Chapter Twenty-Two

Ian

Ian ended up wandering up and down the library aisles until he found a section devoted to famous cities in the human world. He studied maps and tried to figure out what area it would be easiest to disappear into. Some places the populations were diverse. Others not so much. He and Sara could both pass for human. Would they be better off in an apartment complex with tons of neighbors or a subdivision? Did they need a car? Sara’s family had multiple vehicles. Could they take one and trade it in before someone tracked them?

How would they leave? He could pack for a camping trip. Greg was used to him spending the weekend camping with his dad. As long as his parents didn’t call while he was gone, it would work. His heart clenched at the thought of his parents. He was pretty sure they would understand. Heck, his dad had apologized for pairing him up with someone younger. No matter what, he couldn’t picture his parents cutting him off the way Sara’s parents would most definitely cut her off.

And what about Amelia? There were a bunch of Reds her age who weren’t contracted yet. She’d be fine.

Ferrin would be their biggest problem. He wasn’t the type to let something go. The Sinclairs probably weren’t, either…so the denser the population the better. Maybe they needed to aim for a coastal city with a transient population. Sara’s money would make their initial break for freedom easier. Then they needed to find the most unlikely place on the planet and burrow deep into a community.

With Ferrin and the Sinclairs’ unlimited resources they wouldn’t be able to hide forever, but Ferrin should move on to a new marriage contract quickly. Heaven help the girl who ended up with him.

He would like to write some things down or make some copies, but if someone found his notes they’d lead straight to them. Wait. What if he left fake notes, like a map detailing a place they weren’t going? He could create fake clues to cover their tracks. If he had extra time he’d give it a shot. After he figured out where they were going.

It would be so much easier if they could trust someone. Julie maybe? She might do something to stop them. Who did that leave? Who wouldn’t be affected by him disappearing? What if he confided in Amelia? He could tell her he knew a Blue who was in a bad relationship and she wanted to run away. She’d probably help him.

How would it work? He drummed his fingers on the table. He could ask her to drive over to see him so they could go camping. He’d make sure people knew his plans. He and Amelia could stop in Dragon’s Bluff for supplies. Amelia could go into a restroom and Sara could come out dressed just the same. Everyone would think he was leaving the store with Amelia. Once they were gone, the real Amelia could change clothes in the bathroom and then exit the building and spend the day in Dragon’s Bluff.

Or should she meet up with them? She could camp over the weekend and tell everyone Ian had been with her the whole time and last she knew he was headed back to campus. That would put his disappearance a few days after Sara’s, which made it less likely anyone would realize they were a couple.

Could he trust Amelia to do this? Maybe he should call her and feel the situation out. Then again, what he and Sara were doing was against Directorate law. Did he want to involve Amelia in something illegal? Maybe it was best not to involve anyone else.

For now, he’d plot a course to take them to the coast. Once they were there they could drive until they found a city or neighborhood to get lost in. To leave a false trail for anyone who might come looking for him, he grabbed some books about hiking trails in the opposite direction he and Sara would go.

When he checked them out, Miss Enid said, “Did those books give you adventure fever?”

“Sort of. I know I’ll never visit these places, but reading about them is the next best thing.”

“Yes, it is.”

Once he left the library, he took his books up to his room. Greg was finishing some homework. “I was beginning to think you were going to hang out in the library all day.”

“I like the library. It’s peaceful.”

“So says the guy who likes to hit things,” Greg teased. “Come on. Let’s go to dinner.”

“Dining hall or Dragon’s Bluff?” Ian asked.

“Oh, now I want burgers from The Snack Shack. Let’s go.”

Once they were in The Snack Shack, seated in a booth, waiting on their burgers, Ian said, “I’ve thought about calling Amelia.”

“Why?” Greg asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’d ask her to go do something so we could get to know each other better.”

“Like a date?” Greg asked. “Because once you start down that path…”

“I know.”

The waiter arrived with their food. Ian ate half of his burger and then said, “Our families camp together. I could ask her to go camping, just the two of us.”

“Dude,” Greg shook his head and laughed. “That’s a terrible idea. You’re thinking a weekend sitting and talking but all she’s going to hear is that you want to spend the night with her in a remote location.”

“Really?” Not what he intended. “Okay what if I ask her to go hiking, meaning we aren’t spending the night. We’d enjoy nature and talk.”

“Much better plan.”

Maybe he needed to change tactics. “I’ve been reading about some trails that look amazing. Have you ever heard about the Grand Canyon?”

“Sure. It’s one of those places we aren’t allowed to go unless you want to become some human’s science experiment.”

“I’d love to sneak off and go hiking there. No one would have to know. I could fly there. Go hiking, and be back the same night.”

“You are the king of bad ideas today.”

“I didn’t say I’d do it. Doesn’t mean I can’t think about it.”

“When you get kidnapped or fall into a crevice somewhere, I’m the one who’d have to answer the Directorate’s questions. Do not put me in that position.”

