The Holders by Scott Julianna

Author:Scott, Julianna [Scott, Julianna]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Published: 2013-03-05T06:00:00+00:00

“It’s not going to hurt, is it?”

“It’s not going to hurt,” I assured Ryland, as we stood in the small rotunda outside the Inner Chamber. Jocelyn had a few last minute things to tell everyone before the test that Ryland couldn’t hear. Mr Anderson had stepped in to listen, and Ry and I were waiting for him to come back and get us.

“And I don’t have to do anything?”

“Nope, nothing. They are going to put this big bracelet on your arm, then give you a small metal circle to hold, and then it’ll be over.”

He kept fidgeting with his jacket button, nervously. “You’re sure that’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“Then why is everyone acting like it’s a big deal.”

“Who told you it was a big deal?”

“No one told me it is, but they keep telling me it isn’t, and when something really isn’t a big deal no one ever says it isn’t, they just don’t say anything. People only say things aren’t a big deal when they really are.”

I had to hand it to the kid, he was perceptive. “You’re thinking too much,” I said, trying to play it down. “I promise, you won’t even know anything is happening. And wait until you see all the cool stuff that’s in there,” I added, trying to move his focus.

Before he could argue again I heard feet on the other side of the door and realized Mr Anderson was coming to get us.

“Everything will be fine,” I said, stepping behind him, and placing my hands on his shoulders. “Just relax. You will be back in your room before you know it.”

The lock clicked and the door swung open, and there was… Jocelyn. It wasn’t Anderson at all. My hands tightened on Ryland’s shoulder, but my mouth stayed closed.

His eyes were on me for a split second before they darted away. He stooped down on his haunches, to be eye-level with Ry. “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” came the timid reply.

“Don’t worry, it won’t take but a second.”

As Jocelyn backed against the open door, so that we could pass by, I did my best to keep my expression impassive, and ignore the way his warm affectionate tone with Ryland sent stabbing pains to my stomach.

Ryland took a step toward the door, but then spun around and whispered up to me, “Are you sure it won’t hurt?”

I rolled my eyes. “Would I let anything hurt you?”

He dropped his head, resigned. “No.”

“Then what are you worried about?”

He gave me one more tentative glace before turning back around, looking up at Jocelyn who smiled, and walking into the Chamber. I meant to follow immediately behind him, but paused, glaring at Jocelyn.

“If that thing hurts him,” I whispered, chin up, looking him straight in the eye, “I swear to God, I’ll kill you.” Without another word, I stepped past him and through the door.

Min was already leading Ryland to the table in the center of the room, so I made my way over to where everyone else was standing and took a place by Alex.

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