Running With the Wave

Chapter 7

This chapter is dedicated RavenMRayson, another truly inspirational writer! Check out her story Our Guardians, it's absolutely amazing!!

Thanks to everyone who's gotten this far, I really appreciate it!! Please remember to vote, comment, an if you like what I write, fan! Thanks so much!!

Also, check out my new story, Surrounded by Lies!! The prologue is finished and I'm working on chapter 1 now.

Once again, thanks so much and enjoy!

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Chapter 7

Era:

It turns out it was just a few more tests for God knows what. Tests that decide something, apparently. A last batch. To tell the truth I'm tired of everyone thinking I'm going to be Disposed every time I leave the room. I mean, it's a possibility but it's not likely. I stroll into the room and go straight to the ledge where both of them are sitting back to back, refusing to acknowledge the other's prescence. I wrap my arms around both of them and they return the gesture.

"See, guys?" I smile, "They're not in such a hurry to Dispose me."

"It's only a matter of time." Moa murmers, her face expressionless.

My smile melts away as the truth sinks in for yet another time. Damn, why does she have to remind me every time I forget. I need to know. I need to know what those tests are for.

"I'm going to figure out what those tests mean." I whisper to them.

Both their heads perk up, interested.

"How?" Keara asks.

I point up at the air vent in the cieling and grin at her. I knew the vent system like the back of my hand. I'd used it to meet my mother when they put her in a special part of the Ward because they didn't care enough to save her. Keara grins back but Moa's jaw drops open.

"Are you serious?" She asks, incredulous.

"Dead serious."

"But what if we get caught? And-"

"Are you coming or not, Moa?" Keara snarls at her.

"Keara..." I warn.

Moa hesitates.

"Yeah, what do I have to lose, anyways?"

I motion for them to jump down from the ledge then climb up there and jump onto one of the beams in the cieling, swinging myself into the vent with the broken door. Barely anyone looks up, they're used to seeing me do this even if the last time was years ago.

"Where you going, Era?" one of the women asks.

"To see when I'm going to die."

I weave my way through the familiar system with Keara and Moa in tow, thankful for being skinny so that I can fit through. Huh, never thought I'd be happy that I barely get enough to eat, but now a days you never know what's going to happen. After a few minutes of being in the cramped space, Moa tugs at my arm. I turn around to look at her, her eyes wide with fear.

"It's too small. We're never going to get out!" she squeaks, panicking.

I stiffle a groan. The last thing we need is Moa being claustrophobic.

"Everything's going to be fine, honey." I try to sooth her.

She shakes her head, panic growing.

"Calm down. I've done this before." I chew my lip.

After awhile she calms down and we continue moving.

"Here." I breathe after a few minutes, and I crawl into the little box where the air vent opens up to. We peer through the cracks at Dr. Ventrez, the man with the clipboard, and the head Keeper and listen:

"How did the tests go?" The head Keeper booms.

"The tests were all successful, but the results disappointing." Dr. Ventrez replies, looking nervous.

I don't blame him. The head Keeper is a very powerful man and could have you killed with a simple hand gesture.

"Which woman is this?"

"Era Asdilo, cell fifteen, fourteen years of age." the man with the clipboard answers automatically.

"What were the test results?"

No one answers.

"I asked a question!" the head Keeper snaps impatiently.

"They all point to her being barren." Dr. Ventrez answers quietly.

The head Keeper nods.

"A shame. Her line was fairly good. Very well, then, Dispose of her by tomorrow evening."

"But, sir. She doesn't pose a threat. Why-" Dr. Ventrez tries to stand up for me.

The head Keeper slaps him across the face, silencing him. Dr. Ventrez seems to shrink as the head Keeper shoves his face in front of the doctors'.

"She will waste precious supplies and space." He barks, "Do not question me! Now go. I don't want to have to look at you anymore!"

The head Keeper turns his back them and they both slink out of the room. I lean away from the vent and lean back against the back of the vent. The reason of the tests sinks in. My fate. I lift my shirt up and trace the scars on my belly, left there from the many times I've had the Scar. I am to be Disposed. Which leaves me one choice.

I have to escape.