Escape

Cade

"Scout. What was that for?" I ask upon entering. She looks up from the spot on the windowsill.
"What? Me saying sorry to Jason? Or how I acted to Seth?" She asks nonchalantly, obviously put into a bad mood, and it'll take a while to get it back. Or never. She's not a kind person normally. She hardly warms up. She only really ever talks to Jason because he saved her, and Ryker. We all know she likes him, except her and Ryker. So really Jason and I know.
    "Both. Why did you say sorry, and why are you mean to Seth? He did nothing wrong." I claim. Her eyes harden in anger. More than I thought possible.
"He called me a jackass. He thought I had a persona of being better than everyone. He thought we could be part of the Imperium. I hate him. We don't need another little KID here to take care of. And the fact you all are getting on my case about being cautious, pisses me off. I mean what the fuck did I do to him? I was the one who saved him. On adrenaline obviously. If I had known what a dick he was I wouldn't have." She snorts.
    I shake my head. "Scout. What is your problem? Why are you so angry? And YOU didn't save him. Ryker did." I ask her, wanting to know this answer for a long time. "And I mean you were being a jerk to him a little. We all heard you say that we can't expect you to be nice. I mean, that was rude." I explain.
    "This is what I'm talking about. You getting on my case about being me. Just leave me alone. I never asked for any of this. I wanted it just to be Jason and I. Then Ryker came, and your sorry ass, and finally Seth. That child who could very well be a spy. I'm being cautious. Don't worry about who I am and how I act. That's for me to know, and for you not to. That's my business, so butt out!" She shouts. I sigh, and raise my hands in defense.
"Look. Calm down. It seems to me that you only talk to Ryker and Jason about things you're troubled with, and that's fine."
    "Then why are you confronting me?" She retorts. I roll my eyes.
"Just because you aren't happy with the majority vote, doesn't mean you can be mean to the poor guy." I explain. She snorts and turns to me finally and stands up. She's five inches taller than me, and a lot stronger. That's a little scary.
"Majority votes. That's bull. You all felt bad because he's only fifteen. Even I know that. But I'm telling you he could be a spy." She steps closer. Her combat boots are still on.
"Ok fine. It was a little unfair. But that doesn't mean you can shut the world out." I keep trying to get through to her. Two more steps and she's inches from me, my eyes at her nose.
    "I can and I will. It doesn't matter. It's who I am, and you're not going to change that." She growls. Her hand clenches at her side.
"Then why does Ryker get to know? Why does Jason get to know?" Her head leans closer, our noses almost touching.
"Because Jason saved me. I know him better than anyone here. I trust him, and I trust Ryker too. I don't trust you. Or Seth."
    "So you'll tell them everything, and then lock yourself out to everyone else?"
    "I don't even completely trust Ryker. But Jason, yes. I can't trust anyone. Never. I always have my guard up, because I know that if I let them down, I'll be done for. My life will be destroyed again." She hisses. "Now get out of my way." She mumbles, shoving past me. I dart over to the door and block it.
"No. Talk to me. Please. Being so locked up is going to destroy you more eventually." I try and say.
    "Cade. If you don't get out of my way in five seconds, I'll knock you out, and break your nose in the process. Five..."
    "But Scout, please just-"
    "Four..."
    "Hear me out! Don't-"
    "Three..." Scout grumbles. She can't do it.
    "You won't do it. Don't shut-"
    "Three..." Her voice is so dangerously soft.
    "If you would just listen!"
    "Two..." I have one last try.
    "Can't you just listen to what someone of your gender-" Too late.
    "One." She growls so softly I can barely hear. Then a flaring pain in my nose and I sink to the ground, tears blurring my vision.
"I told you. Get outta my way, and butt out of my life." I hear. The door opens, and boots recede into the distance. I never thought she'd do it. I head to the bathroom, and try and stem the blood flow. Oh goodness, I hope nobody sees this. I don't want anyone asking questions. I know she's mean and cold, but I can't do that to her. So I just lean against the bathroom sink, letting the blood run down, turning it pink. Thankfully she didn't knock me out or break it.
    A few moments later, when the blood finally stops, I decide to confront her again. I know it's like prodding a wild animal but she needs it. I sneak  to our room and look at the strong girl. I know she's been through a lot in her 19 years on this planet. I've only been around for 17. But she needs to know when to shut her trap. Some people just need a little guidance. I step into the room to see her.
    "Scout..." I whisper. Her face whips around and I'm soon staring into the eyes of an unforgiving god. At least that's what it feels like. I begin to take a few steps closer to her.
"Cade, when will you learn to stay out of other people's business?" She growls. I don't respond, knowing If I let loose now I'm never going to stop.
"Listen Scout, all I'm trying to say is-"
    "NO! You can't tell me what to do like I'm some five year old! In fact. You're younger than me, what could have possibly happened to you that makes you think you have the upper hand? Imperium had me for so long. All I could do was watch while the others turned into their slaves. I bet they gave you special treatment. Cause apparently, from what the boys have told me, "you're an angel" well I call bull. YOU. KNOW. NOTHING." She screeches, backing me into the wall.
    I close my eyes and start counting to ten. Don't say anything. She's just mad. "You have it wrong." I say calmly. She raises an eyebrow and laughs with mock pity
"Oh, I can't imagine how hard it was. Why don't you tell me?"
    "I really shouldn't..."
    "Oh well we've all told our stories. Looks like someone didn't bring enough to share. So why am I sitting through this kindergarten, friend drama, BULL!" She growls, beginning to look away. If she really wants to know that bad...
    "You want to know what happened to me?" I says slowly. She turns around and smiles.
"Is Cade Smith telling a story? Wow, this should be gold." She's dripping in sarcasm.
    "Yeah I'm telling a story. And it starts with whiny jerks like you who think the world revolves around them..."
    "What did you call me?"
    "You know. I bet it was hard for you. I would have loved to be able to know my friends were at least still... oh I don't know...alive. But me. No, I had to watch as EVERYONE I knew and EVERYONE I LOVED was MURDERED in front of my eyes!" I half scream half cry at the memory. Scout goes absolutely still. "Do you have any idea what it's like. To, to, see blood running from the pale bodies of the people whose bonds you shared were stronger than the sun. I-I, I still see them. It NEVER goes away. I can't close my eyes without seeing- I just..," I start rambling, my voice breaking. Scout keeps looking at me almost afraid. 
"Just, don't you DARE say I had it easy." I finish. And this is when the tears come. "I just don't know, what we did wrong. We won, we won , but I-I- in the end. It was just, just me. I didn't mean to." I weep. And then I realize what I've said. I've never told anyone that. And though I try so so hard to, I can't stop the tears from rolling down my face. I expect Scout to say sorry or pull me in for a hug. But all she does is stand there.
    "I guess you're right. Being alone does make it easier to let go. Also looks like it makes it easier not to care. And yeah I know how you feel to a degree. My best friend took a bullet meant for me. I know what it feels like." And with that, I run away from the cold, emotionless statue, and out of the room we share. At least, until now.

