The Familiar (23 page)

As soon as he’s gone, Maya addresses the teachers, her tone concerned but authoritative. “Jared, Brad, Alicia, please make the preparations for the Choosing Ceremony tomorrow. I will make the announcement after breakfast.”

Sybil nods politely at everyone in the room. “Agent Jackson, will you accompany me back to my office? We can discuss security details for tomorrow.” She leaves with him, her long shimmering dress trailing behind her.

Once Maya is alone with Jared, Brad and Alicia, the polite skepticism flies out the door.

“Maya, are we seriously going to do this?” asks Alicia with a pained look.

Maya breathes deeply, the creases on her forehead deepening with every breath. “I’m sorry, but we have no choice. The chairman has made his decision, and we must abide by it.”

Brad leans back, stretching his muscles. “I just don’t understand the rush… These kids have all the time in the world. Why not concentrate on finding Samir first?”

“I don’t like this at all. And to be honest, I think they’re keeping us in the dark…” says Jared, fidgeting with his hair nervously.

Maya gets up off her chair, looking defeated. “Let’s just hope for the best…” She looks dazed as she walks out of the room.

32

After I slink back to my room, I just lay on my bed wide-awake. No matter what I do, tossing, turning, laying on my side, on my stomach, or with a pillow on my face, sleep just doesn’t come. The thoughts in my head are doing a marathon, and even though I’m totally exhausted, all I can do is stare at the ceiling and count the hours till morning comes.

Finally, dawn arrives, and sometime after sunrise, I give up and get out of bed to take a shower. In the bathroom I strip down, and stare at my face in the mirror. The shadows under my eyes, my sallow skin, and dull black hair, make me look like a cadaver under the bright bathroom lighting. I step into the shower and stand under the hot water for too long, forcing myself to turn off the faucet and face the day.

Louise is just waking when I come out with my bathrobe wrapped around me and a towel turban on my head. I gaze at my friend, envious that she can awaken without the weight of the world on her shoulders. Louise yawns, looking well rested despite the events of the day before. “You’re up early,” she remarks before yawning a second time.

“I didn’t sleep very well,” I say, rubbing the puffy dark shadows under my eyes with my index fingers.

Louise makes a face as she heads into the bathroom. “Just dab some concealer and nobody will even notice,” she says, closing the door behind her. The thought of putting make-up on at a time like this seems completely inappropriate. It might hide the dark circles, but it will do nothing to help bring Samir back. I sigh, and dress in my favorite jeans and t-shirt, taking some comfort in feeling the worn out cotton against my skin.

I hear a light knock on the door, and Sabrina enters. “Morning, Hazel. Just wanted to let you know that Maya will be making an announcement after breakfast.”

I feign surprise. “Really? Do you know what it’s about?”

Sabrina shakes her head, and I can tell that she really doesn’t know anything. “I’m just as clueless as you are.”

She turns to leave, but pauses at the door. “Oh, I almost forgot. I ran into Doc Alice, and she said that Akiko’s scheduled to wake-up sometime after lunch… It’s probably okay for you to drop by and visit her this afternoon. I’m sure it’ll be good for her morale to be around friends right now.”

“Thanks for the update,” I say, grateful for a little bit of good news. By the time Sabrina leaves, Louise is finally out of the shower.

“Wait up! Don’t go to breakfast without me, I’ll only be a minute,” she says while drying her long, unruly hair. She picks out a periwinkle blue summer dress from the closet. After brushing her still damp hair and slipping on some sandals, we’re off.

When we enter the dining hall, I catch a glimpse of Jared from across the room. I feel ashamed that I spied on him and the others last night, but at least I was able to get to the bottom of things. My stomach grumbles, but I’m not really in the mood to stuff my face, so, I grab a bowl of cereal, some Greek yogurt, and a banana, before meeting Louise back at our table. While we pick at our food, we glance over at the empty spaces next to us, feeling the void left by our friends.

“Sabrina came in while you were in the shower. She says we can visit Akiko later this afternoon,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

Louise sighs. “I’m glad they’re going to wake her up, but I have a feeling she’s not really going to be fine until they find Samir. If that had happened to one of my brothers, I don’t even know how I would have handled it… ”

“Well, I suspect we might have other things to talk about later today,” I mumble under my breath. A puzzled expression sweeps across her face, but just as soon as it appears, it disappears with shrug of her shoulders.

