Dark World
()
About this ebook
Dark World (5 post-apocalyptic stories)
***All these stories are part ones to other series. All your questions won’t be answered in book one.***
REBELLIOUS
by Chrissy Peebles
Sky was raised in an underwater city after a meterorite stuck Earth and the air was deemed unbreathable.
Sky doesn't accept her fate and bucks the system every chance she gets. She feels as though her government is lying to her and doesn't trust her leaders. With a serial killer on the loose and a stalker she can't shake, Sky wants nothing more than to see the surface, soak in the sun, breathe in fresh air, and get the hell out of that glass city.
But with people dying all around her, can she get to the surface before it's too late?
RAVENOUS by Erica Stevens
The world didn’t end with a bang, it didn’t go out in a ball of fire and fury, nor did it end in ice. But in some strange way, ice was the end; or maybe it was the beginning of something more.
Bethany is stunned and horrified when she finds herself suddenly alone in a world that was alive only moments before. Aliens that want more than their lives, they also want their blood.
Book 1 The Ravening Series
Young Adult. This book contains some language, violence, and sexual situations. Recommended for ages fifteen and up.
ZOMBIE GAMES (ORIGINS) by Kristen Middleton
Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Wild thought that living in the chaos of her mother's home daycare and dealing with new feelings for Bryce, her martial arts instructor, was a struggle until her world turned upside down. When an untested vaccine kills more than just a rampant flu virus, Cassie learns how to survive in a world where the dead walk and the living... run!
This YA story is a lighthearted adventure filled with zombies, butt-kicking teenaged girls, a man obsessed with video games, an annoying but totally HOT karate instructor, and humor when needed.
*This is a young adult fictional story that includes some language, violence, and adult situations. Recommended for mature teens or older.
THE ZOMBIE CHRONICLES by Chrissy Peebles
The Zombie Chronicles Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/ociUHiL1g70
Warning: Mild violence. For mature teens or older.
Val was bitten by a zombie and now she’s scheduled for lethal injection. Breaking all the rules, eighteen year old, Dean Walters snags an experimental serum. But it can’t be tested until Val turns into a zombie: something authorities won’t allow. Her execution is scheduled to happen before transformation is complete, giving Dean only hours to break her out.
When their helicopter crashes straight into the heart of Zombie Land, his rescue mission becomes a fight for survival…and giving up on Val is NOT an option.
THE SURVIVOR CHRONICLES by Erica Stevens
***Note*** This book is the first compilation of an ongoing serial story, due to this fact it does not have a conclusion. This book is not a survivalist story. Though they are not in this book, the following books in this series do contain almost zombie like people.
The First tremors of the earth were felt at 7:22 EST. time. Every single person felt the rumbling, and experienced the tremors that would forever alter the course of history. Most did not survive. These are the accounts of some of those that did.
***Due to language and graphic content this book is recommended for readers 17 and older.
Read more from Erica Stevens
Tales of Dark Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Enchanted Box Set Collection: Stories of Love & Paranormal Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMarked by Destiny Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Related to Dark World
Related ebooks
Breathless Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Shade of Darkness Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVampires, Werewolves, And Zombies Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Awaken at Twilight (A Vampire Anthology) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCrush: The Crush Saga, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Five Shades of Fantasy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Darlings of Paranormal Romance Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Broken World (2 post-apocalyptic stories) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bewitched Box Set Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Shattered Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFrostbite Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Forest of the Forbidden Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Oracle of Nightmares: Paranormal Huntress Series, #5 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDaughters of Darkness: The Anthology Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Breathless (Blue Fire Saga #1) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Only the Beginning: Prophecy Series, #1 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Chaos - Book 4: The Crush Saga, #4 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Creatus Talis Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Dangerous Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Soul's Mark: Hunted: The Soul's Mark, #2 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Deep Web: The Crush Saga, #5 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Unseelie Queen Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Devil Inside (Book II in the Dark World Trilogy) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCreatus Rogue Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Chosen: The Crush Saga, #3 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Crimson Fire (A 10 Book Fantasy & Romance Anthology) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Vampire from Hell Returns - The Vampire from Hell (Part 4) Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The First Fantasy Box Set Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCursed (Complete Edition) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Science Fiction For You
Flowers for Algernon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wool: Book One of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Who Have Never Known Men Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Stories of Ray Bradbury Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Am Legend Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This Is How You Lose the Time War Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Leave the World Behind: A Novel Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Silo Series Collection: Wool, Shift, Dust, and Silo Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Institute: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Shift: Book Two of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sarah J. Maas: Series Reading Order - with Summaries & Checklist Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Troop Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Frankenstein: Original 1818 Uncensored Version Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Cryptonomicon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dust: Book Three of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Annihilation: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Psalm for the Wild-Built: A Monk and Robot Book Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Camp Zero: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rendezvous with Rama Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Light From Uncommon Stars Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Sunlit Man: Secret Projects, #4 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England: Secret Projects, #2 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Firestarter Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Warrior of the Light: A Manual Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Alas, Babylon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for Dark World
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Dark World - Erica Stevens
***Not sure which story you want to read? After the table of contents, read blurbs, see covers, and watch book trailers to help make your decision.***
Table of Contents
DARK WORLD
Table of Contents
Introduction
APOCALYPSE – UNDERWATER CITY
Copyright © 2012 by Chrissy Peebles
Episode 1
About the Author
Ravenous
Copyright 2012 Erica Stevens
Also From The Author
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Where to Find the Author
About the Author
Zombie Games
Copyright ©2012 by Kristen Middleton
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Kristen Middleton Author Links and Books
The Zombie Chronicles
BLURB
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Crush Sample Chapter 1
The Survivor Chronicles: Book 1, The Upheaval
Copyright 2013 Erica Stevens
Also From the Author
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Where to Find the Author
About the Author
Introduction
Some stories have been previously published. Some stories are novellas and some are full length. All your questions won’t be answered without purchasing the next book.
When fate and destiny collide, one must fight the darkness or be swallowed up.
What if there was a fate worse than death? In this anthology, each hero or heroine has a dark fate... a marked destiny. Will these inspirational characters survive the cards of fate they have been dealt?
5 thrilling stories in one volume
This is FIVE works of fiction from some of today's most exciting authors.
A star-studded anthology of thrilling, action-packed and totally swoon-worthy first books by your favorite women authors.
