Chapter Twelve:
Shay:
Was it possible to feel so terrified and so excited at the same time?
These feelings are fighting inside of me, and it is painful. My stomach hurt.
I was thankful at least that I talked to Jody about what I should wear today. We settled on something cute.
A thin white long sleeve shirt. The dark gray skirt has that ripple at the ends. It is high at my waist, and it has the v shape down.
I wore black tights with black heels. A single strap went over and buckled at the other side of the shoe.
My nails are still done the same. Black toes, and black nails. My ring finger being the exception, a black heart instead of solid black. My makeup is done simply. My eyebrows, mascara, and eyeliner. The black lipstick is the finale.
I left my hair down, nothing fancy there.
With me pulling my small black purse over my shoulder, I was ready to leave.
I didn't get very far before my phone went off.
From: Jody – 'Good luck today <3.'
I couldn't quite explain what I felt when I saw her message. It was a combination of love and warmth.
It was something I needed.
To: Jody – 'Thank you <3.'
To: Jody – 'See you later?'
I walked outside, and before I even had the door locked behind me, I had a new message.
I smiled to myself while I finished the last lock.
From: Jody – 'Of course.'
From: - Jody – 'Just let me know when you are done.'
I felt better, and I was thankful for her.
I made my way to the familiar facility.
My nerves only got the best of me, the closer I got.
I had to remind myself to breathe properly. You'd be surprised how often I had to do that.
I took in a deep breath.
The large building was now in my sight.
Was I shaking? Damn it.
I just hoped I didn't trip and fall on my face. Maybe heels weren't the best idea, after all.
The walk to the side entrance where we met Baird at last time felt different.
I didn't see the ginger-haired man waiting like last time.
I pulled my phone out to check the time.
11:42 AM.
Good, just making sure that I'm not late.
Part of me thought I should wait to go in, but the other more dominant part said fuck it.
I walked through the doors.
Baird was inside, looking at the tablet in his hands.
"Oh," he said as he looked up to see me.
"Good afternoon," I said.
He smiled politely, "Eager, are we?"
I wanted to run away now.
Instead of answering with words, I just laughed awkwardly.
"It will be similar to before," he said, "When your friend Jody came in."
I nodded.
"Your lanyard," he said, "Before anything else."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a lanyard and held it out for me.
I didn't hesitate to take it and put it on.
"Thank you," I said, just above a whisper.
"This way," he said, gesturing for me to follow him.
I was quick to fall in behind.
I wanted to ask all kinds of questions, but I didn't even know where to begin.
He led me through the same way we went with Jody.
So this is the standard meet and greet then?
The room covered in chairs is where we stopped.
"Same as last time?" I asked, "Need to make sure everything is ready?"
He glanced over at me and smiled lightly, "Yes."
"Then I will take a seat right here," I said, "Just let me know when you're ready for me."
I sat down before he opened the side door.
Could I be any more nervous?
I took in a deep breath, and I let it out slowly. I repeated it about five more times before I felt better.
It always felt like forever when you were forced to wait. I don't know why time worked that way, I just know that it does.
Sometimes it just felt a little cruel.
I pulled my phone out of my purse so that I could check the time.
12:07 PM.
Alright, so I most definitely waited a little bit already.
I heard a click, and my heart sped up.
Voices filled the room, and I felt silly.
Steven led the new volunteers into this room.
"Shay," he greeted.
"Hey," I said.
"Baird told me to let you know that your match is running a little late." he said, "But don't worry, he'll come to get you soon."
I nodded. Isn't this how it always worked?
I leaned back in my chair as I watched the others take their seats.
This was the last thing I wanted to sit through again.
I focused my attention on the girl with the extremely short bangs.
She had one of those larger gauges in her the side of her nose.
I felt like I wanted to ask her about it. It looked painful. She pulled it off, though.
"Shay."
I was quick to stand up and look around.
The guy next to me laughed at me.
I didn't really give a shit. I was about to meet my match.
Baird stood in front of the door expectantly.
"It appears that we lost you for a little while."
I felt embarrassed.
"Sorry," I said, "I zone out sometimes."
Even though I was so focused on that girl's nose piercing.
He opened the door, and I don't know what I was expecting.
The room was small. A table was at the center of the room, and at the opposite corner was another door.
So that is how the others get in here.
"Have a seat at this end," he gestured for me to sit at the end closest to the door I entered.
I heisted just a moment before sitting.
He took a seat at the end with his tablet still in his hands.
"So," he said, "Let me start by saying welcome."
"Thank you."
"Next," he began, "I know you and Jody are close, so after this, you two are free to discuss your interview."
"Was she not allowed to before?" I asked.
"She had to sign this," he handed me a piece of paper.
I glanced at it before meeting his eyes.
"You can only talk about the process, and your match with others involved in the program."
"So, I can't even mention it in passing?" I asked, "Like if I need to go somewhere, and my brother asks where I'm going?"
"You can tell him where you are going, that is not a problem," he said, "You just cannot go into specifics."
I nodded, "But now I can, but only with Jody?"