Ian laughed. “So what you’re saying is I shouldn’t tell you when I’m going because then you won’t be able to rat me out.”

“You’re hilarious.” Greg shoved the rest of his French fries into his mouth.

“Don’t you ever want to go exploring?” Ian asked.

“No.” Greg said. “You need a hobby. You’ve got too much time to think of these crazy ideas. “

“Fine. I need to get away, so I’m gonna grab some camping supplies. I’ll spend next weekend in the forest where I’m allowed to go, toasting marshmallows over a campfire, and pretending I’m some place more exciting.”

“Smartest thing you’ve said all day. Have fun shopping. I’m going back to finish up an essay.”

Once they parted ways, Ian went to Take a Hike and bought a backpack, a tent, fishing poles, a pan to cook any fish he might catch, protein bars, dried fruit, salt and pepper, some freeze-dried meals, water, an all-purpose tool like his dad always packed, and some water filtering bottles. Then he caught sight of a bike. There was an option they hadn’t considered. Bikes were quiet, and no one would be looking for Sara Sinclair on a bike. Then again, a motorcycle would be better. He and Sara would have to talk about the best transportation options.

Back in his room, he stuffed all the items inside the backpack. As he sat on his bed, all he could think about was his family. The idea of never seeing them again—could he do this?

Later that evening Ian made a show of looking at the books and commenting on all the cool places he could hike if he ever decided to run away for a day. He showed Greg the pictures.

“Look at the view.”

“Yeah, it would be the last thing you saw before some human drugged you and sold you to a crazy scientist.”

Ian closed the book. “Wouldn’t the guy who drugged me be the crazy scientist?”

“No,” Greg said. “He’d be the assistant in charge of finding dumbasses who put themselves in danger.”

Ian flipped him off and continued reading the book. He wasn’t paying attention…just turning the pages. His mind drifted to Sara. When he was with her, nothing else mattered. When he was with her, running away sounded like something he could do. When he was away from her, he remembered there were other people in his life. People he loved. Would he be able to see his parents again? He couldn’t imagine living his life without them. How much could he give up for her? If the damn Directorate didn’t enforce arranged marriages he wouldn’t have to give up his family.

What if Sara was his only chance at happiness? He could marry Amelia like the Directorate decreed, and they’d laugh and have fun together, but he didn’t know if he’d ever feel anything more than friendship for her. The question came down to this: could he give up everything for love?

…

Sara

Sara cut into her pepperoni pizza with a knife and fork. How funny would it be to pick the pizza up and take a bite like a normal person? Ferrin wouldn’t find it amusing.

“You haven’t asked me about my shopping trip with Lavinnea,” Sara reminded him. She’d already listened to him go on about his day.

“Did you have fun?” he asked.

“I did. We supported the economy by refreshing our spring wardrobes. I found capris and several cute blouses. I can’t wait to wear them once the weather warms up.”

“Why buy something you can’t wear now?” Ferrin asked.

“When it comes to fashion you want to be ready before the season hits. You have to be prepared.”

“Males wear the same clothes year-round,” Ferrin pointed out.

“How boring,” she teased.

“I can get dressed in ten minutes while some people at this table, who shall remain nameless, take much longer to get ready.”

“Guilty as charged.” She liked this teasing side of Ferrin. If he could be like this more often, her last week with him would be easier. Then again, he’d probably expect to kiss her after this. Maybe she should order garlic bread hoping garlic breath would drive him away.

“Speaking of being guilty, I heard a strange story at lunch today.” His tone had gone from teasing to judgmental, like he was going to accuse her of something.

“What did you hear?”

“I heard a Blue went into a store and purchased jeans and T-shirts.” He tilted his head and studied her. “You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

Crap. Should I confess? He obviously assumed it was her. “What business is it of yours?”

“People talk, and Westgates like to be above common gossip. So do Sinclairs, usually.”

Sara grinned. “Fine. It was me. I ran into Julie and she practically dared me to go into the store and try them on. It was kind of fun.”

Ferrin sighed like he was disappointed in her.

“Think twice before lecturing me,” she said. “My mother says we should stimulate the economy, which is what I did, while proving to a Green I wasn’t afraid to try something new.”

“So that’s your spin on it?” Ferrin asked.

“Yes.”

“What are you going to do with the clothes, because you cannot wear them.”

Oh my God, I can’t wait to be rid of him. She rolled her eyes. “I figured I’d give them to Ian and he could give them to someone in his Clan.”

“You’re talking to Ian again?”

Oops. “He approached me and apologized about the ridiculous misunderstanding, so I’m sort of speaking to him.”

After dinner, they flew back to campus and Ferrin escorted her to her room. She expected him to come inside, but he said goodnight as soon as she unlocked her door. Who was she to question good fortune?