After barely finishing our breakfast, we follow the horde to the auditorium, where Maya will be making her big announcement. We find some seats close to the front, and anxiously await her appearance. After a few moments, Maya strides onto the stage with Jared, Alicia, and Brad in tow. She smiles forcibly, and I can tell that she’s trying hard to mask her real emotions. The instructors take seats behind her, looking similarly displeased. Jared doesn’t even bother making an effort, sulking in the shadows like he doesn’t even want to be there. Maya takes a long sip of water and clears her throat. “Last night, we met with Chairman Roqué and Federation Security. They informed us that they are doing everything they can to find Samir. There is still no clear motive for his disappearance, so our number one concern at this moment is everyone’s safety. We cannot risk endangering any of your lives, and because of that, we are cancelling the rest of the program here at camp.” A loud murmur echoes throughout the auditorium as the students react. Louise stares at me, shocked. Maya holds her hands up, trying to quiet the room down.

“Please let me continue. I know you’re all upset, but all is not lost. Rest assured, your efforts won’t go wasted… It has been decided that the Choosing Ceremony will be held tonight… ”

The room erupts in chatter, some seem happy about the announcement, while others are visibly upset or just stunned. Louise grabs my arm excitedly. “Oh my god, Hazel! Can you believe it?” I try to act surprised, and all I can come up with is a semi-enthusiastic, “Wow.” A warning bell sounds off across the room, forcing everyone into silence.

“I understand that you’re all shocked by this turn of events, but we truly believe that this will be the best way to proceed. We will be selecting groups of twenty based on current rankings. Those ranking higher will have a chance to be selected first. The Choosing Ceremony will end tonight, and tomorrow you will be transported to Federation Headquarters to continue with training,” she explains, her voice wavering towards the end. I shift my eyes behind Maya, hoping for a glimpse of Jared. He squirms in his chair, and the light falls on him long enough for me to see that he’s even angrier, his arms crossed and his jaw clenched.

“Later today, you will receive further instruction from your counselors. We wish you all the best of luck, and we hope that tonight, you will find your true destiny,” says Maya, breathing deeply as she ends her speech. She walks off the stage and leaves the auditorium with Jared whispering in her ear.

When they’re gone, the room is totally chaotic, as students scatter in different directions, talking all at once. Louise yanks my hand, pulling me towards the exit. Once we’re outside, I take a calming breath as the tension slowly leaves my body. Louise bounces excitedly, like a cute, curly haired jack in the box. “Hazel! This is the best news!” I stare at her, wondering if she even heard the same speech I did. “Don’t you see, Hazel? This has always been my dream… Since I was a little girl, all I wanted was to be part of the Federation, work side by side with the Agents of Light. And now, it’s happening! Tomorrow, we’ll be standing in Federation Headquarters!” she squeals.

Suddenly, I understand. Louise’s entire life has led up to this moment, while I on the other hand, was thrown into it just a few weeks ago. This is her dream come true, but for me it’s my worse nightmare come to life. I reach out and give her a hug. “I’m happy for you, Louise.”

She hugs me back then pulls away, looking at the tear in my eye. “Don’t worry, Hazel. Everything will work out fine. You’ll see…” We stroll back to the dorm in silence. Louise daydreaming about her future, while I think about everything I’m leaving behind. When we get there, Louise lingers in the lounge with some of the others students, and I excuse myself and go back to my room. I feel relieved when I’m finally alone. I kick off my shoes, and sit on my bed, grabbing the laptop off the nightstand. I open my email, and send Mom a message:

Hi Mom,

I know that you’ve been briefed about what’s going on here. Truth is, I’m feeling really nervous about this whole thing. I know you think I’m strong, and that I can handle all of it, but part of me just wants to run away and hide. I love you, and hope that I can see you soon.

Hazel

I press send, and wait a moment. Just when I’m about to shutdown, I see that she’s already replied:

Dearest Hazel,

I understand why you’re feeling this way, and I blame myself. I should have prepared you for this kind of life, instead of taking the easy way out. Just know that you are not alone. I will be at Federation Headquarters when you get there. As much as it pains me to leave Safe Harbor, I know I have to be there for you. I cannot be selfish any longer. I will help find your friend. I owe it to you, and I owe it to the Federation. I’m counting the hours till I see you tomorrow! I love you always.

Mom

As I lay down, the exhaustion finally creeps up on me. It’s not long before my mind and body completely shut down.

33

I feel a tug at my arm, and for a moment, I’m not sure if I’m imagining it. Then I hear Louise’s bossy voice, “Wake-up!” My eyes flutter open, and the first thing I see as my vision focuses, is the clock on my bedside table.

I blink, and jolt in panic at the bright red numbers warning me that the Choosing Ceremony will begin in only one hour. “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?”