***Click directly on the title to be taken directly to the story in this anthology***
REBELLIOUS
by Chrissy Peebles
This series does have dark moments and is intended for mature audiences only.
But I’m a survivor, living in a post-apocalyptic world. I live deep in the ocean and that's how we all survived the world's greatest catastrophe known to man. I’d often dreamt of a normal life, but sadly, that wasn’t what fate had in store for me.
Where do I even begin? Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
My name is Sky Hammons, and this is my story. It’s actually quite like my name, because it is a tale of hope, faith, and new beginnings—like a bright, blue summer sky. Or at least that was what I’d wished for, back when I was naïve and clueless enough to believe it. I really wish my journey could be summed up like that, and at first, it seemed like that might be the case. But then that bright sky darkened, and things fell apart. As if Chicken Little’s fears were coming true, my blue sky shattered. They say The truth will set you free,
but I can’t say I believe that—at least not anymore. In my case, the bitter truth shook me to my very core. I never would have imagined that life could be so cruel or that people could be so deranged outside of an Alfred Hitchcock script or some awful horror movie, but I learned one thing: Never, ever believe what you’re told.
I’d been hand-fed lies since birth from my so-called government, and like a mindless drone, I’d happily believed every fraudulent word of the garbage they spewed. Maybe I just wanted that warm, fuzzy feeling; their lies comforted me and allowed me to sleep better at night. After all, who doesn’t want peace and hope and goodwill and all those other things splattered in snowy glitter all over the front of Christmas cards?
When I got a little older and started to take a good, close look at the world around me, I began to challenge the world I lived in. I began to realize it wasn’t all marshmallows and unicorns and Norman Rockwell paintings, and I started to ask questions. I’d always hoped for a bright future, but little did I know that absolute terror was lurking just around the corner. As I dug into the unknown, I was confronted by my worst nightmare.
My name is Sky, and this is my story.
***Click directly on the title to be taken directly to the story in this anthology***
RAVENOUS by Erica Stevens
The world didn’t end with a bang, it didn’t go out in a ball of fire and fury, nor did it end in ice. But in some strange way, ice was the end; or maybe it was the beginning of something more.
Bethany is stunned and horrified when she finds herself suddenly alone in a world that was alive only moments before. Terrified, she flees into the streets of her town, looking for answers, and desperate to reach her family. Panicked, she is nearly captured by the monsters hunting her until Cade steps in to rescue her. Dark and distant, most people in school are wary of Cade, yet oddly fascinated by him. They had once been close as children, but it has been years since Bethany has had any real contact with Cade. As their situation becomes even more perilous, Bethany struggles to come to terms with her past, her terrifying new reality, and her growing love for a boy that is powerful, mysterious, and perhaps even more frightening than the aliens hunting them. Aliens that want more than their lives, they also want their blood.
Book 1 The Ravening Series
Young Adult. This book contains some language, violence, and sexual situations. Recommended for ages fifteen and up.
***Click directly on the title to be taken directly to the story in this anthology***
ZOMBIE GAMES (ORIGINS) by Kristen Middleton
Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Wild thought that living in the chaos of her mother's home daycare and dealing with new feelings for Bryce, her martial arts instructor, was a struggle until her world turned upside down. When an untested vaccine kills more than just a rampant flu virus, Cassie learns how to survive in a world where the dead walk and the living... run!
This YA story is a lighthearted adventure filled with zombies, butt-kicking teenaged girls, a man obsessed with video games, an annoying but totally HOT karate instructor, and humor when needed.
*This is a young adult fictional story that includes some language, violence, and adult situations. Recommended for mature teens or older.
***Click directly on the title to be taken directly to the story in this anthology***
THE ZOMBIE CHRONICLES by Chrissy Peebles
The Zombie Chronicles Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/ociUHiL1g70
*This is a young adult book series. Each chronicle will feature Dean's struggles as he tries to survive in this new world. And thus the name, The Zombie Chronicles. I hope you enjoy this series, and thank you for giving book one a chance.*
Warning: Mild violence. For mature teens or older.
Val was bitten by a zombie and now she’s scheduled for lethal injection. Breaking all the rules, eighteen year old, Dean Walters snags an experimental serum. But it can’t be tested until Val turns into a zombie: something authorities won’t allow. Her execution is scheduled to happen before transformation is complete, giving Dean only hours to break her out.
When their helicopter crashes straight into the heart of Zombie Land, his rescue mission becomes a fight for survival...and giving up on Val is NOT an option.
***Click directly on the title to be taken directly to the story in this anthology***
THE SURVIVOR CHRONICLES by Erica Stevens
***Note*** This book is the first compilation of an ongoing serial story, due to this fact it does not have a conclusion. A new chapter is released to the public for free every Monday on the Erica Stevens blog and Facebook page. The second book is available for purchase. The fourth book is currently in progress. This book is not a survivalist story. Though they are not in this book, the following books in this series do contain almost zombie like people.
The First tremors of the earth were felt at 7:22 EST. time. Every single person felt the rumbling, and experienced the tremors that would forever alter the course of history. Most did not survive. These are the accounts of some of those that did.
***Due to language and graphic content this book is recommended for readers 17 and older.
Edited by Kevin Mills
Edited by Leslie Mitchell at G2 Freelance Editing.
Cover art by www.EbookLaunch.com
This is the end of this introduction. Book 1 will start now. Thanks for joining and giving each series a chance.
1.
REBELLIOUS
Chrissy Peebles
Copyright © 2014 by Chrissy Peebles
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Chrissy’s Blog: http://chrissypeebles.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.351121651567296&type=2#!/pages/Chrissy-Peebles/351121651567296
Chapter 1
I’D OFTEN DREAMT OF a normal life, but sadly, that wasn’t what fate had in store for me.
Where do I even begin? Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
My name is Sky Hammons, and this is my story. It’s actually quite like my name, because it is a tale of hope, faith, and new beginnings—like a bright, blue summer sky. Or at least that was what I’d wished for, back when I was naïve and clueless enough to believe it. I really wish my journey could be summed up like that, and at first, it seemed like that might be the case. But then that bright sky darkened, and things fell apart. As if Chicken Little’s fears were coming true, my blue sky shattered. They say The truth will set you free,
but I can’t say I believe that—at least not anymore. In my case, the bitter truth shook me to my very core. I never would have imagined that life could be so cruel or that people could be so deranged outside of an Alfred Hitchcock script or some awful horror movie, but I learned one thing: Never, ever believe what you’re told.
