The Escape

The morning bell was ringing louder than usual. It echoed through the house today, rattling off the walls and nearly toppling my breakfast utensils as it blared from the street.

It's a good thing I was up early since I would have had to wake up to that horrible sound if I had been lying in bed. I detested that item.

By no means was I a vicious person; Dorothy wouldn't let that happen. But when I was especially exhausted in the mornings, I did have a tendency to become cranky.

In addition, despite being exhausted, I was unable to go to sleep. It was the final day of classes and also decision day.

I was giddy with excitement and trepidation. It became so awful that I almost didn't remember to kiss Felix and Dorothy on the cheek as I left before moving toward the school path.

I followed a larger group of kids who were making their way to the school while I strolled by myself. In situations like these, it is always preferable to remain unseen. Especially if Beatrice or other girls were nearby.

She was joking with the girls around her as she walked in front of me today. Girls that were formerly close pals of mine

However, that was before anything else. Before Jonathan had been exiled and before I was made Mr. Gaius's priority.

I anticipated that it would start with mocking and bullying motivated by jealousy. But after learning about Jonathan's actions, she was able to fully isolate me from their sisterhood.

But the mocking had begun long before then, when we were all still carefree kids. She had persuaded everyone to start referring to me as Grams in first grade. Before I learned that it stood for grams of fat, I didn't mind it. I sobbed for days and didn't want to attend school because my peers had adopted the moniker.

Being the cruel sixth grader he was, Jonathan also gathered a pail of horse dung that had been lying around for days. During break, as we were all playing on the field, he did something horrific.

We all gasped in horror as the feces splashed all over Beatrice's face and into her mouth as he flung the bucket at her, but he didn't stop there. In front of the entire school, he went on to label her a waste face.

I questioned why he would act in such a harsh way, but all he could say was that I could now go to school without being called Grams of Fat because everyone was too busy calling her a waste face.

And once Jonathan left, Beatrice's condition only worsened. However, I assumed she would now have a reason to despise me.

After all, Jonathan was tasked with finding her sister. She was made fun of because she was unable to perform her task after he ran away. She was ignored as the other recent graduates focused on starting families for the Outpost's future.

She broke my heart, but that was almost five years ago. She had no need to harbor resentment toward me. I'm innocent of it all.

My best friend warned me not to pay attention to her, so I attempted to ignore her, claiming that she is merely envious of Mr. Gaius' attention to me. But I still find it annoying.

In this situation, I was powerless. She shouldn't hold it against me for the decisions made by others, as I never asked for his love and attention.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of shoes scuffing against the dirt path. I cast a glance to my left and see Nora's petite body step into place next to me. She gives me a modest, knowing smile that grows into a big grin when she sees mine as we exchange a private glance.

Are you anticipating the last day of classes? I jeer.

A few classmates look at my closet buddy as she snorts loudly and rolls her eyes. "Yes," she replied, if by last day of school you mean the day Mr. Gaius informs us of which colleges he has approved us for.

Although Nora was one of my favorite people, she usually struggled to control her tone, and at this moment, her shrill voice had caused the students nearby to glare at us.

I mutter an apology while trying to hide the flush that has come over me at the thought of all the unwanted criticism. They were all thinking about things I knew.

The Outpost students rarely had the opportunity to continue their education through the 12th grade.

Even though we were all obligated to apply, Mr. Gaius had only ever chosen a small number of students to continue their education and enroll in college, while the rest stayed behind and carried out their responsibilities in the neighborhood.

However, he had admitted three students this year. I was one of them, along with Nora. The third was Antonia, who was given to me as my partner by Mr. Gaius.

Do you believe you were admitted to your top choices? Nora queries.

I anxiously nibble at my lower lip. If I didn't get accepted into one of the colleges in New York City, I don't know what I would do. I had to travel to New York City. "I certainly hope so."

