SWNOVELS Chapter 10: Threat
Two days ago, I was discharged from the clinic. The classes were scheduled to begin the next day. I felt a mix of emotions as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Nervousness engulfed me, and I started to think about packing, although I wasn't sure why I needed to do so. Taking everything in has been challenging thus far. The last people I saw before heading to the clinic were Rebecca, Dylan, and Christopher.
"Do you feel prepared for tomorrow?" Nathalie asked, shifting my attention back to the present moment. We were sitting in the kitchen, casually watching the news on TV. Nathalie had informed me that Ottawa Green didn't require students to wear a uniform.
I'm contemplating everything that's happening right now. I feel a sense of helplessness, as if I can only continue living my life without any concrete actions to change the situation. I can't bear the thought of losing more lives. What can I do to put an end to this? Shawn and Nathalie have stood by my side, and I'm grateful for their support. They've been guiding me in the right direction, and I should do the same for them.
"Hey," Nathalie's voice breaks my reverie, and I blink twice to refocus. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice her standing in front of me. I straighten up, still overwhelmed by what I've been processing in my mind. "Are you ready for tomorrow?" she asks. I take a deep breath before nodding. I should be ready. I must hold on to hope, no matter what challenges lie ahead, and be strong enough to face them on my own.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have a choice," I said softly enough for her to hear. She let out a long sigh.
"If you're still unable to attend, you can seek an absence slip," she suggested. I shook my head in response.
"I'll be okay. Maybe it's just natural for me to feel this way. I've been alone for so long, and I'm not used to seeing dead bodies. But I'm confident that I'll be able to handle it," I reassured her. She simply smiled and got up.
"Okay. I'll prepare dinner. They'll be joining us today," she informed me. This is the first time something like this has happened to me. Not only in Ottawa City, but also in the University, there have been several crimes.
She took a step away, heading for the kitchen. Shawn has a lot on his plate. He had previously stated that he would only meet me for supper. Shawn is easy to get along with. He's also friendly. But Nathalie has a different opinion. When Shawn is with other people, he isn't like that. At the same time, I'm both overwhelmed and intrigued. So, what are we now? He's been mistreating me in numerous ways, and I haven't told him about it.
I, too, stood up to follow Nathalie. I came across her getting ready to cook. She turned to face me when she became aware of my presence. I had no choice but to sit and watch her do what she did. I'm not sure how she manages to do things like cooking. She's also an ideal girlfriend or wife, so anyone who adores her will undoubtedly be unable to get enough of her.
I didn't learn how to cook from my father. We have a washing room in the mansion, as well as one here at the institution. Knowing the chores is no longer a challenge for me. In our mansion, I have my own large chamber with all of the fighting equipment.
Thoughts of Shawn and his training facility in the middle of the wilderness sprang to mind. Because of the quantity of things going on, I couldn't get back there. I'd like to go, and I'll get Shawn's permission first. I'd like to learn more and better prepare myself. I'm not sure, but something within tells me I'd have to plan, and my instinct tells me to go ahead and do it on my own. Fentanyl resurfaced in my thoughts as well. According to what I've learned, Shawn's parents are also involved. When the battle broke out, where was I? That's something else that's on my mind. Dad didn't mention the war, and he let me concentrate on my studies. Was I in my room at the time? What did I do for a living during the war? Reading? Did I sleep or did I have my training? That is something I am unaware of.
I sighed heavily once more as I was lost in deep thought. I was curious about the appearance of Fentanyl.
"Can you tell me what's bothering you?"
Nisha, get a grip on it! You have no idea what's going on because your mind is racing all over the place. I chastised myself for it. Mentally, I shook my head. This is insane.
"Nisha," Nathalie said, piquing my interest.
"Why?" I retorted.
"What are the things that concern you? I'm inquiring," I noticed her rolling her eyes as she responded. She might have been annoyed.
"May I ask?"
"You've already expressed an interest in finding out more. However, let it all out. What exactly is it?" To calm myself down, I sighed.
"Do you know how I can find out what Fentanyl looks like?" I clenched my fists, expecting to be chastised, but the scenario told a different story. We've gone silent, and I'm not sure Nathalie wants to address the question. She walked up to the table and sat down. I could feel my nervousness rising now that she was facing me, but I still stood firm deep inside. All I wanted to know was if there was a way out.