I’d been hand-fed lies since birth from my so-called government, and like a mindless drone, I’d happily believed every fraudulent word of the garbage they spewed. Maybe I just wanted that warm, fuzzy feeling; their lies comforted me and allowed me to sleep better at night. After all, who doesn’t want peace and hope and goodwill and all those other things splattered in snowy glitter all over the front of Christmas cards?
When I got a little older and started to take a good, close look at the world around me, I began to challenge the world I lived in. I began to realize it wasn’t all marshmallows and unicorns and Norman Rockwell paintings, and I started to ask questions. I’d always hoped for a bright future, but little did I know that absolute terror was lurking just around the corner. As I dug into the unknown, I was confronted by my worst nightmare, but before I get too far ahead of myself, let me get back to the beginning.
I’m a survivor, living in a post-apocalyptic world. Sure, everyone thinks an apocalypse has to do with zombies or war or some sort of epidemic of biblical proportions. Nope. It wasn’t fantasy or make-believe or international disagreements over oil prices or gun control or something that scares Sunday school kids into saying their prayers every night. Much more frightening than all the doomsday scenarios we could imagine, it was a real-life natural disaster that eliminated humankind from the face of the Earth.
Years ago, a giant asteroid, twenty-five times more powerful than the biggest nuclear bomb, slammed into our planet, destroying the atmosphere and killing just about everyone. It was almost a mortal blow, but some survived. A giant asteroid? Really? Sure, it was the stuff of science fiction, a horror story people used to imagine back in the days when screaming hordes panicked over The War of the Worlds radio broadcast and fled their homes. But it wasn’t just a Hollywood imagining like Deep Impact or Armageddon. The simple fact is that asteroids are very real. They exist. They’ve been hitting the moon for centuries, and we all know about the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs sixty-five million years ago. Asteroids are not a myth, like zombies and Godzilla. Those big rocks are all too real, and when one collided with our planet, we all learned just how real they were.
Of course, our brilliant meteorologists and scientists and space gurus had spotted the asteroid; in fact, they spotted it a year before impact, so we all knew it was out there, floating in our direction, like a big iceberg threatening to take down a luxury cruise. What we didn’t know was just how wrong those leading scientists were about its path of destruction. All of them swore it would miss Earth completely—all of them except my grandparents, whose much wiser calculations gave them a year to prepare. My mother wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for them, but thanks to their genius and initiative in creating a glass habitat at the bottom of the ocean, she was saved, thus giving me a chance at life. They named our underwater fortress Asha, which means miracle,
and that was exactly what it was. It was comprised of 100 biodomes in which people could live, work, and farm, all surrounding a large, central biome. The subaquatic community could survive anything and everything, from a hurricane to a nuclear war, and everyone hoped it would be a safe place to stay until the asteroid disaster was over.
Unfortunately, most of society treated my grandpa like Noah; no one would heed his warnings about the impending disaster, and most dismissed him as some sort of nut. While everyone laughed, my grandparents went straight into action, and they secured donations from several wealthy benefactors to support their efforts. They created and constructed a glass city on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, covering an area of 700 acres, complete with technologically advanced controls to handle environmental concerns like air supply and humidity. They even employed very capable city operators to monitor life support systems, air composition, temperature, and humidity in the central control dome.
The truth will set you free? Maybe, but in our case, the truth had only submerged us under the sea. I was just glad that my grandparents knew it, or I wouldn’t even be here to tell you about it.
Year 2015, near Miami, Florida
Beyond two high pillars stretched the Command Center, bustling with personnel and equipped with a full array of blinking panels, consoles, maps, and charts. In the middle, a contingent of people watched a giant monitor, as big as a billboard. The images changed continuously, showing various sides of the asteroid that loomed above Earth.
My grandfather looked at the huge monitor in horror. It’s happening,
he whispered, just like we predicted.
Harley,
a scientist said, the asteroid’s a mile wide, and it’s coming in at 30,000 MPH. There’s no way around it. We’re looking at a global catastrophe.
My grandfather studied the readings carefully. I’m afraid you’re right about that. From the looks of these readings, the collision is gonna have an impact ten million times greater than the bomb that hit Hiroshima. We need to put out the evacuation warning immediately. Is everyone in place?
Just waitin’ for your signal, Chief,
said a brunette woman.
Good,
my grandfather nodded. Sound the alarm, folks...and this isn’t a drill. This is the real deal.
I’m on it,
she said.
It’s gonna hit New York City,
another said. The force of impact will flatten everything from Washington DC to Boston.
Then what are we waiting for?
my grandmother said. Let’s get to Asha.
A scientist’s jaw dropped as he peeked over the thick rim of his glasses at the huge boulder that was about to smash into our world. This is the story of Noah all over again. Nobody believed us. They just...everyone laughed and ridiculed us, and the press called us idiots and fanatics. But we...they...we were right all along. Oh my gosh,
he stuttered, nearly paralyzed with disbelief and fear. We were right, and they’re all going to die.
Of course we were right. I never doubted my calculations for a minute,
my grandfather said. If only they would have listened to me.
We’re going to die right along with them if we don’t go now!
my grandmother shouted.
Another scientist slowly stood. This is even bigger than we anticipated. It doesn’t look like the ocean will be hit directly, but surely there will be unprecedented tidal waves to contend with.
You mean...like a tsunami?
one asked.
Yeah! What if the glass city doesn’t hold up?
another frantically questioned.
Then we’re all doomed, and it’ll be the end for all mankind.
My grandmother squeezed my grandfather’s hand as she stared at the huge piece of space debris that was about to literally rock our world. May God help us all.
Those who’d chosen to believe the truth rushed to Asha and quickly got settled in, just as they’d practiced seemingly hundreds of times. The inevitable crash occurred just moments later, heating the atmosphere to temperatures that quickly ignited raging forest fires, cooking and incinerating anything and everything on the surface. Intense blasts of wind and gas swirled. So much dust, rock, and debris had been thrown up into the air that the sun was almost invisible, and in the darkness and confusion, most living things on Earth died. Years later, even when I was born, the survivors still couldn’t return to the surface. The global climate had been dramatically affected, and we all feared the worst—that our feet or our lungs would melt if we even touched that boiling surface or dared a breath of that toxic air.
