Mira's POV
" You need what? " My father looked very concerned and shocked when I said what I said.
" I said I need money. At least tell me where to get it or how to get it. "
Guardian Yvonne started to laugh from the back.
" What's so funny? " I was rather confused. " A man almost got me into trouble because I didn't have any money. Thank goodness, a girl named Stella dropped by. She said she knew me and she gave the man wha he wanted and then he let us both go. I don't want to be in that situation again. Stella wanted to take me to a hotel tomorrow. I need money. "
Guardian Yvonne's smile suddenly vanished. He sat up on his chair and looked at me with a frown between his eyebrows.
" Who want you to take it to? A hotel? Why? "
" To meet someone I apparently know. I want to go. Please, father. " My father froze when I turned towards him. " You told me I had to pay a prize for my memories. I want them back, so bad. I want to remember what my life was back on this planet. I really do. I need to fill this void inside my father. Please."
Guardian Yvonne came closer to me.
" Mira, you must know that you are living in hiding. Your old identity is not safe. You cannot go around meeting people you used to know. That would be very unsafe. "
I looked at both their faces. I knew that I was not getting any help from the two of them, so I silently retreated inside the room that they had given me and locked myself in.
The next morning, I woke up before the rest of them got up.
Martha was busy making something in the kitchen.
I quickly pulled my hoodie up and slipped out of there, without making any noise.
I just left a note saying,
" Don't worry, I will be back before sun down."
I hopped a little as I walked. I was missing the seamless flow of Chemora already. We could glide and live over the surface. It was so much cooler and easy.
When I put my hand inside my pocket, I found something inside. I felt a sharp edge of something. I pulled it up and it looked like a card and there was a note attached with it.
" I knew you would be slipping out so I kept this inside your hoodie, just in case you needed it. This is a credit card and it has money. The code is **** . Use it only when in dire need. You need to swipe it or tap it to make your payment."
There was a drawing under the note explaining the process vividly.
" Don't go about asking stupid questions that might arouse suspicion. Enjoy yourself but be careful."
I wondered if Guardian Yvonne had always been this nice and considerate towards me.
I took a detour and walked around the place this time.
I had my doubts whether or not Stella would show up, but there she was, smiling and waving at me.
" Just in time. I have the morning shift. Let me treat you to the hotel's brunch. Don't forget to fix me for a date with your guy friends, alright? "
She winked.
She held my hand as she pulled me inside a lavish looking palace. The place looked beautiful. It had mirror works all around and the lights were still shining bright inside, even though it was day time.
" This way! " Stella guided me towards the other side.
" So, what are you doing these days? Still studying? Or working? " I shook my head. I don't know what she understood but she nodded.
" Here we go. Help yourself. I will just grab a coffee and head over to work. You can be around in the lobby area, read some books in the library or play some games to kill the time. We will catch it again when it's lunch time. My shift gets over by then. Is that cool? "
She asked.
I nodded as she left.She slid a card in my hand.
" Use this voucher to pay at the end. This is my employee pass. It covers everything. So dig away. Don't worry about money. "
That was a relief.
The spread looked delicious. It had everything one could ask for. Food of all shapes and colors.
I grabbed a table and began picking up a couple of things to taste.
I went to the very corner and took a spot near the window. There were a lot of people and there was a lot of noise of people talking and plates and cutlery clashing, side by side.
" My! Oh! My! "
My head turned as a hand touched my back.
" Is this not the damned abomination! " It was a girl almost my age, who screamed.
"Good to see you alive. I thought you were a goner. Kian did manage to save you, didn't he. He always gets what he wants. What about your other lovers? Why are you here all alone?
Is Kian here? Whom did you come here with? "
She kept looking back and forth as she talked with me as if expecting someone else to pop up.
It was difficult for me to keep up with her conversation but something about the boys made me want to hear more about them.
" Kian? Is he supposed to be here? "
I finally asked, trying to play along, not trying to be obvious.
But it did not go as planned.
She stood straight up and looked me up and down.
" Excuse me! How am I supposed to know where Kian is b*tch? You snatched my fiance away from me and now you are trying to make fun of me?
Is it because his grandfather is here? Does that give you authority over me? "
Her eyes were turning violent.
" You wish, girl! You wish. Last time, I couldn't teach you a proper lesson. This time I won't let you go. "