Chapter 9

Tammy

Her condition is getting worse, despite all her futile attempts to avoid him. Faith decided to act against her will, meddling with both her patience and her sanity. How can she forget about Lucas, when he keeps popping up like this? Especially now, that Sesh is spending so much time with his friend, Matt. Twisting the knife further still, his name has become a powerful weapon against her weakness, an ever-present sound on everyone's lips that's confusing her even more. If it's not about his looks, it's about his arrogant attitude, which, like a magnet, attracts vilifying rumours and lustful wishes. Her life has turned into a sinking ship, going down fast in nauseating swirls, and with ELISA supposing to be next week, she's on the verge of losing it.

She has never been afraid of the test before, not like this at least. The symptoms are getting more obvious, impossible for her to ignore them anymore. Besides, deep down, she knew this day will come. She's the child of Amanda and Ethan, after all the scientists that had a seat at the big table, all while carrying the active virus. For the City, that was the ultimate level of insurgency, to have the knowledge of the infection and hide it for selfish pursuits. High treason' words used for condemning them to death in front of the entire population, are still reverberating in her mind when she thinks about that damned day. Naturally, they couldn't allow for that to happen ever again, thus they created ELISA instead. A hand-sized serology tester that penetrates the fragile barrier under the ears, detecting on the spot if the tissue shows any signs of necrosis.

What if I don't show up for it this time?' A shadow of a plan starts forming in her mind, giving birth to a frail stream of hope. Although, she should know better than this. No one ditches ELISA. They will hunt her down and force it on her.

What goes around comes around, and she's definitely caught in the boomerang effect of her parents' aftermath. However, she thought she has more time. She needs more time. Everything went haywire since that night in the Park and there's no way to stop it. The lack of sleep, decrease in appetite and giddiness are textbook signs of illness, but only if it stopped there. What's really scaring her, is her body reacting to internal stimuli. It takes only a thought of those crystal blue eyes, for the blood to start boiling under her hypersensitive skin, making her light-headed and anxious. Ergo, she immerses herself in work, spending her days hidden in the lab, between glassware and blood samples. More often than not, she brings her lunch in there, devoting the little time she has left to find an antidote, a life-vest that could save the world, and herself. Also, she can't stand the burning sensation igniting her flesh when she gets too close to him. It's so powerful she can almost feel the microscopic creatures squirming under her skin.

One evening, long after the school hours have finished, Nathan's loud knocks in the window-wall startle her so badly, she almost falls from the sliding chair. The bangs still echo in the dark hallway, when the matte glass door slides open, revealing his amused face. Ha-ha! Very funny!' She exclaims a comeback, narrowing her eyes at him. Come on, Ner, you should have seen your face' he teases, using his hand as a shield to hide his grin.

Her timid smile holds secret a thousand words, captive to make it into sounds. She walks to her desk, searching for something, anything, that would make it into an enticing subject. As expected, she fails miserably.

So, what have you been up to?' Her mouth moves on its own, breaking the silence and making things more awkward between them.

She would never use such a formal tone with him, but with everything that's going on, normal is becoming to lose its meaning.

Cut the crap, Ner! You are scaring me! What's happened to you? I haven't seen you in ages and now you give me this bullshit?' He goes full beast mode on her, not caring if she won't talk to him afterwards.

Tammy means the world to him and her behaviour in the past few days worries the hell out of him. Even now, she looks like she's not even here.

Nothing is wrong' her shaky voice masks the lie behind it, but his doubtful stare reads right through her. I swear!' she continues, this time putting more effort into it. It's work. I might be close to a breakthrough, but something keeps interfering with the result.'

Her aimless pacing has led her to the other side of the lab. His eyes are glued to her, studying her every single move, but for now, they've lost their burning intensity from before. She has definitely mastered the art of lying.

Kay, I trust you, but you know you can talk to me about everything, right?' He offers, his voice calm and soft as usual, a trait so characteristic of him.

She nods her conscience heavy with guilt. Keeping the truth from him is the best option. She's not that selfish to put him in the position of choosing between her and the law. Their friendship is what's keeping her grounded and if that means she has to lie to him, so be it. Now, that's selfish! Her psyche scolds, determined to make things less easy for her.

By the way, the team is whole again.' Nathan tackles a more relaxed subject, excited to share the news. We selected the new players a couple of days ago, and I must say it, they are really good. Especially that Lucas guy everyone is talking about. He's a total douchebag, but you should see him jump.'