Chapter 2
Year 2035
The strongest and bravest eventually returned to the surface and worked hard to rebuild, to create a survivable environment for the rest of us. We named our new surface city Vita, which means life
in Latin. I couldn’t wait to leave Asha and see our new, glorious metropolis. The air had finally become breathable, and the land was slowly healing. We all knew we had a lot of rebuilding to do, but everyone was up to the challenge. It was decided that we’d come up a few at a time, and our chosen president, Dante Marcellus, created a list of the order that the adults would surface. Those of us who were younger would leave Asha on our eighteenth birthdays; on the first of each month, they took anyone who had a birthday the following month, along with any adults who were on the list. I was so excited about my turn. I had longed to see the surface of Earth, to feel sunshine, and to breathe fresh air since I’d spent my whole short life underwater.
How warm will the sun be on my face? I wondered. Can the sky really be as blue as the pictures I’ve seen? Are the clouds really that fluffy? I wanted to inhale the salty scent of the ocean. I tried to picture in my mind what it was really like. Sometimes I dreamt about it, everything swirling and foaming in whites and blues much brighter than they were looking at it from the bottom. A new beginning would start for me the second I took my first real breath outside our glass city, and I was sure it was going to be glorious.
Some people said we were born in a post-apocalyptic nightmare, but I had always tried to look at things in a more positive light. I was alive, and I cherished every breath I took, even if those breaths came from machine-simulated air. I was basically an orphan now, since my mom died when I was fifteen, and my dad had been called to the surface when I was little. Since then, my aunt had raised me; she had opted to stay below to take care of her four children, my cousins.
I was looking forward to a fresh start. In spite of all the doomsday talk, it wasn’t the end of our world. We’d survived, and we could try again, and I was certain we could get back on our feet with a lot of hard work and determination. I’d chosen to believe there was a wonderful future awaiting us, and I had to hold on to that hope. At the very least, we’d go down in the history books as survivors who colonized the sea.
RACHEL BRUSHED HER brown hair out of her dark eyes. I can’t believe you beat me again,
she said, staring angrily at the striped balls that still lay on the table.
You know nobody down here can beat me,
I said, grinning.
She smiled, then tugged on my long, blonde French braid. You’re a hustler. That’s what you are.
Hey! I won fair and square.
Nah. I only let you win because it’s your sixteenth birthday.
I smiled. In that case, I get all the loot.
Fat chance, but I’ll tell ya what. I’m not a sore loser. Let’s play again. Winner gets the necklace, earrings, and bracelet.
Game on,
I said.
Great!
My gaze narrowed. Oh, hey, I forgot to ask you. Did you leave me flowers for my birthday?
She cocked a brow. Um, no. You know I can’t grow anything. I bet it was Brett! How romantic. Any idea where I can find a boyfriend like that?
I smiled. I’ve tried to set you up countless times with nice guys.
I know. But there’s never that spark.
She sighed. I guess I better make that spark, because we’re all that’s left of humanity.
She bit her lip hard. Okay, my love life is depressing me. Tell me more about those flowers and let’s try to figure out this little mystery.
Somebody left me a pot of white, pink, scarlet, and yellow begonias right outside our quarters.
No note?
It just said Happy Birthday, Sky. It can’t be Brett. I never saw Brett watering any plants. And I know him too well. He’d never take the time to grow flowers. He’s a great guy, but growing stuff. Definitely not his forte. Somebody put a lot of work into growing them. And I’ve already asked my family and everyone else I know. The flowers are a complete mystery.
Maybe somebody’s crushing on you.
On me? No way.
She grinned widely. Girlfriend, you’ve got a secret admirer.
But why the secrets? I’d love to know who it is.
Maybe he’s threatened by Brett.
Or maybe it was just somebody being sweet.
So what’s Brett up today anyway?
she asked. Shouldn’t he be spending the day with you on your birthday?
He’s milking cows and has a million chores to do. He won’t get out of work until later.
I’m surprised you’re not working in the greenhouse.
My green house was a magical place that came alive when my flowers bloomed. I was so good at it that I was even put in charge when Rita started to neglect the place and didn’t produce enough food. I surprised everyone and pumped out food faster than anyone thought was possible. Everything was a big, disorganized mess so I instituted a new system and labeled everything with a permanent marker on plant stakes and paper labels. I even added hanging plants to save space. The better a greenhouse is ran, maintained, and cared for, the more food and flowers it will offer.
As I pruned plants, transplanted seedlings and cultivated flowers, I enjoyed the time alone. It gave me time to grieve and think about my mother. I still wasn’t over my mother’s death. It also gave me time to think about my family, personal reflection, and my life. Part of me liked being alone. And besides, I always butted heads with everyone anyway. Maybe I was meant to be a loner.
There’s nothing like getting down with the dirt to melt away all your problems. It was a cleansing and therapeutic way to work through my grief. And it was also my way of getting in touch with nature, since I wasn’t allowed to go to the surface.
I took the day off for my birthday,
I said. Who wants to work on their birthday? Not me.
Well, you deserve it because you work so darn hard. I’m so glad I’m off today. My mom works me to death in that kitchen. I’d rather play all day in the dirt like you. I’d love to get my hands dirty instead of waterlogged from dishes.
I smiled. Oh, hey. I’ll have big, juicy strawberries ready this week.
Her black eyes lit up. I can’t wait!
Brett’s dying for some too.
Well, yeah. You grow the sweetest strawberries around.
I chuckled. I’m the only one.
She laughed. So when is the lettuce coming? I want to eat a nice, healthy salad.
I’ll have more lettuce in two weeks.
Awesome.
My best friend grabbed the triangle and racked the balls up, making sure to put the eight-ball in the middle. I’ll break,
she said, positioning her cue and squinting to take aim. And I want solids this time.
I grinned. Have at it. But this gardener is going to kick your butt again.
She was holding the stick at an angle, ready to fire away, when a humming sound caught our attention. The chute,
she said.