Louise shrugs innocently. “Sorry, I only just got in. I was hanging out at the lounge downstairs.”

I spring out of bed, feeling disoriented. “We still have to go visit Akiko.”

“Don’t worry. We have time. Sabrina says all we have to do is show-up wearing our uniforms. She said to be there a bit before six,” says Louise calmly.

“Okay. Give me five minutes,” I say, running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I snatch a uniform from the closet, and sprint to the bathroom to brush my teeth and freshen up. I stare at my face, relieved that the sleep has miraculously made me look alive again. The dark circles are barely perceptible, and my cheeks are even a tad rosy. I dab some lip balm, before brushing the tangles out of my hair. Though I’m tempted to pull my hair up into a ponytail, I decide to leave it down, something I usually reserve for special occasions.

Back in the bedroom, Louise is already in her uniform, standing with her shoulders pulled back, and her chin held high. She has dolled herself up, making sure her lips are perfectly glossy, and her golden curls are tamed from their normally unruly state. We rush out the door, jogging to the infirmary in the hopes of seeing Akiko before the ceremony. When we arrive, the place is quiet, almost like a room in an abandoned building. I peek down the dark hallway, and a sliver of light slices through the shadows. One of the doors is slightly ajar, allowing the fluorescent beam to escape. I push the door open, and poke my head in; Akiko reclines on a mound of pillows, conscious, but with a sickly pallor. Doc Alice leans over with stethoscope in hand and a frown on her otherwise flawless complexion. I’m first to step in, knocking the door politely before entering.

“Hazel! Back here again?” asks Doc Alice jokingly.

I grin slightly. “No! Hopefully not for a long time.”

Louise spies over my shoulder at Akiko. “How’s the patient?”

Akiko struggles to sit-up, but she can only manage to pull her head up higher on the pillows. “I’m feeling a bit better,” she replies in a hoarse whisper.

Doc Alice checks her heartbeat, and notes something down on her clipboard. “Sometimes it takes a full day to regain your strength after an induced slumber, but she should be feeling better in a few hours.”

“Thanks for taking good care of her Doc,” I say appreciatively.

“You ladies take a few minutes to catch up… I’ll be back later to check on the patient. Good luck tonight,” she says with a nod before leaving the room. As soon as she’s gone, I sit on the bed, and Louise makes herself comfortable on the armchair.

“So, has anyone filled you in yet?” says Louise to Akiko, trying to keep the mood light.

Akiko nods. “Yes, Doc Alice gave me an update when I woke-up. I guess she wanted me to be prepared. I won’t be joining in on the ceremony of course. Not in this state…”

I reach out and hold her hand supportively. “Don’t worry about that now. I’m sure once you’re back to your old self, there will be a way to catch-up.”

“You know, now that this has happened, I’m starting to realize that maybe I’m not really cutout for this,” she says squeezing my hand.

Louise reaches out, placing her hand on top of ours. “Of course you are, Akiko. You’re
meant
to be here just like the rest of us.”

Akiko smiles halfheartedly. “Thanks, but I think I have to face reality. I just made myself believe it, and with Samir cheering me on, there were times that I really did feel I could pull it off.”

“I hope you’re still coming to Federation Headquarters with us? It wouldn’t be the same without you,” I say, hoping to lift her spirits.

Akiko chuckles nervously, looking at me with a straight face. “Of course, I’m coming. It’s the only way I can make sure they get Samir back.”

Louise glances at the clock on the wall and stands. “Hazel, we have to go. We’ve got five minutes.”

I nod and look back at Akiko. “We’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” I say, getting up to leave. Akiko grabs my hand and pulls me closer, her grip suddenly forceful. She stares at me for a moment, her eyes penetrating mine. She whispers, so only I can hear what she’s saying. “Hazel… No matter what, make sure they find Samir… I’m counting on you…”

I turn away from Akiko’s eyes, not sure how to answer without letting her down. “I’ll help you find him okay? We can do it together,” I murmur, trying not to get emotional. But seeing the desperation in Akiko’s eyes makes me worry for her and the rest of us.

Outside, a group has already gathered by the front steps, the high-energy chitchat and nonstop shuffling of feet, creating a bit of a commotion. Maya stands at the top, signaling for us to quiet down.

“I had hoped that we would have more time to prepare you for tonight. But given the circumstances, all I can do is give you some advice. Tonight is the beginning of a partnership, one that could potentially last a lifetime. So, I want you to walk into that room with an open mind and an open heart. Embrace this opportunity, and allow it to take you on life’s journey.” Maya pauses, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “We will accompany each group inside till we reach the entrance of the ceremonial chamber. Before entering, you will have to shift to your alpha, then after that, you’re on your own.”

