"Amelia's dead." I told them. They stopped walking and looked at me in disbelief. I saw the change in their expressions. They were obviously saddened by the news. They didn't say anything though. "I just thought you should know."
I wanted to ask them why they were behaving that way, but I couldn't do it. I was afraid. I was afraid to know the reason why. I was afraid I'd get hurt even more. So, after breaking the news to them, I slowly walked away. I felt their intense gazes burning a hole on my back, but I didn't falter on my step. I found my resolve. I promised to destroy the research and stop the war, even without their help.
I couldn't find the courage to go back to the cabin after what happened to Amelia. Anita and Philip volunteered to clear everything up. We had to stop going there. My father had been asking questions that I couldn't answer without stuttering. He especially kept asking where I've been going. I had been telling him I was with Anita, but I was afraid that sooner or later he'd have someone spy on us and follow us to the cabin. He'd know I was lying and everything would fall apart. I was afraid of that. So, we had to move our 'headquarters'. We decided to stay at Anita's place. It was a cozy, two-bedroom house she bought a while back after graduating and going independent. Anita had always been the strong, mature one. She was the one I looked up to even as a child.
I went to school as usual. The dry atmosphere was suffocating me. Despite how I promised Anita I wouldn't stress over Kai and the others, I couldn't help it. Yes, I found my resolve, but every now and then I couldn't help but feel lonely. I thought our friendship would last. I thought I'd be with him, together with our child, for a lifetime. It was just a fantasy. I was just being delusional. I guess it was too much to ask. We planned on destroying the lab, and then fleeing from the city. I obviously couldn't stay anymore. Nobody else must know about my child. Philip said he was going with me, I argued but he was serious about it.
We also kept volunteering at the orphanage. Despite how painful it was to be there, we had to stay strong and finish the job we promised to do. Getting rid of the research was top priority. I had been feeling weaker and the morning sickness already started. I knew Anita and Philip had been worried. They knew me well to know I wouldn't show any weakness and would constantly push myself to my limit. They didn't try to argue though. Instead, I noticed them keeping a close watch on me.
"Krista, are you okay?" One of the nuns asked. "You haven't been looking good these past days. Maybe you should take a break from volunteering." She was genuinely concerned. It was evident in her voice. I guess those people still knew what sympathy meant.
"I'm fine. I've just been worried, that's all. Exams are coming up again." I couldn't even come up with a more creative alibi. I guess I really was tired.
"Maybe you should go home for today. Should I call your father?"
"No. There's no need. I can still do a few more tasks." I said with a smile, even smiling was tiring.
"No. There aren't any more jobs to do. The children are going on an excursion next week. We thought they needed a breather and your father was kind enough to offer us your summer house. He said we can use it for the entire week."
"Oh. Really? That sounds fun. Will everybody go?" I asked. It was a good thing Anita and Philip already cleared up the cabin.
"We're taking all the children. Most of the nuns and staff will go too. A few will be left to watch over the orphanage."
"Really? Then all the more I should help. I can help watch over the orphanage for you."
"There's no need to push yourself. We'll have guards watching the premises."
"Oh. Okay." That was disappointing.
We sat around Anita's coffee table. We finally found an opening. We might just be able to sneak in the lab. Of course, it didn't necessarily mean it'd be easy. We planned our break-in for days. Philip already hacked into their system and we were able to get a copy of the lab's blueprint. We vowed to destroy the research and save everyone who needed saving.
The days passed. It was time to set the plan into action. I had been dreading it for days, but at the same time I had been waiting for the day to come. All the children from the orphanage went to the excursion. It meant they'd be safe and wouldn't get caught in the mess. I made one last look at the painting Amelia risked to take from the orphanage. No wonder she had been in high spirits, she was secretly visiting her friend. The painting was comforting. I took a deep breath and grabbed my backpack. Before I reached the door, I felt a strong pain in my stomach. My knees felt weak and I fell in pain. The pain was unbearable, and I realized I was screaming. I heard Anita and Philip calling my name. The door flew open and Philip immediately scooped me up and laid me in bed.
"It hurts." It was all I could say before losing consciousness.
When I woke up, I was drenched in sweat. I was feverish and every inch of my body was numb. I felt the cold wet towel on my forehead. Anita was wiping my sweat away when Philip entered holding a bowl of water. He took the towel from my forehead and soaked it in the bowl before putting it back. The towel was icy cold. I shivered a little.
"You scared us." Philip said. His eyes filled with concern.
"You overworked yourself again. I told you not to push yourself. You promised you'd take a break whenever you feel tired." Anita scolded me.
"I'm sorry. I was excited, I guess."
"You stay here. We'll go and do what must be done." Philip said.
"What? No! I won't let you go without me. It's dangerous to go with just the two of you." I protested.
"It's more dangerous if you come with us. You're in a delicate situation. We won' let you hurt yourself or your baby." Anita said in a tone saying there was no room for argument. Too bad I was stubborn.
"No! I won't let you. You can't go!" Then my tears fell for no reason. Getting too emotional was part of the pregnancy, I guess. "Aaahhh!" My stomach hurt. "Is something wrong with me? Is my baby hurt?"
"No. Your baby is fine. I'm not quite sure yet but your baby is growing faster than human babies. Well, I mean, since the baby isn't entirely human after all." Anita said with that comforting voice of hers. She'd make a great mother, I thought.
"Promise me you won't go tonight. We can do this some other day anyway. The excursion will last the entire week. We don't need to hurry and mess up." I said. "Please."
"Alright. Just go to sleep. We'll be here. You need to recover your strength." Anita said. Then she started humming me to sleep. She was always like that. She always took care of me. Before drifting off, I made a promise in my head. I promised that in the future, I'd be the one taking care of her.
It was quiet when I woke up. The room was dark aside from the lamp on the bedside table. The light from the lamp was dim though, and my eyes were starting to play tricks on me. The rain started pouring and the emptiness echoed in the house
"Anita! Philip!" I called out. There was no response. My heartbeat quickened and I knew something was wrong. I got out of bed and slowly made my way downstairs. I held onto the railings tightly. My body still felt weak but it didn't stop my determination. I was almost by the door when it opened. Anita came in, panting and soaked with rain. Her expression was worrisome, and I knew something bad happened. "Anita! What's wrong? Where have you been? Where's Philip?"
She looked at me before falling on her knees and started crying.
"What's wrong? Where's Philip?" I asked again. "Anita!" I shouted. I couldn't stop myself and shook her.
"I'm sorry." She said. "They caught him."