That’s weird. As far as I know, nobody is scheduled to arrive.
I shot my gaze across the room at the glass tubes that transported people to and from the surface and vice versa. The glass lid slowly opened, and three friendly city workers stepped out.
Hi Walter, Melvin, and Chad,
I said.
They were three brothers we had gotten to know quite well since they were always down here fixing any problems the place had.
Hi, girls,
Walter replied.
Hello, fellas,
Rachel said flirtatiously. We weren’t, uh...expecting anybody, but do you care for a friendly game of billiards on this lovely April day?
she asked, rubbing her thumb on her pool cue.
Walter frowned. Not much of a pool player, I’m afraid.
I smiled. I can teach you everything you need to know in ten minutes.
His face lit up as he met my gaze. I-I’d love to, Sky, but we’re down here on important business.
Really? I hope it’s nothing serious.
We just need some oxygen readings. Stupid machine’s glitching again, and I’m gonna have to reset everything,
Melvin complained. It’s gonna take a couple of hours minimum.
Walter stared at me, then grinned. You know, Sky, you’ve got the prettiest eyes. I swear, they look different every time I see them.
Thanks,
I said. I guess they do change color sometimes.
You know what they say about people with hazel eyes?
Rachel chimed in.
No. Why don’t you enlighten us?
I said.
They’re unpredictable and fun-loving.
I laughed. Unpredictable. I was definitely that.
Okay, then,
Rachel said. We’re going to get back to our game now. But you two have fun.
You too,
Chad said.
You’re more than welcome to play when you’re done,
she said.
We’ll keep it in mind,
Walter said, winking at me.
After they walked down the corridor, something fell from Walter’s pocket. It was the key card for the glass chutes. I picked it up and my mouth opened to call his name when an idea suddenly struck me. They’d be gone for hours. They’d said so themselves. Maybe we could sneak a peek at the surface. I couldn’t believe I had the key card to activate the chutes. It was like destiny was paving the path for me to go see what was up there. It was beckoning me.
We went back to our game while I pondered the idea. Would I return the key card or would I make the most of what fate delivered in my hands?
Rachel looked at me. I heard Chad has a crush on Carla.
He’s too nice to have a crush on such a wench,
I said.
Carla was my arch enemy, my nemesis down here. She was tall, pretty, and tough. We fought all the time over something stupid that happened when we were fourteen. I thought it was petty. Fighting over a guy is lame. But if Carla could ruin my day, she sure would in a heartbeat.
Did you see the way Walter looked at you?
Rachel asked. He’s got a huge crush on you. Maybe you should go for it, Sky.
"What!? He’s way too old. I’m only sixteen, and he’s gotta be in his twenties. Besides, I already have a boyfriend, remember?"
She playfully nudged me. Just messin’ with you. I guess those brothers aren’t my type either, but you gotta admit they look pretty good in those uniforms, all big and buff.
You just love muscles, don’t ya?
She shrugged, then made the break, scattering balls across the green velvet. The more, the dreamier,
she said.
We both laughed.
Well, Melvin seems to be kinda into you.
Meh, it’s the boobs,
she said, glancing down at her ample chest. I think I’ve got the biggest melons down here.
Melvin’s not that shallow, Rachel.
Right. He’s a man, isn’t he? All men are like that.
I chuckled.
They’re good guys though, like big, giant teddy bears,
she said. I don’t know how many times they’ve gone out of their way for me.
Didn’t Melvin bring you back some fresh apples?
Yeah. He’s always doing stuff like that.
You shouldn’t accept too many gifts if you don’t wanna lead him on.
Pssh. He knows he’s in the friend zone.
They’re so lucky,
I said. They get to see the surface, and we’re stuck down here for two more years.
I know, right? It’s so not fair.
My gaze drifted to the glass capsules that shot up a clear tunnel straight to the surface. What do you think is up there?
Sky, please tell me you’re not back on that ridiculous conspiracy theory again. You watch too many old movies.
I don’t know. Don’t you find it the least bit odd that they won’t let us go up there except for a few at a time? What’s that old song say? ‘Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage.’ I feel like that, and I’m sick of it.
So you’re quoting The Smashed Cantaloupes now?
Smashing Pumpkins,
I corrected, rolling my eyes at her lack of appreciation for the retro tunes my mother used to listen to.
Whatever. I think you need to lay off the oldies and the Hollywood classics. They’re getting to you.
She playfully nudged me. C’mon now. Do rats play pool?
Rachel really was like a lab rat in many ways, or at least one of the three blind mice; she just accepted everything they told her. I, on the other hand, questioned everything, and since no one seemed to want to tell me the truth, I’d vowed to find the answers myself. I didn’t believe anything I was told, until I saw the evidence with my own eyes.
They’re hiding something. I can feel it deep down. The few lucky ones who do leave are never allowed to come back down here or communicate with us. Anyone who does say anything about the surface seems to suddenly disappear or have an accident.
I bite my lip hard, pondering. What ever happened to Marla? She disappeared into thin air.
She ran her mouth. Which is why you should shut up too. She spewed out this same crap.
Don’t we have the freedom to say what we feel? Why do we have to be afraid to speak our mind?
Sky, come on.
What do you think happened to her?
I asked.
I think they took her. Maybe imprisoned her on the surface.
Or killed her,
I said, flatly.
Do you really think there that cold?
she asked. Sure they’re bossy and domineering but they care about restoring this planet. They’re passionate about it. And so was Marla. We’re all on the same team.
True. But if you defy them, watch out.
You’re paranoid. I think they just gave her some jail time to straighten her up.
How do I know what they’re telling me is the truth? I mean, I never saw the surface. Does it even exist? Is any of this real?
"Gosh, Sky. Maybe we shouldn’t have watched The Matrix last night? It was just a movie, and that Canoe Reeds—d
Keanu Reeves,
I corrected, rolling my eyes again.
Whatever. You can’t seriously think this is all a dream and that our bodies are being stored somewhere? Next thing I know, you’ll be wearing a black trench coat and checking your neck for a microchip.