Jared, Brad, and Alicia emerge from the entrance and stand next to Maya, their faces devoid of emotion. Alicia hands Maya a clipboard. “Okay, everyone… It’s time. I’m going to project the rankings, and once you see your name, I want you to stand with your group.” She taps on the clipboard once, and the list appears in bright neon letters.

Louise beams, hugging me when she sees we’re in the same group. When we make our way up front, I catch Jared’s gaze, and hear his voice in my head, “Be careful, Hazel.” I’m startled, jolted by his words.

I concentrate hard and send him my reply, “I will, Jared… Thanks.” Seconds later, he nods then looks away.

Maya checks the time, and gestures for Brad to open the doors. There is a hush, as they swing open. “Okay, group one… Follow me.” As I climb the steps one by one, a strange sensation surrounds my body, almost as if I’m walking through an invisible force field. When I pass through the doorway, it becomes even stronger; a slight dizziness passes over me. Though the feeling subsides as soon as I’ve cleared the doorway, it’s replaced with a disorienting sense. The grand lobby of the main house seems different, though the foundation appears to be the same the décor is completely changed, as if a new tenant has moved in, bringing a fresh set of furnishings along. Instead of the leather seating, there are sofas and armchairs delicately upholstered with velvets and feminine brocades. There are curtains, a different shade of blue, area rugs in soft pastel floral patterns, and in every nook and corner sit potted plants with colorful blooms. When we reach the back, we come upon a long hallway that resembles a greenhouse. The entire structure is made out of antique looking glass panes and the pathway is flanked in exotic plants, flowers, and herbs. At the other side, there is another foyer, also decorated with a feminine touch.

We stop in front of a large archway with imposing wooden doors. Maya speaks in a hushed voice. “The doors will open, and as you walk one by one, you will have to shift to your alphas before entering. You are expected to go through the room till you reach the display area near the front. There, you will stand till you’re chosen… Is everyone ready?” We nod silently. “Okay, good luck!” she whispers as the door creaks open.

I am sixth in line, right behind Louise, who’s bouncing in place excitedly. I lean my head over to the side, in an attempt to peek into the room. Through the heads and shoulders in front of me, I’m able to watch Nalani shift and fly across the room like a colorful little rainbow. There are rows and rows of white clothed individuals, all with their backs towards us. The room is filled with lit candles, giving the room an eerie incandescence. At the front, Sybil stands on a circular podium, dressed in ornate, metallic-white robes. She presides over the room like a gloriously carved statue.

The line moves rapidly, and finally, it’s Louise’s turn. She shifts into a magnificent golden lioness, then saunters into the room as if she owns it. She navigates slowly, zigzagging through the obstacle course of people till she reaches a spot, front and center, displaying herself for all to see.

My heart is beating out of my chest, and seeing Louise command the room like that rattles my nerves. Since there is nothing I can do to possibly top her, I decide to make my entrance as forgettable as possible, in the hopes that I’ll be overlooked. Then, maybe they’ll decide that going home might just be the best thing for me after all. I walk towards the door and shift, my shiny jet-black fur reflecting the light. Since I’m so small, I can easily stride by unnoticed, barely brushing ankles as I slink along the perimeter of the room towards the dim corner where the display area ends. I sit and curl my long black tail in front of my face.

I do my best to zone everything out, and as the seemingly endless minutes go by, all I can think about is how guilty I feel for betraying Akiko and Samir. I should be up front with Louise, doing my best to be chosen by a powerful witch or wizard, instead of cowering in the corner. But as much as I feel guilty, I just don’t have my heart in it like Louise does.

The deafening silence finally ends, and I hear Sybil’s voice calling out names. In the pit of my stomach, I know that the moment is near, and my fur stands on end as I stare down at my paws, trying to ignore everything going on around me.

I’m startled out of my trance; a fizzy, crackling sound approaches, and as I look up, afraid of what I’ll see, a bright white light zaps me on the forehead. I am lightheaded, like someone just punched me in the face, and I’m blinded by spots in my eyes. The familiar tingling sensation burns through my limbs, and as hard as I try, I have no control over my body as it transforms back into my naked human form. I’m frozen in place, waiting for my vision to focus, and as things start to get clearer and clearer, I find myself staring into the most mesmerizing, warm brown eyes. They stare back at me, and as I pull away from the eyes and see the rest of the face, my body suddenly goes numb as I make the realization that it’s Andy gazing at me from across the room.