"Yes," he said, "And anyone here that works here, or that has gone through the interview process."
"Okay," I said, "And this paper is me agreeing to that?"
"Yes," he said, "Before you can meet your match."
Damn it.
I didn't even read the paper, I just signed it.
He looked at me a little confused before taking the paper.
"So now we can begin," he said.
I watched him type something on the tablet.
"He will be here shortly."
I nodded.
My nerves were kicking up again.
A small knock at the door made me stand up quickly.
Noah:
Shit, I'm running late.
I was too worried about what I was going to wear that I changed a couple times. It didn't help that the pain in my back returned with a vengeance.
This wasn't really happening, right?
Why was I so concerned with my appearance now? I usually didn't give a shit.
I was way too worried about what she would think when she saw me.
Fuck it.
I decided to wear the outfit Eileen helped me pick out.
The shirt is black, with long sleeves. The material is a little thinner than a thermal, but that's what it looked like. Three buttons held the top of my shirt closed.
I felt a little self-conscious in this shirt, it was a little tighter than I was used to.
I hiked up the sleeves before pulling on my dark blue jeans. These too are a little tighter than I felt comfortable wearing.
I just wanted to look good, I felt silly that I was trying so hard.
Eileen said I looked good in this, so here we are. When I bent over to put on my socks and shoes, the pain in my back turned into a dull throbbing.
Both my socks and my shoes are black.
My watch is on my right wrist. My ring is on my middle finger, same hand.
I tucked the necklace Eileen gave me into my shirt so that the necklace the facility issued was in full view.
It was a small black metal rectangle, going down the long way. My tracker.
It was our version of a dog tag.
My last name and birthday were written on it. Birthday on the back, last name on the front.
I couldn't delay it anymore.
My mind was all over the place. I wanted to run as fast as I could down there, but I had to be a little more patient than that.
I made my way out of my room, and I let Baird know that I was on my way down.
I just needed to get there.
The walk felt longer than usual, but I felt it when I got close.
I felt her.
She is in the next room, and the pain in my back felt minuscule.
I knocked lightly on the door.
I didn't wait for a response, I opened it.
Shay was standing up, looking right at me.
"Noah?" she asked.
She looked stunning.
"Hi," I said.
I could see it on her face, she wasn't sure what to think of her match being me.
"Take your seat," Baird said.
I didn't even want to look at him.
I pulled the chair out before sitting down.
"Did you know?" she asked me.
I opened my mouth, but Baird spoke first.
"Now that you two have met, your interview process may begin," he said, "I am here strictly to monitor."
"Monitor what?" Shay asked him.
"Us," I said.
"Think of me as a small buffer," he said, "Ask each other anything and answer as honestly as possible."
"What if we don't want to answer?" she asked.
"Then just tell me," I said, "I will do the same."
"This process is for you two to get to know each other in a safe environment," Baird said.
"Safe?" she asked, "I would feel safer in a crowd."
I didn't want to have to say something so soon.
"This is safer," I said, "For me, and everybody like me."
She looked at me.
"Because you are a Devil?"
I only nodded.
"Why?" she asked, "What makes this safer?"
Baird, of course, didn't answer. It was all on me now.
"In case I change," I stated, "It's safer so that I don't scare anyone, and safer for you."
"So that you can't kill me?" she asked.
I nodded.
How was she so calm?
She glanced at Baird.
"Any questions you have, please direct them to Noah."
Her gold and brown eyes burning holes into me, the longer she stared.
"Ask me questions too," she said, "This all feels a little strange."
I could see it now, she is nervous.
Was she only nervous after knowing I could kill her?
"I'm sorry," I said, "I couldn't tell you before."
"But you knew," she said, "Did Eileen?"
I quickly glanced at Baird.
He actually stopped what he was doing, surprise dominating his face.
"You know Eileen?" he asked her.
Shit.
She looked from him to me.
"I'm not going to answer that," she said.
Wait, did she really just say that to Baird?
"Shay," he said, "Do you know Eileen?"
She took in a breath before leaning back in her chair.
This girl was something else.
"This interview is over."
Baird stood up.
Holy shit.
She didn't move, so neither did I.
"Then trade places with Steven," I said.
Baird met my gaze. I don't think I have ever seen him angry.
"This process is not a Joke," Baird said, "I need this information."
I looked over at Shay, and her gaze was already on me.
"Tell him," I said, "Or else we won't be able to meet again."
"What if I tell him, and we still don't?" she asked.
So, she did feel something.
"Then, I will take my punishment for it."
I almost said again, but I didn't want to elaborate on that if she asked.
"What if I don't want you to be punished because of me?"
"I give you my word," Baird said, "If you tell me, I will not cancel future meetings."
"Tell him," I said, "Baird does not lie."
She looked a little unsure, but she nodded.
"She works at the daycare," Shay said, "My brothers go there."
Baird looked down at the tablet as if searching for something.
There is no point in looking. The program only wants information about the person entering it. The rest of the family doesn't get a whole lot of attention.
"Was that really so hard to say?" Baird asked before sitting back down.
