The angel and the devil {book: 1}

1. Stranded

Clarke
It was a normal Thursday afternoon, i was walking back home from helping Jackson in the medical bay because my mum asked me to. She had been acting really strange these past couple of weeks, she would ask me to stay out late, she would barely talk to me and she had been avoiding me. I just brushed it off as her grieving... my dad had been floated only a month ago, it seems like a long time but the memories keep the feelings raw.

I reached my flat and took the key card out of my back pocket. I scanned it and waited for the light to flash green. I slid the door open and was surprised to find my mum sitting on the couch, normally she would be in a meeting with Chancellor Jaha.

"Hey mum, what are you doing home?" I asked her, placing my books and bag on the dinning room table. She didn't respond, she just stood up and turned to me, i could see dried tear marks streaking her cheeks.

"Whats wrong?" I said rushing to her side, placing my hands on her shoulders. She returned the favor and tried to meet my gaze. I was really confused at this point and worry started to boil inside of me.

"C-Clarke hunny, you need to leave" tears starting coming down her cheeks again. I was taken aback but kept my composure

"What do you mean? Why do i need to go?" So many questions flew into my mind, i felt like i was drowning.

"You just need to go, i cant care for you anymore. Please pack your things and go." She removed her hands from mine and slid open the front door.

I just stood there in complete shock. I couldn't move. Tears formulated in my eyes, threatening to spill any moment. I took a deep breath in and walked over to my belongings, picking them up with shaking hands. Surely this cant be happening, i mean I've never had the best life but it wasn't supposed to be this bad.

I walked over to my mum, staring into her eyes trying to find any hint of guilt or pain. She just hugged me one last time and basically shoved me out the door. I stood there listening to the sound of the heavy metal door click shut. My body trembled and tears finally spilled down my face. I had no where to go and no supplies, i was stranded.

I was familiar with the layout of the Ark but in this moment i forgot where everything was, I didn't remember where the food court was, I didn't remember where the medical bay was, all I remembered was the lingering pain of rejection. I scurried my way through the hallways trying to find anywhere to hide out. If the guards or council found me i would be taken and questioned, they would ask me who my family was and if i told them them my mother would be floated and I couldn't let that happen. Not after the loss of my father. If worse came to worse, in 11 months i would be floated.

I dashed through hallways and rooms, trying to find anywhere to go. I came to a stop when i saw a sign hung on a wall, 'Walden'. How did i end up in Walden?.

The Ark was separated into three different areas, Phoenix, Walden and Arcadia. Phoenix, where i grew up, was the wealthiest of them all, it was highly guarded. Walden and Arcadia where both the lower class ships, they were less guarded but contained more residents. Somehow i had ran all the way to Walden.

I thought about turning around and making my way back into Phoenix but then i heard faint shuffling and talking. Guards. I dashed into Walden, avoiding the crowded hallways. If someone saw me then i would look really suspicious and be turned in. I ran down numerous hallways until i came upon one that looked abandoned.

I slowed my pace still being wary of any guards, i tried regaining my breath but my heartbeat was going to fast. I turned a corner and saw a room that read 'janitors closet'. I tried the handle and it jolted open, making a funny squeaky sound. I walked inside and examined my surroundings. It was small, probably could fit only three people but it was stocked of food packets and of course cleaning supplies. Bingo.