I sit patiently in front of the office. I was called down from my room over the announcements which is very, very rare. I've never had too go too a counseling session before either and needless to say, i'm terrified. As I sit on the cold metal bench, I can't help but wonder about what I possibly could have done too be here. Last time I checked, I was following all of the rules.
"Cade Smith. Please come with me." I look up at the guard who's just exited the office. I nod and stand up, patting down my green sweatpants before following him down a corridor I've never noticed before. As we continue down the hallway it widens until we're standing at the edge of a platform. Below us where the floor juts off are train tracks.
"Where are we going?" I ask timidly. The man doesn't respond and merely looks straight ahead. I swallow and wait. A few moment later the sound of a train can be heard and a light shine from one end of the underground tunnel. The silver bullet like train comes to a stop in front of us. What's going on?
Sliding doors open and the guar leads me in. The train begins to move the minute the doors close and the guard drags me along multiple boring looking cars until we reach one very, very different. It looks like an office, a clear glass desk is in the center, two modern looking chairs are on one side and many extra decorations are about the car. At the desk sits  a woman. She has deep blue eyes and her snow white hair is up in a perfect bun. When she notices me she smile.
"Please sit." She says, gesturing to a chair. I do as she says without hesitation. The woman looks to be in her mid forties and has one of the most welcoming smiles I've ever seen. "You must be Cade." I nod. "How long have you been here? In the facility I mean?" This was a weird question.
"Um, well since forever." I answer. I don't think there's ever been a time I wasn't being trained by the Imperium. The woman smiles.
"Well Cade. You'll be happy to know you're about to have a change of scenery. I've decided to create a new Project. One in which my students will be taught to fight, and survive. And you have been selected to be a part of it."
"Really!" I do my best to hide my excitement however I think she can tell.
"Yes. You will be a part of an elite team. You should know being a part of this is a great honor. You will be treated with respect and trust. Though you must earn it. Do you think you can handle this Cade?" I nod excitedly. The woman grins. "Good." She says, holding out her hand. "I'm Ms. Grey." She explains. I take her hand and shake it.
"Nice too meet you."