Don’t be silly. Of course I don’t think that, but I do think someone is up to no good. I don’t trust Dante Marcellus as far as I can throw him. You shouldn’t go around gobbling up everything they feed you, Rachel. All we know about the world is what we’ve been told. If they’d just let one of us up there to go see for ourselves, I might believe them, but they keep us isolated in this underwater tank like prisoners, making us totally dependent on them. We can’t even breathe without them, because they have to pump in the oxygen to the city. Like I said, we’re rats in a cage.
And, like I’ve told you a million times before, I think they’re just protecting us,
she said.
From what?
I think the atmosphere up there isn’t as stable as what they’ve told us, and they don’t want us to panic.
I just wish I could see for myself, that’s all,
I said.
They take good care of us. You said yourself that we couldn’t even breathe without them. And on top of oxygen, they give us food, water, and supplies.
But maybe you’re right, to some degree. Maybe they don’t want to dash our hopes and tell us—
That the sky is red and black and the air isn’t breathable?
That people’s toes are melting off when they set foot up there? That some sort of mutant cockroach/bigfoot hybrid survived and is eating people as soon as they step out of the tube?
Her eyes grew wide. Uh...maybe.
I don’t care what’s up there. I can’t live like this for the rest of my life. I refuse to.
My heart began to race as I thought of being encapsulated in that glass, undersea bubble for the rest of my existence. I gripped her arm. I need to know, Rachel. I can’t live another minute not knowing the truth about what’s up there, if there’s really anything up there. I can’t take it. I just can’t.
Look, I didn’t mean to get you all worked up. This is supposed to be a great day, your sweet sixteen and all that. It’s supposed to be...unforgettable.
Hmm. You’re right,
I said. I peeked around the corridor and down the long hall, then walked back.
Rachel looked at me curiously. You’ve got that sneaky smirk on your face again, that look that always seems to land us in trouble. What’s going on in that crazy head of yours?
My face beamed. Well...
She arched an eyebrow, intrigued. What, Sky?
she asked. What are you thinking? Or do I even want to know?
You said it.
I said it?
she asked, clearly confused. What are you talking about?
I gripped her hands in pure excitement. The sky, Rachel. I want to see it for my sixteenth birthday. Like you said, this is supposed to be a memorable, special day. So let’s make it one.
Hmm. Sky wants to see the sky,
she mocked. How...poetic. This is just like you—act first and think later.
I playfully nudged her. You heard Melvin. They’ll be gone for hours. We can sneak up there, take a peek, and be back before they even know we’re gone.
My thirst for spontaneity always got me in trouble, and I’d never found anything wrong with trying to make the most out of every moment. I was an adrenaline junkie, I guess, and I always wanted to immerse myself in situations that posed a great level of risk. This was definitely one of those moments. Nobody from our city had ever been allowed to go to the surface on a whim; only security, maintenance, and city officials knew what was up there, because none of the survivors who’d already gone had come back to talk about it. My curiosity was killing me. Is the air really breathable? The workers who returned never wore gas masks or anything like that, so I assumed it was, but assumption had never been good enough for me. I had to find out for myself, and there was only one way to do that. I knew Rachel thought it was yet another ludicrous, flaky idea, but I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I only hoped I wouldn’t prove her right and get caught. Little did I know that this little act of rebellion would foreshadow what would lie ahead for me in the coming years.
So how do you think you’re going to get up there?
Rachel asked.
With this.
I held up the card I snatched from Walter.
You’re so bad!
When he goes back and doesn’t have it, they’ll just change the cards or code.
They’ll definitely change it so that card is good for only right now.
I like right now.
You’ve got questions, Sky. We all do.
Listen,
I said, trying to reason with her, how do we even know there’s really a sun and blue sky up there?
Because our parents told us, and it’s in all the science books.
I raised a brow. "But have you actually seen it for yourself?"
No.
Then how can you believe it?
Because...well, I, uh...
Exactly.
Books don’t lie.
Books are written by people, and people do lie. If you’re so convinced, though, let’s go put that theory to the test,
I said. Let’s see if those textbooks are really just fairytales.
Rachel swallowed hard. I don’t think we should—
C’mon, Rachel. You know you’re just as curious as I am,
I said. I mean, why should they get to have all the fun while we’re stuck down here?
She smirked. Yeah. I guess pool does get a little old.
I’m going. You can come with me if you want, and I hope you will, but I’m going up either way. I have to see it. I have to see it for myself, and this might be my only chance.
Okay.
If we’re gonna do it, we need to go now.
Wait. If we’re going to go through with this craziness, we might as well do it right.
What do you mean?
You’re going to see the sky for the first time. Shouldn’t you take your ball and chain with you?
Not Brett.
Why not? This is gonna be a big moment. He’ll wanna be there.
You know why. He’ll try to stop me, like he always does. I love Brett. I do. But I’m not in the mood for a lecture. I say we make this a girls’ day out, no boys allowed.
Your boyfriend’s gonna be so mad at me.
Hey, he knew what he got himself into when he started dating me. I need to be who I am, and Brett knows that. He deals with it, or he takes a hike. I won’t change for anybody—not even him.
You’ve never hidden your...adventurous spirit, that’s for sure.
What can I say? I’m definitely not the girl next door. But I think Brett loves my colorful, take-no-bull attitude and my entertaining personality.
She laughed. Sometimes you can be a loose cannon, but you’re definitely entertaining.
You know you love my inherent charisma and charm. Besides, what would you do without me? You’d completely drown of boredom in this underwater city. You’re so lucky you’ve got me.
She gave me a fist-bump. True dat.
I smiled. So...are we gonna sit here all day psychoanalyzing me, or are we gonna do this thing?
She hesitated, then said, Let’s think about it for a minute. What if we’re caught?
I clapped her shoulder. No thinking, no analyzing, no talking yourself out of it. Let’s just do it. Be a little carefree and daring for once. I promise you won’t regret it.
Five minutes. We’re only gonna look around up there for five minutes, and I’m only doing it because it’s your birthday.
That’s the only reason? Are you sure about that?
Well, I guess maybe the curiosity is gnawing away at me a little too.
I thought so,
I said, wearing a victorious grin.
Chapter 3
WE WALKED ACROSS THE room to the travel chutes were, and when I hit the red button, the glass door opened.
Rachel grabbed my arm. Wait! This is just...crazy. I don’t think we should—
I just winked at her. See ya up there!