Nora smiles and gives my shoulder a comforting squeeze. I am aware of how arduously you have prayed and worked. Mr. Gaius will notice this and admit you to Columbia or New York University. Do not fret.

Hopefully she's right, because this has been the plan ever since I can remember.

I had made sure to submit college applications to institutions in New York City because Jonathan had moved there and I wanted to be reunited with him.

Naturally, only Nora understood the real reason I wanted a college in New York City.

Keeping secrets from Mr. Gaius in particular was a sin and I understood that. But this was the only thing Jonathan had compelled me to do.

Please refrain from telling Mr. Gaius anything! Nora said.

Additionally, the knowledge that I was in contact with an exiled member would only enrage Mr. Gaius. Not to mention the penalties I would face if he discovered it. They were never enjoyable.

I wasn't hurting anyone either way.

As we get closer to the school, I push the thoughts away and look over at Nora. Remember that after school we will meet with Mr. Gaius to discuss the findings. Avoid being late. Knowing Nora has a propensity for forgetfulness and tardiness, I chastise her.

All she does is wave me away. "Yes, yes. I took a deep breath as she calls over her shoulder and walks into the building.

It was a dreadful habit to be late. I wasn't flexible at all. And you'd see how out of shape I was because I was running as if my life depends on it.

I was having difficulty breathing, had sweat running down my forehead, and was itching all over from the intense heat of July sun. I couldn't stop because I was running late. I never arrived late

Richard, a ninth-grader at the high school, had his stitches come undone for the third time this week, and as I was the only responder available when he fell, I took care of his wound.

Of course, I wasn't criticizing our system because doing so was frowned upon. I was only annoyed that I, a novice medic, was assigned first aid duty for the entire week.

I frequently found myself improvising since I wasn't qualified to handle half of the incidents I reacted to, and the worry was just too much.

In addition, I was running late for the meeting today at Mr. Gaius' study. The idea of offending Mr. Gaius doesn't do anything to stop my heart from racing.

I stormed inside the big white house in the middle of The Outpost, commonly known as the Town Hall, since I was so frightened that I didn't even care to say hello to Patty, the receptionist.

It was a big building with many stories. Mr. Gaius's study and other rooms are on the upper floor, with the main area serving as a banquet room for gatherings and functions.

I burst into Mr. Gaius' study after sprinting up the wide wood stairway and turning into the hallway that led there. Three sets of eyes flash at me as I enter the space.

The first thing that drew me in were Antonia's blue eyes. His typically laid-back smile has vanished, and in its place comes a frown that signals his displeasure with me.

Nora has a comforting grin on her face as she relaxes next to him on the couch. Even though she arrived on schedule.

My gaze finally turns to the man who is seated in the middle of the space. Mr. Gaius is seated on a throne appropriate only for a king behind his desk. His piercing green eyes flash at me as he stands up wearing a white dress shirt and jeans.

His comparatively huge frame draws all of our attention while he does this. I slightly tremble as the light from the glass window only highlights his clean-chiseled face, salt and pepper hair. He appeared dejected.

I hastily move forward and talk in an effort to defend myself. Please accept my sincere apologies, Mr. Gaius I had to attend to a medical emergency. I restrain myself from saying more because I understand that criticizing him is the highest form of disrespect.

Mr. Gaius moves closer and extends his arms to me as his grimace transforms into a grin. "I'll make an exception this time. In addition, my kid, I can never be upset at you. He speaks in a loud voice that fills the entire space.

I hesitantly approach him and grin as I enter his outstretched arms, allowing him to embrace me. I hesitated for a second before giving into his arms, and I was glad I didn't offend him.

Mr. Gaius doesn't have a lot of patience. First to pull away, he keeps me at a safe distance while reaching up to brush my hair off my face. His admiring gaze was twirling. "Go sit down with the others so we can talk about your futures now," he said.

Mr. Gaius approaches us and begins to talk as I turn to face the brown leather sofa and sit between Antonio and Nora.