If it wasn't for the swivelled chair behind her, she would have fallen on the floor. Great!' she sighs what seems to be the lamest cheer in history.

Lucas is taking even the smallest of her pleasures. She enjoys watching the Navion games and be supportive of her friend. Now she has to cross that off the list, too.

Nathan looks at her puzzled.

Did I say something wrong?' he mouths wary and afraid he made things all awkward between them again.

His straightforward question brings Tammy back to her senses. Clearing her throat, she suddenly gets up, aware of her foolish mistake.

No, no!' she assures him, gesturing madly with her hands. I haven't had a good night sleep in days. There's this thing bothering me, but I'll figure it out sooner or later.' She adds, feeling a little better for not completely lying to him this time.

Work again?' he quizzes leery, sure this cannot be a coincidence.

She hides it behind a quick nod, thinking that if she doesn't say it out loud, her deceit it's not that final.

You should take a break.' he continues, putting one hand on her shoulder and squeezing it gently.

He will wait for her to come to him. There is no point in pressing the truth out of her if she is not ready to open up. One thing is for sure, whatever is troubling her it is definitely not work-related.

She tilts her head, resting her cheek on his hand. It feels good to finally feel a human touch. In a twisted way, she feels better now that she had a talk with her best friend, no matter how uncomfortable and vague it was.

We are having a friendly game tonight. You know, to see how the new players behave in a team. You should come.'

She should say no, but how could she refuse him now?

Please?' he flutters his eyelashes at her, begging for her presence.

OK! I'll come!' she finally surrenders, rolling her eyes and pushing him lightly in the chest. Now let me work!'

Yes ma'am!' he replies smiling with all his teeth.

Then, he turns on his heels and pushes the exit button. The electric door starts moving, but before stepping out of the lab he adds on a childish voice.

I'll be looking for you in the bleachers.'

And I'm sure I'll regret this.' she replies after the door closes shut behind him, her heart already racing at the thought of seeing Lucas again.

Soon after the game has started, she wishes she hadn't come. Nathan was right. The new players are great and Lucas's moves are extraordinary. The way he evades the obstacles, jumps and swings from one platform to another captivates the entire public. Sesh jumps from her seat and cheers for Matt when he dodges a last-minute missile. The other boy, Elias, gets hit by a projectile that's setting him off course for a while. He soon catches a moving platform that elevates him further up, closer to his teammates.

Everyone is enjoying the game, except Tammy. Her palms are all sweaty and the air refuses to fill her lungs. Sitting up, she starts elbowing her way out of the cheering crowd in pursuit of fresh air. As if on cue, the public goes ballistic, yelling and clapping insanely loud. Intrigued, she takes a peek at the game, only to find Lucas bowing in her direction and piercing her with his glacial stare. Her heart stops beating and the bones in her legs melt into gum. She somehow manages to make it to the exit, tripping and stepping on people's feet on her way out.

Alone, at last, her breathing has restored to normal. Her head is still throbbing, but she finds the silence soothing. A second later, Sesh marches in the dazzling hallway, catching her leaning on the cold wall and resting her hands on her knees.

Is everything OK? What's wrong?' she asks, taking her by surprise. Exhausted, Tammy squints her eyes from the light and through deep breaths, she states the obvious.

I think I just had a panic attack.'

Sesh puts both her hands on her hip and commands on a stern tone.

You need to get out more. You've practically been living in that lab of yours. It's time you have some fun, girl. Come with me!' Grabbing her hand, she drags her out in the parking lot.

Where are we going?' Tammy asks curious and a little scared, while she buckles up. Sesh is known for her poor driving skills.

Right now, we are going to get changed. Later, we are going to a party.' The beautiful orange sunset interrupts momentarily Sesh's train of thought. Tammy is about to reply, when Sesh cuts her off abruptly, raising one finger at her.

Before you say no, you should consider that this is the last time we can have fun before the Selection. Besides, it's one of James' parties. Even you must have heard about his massive underground events.'

Tammy snorts offended, although she has no idea who James is. Plus, she has already made up her mind. She fiercely grabs her finger and adds.

You know what? You're right, let's do this!' Her brave voice exclaims with excitement. She needs a change, something to stop her from thinking about Lucas, and what are the odds of him being there anyway? It's not like these parties are made public.

That's my girl!' Sesh roots for her friend while driving into the sunset and humming a song she really hopes she will get to hear tonight.