I didn't even want to respond.
"What is with the two of you?" she asked.
The room was silent.
"Baird," she said, "An answer for an answer."
Fuck.
"He is angry with me," Baird stated.
"Why?" she asked quickly.
"That is one answer."
"It is part of an answer," she said, "Why?"
"He had me punished after I met you," I said.
She looked genuinely confused.
"Punished for what?" she asked. "For talking to me?"
"No," Baird said, "Rules are rules."
"Sort of," I said, "I spoke to you, outside of the facility."
"And before the interview," Baird stated.
She glared at Baird.
"It was not up to me," He said, "I simply report, and they take it from there."
"What did they do to you?" she asked.
She was asking all the hard questions.
"I prefer not to say," I said.
"Be open with me," she said, "And I will be open with you."
I felt like that is something a girl says when someone has lied to her before.
"Be more specific," I stated.
"I will answer every question, no matter how difficult," she said, "If you do."
"How do I know you aren't just saying that now?" I asked.
She reached across the table and held her hand out to me.
"You trust me," she said, "And I am trusting you."
"Please refrain from physical contact," Baird said.
"Why?" Shay asked.
"Because we don't know how touching you will make me react."
She made a face, sort of like she was thinking hard about something. It was cute.
"I trust that you won't hurt me," she said.
Not once did she remove her hand.
"It is not a voluntary reaction," I stated.
I didn't want to lose the chance, though.
My hand slowly raised to touch hers.
She grinned at me.
My hand was firmly in hers, and it felt good.
"See," she said, "You look fine to me."
"Noah," Baird warned.
My hand retracted.
"What happened?" she asked.
"A spike in vitals," I said, "Much more, and there would be a reaction."
"You keep saying reaction," she said, "But I don't know what that means."
I wasn't even sure where to begin.
"A physical change," Baird supplied.
"Physical?" she asked, "How physical?"
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"Wait," I said, "What do you think I mean?"
"Boner," she didn't hesitate to say it.
Baird looked startled by her response.
"No," I said, "It takes a little more than hand-holding to get my motor running."
She pat the table in front of me.
"Then why did you let go?"
"I advise against this," Baird said.
I placed my hand in hers again.
"The first change will be my eyes," I warned. "Then, it could be anything else."
"What is a Devil?" she asked, "I keep hearing it, but nobody told me exactly what makes them what they are."
I had to clear my throat for this one.
"You do know what an Alpha is, right?" I asked.
She nodded.
"Well, each type of Alpha is classified differently," I said, "But you are categorized based on your abilities."
"Fire then?" she asked.
"No," I said, "A Devil has a physical change."
"I thought that didn't matter?" she asked, "That one Alpha from uptown changed physically, but he isn't a Devil."
"It also has to do with control," I said, not meeting her eyes.
"Oh," she said.
"The physical change isn't just a physical manifestation of what your ability is." I said, "It makes us look like monsters."
She just stared at me.
I didn't want to scare her away.
"Okay," she said, "So what are your powers or abilities?"
I wish I had something amazing that I could do, but I just don't.
"I don't do anything special," I admitted, "I just know that I am stronger than the average human, and my senses are heightened."
"So, not mind reading?" she asked.
"No," I said.
"No stretchy body parts?" she asked.
"No."
That one threw me off.
"What senses are heightened?" she asked.
"All of them," I said.
"Taste?" she asked, "Do things taste amazing? Do you taste things that you smell?"
"Yes," I said, "I guess, and sometimes."
She smiled at me.
It wasn't like the usual smiles, this one looked like she had something devious in mind.
"What?" I asked.
"I was just thinking," she said, "Can you smell me from there?"
I don't think I liked where this was going.
Okay, I mean yeah, I liked it. I just didn't like where we were and the person with us right now.
I had to focus on her.
"I can't," I said, "I have to focus if someone is a little far."
"Try it," she said, "I know what I smell like, I want to know if you can figure it out."
Her words came to my mind, and I felt a little scared to try.
Can you taste things that you smell?
I shivered at the thought.
"Come on," she said.
I felt a dull pain behind my eyes.
Shit, I was starting to change.
I focused on her in hopes of stopping the change.
I shut my eyes.
Focus damn it.
It only took a minute before I could hear her heart pounding.
It took a lot to suppress a groan.
"Your heart is racing," I said.
I could almost feel the sun on her skin, it felt amazing.
"Keep going," she whispered.
Her words felt like ripples across my skin, burning me.
I needed to focus.
It took more concentration than I was used to, to try and get her scent.
Something sweet caught my attention.
It was familiar, and at the same time, foreign.
Lemon was a scent I knew well, the other I couldn't quite put my finger on.
She smelled sweet and a little sour because of the lemon.
"I smell lemon," I said, "But I'm having trouble with the other one."
"Watermelon," she supplied.
Something clicked after she said it.
I was so stupid.
Her scent mixed with the lemon and watermelon. I needed to focus on something else.
"Noah," Baird warned.
My eyes opened, and I could see it on her face.
She wasn't scared.