Chapter 3 Life behind walls

I lazily put the clothes I had left in the closet in the suitcase I would take tomorrow. Even though I don't want to bring anything, mommy is forcing me because she said I'll be surprised by people outside, especially those on the other side. It's very different from us so I might be shocked.

"You will live there as a normal student so everything you need will be provided by the Chairman," said mommy as she adjusted my shoes in the suitcase.

"Mommy," I called to her but she ignored me. I frowned as I approached her and hugged her but she immediately removed it.

"I'm sorry mommy," I hugged her again but now she didn't take it off.

"Cyanide! You know we're the only two left and then now you'll also leave me," Mommy's tears that she had been holding back earlier were already dripping.

"Who's going out with me now? I'm alone at home?" she added.

"Mommy, I will visit you often," I wiped away her tears even though they kept falling.

"Be careful, Cyanide," She hugged me tightly, I knew that even if she didn't want to, she couldn't do anything because it was part of the tradition. We need to respect the decision of those who chose and we can do nothing to change that even if you're the spouse or parent.

"Yes mommy, promise I will visit often!" She broke away from our embrace and wiped away my tears.

"That's enough drama! Fix that and I'll cook," She got up and rearranged my shoes before leaving.

I know mom doesn't want to let me go but she need to let me because thisis an important contribution to Akuji.

"Lim will pick you up tomorrow! It's four in the morning!" she shouted from the kitchen.

"Morning?!" I answered her but she didn't say a word.

4 am? I was still very sleepy then, I just thought that I would wake up at three o'clock and I was dizzy. The dizziness I feel every time I wake up early before.

"Wow! Get used to that because you'll wake up early in the outside too!" she shouted.

I just sigh because I know that starting tomorrow my life will change. I looked around to remember what my room looked like 'cause I will be no longer here. My eyes fell on the picture frame on the side table, I reached for it, and wiped the glass.

"Dad how do I start life outside?" I asked daddy's photo even though I knew he couldn't answer me.

"Watch over mommy while I'm gone Dad, okay." I turned to daddy's photo before returning it to the side table.

"How many clothes do I have?" I asked myself as I looked back at my suitcases. I kicked one to express my frustration but the clothes spread even more. I just took them and put them away.

How do I feel? I want to go out but I don't want to either?

I tapped my cheek softly before packing my leftover clothes. I also picked up other books that I wanted and knew that couldn't live without.

I smiled as I looked at my belongings because I had finished packing. The clothes I will wear tomorrow and my sandals are also ready. My forehead furrowed as I remembered something, I couldn't help but carry it.

"Mommy I'll bring my mirror too!" I shouted at mommy downstairs.

"What? It's going to break! Just buy a new one there!" she shouted back but I ignored her.

I get sheets of paper and tape to wrap it even though the size is too big. Even though it was hard for me, I still finished the wrapping alone.

"Finally! It's all over!" I said happily while looking at all my belongings in one corner.

I feel tired and want to sleep but it's embarrassing for mommy because she cooked. It was also our last dinner before I leave so I pulled my body to eat. My heart aches thinking that the next meal I'll have will be alone.

"Cyanide be careful there ha," Mommy hugged me before kissing me on the cheek.

"Yes mommy, I can handle myself!" I said happily so that she wouldn't have to worry anymore.

We've been saying goodbye to each other before but she still won't let me go. Even Lim was very bored as he stood in front of the car door. He also took all my belongings with him but mommy wanted me to take her as well.

"Mommy the sun is rising," I reminded her so she let me go immediately.

"All right then, you'll get tired on the trip!" she stroked my cheek before smiling.

I walked to the car and Lim opened the door. When Lim closed the door, my tears started to flow. I opened the window to wave to mommy as the car pulled away. When I couldn't look at her anymore, I closed it too.

"Don't worry ma'am, the Chairman will support you," said Lim with his sight on the road. I nodded in response and looked out the window.

My mind was flying as we were on the road, from the familiar road to the new route. I just shifted my gaze when we stopped momentarily due to traffic. I know that word because I read it in the book. There is also traffic in Akuji but just rare, it's when the cascade visits.

Tall buildings, lots of people, lots of cars, and noisy surrounding. I smiled because I enjoyed what I saw. It is very different from what I grew up with from the road, the building, to the actions of the people.

I covered my mouth when we stopped because there were people crossing. I saw the girl holding a balloon. She's beautiful, her mommy is holding her hand. I immediately remembered mommy so my formerly smiling face suddenly became sad.

We stopped at a house, it was beautiful and cozy to look at. Lim got out of the car and opened the door for me.

"This is where you will live ma'am. This is the home address, the bills will be under the Chairman's name so you don't have to worry about it." he said. I nodded and went in first.

"Wow!" I said as soon as I opened the door. I can't help but amazed at the look inside. The space is spacious and everything is white except for the furniture. The sofa set greeted me upon entering. I also saw the kitchen meters away. The appliances were there too, I opened the cabinets and it was full of food and supplies. I also opened the refrigerator, it was also full of food and drinks.

I noticed that Lim was putting in my belongings one by one so I just went around because it will take a long time. I went up to peek at the rooms, I opened the far end first, it was a bathroom. There is a bathtub and amenities. I smiled when I saw some things I knew.

"Mommy, you brought this here?" I whispered to myself, before I went out I opened the shower to see if there was water. I went out to open the next one, with a table and books. This is my study room!

