It felt a bit nostalgic to be living something we’d spoken about almost on a daily basis. But I now knew the dangerous truth behind Eternal Light’s teachings.
Under her perfected act, Scarlett looked rightfully terrified, and I had an even harder time tonight pretending that I couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Things were about to get very real, and I still wasn’t convinced we’d be able to pull it off and get away. It had to work. If we didn’t get out, the girl I was in love with was going to die.
“Are you okay, Noah?” Mum asked, frowning, questioning why I didn’t have a big, fat smile on my face.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just can’t believe it’s finally here, you know?” Please know.
She smiled. “I do, I know exactly what you mean. But it is here so please try to enjoy it.”
Damn. “I am, Mum. I’m just taking everything in. This is the night you’ve been talking about since I was little, you told me to step back and take everything in because it’ll go by in a flash. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I remember that. I am so proud of you, Noah. You really have grown into a wonderful man.” She kissed me on the cheek and then looked around, sighing in content.
I wasn’t a wonderful man, but I hoped tomorrow might correct that, even a little. I was going to do the right thing. It was the right thing by Scarlett, myself, and Eternal Light. Not only was I going to do everything I could to save her life but I was preventing us being murderers.
Scarlett stood with her parents as people came forward and kissed both of her cheeks. She played it so well. She was withdrawn enough to play the nervous card but smiled and interacted enough to make people believe she with us all the way. She wasn’t the only one that was nervous, we all were, but for different reasons.
I managed to get a minute with her out of earshot of everyone else when we both went back for more food. Donald watched us; I didn’t even need to look around to know that. I kept smiling.
“How are you feeling?” I asked. It was an innocent question and one that everyone had asked her, but I was referring to our escape, not the ritual.
She nodded, giving me a reserved smile. To everyone else, she’d not quite forgiven me yet and still acted cooler to me. She probably didn’t have to pretend that much.
“I’m okay,” she replied. “Nervous.”
“I think we all are a little. Don’t worry, though, tomorrow is going to run smoothly and then everything will be alright.”
Fear flashed through her eyes. “Yeah, everyone has been reassuring me all day.”
“They all love you and want you to feel at ease with what’s going to happen.”
I knew she was talking about the same thing I was, but hopefully everyone else thought it was about the ritual. Please trust me, Scarlett.
“I know that. It’s been a huge change, and I’ve only just had time to stop and think about what’s coming. I’m a little scared.”
“That’s natural, Scarlett, but trust me when I tell you that it will be alright.” I had no right to tell her to trust me, not after what I’d done, but I was all she had now. The responsibility was overwhelming, but I made a promise not to let her down again.
“Do you really think so?” she asked.
I didn’t want to lie to her; the odds were heavily stacked against us, but the only choice was to try. “I know so. Stop worrying and enjoy tonight. This is all for you, Scarlett.”
Donald stepped behind her and smiled at us both. “Noah is right. Come and enjoy the evening, everything will be fine tomorrow.”
Scarlett smiled up at Donald and followed him back to their seats. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her being able to lie and manipulate so easily, but then she was facing death so I couldn’t question her character too hard. And what I was doing and had done was no better. I was lying to everyone I loved – everyone but her.
“Tell Finn not to eat everything, I’m just running home for a second,” I said to Mum.
Her eyes immediately filled with concern. “Are you alright?”
“I think I have a headache coming on and I want to make a tea in case. I won’t be long.”
She nodded. “Do you want me to make it?”
“No, you stay here and enjoy. I’ll bring it back when it’s made,” I said, walking off.
I had our bag and needed to pack and stash it. The only chance to plant it in the forest would be now while they were all distracted with the festivities. Scarlett watched me go back to my house, but I didn’t look at her. I didn’t want anyone to see me looking at her and become suspicious, not that they would. You didn’t turn your back on Eternal Light, your family and the community. Jonathan and Marissa had. They’d lost their chance at eternal peace, tranquillity and happiness. They would get nothing when they died.