“Nothing is okay,” I reply. “But I’m not injured, if that’s what you’re asking.”
He moans out his worry, and I hear the screen door of his house open and close. The wind outside. “I’ve been there every day,” he says. “I’ve seen them reinforcing the fence. And I haven’t seen any girls.Fuck,” he yells out. “I thought you were all dead.”
“Not yet,” I say.
“Great,” he says flippantly. “So I’m coming to get you now. Which room is yours?”
“We’re locked in, Jackson.”
“Then tell me how to get inside.”
It’s sweet that he thinks he can just come in and rescue us. It’s a little delusional, too.
“The fence,” I remind him.
“Don’t worry about that part,” he says. “I’ll figure it out. Just tell me where to find you.”
“In the driveway,” I say. “We’re leaving tonight—just after midnight. Can you meet us with the car?”
“What?” he asks. “How...? They’re not just going to let you walk out, Mena. I’m coming in.”
He’s not entirely wrong. If Guardian Bose or the professors catch on to our plan, we won’t make it to the gate. It might not be a terrible idea to have Jackson with us at the door—just in case things don’t go smoothly.
“Okay,” I say. “On the east side of the building is the door to the kitchen. We have the key. You’ll be there?”
“Of course I’ll be there,” he responds immediately. “And please, Mena. Just... be careful.”
“I will,” I whisper. “I will.”
He sniffles, and I think he might be crying. “Sure you will,” he says, doubtfully.
I smile, but then I hear movement from the rooms—one of the girls turning on the shower, which is a reminder to me that we still have to keep up appearances a little longer.
“I have to go,” I say. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon.”
Jackson and I hang up. I walk back out of my bathroom and check to make sure the hallway is clear. But just as I’m about to step out, I hear Guardian Bose’s voice echo up the stairwell. I dart back inside my room and hide the phone in my pillowcase, my heart in my throat.
“I’m not sure where he is,” Guardian Bose says impatiently. I realize from the sound of return static that he’s on the walkie-talkie. “Haven’t seen him since dinner. Do you want me to go to the residence?”
“No, no,” Dr. Groger’s voice trickles out. “If it’s important, Penchant will track me down, I’m sure. Just go about your duties. I’ll let you know if I need you.”
I stand just inside my doorway, listening as the Guardian returns to his room. I look back to where the phone is stashed on my bed. There’s no way I can return it now. Hopefully he doesn’t realize it’s missing. I wait for his booming voice, my hands shaking at my sides, but as the minutes pass, so does my fear.
When the quiet goes on, I turn to look around the small space of my room, waiting for a hit of nostalgia. But it doesn’t come. This room has always been my prison, even when I thought I was content. The academy stopped me from thriving, a flower they manipulated to only grow a certain way.
But instead, all of their flowers combined our roots and outgrew their pots. Their greenhouses. Their academy.
Even if we never get out of here, we’re free of their manipulation. And we can never go back to the way things used to be. And to that, I smile and quietly pack my bag.
27
Lights out, girls,” Guardian Bose announces from the hallway at the end of the night. This time, none us argue. None of us groan.
Instead, our hearts are pounding as we lie in our respective beds. I fake taking my vitamins as usual, and the Guardian lets his gaze linger on me a moment more than necessary. But he seems distracted, checking his walkie-talkie several times. He doesn’t even say good night.
Once he’s gone, I lie in the dark and watch the clock in anticipation.