I didn't stay there long because I didn't have anything to put in yet. I knew my bedroom was the last one because that was the only door I didn't open. I was amazed at the beauty of the interior because it almost looked like my room. I walked around the room to see if there was room for the mirror I was carrying. I opened a door and it turned out to be a terrace. I was excited to go down to see if all my belongings had been loaded but I saw Lim carrying my suitcases up. I helped him so we could finish quickly. After unloading, we drank water before sitting on the sofa.

"Ma'am, these are the things you will use here. This is your card, all of your money is here except for the envelope sent by the Chairman," He gave me the cards and the envelope.

"This is the uniform you're going to use," He handed it to me as well. I immediately opened it. It's looks nice! I want to wear this now!

"Ma'am, this is the phone that the Chairman bought so that he can talk to you. If you have anything else to ask or do, just tell me." he said as he handed over a box.

"Lim, take me to a place where I can buy things because I need something," I said before standing up. He nodded and followed me out. I closed the door first and locked it.

"Wait a minute! Just wait here!" I said. Before he could answer, I immediately ran out. I just really want to be alone so I can try to get out of here on my own.

I'm confused by what people think of me, is it obvious I'm not from here? I went into a convenience store to buy an ice cream. I took the strawberry because I heard from Brianna the other day that it was delicious. I also don't know how she tasted the ice cream from the outside.

I went to the counter to pay but the one there was just looking at me. I turned my back to see if he was looking at anyone.

"Excuse me please?" I waved in front of him so he came to his senses.

"A-ah yes ma'am? Ay!" He hurriedly took the ice cream and I paid immediately.

I opened the ice cream while it was still inside and walked out to start eating it but someone suddenly ran into me so it fell.

"Oh my!" I said aloud. I immediately knelt down on my fallen ice cream and next looked at the one I had collided with.

It was a man wearing a white dress, wearing glasses, and I could not see his face because of the mask he was wearing. He didn't say a word but he was staring at me. My brows rose so he averted his eyes.

"Hmm I'll buy you another one," He offered and turned his back on me so I stood up. I waited for him to finish paying so that I could leave.

"Here, I'm sorry!" He handed me the strawberry ice cream so I took it

I didn't thank him and immediately turned away because I was irritated. It's also a pity because the first one I bought just fell suddenly.

I was quiet the whole trip until I got to the house where I was going to stay. It's a subdivision so there are very few vehicles entering. Lim left immediately because he got a call from the Chairman.

I ate my melted ice cream but I didn't finish it because I suddenly lost my appetite. I just arranged my things all day. This house is clean so I didn't clean it again but I vacuumed the bedroom and living room.

I also measured my uniform, it's nice to look at because it's so white. Fit the upper body and have a pocket on the right in the lower part. Round neck so it's okay with me because I wouldn't be bothered when I bend. The skirt has a small slit at the back and it also fits. I don't know why I have to study here again when I'm done with my studies in Akuji. Anyways, I have to live normally here.

I took a shower and rested, I know from now on everything will change. I feel free because I know I can do everything I want. Without those eyes that shivers my soul.

I woke up earlythe next day to get ready. It's not the first day of school so I can't miss it anymore. There's no more excuses, I'm a transferee. Also, the Chairman will know that I might reprimand him.

While looking at the road, I just realized that I had to walk to the gate of the subdivision because my car was not here yet. The Chairman promised that he would send it next time.

I just took a taxi so I wouldn't get lost. I looked up at the height of the academy gate before went inside and accompanied the students.

"Westview University?" I asked while reading the school's name.

I'm not used with in noise, especially when going to school because it's not allowed to us. School are highly valued in us especially in our department. You can't make noises and the action is almost identical. No one's allowed to make mistake.

I looked back when I heard a woman scream. It hurries out of the car.

"Danika, hurry up!" cry of a white woman with full bangs. I noticed that the uniform she was wearing was just right for her.

"Just wait! You're so OA!" shout back a woman while going out of the car. Her hair is long with a brown color. They look like sisters in their resemblance. When the woman came down, they hurried inside.

I knew the Chairman already talked to the Dean so I didn't bother to go to his office anymore. I searched the room written on the paper Lim handed me yesterday. It lead me on the 5th floor of a building, I don't think I'm lost because we all look alike in uniform.

My eyes began to search for an empty seat. I chose to sit in the back because there was a vacancy, no one was sitting at all. My classmates were noisy, most of them looking at me and whispering.

I feel like they think very differently of me, maybe they realized that I'm not from this place?

"Excuse me Miss? Are you a transferee?" a man asked me, most of us also turned to me to wait for what I would say

"Yes, I just came in." I answer to Him.

"I thought you just got lost! You look like a model!" He tapped me on the shoulder as he watched my face in amazement. I just smiled at him because I didn't know what to say.

When class ended, I immediately went home because I was not used to going to school. I'm adjusting especially since I haven't studied in a long time.

I sat on the sofa while looking at phone given by the Chairman. One of my eyebrows rose as the Chairman's code popped up. I immediately looked at the message.

I hope you are happy while you are still doing nothing. The next time I send a message the cascade will instruct you to act. Be careful.

I laughed at his message but that's how the Chairman really is. I wondered what I would be asked to do out here because they didn't seem to know what was going on on the other side. I'll just wait for what the Chairman will say, for now I'll enjoy things here first.

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