Subject Twenty-One by A.E. Warren

Author:A.E. Warren [Warren, A. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781473590038
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2021-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

‘I wonder what it will be like?’ Seventeen signed for the third time.

‘How about we come back later and tell you every detail?’ Luca signed in response.

‘Promise?’

‘Hand on heart,’ Luca signed, exaggerating a swoon.

The Worker Profiling Department had asked that all the museum’s employees meet in the canteen at six o’clock. Luca had heard from the canteen staff that there was going to be a celebration for Fintorian’s one-year anniversary as Head of Thymine Base’s Museum of Evolution. From 4 p.m., the bathrooms had been heaving with people changing into their evening outfits. Elise had borrowed a navy blue silk dress from Georgina that clung tightly and emphasised the curves she had forgotten were there. The dress ended halfway down her thighs but Elise drew the line at heels and instead wore matching flat sandals that gently shimmered in the fading light. Elise had promised Seventeen that she would show her what she was wearing and had even been made to do a twirl.

‘You look beautiful. You’ve even done your hair nicely!’ Seventeen signed, standing in the opening to her shelter.

Elise bobbed a little curtsy. Luca grinned and put his arm around her shoulder. He was wearing a soft grey jumper with a white shirt underneath and Elise leant into him, enjoying the moment.

Seventeen looked appraisingly at Luca.

‘You look better,’ she signed, before making them promise that they would wake her up later if they found her asleep.

As they walked towards the foliage that circled the sleeping area, Elise glanced back at Seventeen. She was still watching them. Elise silently wished she could take Seventeen with her, even swap places for the day. She waved at her again and Seventeen responded by signing, ‘Enjoy yourselves.’ Smiling, Elise let Luca take her hand as he pushed aside the leaves for her.

When they emerged onto the bank of the stream, Elise stopped to watch the last of the light dancing on the water. The pod was completely still and she breathed in the clean air.

‘She’s right about one thing; you are beautiful,’ Luca said, pulling Elise round so that she was facing him.

He then slowly leant in and kissed her for the first time. Pulling away from each other, neither of them spoke for a moment. Elise matched Luca’s smile and they held hands, this time with their fingers entwined, not even letting go as they crossed the stepping stones together.

No one noticed Harriet enter the canteen except for Elise, who was sitting closest to the door. Luca was chatting to the tall girl Elise had first seen in the corridor a few months ago. He had introduced them and Elise had learnt that her name was Rosa, but after that, Rosa had directed all of her conversation to Luca. Elise looked around. She could see Georgina in the far corner. She couldn’t go over, though, as the announcement was about to begin.

Harriet cleared her throat a few times, but still everyone kept chatting. Eventually, she pulled out a chair and,

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