You three are aware that I will enroll you in schools outside of the Outpost, he gives us a stern look. "I will caution you that although life appears normal from the outside, it is everything but... My kids, you can't put your faith in anyone. You will spend the next four years fitting in without mentioning the wonder of our Outpost to anyone. We all nod in agreement as he approaches us with his hands clasped behind his back and paces in front of us.

They dread our greatness and lack understanding. You'll go through a week of camp training to get you ready for life outside of school, and you'll graduate with the rest of the class. I'd let you all know what schools I have admitted you to for the time being.

Though my ears perk up as I sit up and silently ask Mr. Gaius to consider my grades and accomplishments deserving of a school in New York.

I carefully listen as he starts by talking about Antonia, who had been accepted into a school in the north.

Although I was unhappy that we would be apart for four years, seeing Jonathan was just too alluring.

We would be close because Nora was admitted into Columbia university. I grin and give her a silent, congratulatory hand squeeze.

And when it's my turn to hear the results, I look up at Mr. Gaius, who beams as he strides over and kneels down to my level. And for you, my wise Isabella, I've determined that staying near home is crucial. He takes hold of my hands. I've admitted you into the neighborhood community college. I am confident that living closer to home will make you more comfortable. He winks at me while grinning.

Mr. Gaius gets to his feet again and continues with his speech, but I'm too busy trying to stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks to pay attention to a word he says. My delighted smile immediately fades.

This is not possible. My hands were shaking, my breath is shallow, and my ears are beginning to ring.

For one good year, I had been praying, giving more to charity, and taking on more responsibilities just to be allowed to go to college in New York. This was the one thing that pMrented me from exploding over Jonathan's exile.

The only person I had was Jonathan. Jonathan was the only person that protected me. For as long as I can remember, this has been something I have anticipated.

It wasn't enough to catch a glimpse of Jonathan while he was able to see me. I worried about him so much at night that I couldn't sleep. Was he content or safe? I prayed that he was, but my prayers weren't answered. I was anxious to see him.

By the time the first tears starts to fall down my cheek, I already knew that I won't be able to hold back the rest for long.

Mr. Gaius quickly wipes it away and orders for everyone to leave, pausing only to tell me to stay behind.

Given that it was currently all I could do to contain my emotions, I truly didn't want to stay, but who was I to refuse Mr. Gaius?

I had no choice. I had to see to it that Mr. Gaius received whatever he desires.

I remained where I was, helpless and I was unable to control the tears that were silently streaming down my cheeks and out of my eyes.

Mr. Gaius motions for me to take his hand, so I did while relinquishing control. He takes a seat in the large wingback chair behind his desk after guiding me back there.

Reluctantly, I let him drag me down onto the area between his legs as he reclined and opened up his legs.

I take the seat, turning my back towards him, because I didn't want to look him in the eye or, more likely, be around him right now.

Mr. Gaius wasn't to blame. He always had the finest intentions, but I was powerless to stop my animosity from building up when he just adjusted himself and hugged me from the front completely unaware of my own distress.

I keep sniffling and try to hold back my tears, but I can see I failed miserably when he sighs and puts his hands on my stiff shoulders. "Isabella" he talks as though he is aware of my anger.

He does not comprehend. My shoulders are being rubbed and massaged by his hands, but I don't feel any better.

"I know you had Columbia or New York University in mind, and trust me, I heard all your cries. But you must understand that I'm acting in your best interests. He continues to stroke my shoulders while speaking quietly into my ear.

"How so?" I whimper as I blot my tears. I'd prefer him not to touch me at all. He sits up so that his chest is now crushed against my back while he continues to rub my shoulders in a soothing motion.

"You are aware that I value you highly. You have greatness in you. He inhales deeply and thrusts his head forward, burying it in my hair. It would be extremely difficult if you were far from us because you are such an important part of our community. You, my precious kid, are the Outpost's future. He hums and murmurs into my hair.

