The Wood Chapter 8

Chapter 8~

            Sandaled feet slapping the cobblestone road. Waist length hair billowing behind her. Thoughts jumbling in Cos’s mind. Complete confusion and an unexplainable desire to collapse into her dear father’s lap like she used to when she would scrape her knee or got teased by children. He always was able to make the world seem right. Why did he have to die? Throwing open the front door and slamming it behind her she tromps up the familiar stairs to the upstairs room. The boys and Fin are wrestling in a heap. Abruptly Fin stops as he notices her tense body and slightly teary-eyed do eyed stare.

“Coal, watch the boys. Feed them left overs for lunch if you get hungry. Cos and I need to go for a walk.” Lowering his voice he whispers to Coal. “If anything is suspicious, something sounds or feels off, take the boys to the cave as fast as you can ok? I can’t take you guys there now or else they will know we know something’s up.”

Solemnly shaking his head, Coal’s eyes show he understands the severity of the situation.

“Come on, grab your coat lets go.”

Out the back door, to the back yard they go to the Wall. Giving her a foot up, Fin gently pushes Cos up and over the wall. Pulling himself over, he grabs her hand and runs to the Oak. In the blink of an eye they are arrive. Cos breaks out in tears and leans against Fin’s chest. After a few minutes of holding her close, he cuts in.

            “What’s wrong?”

            “I’m so confused. Everything I’ve been lead to believe is turning out wrong! I… how do we protect the boys and keep them safe from harm? What if I did make the mistake of taking them with me to the City? I went to see the king and I feel like I’m just now seeing things with open eyes. That man is just the face of the Elders. he has no power! And obviously does not care for me as I once thought him to…” Peering up into his eyes, he gently squeezed her arms reassuringly.

            “Cos, I’m so sorry. Sorry that it took you so long to see what I’ve seen all along. Now your hurt from the falsehood you were raised in. What can we do? Will you come out to the Woods? Bring the boys and live here? Or venture deeper in? The weather is beginning to warm up and it will be perfect for traveling.”

            “Yes, I think that’s what we should do… should we go back now and pack up?”

            “We cant risk anyone noticing you packing. How about I go back with you and sneak back over the wall. You can pack the boy’s things and yours, I’ll take Callabear back to the cave till dark. Then you three can join us as soon as darkness can protect you. I’d really feel more comfortable being with you but that would be too suspicious. And Bear is going to be the biggest handful to deal with…”

            Leaning against his toned chest, Cos sighs.

            “Come on, let’s head back and get started. The waiting till dark is going to be the worst.”

            Glancing up, Cossette realizes it’s only one p.m. Quietly, the couple make their way back to the wall.

            “Fin?” She stops short.

            “Hmm?” Cocking his head to the side he looks back where she paused a few steps behind him.

            “I know I’m probably just worrying, but whatever happens, do know you mean so much to me. I care about you in a way that I don’t quite understand…” She slips her arms around his waist. Cupping her face he lifts it up and searches her eyes.

            “Oh Cos, I’ve cared for you since I first met you. An awkward, sweet, concerned girl who grew up into a stunning young woman. I want to help you, to show you there is so much more to this world than this little cliquish society. But you have to take that step to me. I don’t want you to be dependent upon me. Whatever happens in these days to come, and they are looking bleak, I hope to be near you.” Lowering his head he plants a gentle kiss on her forehead. Going up on her toes she kisses him on his cheek, and whispers in his ear.

The Wood Chapter 7

Chapter 7~

The following day, Saturday, Cossette heads out midmorning to the Library to check records of any recent moves. Walking into the dead quiet marble floored room, she heads to the long table in the middle of the spacious room laden with books of records. Going to the head of the table, she searches for the Aldins’ paper work; it’s all kept in alphabetical order.

Flipping through the volume A, the name she searches for is isn’t there. Scanning through a little closer, the Aldins’ name is completely nonexistent. The Akluse’s name is followed by Amners. All of the Aldins’ records are gone, when they got married, when they had their children, when their grandparents had died, everything is gone. An idea sparks in Cos’ head. Running down toward the end of the table she finds Volume Q and searches for Quilyne, Fin’s father’s name. His job position, when he joined the City, who he married, all of the basic information that’s kept on each member of the society was not there. Like he never even was here. Flipping a few pages over she finds Quitter’s name. Under where he lives the address of the old lady he had stayed with years ago is still listed. Like he never moved.

What is this? Who has been messing with the records?? Hmm… Another idea pops in her head. Finding her own last name she begins searching for her parents information. They died ten years ago, shortly after her 12^th birthday. Cossette can’t find their names. Only their birthdates and deaths. No information about what they used to do or when they married. Like their very existence had no meaning at all. Her father helped design and strengthen the Wall after the City had been attacked! Her mother was the best female doctor before she quit when she married.

Fury and confusion swam inside Cossette’s mind. Taking off into a dead run she dashes to the King’s house, just a block away. Telling the secretary behind the desk that there is an emergency with the school, she is immediately ushered in for an audience with the King.

“Ah, Cossette my dear, how are you?” The King and Cossette’s father had been close friends when he was first sworn into the royal family. He has always been like a second father to Cos.

“Hello sir, I’m fine but I have couple questions-”

“About the school, yes. I’m afraid your idea about adding an upper floor and hiring another teacher for the older students simply won’t fit into the budget. But we can higher on another teacher’s aid if you would like.”

“Sir, I didn’t come to discuss that. What happened to the Aldins? Little Anna and Alfred weren’t at school yesterday and no one was at their house, so I checked the records but they had been removed!”

“Ahh yes the Aldins. The entire family was expelled Thursday night. Mrs. Aldin was planning to hold a fundraiser for the school’s upper story by selling unapproved art made by the children. Mr. Aldin did not report the idea to the Elders and was supportive of the plan! When we tried to talk to the children why that was not an acceptable way, they were not receptive. They have been brain washed by their parents. Sadly, we had to expel the entire family to the Tower. Now Cosy dear, this information must not be told to anyone alright my pet?”

“You.. you what? Why? It was just a fundraiser! I saw several of the children’s art that they had begun to work on for the art history lessons I’ve been teaching. They weren’t religiously based or offensive in any way. Just pictures of trees and animals.”

“About that art history lesson. Did you get the approval of the Elders before teaching new material?”

“No, I didn’t think it mattered. All I’ve been teaching them is how to use different kinds of mediums, like water color or charcoal. And I made sure the children understood the rules of the society. You expelled an entire family over a fundraiser?”

“I did not, the Elders did, but I supported their decision. The couple was given several opportunities to admit to their mistakes, we would have expunged the matter, but they refused. But Cossette, for going behind the Elders back you are suspended from your position for a month. The teacher’s aids will take over until then.”

“What? Are you mad! Only I can handle 35 students in all different grades in one room! I didn’t do it on purpose, call a meeting with the Elders, I will apologize.”

“It’s not that simple. You are on the watch list, I’m sure you know that. You committed an infraction, that’s one warning and a discipline. Watch yourself Cossette, I also suggest you break contact with that forest friend of yours. And you need to enroll the three charges of yours into the Records as soon as possible. This is not a suggestion, as your King I command it or else you will be committing another infraction. Is that clear?” Peering down at her from his tall chair he gives her a look like a father scolding his misbehaving child.

“Of... of course. I’m sorry I’ll get right on that.” Stunned and confused Cos turned to go.

“That’s a good girl Cossette, I knew you would understand.” A warm smile in his accomplishment took over. It looked more like an evil grin to Cossette.