Iremembered this crazy Christmas movie from when I was a kid where the main character, a precocious boy who was likable despite being an asshole, pissed his whole family off and as a result, ended up getting left behind while they went on vacation. It had stuck with me both because of the insanity that ensued when a couple thieves tried to break into his house, and because he’d been such a dick in the beginning. It was the lecture the kid’s mom gave him that came to mind as Hilary talked to me now, though.
“There are literally hundreds of women in this facility cooperating, and yet you insist on causing problems. I don’t get it. I really, really don’t.”
We were in my room, which she’d escorted me to upon finding out that I’d caused problems. I was sitting on my bed while she paced, shaking her head like I was the biggest mystery in the world.
“I hope you know there will be consequences,” she continued, unbothered that I hadn’t said a word since we’d set foot in the room. “I’ve let your attitude slide too much. Been too soft with you.”
Soft? She had to be joking.
I rolled my eyes, but she didn’t notice because she was too focused on her lecture. Which was fine by me.
“The other minders, Jane especially, told me I needed to be more firm, but I’d hoped you’d fall in line on your own. I should have known better, though. You’ve been a problem since your first day in the program.”
She went on, telling me what a disappointment I was, reminding me how much the government had done for me, saying I should be grateful. It was seriously getting old, which was the only reason I broke my silence.
“Just tell me what my punishment is.”
Hilary stopped walking and turned to face me. “Two days in your room.”
Detention just like I’d thought.
“I will bring your meals to you, but I’m the only person you’ll have contact with. I also want you to hand over any books or games you have. You’re to use this time to reflect on how bad things can get, not to have fun.”
She was seriously crazy.
“Are you going to take away my shower privileges, too?” I snarled as I got to my feet.
Hilary scowled but said nothing. Probably, I shouldn’t have given her any ideas.
I got the two books I’d brought with me as well as the other three I’d taken from downstairs, then pulled a pack of cards from my nightstand. I hadn’t used them yet but still regretted handing them over. Two days in my room with nothing to do was going to drag.
“The top two books belong to me,” I said as I handed them to Hilary. “I’ll want them back when this is over.”
“You’ll get them,” she replied stiffly.
I stepped back and waited for her to either continue her lecture or leave. I was hoping it was the second one, and for once, she didn’t disappoint.
“Your door won’t be locked, but rest assured, if you leave this room before I tell you time is up, you will face harsher consequences.”
“I’ll stay here,” I said through gritted teeth.
She reached the door, shot me a look, then yanked it open and stepped out.
I exhaled when it slammed shut behind her. What a bitch.
Even though it was evening, it wasn’t late enough that I normally would have been ready for sleep, but since I didn’t have anything else to do, I decided turning in was the best option. Too bad my brain wouldn’t shut off.
I’d wanted so badly to come clean with Marc, to get it out there and find out how he would react to the real me, but the other fertile women being transported here had gotten in the way. It was huge. Much bigger than most people probably realized. Yes, it was awful that the government was taking minors from their families. Awful that they were forcing women who hadn’t yet turned twenty-six from their homes. But the real horror was that it was only the beginning. More changes would come. First for those of us already in the program, and then for the rest of the fertile ones. They would change the age requirements, change how long we had to serve, how many babies we had to have, and who knew what else. Before long, we would no longer be free. I was sure of it.
I tossed and turned all night, my dreams filled with the women I saw on a daily basis while Marc hovered in the background. He was always there. Even when I couldn’t see him, I could feel his presence like a phantom hanging over me.
I woke at eight when my wristband chimed but felt like I’d gotten no rest at all. Out of habit, I looked at the display, noted there was no significant difference in my temperature, and rolled back over. Since I had nowhere to be, there was no point in getting out of bed.
The click of the door woke me next.
“Breakfast!” Hilary called in a much too chipper voice, considering we hated each other, it was too fucking early, and I was essentially being treated like a teenager who got caught sneaking out.
I groaned and cracked one eye, watching as she set a tray on the small table on the other side of the room. I couldn’t see whatwas on it, but from the smell of it, I guessed it was fake sausage and runny eggs. A specialty here.