I didn't say anything as I considered his remarks and made an effort to empathize. I needed to use reason, but I was unable to.

I had never felt so devastated. There wasn't even hope when Jonathan fled, at least then, I hoped to relocate to New York City someday. I hoped to run into him again.

The man behind me sighs again and lowers his hands to massage my arms. You realize, don't you? If you are so far away, I would be really concerned. He mutters and pulls me back into his chest while rubbing my waist with his hands.

I nod despite not understanding where he's coming from. Being given this unique treatment by him was an honor. I was unable to be resentful.

He rests his chin on my head and moves one hand to hold me to him by encircling my waist. He continues to hold me to himself, his other hand stroking my hip as he occasionally lets out a contented moan, and he whispers, "Very well."

He buries his face in my hair, and we sat there in silence, with me engrossed with thoughts of my new reality. He mumbles infrequently about how precious I am, how wonderful I smell, or how he has wonderful plans for me.

However, I didn't pay attention to his babbling since I'm too busy trying to understand this strange new world.

I eventually start speaking when I get impatient and have had enough of his constant intrusion. "Well, if that's all, Mr., I should be on my way. As I stand up, I utter this.

He releases me, and I start to rise up when I feel his hands grab my hips and turn my body around so I'm facing his seated form.

Actually, there's still something. He comments as he moves to the edge of his chair and turns to face me.

As he bends forward and reaches behind me into the side drawer of his desk that is to my left, his arm brushes against my hip.

I tilt my head in perplexity as he holds up a rectangular gold foil packet in front of my face.

Since you're about to graduate, you will need to fully integrate into The Outpost at some point this week. As he speaks, I can only watch as my brows furrow. Your assigned person will anticipate that you engage in Coitus.

I nodded while listening to him, trying to suppress the blush that appeared on my cheeks at the thought of talking about such things with the Mr. of the entire Outpost.

Mr. Gaius looks at my responses and chuckles softly as he gets up from his chair. He then tucks a small gold foil into my palm and says, "But when Antonia is ready for you, I want you to use this."

I look over the tiny package. I had never seen anything like this before; however, it has folded edges, indicating that the true object is underneath the plastic wrapper. "What is it used for? I asked, opening it.

Mr. Gaius wraps my palm with his right away, stopping me in my tracks. This is a condom, a form of contraception. It must be unlocked before the action. He explains, gritting his teeth as he speaks and clenching his jaw slightly as he casts a sidelong glance. When your assignment pierces you, it serves as a safety barrier. I will explain this to him, but I need you to watch out for him in case he doesn't do it. He ends tensely, as though the concept had angered him.

Uncomfortably, I move. Although he doesn't appear uncomfortable like I do, he instead narrows his eyes in an almost vindictive manner.

I nodded while still not comprehending completely and turn to walk away when I suddenly got an idea. Why aren't the others required to employ them?

The Coitus act was essential to establishing our membership in The Outpost as full members. It was how we spread out and expanded our community. Nearly everyone was compelled to become pregnant immediately after graduation; some were even permitted to do so at the age of 16. I couldn't figure out why he didn't want me to assist with reproduction.

But eventually, everything falls into place. We currently only have two licensed doctors here in The Outpost, so if I had become pregnant before the start of the academic year, I would not have been able to attend college. And after graduation, I was going to be the third medical doctor.

Perhaps because we needed more doctors, he didn't want me to have a child just yet. But as I tilt my head back to look into his eyes, they appear to be telling me something different.

When I take a step back to create some space between us while he is standing at full height, my back bumps into his desk.

My face is raised and tilted by his hands as they rise to hold each side. "My sweet, sweet Isabella," he muttered. He gives my forehead a kiss while muttering to himself against the skin there.

He looks at me again, his gaze promising as he mutters the words that only serve to further perplex my already inquisitive thoughts.

You won't be carrying Antonio's children, Mr. Gaius said.