I said, ignoring her change of mind. I knew I was letting my let’s-do-it attitude take precedence over the rules, but I had no problem plunging right into things, getting my hands dirty. I’d always lived in the moment, and I had to have fun, be spontaneous, live on the edge. I acted on impulse, and I guess that made me a little unpredictable, but I’d always been that way, and everyone knew it. Maybe I was just trying to find my place in this world, but I was quite determined, and nothing was going to stop me.
You’re going up there with or without me, aren’t you?
You bet,
I answered. I didn’t want to force Rachel into anything she didn’t want to do, because she wasn’t as bold and daring as I was, but I wouldn’t give up my chance. If worst came to worst, I would go myself and give my best friend a full report when I swooshed back down. "You really do get me, Rachel, I said.
This is something I have to do for myself. If you don’t wanna go, just stay down here and play lookout."
How am I supposed to do that? By the time I see them coming, it’ll be too late. It’s not like I’ll be able to whistle for ya.
Don’t worry. I’ll be back in a blink, and I’ll fill you in on all the juicy details.
She bit her bottom lip and looked into the tube. Then she sighed. Goodness, Sky. I think you could talk anybody into anything. Let’s go.
No,
I said. I don’t want to get you into any more trouble.
Hey, I’m my own person. I make my own decisions. This is something I wanna do. I’m tired of reading about what the sky looks like. I want to see it for myself.
Sounds like a plan,
I said, smiling at her.
She nodded. We’ll be the first ones, but we can’t tell anybody.
Right. It’ll be our little secret.
She got inside, and I hit the little blue button inside that shut the door. My gosh! I had such an inborn enthusiasm for taking these kinds of risks. I was always looking for the next big adventure or buzz. And it’s not like we had a ton of them in this city. It’s one reason why my soul longed for the surface. Taking a deep breath, I scanned the card and hit the red button that would jettison us to the top. The chutes automatically took anyone in any of the chutes up to the top once activated. It only took a few seconds to make the trip. When the door opened, I slowly got out and stepped cautiously onto a huge dock. A boat was securely fastened there, and I knew it belonged to the men who were busy working below.
The sun embraced me in its warmth, and salty air kissed my face. My heart thundered as Rachel gripped my arm, squealing with the exhilaration of stepping on that forbidden ground. I covered my eyes, then slowly peered through my fingers. The expanse of blue water stretched as far as I could see, and it was spectacular—even more glorious than anything I’d seen in textbooks or in my dreams. It’s so bright,
I said, covering my eyes again.
I waited for my eyes to adjust, and when they did, my jaw dropped at the stunning backdrop before me. My heart continued to pound in excitement as I stared up at the blue, billowy heavens. The hue was so stunning that it was as if I’d never seen blue before, and fluffy, white clouds dotted the sky. All my attempts to capture it with words failed. All I could mutter was, Well, no black and red sky.
And we’re breathing clean, fresh air,
Rachel added. I’m so glad I was wrong!
Me too.
She chuckled.
"Why would they keep this from us though? I said.
Maybe they’re afraid everyone would rush to the surface, that they’d revolt, ignore the rules, break out, and riot for the chance to spend the rest of their lives under this blue sky."
Do you think people ever took this for granted before the asteroid struck?
I don’t see how they could have, but I know I won’t—not as long as I live.
Me neither.
It’s even more beautiful than what Mom described,
I whispered, even more majestic than any book or movie I’ve ever seen.
I spun in a slow circle. I was seeing sunlight for the first time, and it was mesmerizing. The sky was an endless portrait, stretching for miles and miles, and that image would be forever imprinted deep in my soul. Standing beneath that azure expanse, I felt pure peace, bliss, and tranquility.
Next, I closed my eyes to give my ears and nose a chance to take it all in. As squawking seagulls circled overhead, I inhaled deeply. I could instantly taste salt from the fresh air coming off the ocean. At first, it shocked my senses. So much sea salt. It was actually quite overwhelming, but only at first.
I opened my eyes again. It’s the deepest blue I’ve ever seen, the most soothing color in the universe.
I welcomed the warm rays as they bathed my face, arms, and legs. It felt like pure Heaven. A warm breeze brushed across my face. The magical seascape sparkled across the ripples in the gentle sea. The waves flowed toward me, and I studied each and every one. What a wonderful gift from the universe.
I couldn’t remember ever having been so excited before about nature. Honestly, I’d never given it much thought. I’d been cooped up in that underwater city, with no idea about what I was really missing.
Rachel began to sob, squeezing my arm as she stared, awestruck, at the serene body of water. No description I could ever give could truly capture its mysterious majesty and breathtaking beauty. I don’t think either one of us expected it to be so emotional, but it was the most breathtaking thing we’d ever seen.
It’s beautiful,
I said, absolutely hypnotized by its magic. It’s everything I hoped...and more.
I stared at that big, great, fantastic world out there, all of it waiting for me. We could leave, Rachel. We could swim to shore and be free. We’d never have to go back down there again, and—
If we leave before we’re officially dismissed, we’ll be cast out.
I don’t care,
I said. They’ve got no right to keep us locked up down there. This place looks safe enough, and the air is fine. Why must they still confine us in that sunken tomb?
I hate when you get these crazy ideas in your head.
Fine. I’ll go back down, but only on one condition.
What?
I smiled. Take a swim with me.
You really are insane!
You know it.
There must be hundreds of sharks down there.
And who exactly told us that?
Them.
I sat on the edge of the dock and dangled my foot precariously into the water.
What’re doing?
she asked in shock.
Testing the waters. And see? Nothing is biting my foot off.
Stop!
I put my foot in deeper. It’s perfect for a swim.
Chapter 4
IS IT FREEZING COLD?
Rachel asked.
I smirked. Why don’t you try it for yourself and find out?
Because I’m very attached to my foot.
I smiled. So am I. And nothing’s biting it off.
Yet!
Don’t you see? They don’t want us to swim away. They instill fear in us so we’ll listen and obey. I’m not one for obeying the rules, and I’m certainly not some mindless zombie under their command.
Yeah, we all know that!
You said you wanted to look at the sky. Don’t you want to see more of it than this? Don’t you want to know if they’re lying about the sharks?
