Chapter Eight: The Promise

Gemma sat in the white cube looking up at the ceiling.
Gemma
I want to talk to Arkain. 
Hayden’s voice came out of the walls. 
Hayden
I’m afraid I cannot permit that. 
Gemma
Yes you can. Please, I only wish to speak to him briefly. 
Hayden took some time to respond. 
Hayden
Fine. Only because we do not want you to think you are a prisoner.
Suri sat with Arkain across the table. 
Suri
So, your mom, she probably misses you. 
Arkain
Yeah, I’m kind of mad because she probably thinks I ran away or something. 
Suri
That’s not good. If only you were in jail instead of here, at least you’d get one call. 
Arkain
Yeah. I just want her to know I’m alright.
She couldn't take her eyes off of him.
Suri
So you’re close to your mom? 
Arkain
You can say that. We’ve had our ups and downs like everyone does, but I love her. She means the world to me, I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to her. 
Suri
What about your dad? 
Arkain
I don’t know my dad. I do have a step dad named Philmore. He’s a good guy, loves my mom so I am fine with their marriage. 
Suri
Your dad left you? 
Arkain
I don’t know, my mom never really told me, she just said he couldn’t stay. I can’t say if he left because of me, or if he had another good reason. 
Suri
What reason would justify abandoning a child? 
Arkain
I don’t know, but I’m sure he has one. Sometimes it feels like he’s watching me. I don’t know how, but it feels like it. I always get an odd sensation on the back of my neck. I turn to see if someone is behind or above me, and nothing.
He touched the back of his neck.
Suri
Maybe he is watching. 
Arkain
I’m sure he’s not dead. 
Suri
I didn’t mean it like that. Just maybe he is watching, like you said, you don’t know, so don’t cross out the possibility. 
Arkain
You’re right. Change of subject, before I get all emotional. 
Suri
Last thing we need is a tear fest.
They laughed as Hayden walked in.
Suri
Father, Arkain and I were just getting to know each other.
They stood up.
Hayden
That is fine. 
Arkain
How are you, sir? 
Hayden
I was well when we last spoke, and I am well now. 
Arkain
Yes, sir.
Suri
Father, Arkain would really like to speak to his mother. 
Hayden
Arkain, Gemma wishes to speak in your presence. 
Arkain
Gemma? Where is she? 
He remembered he hadn’t seen her since this all began. 
Hayden
She is in a special room, I shall take you now. 
Suri
Can I come? 
Hayden
No, Suri, Gemma only wished for his presence.
Suri
Yes, father. 
Hayden
Now, Arkain, if you will. 
He gestured to the door, Arkain walked to it. 
Suri
Bye, Arkain.

Gemma sat in the white cube still, making circle motions with her fingers on the floor. 
Gemma
Krysin, we must get out of here. 
Arkain walked into the room. 
Gemma
Arkain! You came! 
She got up and ran and hugged him.
Arkain
Oh, Gemma, how are you? I haven’t seen you in hours. Are you okay? 
Gemma
I am fine, Arkain. No need to worry. 
Arkain
I would have came earlier but I had no idea you were here. 
Gemma
I don’t think anyone does other than the heads of this organization. 
She walked to sit back in her corner. 
Gemma
Sit, I’m sorry my cell is not more comfortable. I’d offer you a chair if I could. 
Arkain
Oh Gemma, this isn’t a cell, relax. 
Gemma
Isolation from peers and the world, nothing but me, I’d call this a cell, if not worse. At least cells have bars. 
Arkain
It’s fine, you’ll be out of here in no time. I’ll talk to Amros about why you’re in here. 
Gemma
They won’t let me out, Arkain. Even now they are monitoring our conversation. Every word and every emotion.  
Arkain
Paranoid much? 
Gemma
One who knows cannot be paranoid. 
Arkain
I guess. 
He sat down next to her. 
Gemma
Arkain, I have things to tell you. Dreadful things. 
Arkain
I thought so. 
Gemma
Is it possible, for you to hate me?
 She looked away from him. 
Arkain
No, why would I ever think of doing such a thing, you’ve been nothing but nice to me. 
Gemma
And so have you, to me. 
He tried to grab her hand but she pulled away. 
Gemma
I believe, you will hate me. If not now, someday, but I can only hope against that thought. Even if you did, I'd understand. I'd even agree with it. 
Arkain
Why are you saying this? 
Gemma
I’ve done something. It’s hard for me to say, but I know I must. 
Arkain
Say it. I’m listening. 
Gemma
The days I can feel are getting colder, the sun is no longer my friend, and the nights have never been darker. 
Arkain
What does that mean? Why are you going all poet on me? 
She continued. 
Gemma
My mind splits itself into what I think I know, and what I know. I’m looking for the right words, but they seem to have deserted me. 
Arkain did not know what to think. 
Gemma
All my life, I’ve only been able to see shapes and vague impressions of faces. I’ve always led my life blind, not seeing anything truly, until now. 
Arkain
What do you mean until now? 
Gemma
When you walked up to me on campus, 
She looked him in the face. 
Gemma
I could see you. Even now, you’re glowing in my sight. Like a sun in an ocean of dark space. Arkain
What? Gemma, are you serious? 
Gemma
Yes. Everything has been a blur all my life, except for now. You’re clear to me Arkain. 
Arkain
Gemma, that is amazing! I don’t even know what to say. 
Gemma
Happiness is always followed by darkness. 
Arkain
What does that mean, Gemma? 
She looked the other way again. 
Gemma
Now that I can see just you, I feel I am connected to you. Like the ocean and the shore. One without the other is lost and less significant. 
Arkain
What are you trying to say? Just say it.
Gemma
Arkain, Promise me no matter what I tell you, you won’t leave me. 
Arkain
Gemma, no matter what you’ve done, I won’t. 
Gemma
With everything going on Arkain, you’re all that makes sense right now. 
Arkain smiled, Gemma looked at his face. This time desperation so clearly could be read upon it. 
Gemma
Promise me you’ll always stay. 
Arkain
I promise. 
Gemma
Well- 
Hayden voice echoed through the walls.
Hayden
Arkain, please be aware, what you’re about to see won’t be easy to comprehend. 
The giant white wall now resembled a giant big screen TV, Arkain and Gemma stood in front of it. A female reporter was on the screen. 
Reporter
There have been no witnesses on this incident. Everyone in the area did not see the man climb the giant oak tree here in this quiet park. Although the park was filled with members of the community, as well as children, no one saw the man jump and hang himself until it was too late and the man was already gone. 
She put her hand to her ear. 
Reporter
Yes sir.
She looked back at the camera. 
Reporter
The man has been identified as local resident and lawyer Philmore West. Earlier today Mr. West’s wife and the entire school she worked at were reported missing. Authorities are now searching for their son as we speak by the name of Arkain West, who has also been declared missing. 
The screen went black, Arkain fell to his knees.