Soul Cogs by Michelle Young

Author:Michelle Young [Young, Michelle R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mypureart

SOUL COGS

ASPEN

My sister's words are ringing in my ears before they're even uttered. You said we'd be taking a day off! Aspen, I thought you meant all of us, as in yourself as well! Sorry, Sissy, but I just can’t help myself. I need to make this aircraft prototype model. I know I'll hear every syllable of what she has to say later, and the worst part is that she'll be right about most of it. Who knows if Keagan will say anything, though; he barely even speaks to me now, let alone cares if I’m resting or not. He just seems so far away. When we were living at the manor, he always tried to tear me away from my work when I was pushing myself even the slightest bit too hard. Now he just pops out of the house without so much as a goodbye or a sideways glance.

Perhaps we really are just partners in this now...nothing more. My thoughts race and I misplace one of the steam tubes when it pops right off the engine. Shooting across the room with the steam fuming out like a whistling tea kettle as the sunlight strands glisten through it, my hands fly up into my hair, and I feel my frustration rising. I’m supposed to be relaxing, but all I know right now is uncertainty. I can’t even get this engine built properly, despite the long hours of testing and diagrams of different engines between Thomas, Uncle George and myself. What would Father think of me right now? Why do I still care about how he would see me? He's dead; and more than that, he betrayed us! I have the sudden urge to scream, but it scares me; this is no time to act like a child.

I finally slump to the floor, and not a moment after, I hear footsteps coming from outside the laboratory. I mustn’t let anyone see me in this state. I begin to crawl on my hands and knees, trying to find that missing piece that just flew off. Tears brim in my eyes the moment the door swings open and Uncle George comes in, muttering to himself. That is, until he sees me. “Aspen, what on earth are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be enjoying yourself out in London on your day off? It’s actually sunny out there for once. Why stay in here? At least sit by the fire with a nice read!”

“I know, I know, but—”

“You were the one to suggest it, and it sounded like you meant to include yourself in that. Did you not?”

“I did, but then I got to thinking that I really don’t have much time for that. I mean...come here and look at this blasted thing.”

“All right, I’ll humour you, but only for a moment. Then I want you to actually go and have some fun for yourself. Deal?”

“Look at this side where the steam connects to the engine. It simply won’t work with it.

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