She grabbed her book bag and checked the assignments that were due on Monday. At this point they were good enough. Caring about anything other than escaping her life sentence with Ferrin seemed like a waste of time. Should she call her mother and make plans to go home next weekend? She’d need a reason. She could tell her mother she wanted time away from Ferrin. Her mother would have to understand.

The thought of leaving and being with Ian sounded like paradise. No Blue expectations. No annoying Ferrin. No Directorate to tell her what she could and could not do. That was also sort of scary.

They’d have to find their way out of the forest and into a human city. They should blend in easily enough, but they wouldn’t know exactly how to behave, though restaurants would operate the same way and housing would be similar. Ian drove cars when he went home over break. Technically, she knew how to drive but hadn’t been allowed behind the wheel of a car except for instruction. Her father had insisted she learn in case of an emergency, but after she’d driven to Dragon’s Bluff and back he’d taken away the keys.

Once they lived among humans they’d have to keep strict control of their elements. What about flying? She hadn’t thought about that before. Flying was an integral part of being a Dragon. It was something she craved, although, if it came down to love or flying she’d choose love. Would Ian do the same? Of course he would.

Part of her still felt it was unfair to ask him to give up everything. His life wasn’t the train wreck. She was the one with the problems. He loved her, she knew that much. What if they left and the outside world was terrible? Would he resent her for taking away his family?

Should she suck it up and play her role? Over time she’d probably become numb to Ferrin. She’d have Lavinnea and the women of her Clan, and eventually she’d have children. The funny thing was, she wasn’t sure if playing her role was the responsible thing to do or if it was the coward’s way out. Was she scared to run away with Ian? No. But if she did what she was supposed to do, Ian could have a normal life.

He’d go camping with his father, eat cookies his mom baked for him, he could fly whenever he wanted, and maybe even fall in love with Amelia.

If she were a better person, she’d run away by herself and let Ian live his life. He’d be hurt, for a while, but in the end wouldn’t he be better off?

If she asked him, he’d refuse to stay behind. What if she took the choice from him? What if she disappeared on her own?

Days went by, and Sara felt like she was walking on a tightrope. She had to pay attention to everything she said and did around Ferrin because she was terrified he’d figure something out. She successfully ignored Ian for most of the day until he climbed onto the treadmill next to hers in Basic Movement.

“I heard a funny story about you,” he said.

“Really?”

“Julie said you dressed up like a lumberjack.”

Sara laughed. “It’s true. She practically dared me to go into the store, and Sinclairs do not back down, especially from a ridiculous challenge like that.”

“But was it proper Blue behavior?” he asked in a fake snotty tone.

“No. And I heard about it. Which reminds me. I’ll never wear those clothes. Can you pass them on to someone in your Clan?”

“Sure. I bet Amelia would like them.”

Sara would give him some of the clothes but keep one outfit for herself. And it would give her an excuse to be seen with him, if anyone happened to spot them together.

After dinner, Ferrin waited expectantly outside her door as she unlocked it.

Damn. “Would you like to come in?”

“Yes.” He followed her in and sat close to her on the couch.

Double damn.

“I saw you talking with Ian when you were on the treadmill today.”

Not exactly a question, but he expected an explanation. “Ian heard about my adventure in fashion with Julie. He thought it was funny.”

“So he just talks to you now? Whenever he wants?”

“I was on a treadmill, so there wasn’t any way for me to politely excuse myself.”

“I think he has a crush on you.”

Laughter poured out of her mouth and it might have sounded a little manic but she went with it. “That is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. A Red having a crush on a Blue. Why would you say that?”

Ferrin frowned. “He shouldn’t talk to you at all.”

“He talks to everyone. Reds aren’t like us. We seek alliances within our Clan to better our social standing. Reds are…I don’t even know the word I’m looking for…they’re talkative? They enjoy conversations with people, and it doesn’t have anything to do with social standing.”

“They have no social standing,” Ferrin said it like a joke.

She smiled, pretending to agree with him. “No. They don’t. We are different than the other Clans. I don’t think I saw it as clearly before.”

“Now that you do, maybe you could stop socializing with them. I think—”

She held her hand up palm out, signaling he should stop. “If you’re about to lecture me, I suggest you reconsider.”

“I wasn’t going to lecture. It’s more of request. I’d prefer it if you didn’t socialize outside our clan.”

She glared at him. “Try rephrasing that.”

His eyebrows came together like he was replaying what he’d said. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t socialize outside of our Clan?”

“Better. And here is my compromise. I won’t seek out Ian or Julie, but if they speak to me, I’ll make polite conversation. No matter how different we are, there is no reason to be rude.”

“Now you sound like Lavinnea.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He sighed. “You’re always going to be difficult, aren’t you?”

She shook her head. “We were so close to ending this conversation on a pleasant note.” She stood and walked toward her bedroom. “Please see yourself out.”

He said something but she ignored him. She went into her bedroom, shut the door, and locked it. And then she breathed a sigh of relief. She’d gotten away from him. And he’d provided the escape route through his obnoxious behavior.