"Yes," I mentally celebrated in response to her statement. "But-" My shoulders sank instantly as a result of that word. Right! Why do I think my request will be too simple? Nisha, snap out of it. "Nisha, this isn't my side of the story to tell. What you desire is too private, and Shawn is the only one who can ensure you'll receive it. But I have my doubts. When it comes to you, he's too possessive, and I'm sure he won't grant your wish," I felt deeply saddened when she informed me. I agreed with her, but I didn't want to give up hope. I was sure I could press Shawn for answers. However, before I could say anything, a voice interrupted us.
Shawn interjected, "It's a big no." Both Nathalie and I turned to face him as he entered the kitchen. Nathalie took a seat next to me and smiled at me. Seeing Nathalie's smile, I raised my right brow inquisitively, and she simply shrugged in response. She got up and went back to what she was doing. "That's very hazardous, Nisha," Shawn remarked, and I pouted at him, letting my immature side show, but he didn't seem to mind.
"But Sha-"
"No buts," he said, cutting me off. "Do you want to perish as a result of that stupid laser? Just tell me," I shook my head and shifted my gaze away from him.
"What happened to the rest of them?" Nathalie asked without facing us.
Shawn said hesitantly, "They're coming." I simply let them go about their business, and in another fifteen minutes, the others arrived. They haven't changed much. Dylan immediately confronted Nathalie, and Rebecca continued to flirt with Shawn. He paid no attention to her, instead focusing on the meal and placing food on my plate. I felt uneasy with his actions. Rebecca's expression showed her displeasure, but she had no choice but to serve herself. I swallowed hard before starting to eat. The atmosphere grew tense, and no one dared to bother us as we ate in silence.
Then, unexpectedly, I heard Rebecca muttering the word "bitch." I immediately turned to face her, realizing I had heard her voice in my thoughts. Everyone stopped eating as they noticed my reaction. The tension in the room escalated.
"Do you think there's a problem?" Nathalie inquired, her concern evident. I continued to engage in an intense staring contest with Rebecca, who seemed taken aback by my reaction.
"Please don't refer to me as a slut. I'm not who you think I am," I calmly asserted, which was met with gasps from both Nathalie and Rebecca. I shifted my focus back to my food and ate in silence, ignoring their reactions.
After dinner, I retreated to my room, feeling disturbed by the encounter with Rebecca. Shawn understood and allowed me since I have class the next day. I was exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly, even though I hadn't done much throughout the day.
-
I was awoken by an alarm clock, though I wasn't sure if I had set it or if Shawn had done it for me. He often takes care of things in my room, and I've grown used to it, not having much to call my own in this vast space.
When I checked the time and saw it was six o'clock in the morning, I quickly got out of bed. My classes were scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m., so I needed to begin preparing right away. I hurriedly packed my belongings and headed for the bathroom.
In just a few minutes, I finished my bath and stepped out of the room. Nathalie was still sleeping, but there was food waiting for me on the table. I noticed a note and read it quietly.
"Allow yourself plenty of time to eat. Today, I'm on a mission. Don't be foolish."
-Shawn
I rolled my eyes as I slipped the note into my pocket. I didn't want to be late on my first day, so I quickly started eating.
Once I finished my meal, I immediately changed into my chosen outfit: slim-fitting trousers and a long black sleeve shirt. I put on my rubber shoes, making sure everything looked fine in the mirror. Satisfied with my appearance, I opened the main door, and the fresh air greeted me.
I hurriedly made my way towards the South House, even though it was a bit out of the way. But in my haste, I failed to notice a man standing in the middle of the road. The collision sent me tumbling, along with his belongings. Startled, I quickly got back on my feet and rushed to help him gather his things. As I picked up a sheet of paper that fell, I noticed some writing on it. To my surprise, it revealed that we were in the same division! He's my classmate. I was about to say something, but he lowered his head.
"Thank you. I have to go," he said, and I noticed that he seemed a bit nervous, almost like a nerd. I'm not sure why he's trembling. Since I didn't know him very well, I merely shrugged. I was ready to walk again when the paper caught my eye. I quickly picked it up and turned around to see where the man was going. I was going to trash the mail when something on the paper caught my eye. After reading it, I was stunned, and I started sweating profusely.
"You're going to die, Nathalie. Prepare yourself."
The message on the paper sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't believe someone would threaten Nathalie like this. I needed to find her later and show her the ominous note, but for now, I still had enough time to investigate the man that I bumped into earlier.