And you want to test it by jumping in?
"I know they’re lying to us. I wouldn’t risk my life or yours if I wasn’t sure."
She bit her lip hard. What makes you so sure though?
We live under the sea. If there were as many sharks as they say, we would see them through the glass all the time.
Yeah, but—
You can stay here and wait for me if you want, but I’m gonna put my theory to the test.
It’s official. You’re a lunatic.
I thought you loved my adventurous personality.
Not when it comes to being devoured by a bunch of man-eating fish.
I grinned. It’s my birthday, and I want to swim in the ocean. Help me make this the most memorable birthday ever.
She smiled. It very well could be.
You’re smiling, which means you know I’m right. They’ve been exaggerating about the sharks. Why? My guess is that it’s to keep us in line, to keep us from leaving the glass city. They’re trying to control everything we do. They have been, ever since Dante Marcellus and his minions took over.
I had an uncanny ability to read people, to determine their motives by scrutinizing their body language, stance, and gestures. I often caught small, telling details that others missed, so I knew something was not right about our leader. I had to wonder what he was trying to hide.
Be careful how you talk about our elected president,
Rachel said. People who talk about him mysteriously disappear.
He wants to be in complete control, and I don’t trust him. I wonder how he’s treating the others who’ve made it to the surface.
Who knows? None of them have come back except the workers, and they don’t say anything.
And why not? Why aren’t they allowed to come back?
I asked.
Uh...because he’s scared they’ll tell us how messed up everything is?
she said, more of a question than a statement.
Right. So...are you ready to defy Dante Marcellus? Are you ready to call his bluff?
I think so.
Are you sure?
I asked.
You’re giving me an out?
she said.
Yep.
She looked at me, then at the water. Screw it! Let’s do this!
My body tingled with anticipation, and before she could say another word, I grabbed her hand. On the count of three!
She gasped, and I started the count down. One...two...three!
I pulled her to the edge of the dock, and we both jumped in with a big splash. It’s amazing!
I shouted, pushing the wet hair out of my eyes. But maybe Mother Nature poured in a little too much salt.
She laughed. As long as my skin isn’t melting off and nothing’s eating my ankles, it’s fine with me. We’re alive,
she said, anxiously looking around.
What are you looking for? Jaws? There are no sharks. I mean, they do exist, but the ocean isn’t just a pit of teeth, like they tried to tell us.
Why would they lie to us like that?
Let’s not worry about them right now. They suck the joy out of everything. Let’s just enjoy the water.
And with that, I dived down about six feet and opened my eyes, taking in the beautiful bluish-green, glistening ripples around me. When I breached the surface again, we played around and splashed each other. We even did cannonballs for the very first time. When my fingers began to wrinkle like prunes, we laughed and got out. I sprawled out across the dock and let the sun dry me.
"What if they come up?" Rachel asked.
At this point, I don’t care. The sun feels so good. Why can’t we do this all the time? What gives them the right to keep us from it? Last time I checked, the world doesn’t belong to them. It belongs to all of us, and it isn’t right for them to hog it for themselves.
When they leave, they’ll lock down everything, so we won’t be able to come back up.
No worries. I’ll find a way.
Look, this was fun, and we had a great time, but we really oughtta go. We shouldn’t press our luck. We’ve been up here a lot longer than the five minutes I agreed to, and Walter, Chad, and Melvin might come back at any minute. What will they do when they find us up here lounging around like we’re on some beach?
You’re right.
She stood and reached down to give me a hand. Really, this was great. Thanks for talking me into it.
Just then, we heard the chutes dispatching.
Crap!
Rachel and I looked at each other in complete shock. If we hid, we’d be locked out for good; whenever they left for land, they locked the chutes. But if we got caught, we’d be punished severely. Dante Marcellus didn’t like me very much as it was, since he considered me to be somewhat of a rebel who enjoyed bucking his authority, and I didn’t want to give him more ammo to use against me.
Hide!
I said.
But how will we get back in?
I didn’t even think about it. I just jumped into the water behind the dock, and Rachel reluctantly followed. I held on to the support beam as waves gently swished against me. A chill shot up my spine when the doors opened and they got out. I debated giving myself up, but my stubborn side wouldn’t let me. I wasn’t about to stand there and watch Dante wear a smug smile on his face while he punished me. All things considered, it was a whole lot better to be locked up than locked out.
I love seeing them,
Chad said.
Well, don’t get too attached,
Melvin said.
I feel bad for them.
Just remember what Dante said. We’ve been divided, but it’s for good reason. We’re just lucky he picked us to be on the winning team.
Yeah, I guess you’re right. Do you have the tools?
Got ‘em right here.
Good,
Melvin said. Then let’s get this thing fixed and head to lunch. I’m starvin’.
The door closed with a hiss, and the men disappeared down the chute.
I let out a long breath, then climbed back on the dock. My shoulders shrugged in relief. Man, that was close.
We’d better give ‘em a minute or two to get back to whatever they’re doing.
I nodded, then turned to look at the gorgeous sky one last time. I was still utterly captivated by its breathtaking beauty, and I couldn’t believe it had been hidden from me for my entire sixteen years of life. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got.
After a few minutes, we climbed back into the capsules and returned to the city.
As the glass lid opened, I held my breath and clutched my heart, hoping we wouldn’t get busted. All clear,
I said, looking around.
Rachel grabbed my hand, and we bolted all the way back to my room. We looked at each in stunned disbelief.
This has been the best birthday ever!
I said.
I know.
We just saw the sky, the ocean! Can you believe it? It’s up there. It’s all really up there,
I screamed in delight.
Her eyes widened in delight. I know. I can’t believe it.
Joy surged through me. It’s gonna be so hard not to tell anybody.
We have to keep it a secret.
I know. I feel like screaming it from the rooftops, but don’t worry. My lips are sealed.
Her gaze narrowed. Sky...
I have to tell Brett. We can’t possibly keep a secret like this from him.
I guess it’d be all right to tell him. I know he can keep his mouth shut, but nobody else.
I swear. Mum’s the word.
You’ve kept all my secrets, so I trust you.
I promise,
I said, nodding. Hey, what do you think they were talking about? The one man said it was great to see old friends, which I can understand, but the other told him not to get too attached.