her tone has changed. It's flatter now, still, enraged and indignant.
All jokes aside, she has to be more careful about her safety, especially when she's alone. I have to come up with something or she won't back off. I decide to go with the truth. It won't hurt to try.
'Don't be so sure I was following you.' I start with a lie, not really sure of how much I should give away. Besides, she doesn't need to know that I was actually chasing her. Halting in the middle of the sidewalk, and with my back at her, I add. 'Look, the streets aren't safe anymore, and that's all you need to know.' It's vague, but it's something, and I really hope she will bite in.
She doesn't say anything and I take her silence as my cue to continue walking.
'I'm Roone, by the way.' I shout my name before disappearing behind the corner.
My sixth sense is telling me there is more to her than meets the eye, and I hate to be the one left in the dark.
...
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