Same as all of us really.
I closed the front door and ran to the kitchen, boiling a pan of water to make tea. Then I went to my room and pulled the rucksack from under my bed, filling it with some clothes and fleece jackets that I’d set aside in my drawer, water and food that I’d stashed right at the back, and a pair of shoes for Scarlett. There wasn’t a lot in it really, enough for one day. I didn’t want to be weighed down when we had to run as fast as we could.
I made the tea and left it on the side while I went outside to creep into the forest. I could hear everyone talking and laughing, but I was far enough out that I couldn’t be seen in the dark. I hope.
The sky had clouded over, making it darker. It was as if some other force was helping me get her out of there. I felt every thud of my heart as I crept past the lake. If I were caught that would be it, I’d be out, and Scarlett would die. There was so much riding on this.
Letting Scarlett down was the last thing I ever wanted to do but it was a huge possibility.
I walked slowly, being careful not to make too much noise when I stood on fallen branches. It was stupid, they wouldn’t hear a stick breaking over the sound of the fire and everyone’s talking, but I was scared and paranoid.
There was a collection of bushes relatively close to the edge of the forest and the lake Scarlett would be cleansed in. It was my chosen hiding place for the bag now and me tomorrow.
Breathing deeply, I gave myself a quick pep talk.
Crouching down, I shoved the bag under the bush, covering it with leaves and whatever else I could find on the floor. My eyes scanned the area to see if anyone had broken away from the group. The houses furthest away from the fire were just silhouettes, so I was confident that I couldn’t be seen from where they were. Still, I stood up and crept back as fast as I could.
It’d been cold in the forest and I was glad I’d packed the fleece jackets and a change of clothes and shoes for Scarlett, she’d be running straight after getting out of water and would be freezing.
I can do this.
Scarlett
I WOKE WITH the strongest urge to throw up. My stomach rolled and flipped. Today was the day. The day with only two outcomes: Noah and I escaped, or I died. Apparently there was going to be a day of celebration, lots of big meals and well wishing to send me on a safe journey where I’ll wait to be reunited with each of them when they die.
I literally couldn’t understand why it didn’t sound ridiculous to them.
Laid out on the chair beside my bed was a soft mint colour sundress and new underwear. The only time I was told what to wear was when I had to be in something white for the rituals. This was green and clearly laid out for me to wear. I hadn’t been here long but long enough to establish a routine and to be scared if it was broken. They ran the community so smoothly I would nominate them to run the world, if it weren’t for the fact that they were all insane.
Why green?
“Good morning,” Fiona said when I got dressed and made my way into the small kitchen.
“Morning,” I replied, wishing for a cup of coffee to settle my nerves. Green tea was about as good as it got here.
“Breakfast is in ten minutes, would you like some tea before we go?” she asked.
I shook my head. “No, thanks.”
“Please don’t look so nervous, Scarlett.”
Please don’t kill me.
“I’m trying,” I replied, forcing myself to smile at her. “I know the pain will only last a few seconds but…”
Tilting her head, she held the tops of my arms. “It is understandable, of course. Don’t fear it, though; revel in the knowledge that you are destined for something much greater than this world can offer. You are a miracle.”
I need a miracle.
Gulping, I replied, “Okay. Thank you.”
Every single time I had to pretend to agree I felt my heart sink further. It was wrong, and I hated having to act like I was fine to be sacrificed. Talking about the ending of my life wasn’t an easy thing to do, and I had to do it with bloody cheer.
“Good. Now, are you sure about that tea?”
“I’m sure.” It tastes like pee. “What’s for breakfast?”
“Ah, we’re having fruit, freshly made bread, and pastries.”
Their food was incredible, but I could’ve killed for a bacon sandwich. It was my last breakfast, shouldn’t it be what I want?
“Sounds great. Should we go and help prepare?” I asked.
“No need,” Donald said, walking into the room and leaning against the table. “It is all in hand and they want to give us a few moments alone before the day starts. I just want to thank you, Scarlett. I know it couldn’t have been easy, especially after what you have lived through with Jonathan and Marissa.”