"Honey, you'll do fine. Trust me." My mother smiles and brushes back my brown hair that curls around my face. "We all had to go through this." She leans forward and gives my forehead a light kiss. I hug her, taking in her warmth. "Alright, Evi. Time to go." She looks at me once more and turns, opening the door. "It'll only be a few days. I promise." I nod slightly, not looking at her.
I turn towards my mirror and look at my reflection, blinking away tears that form in my brown eyes. I take in every feature, my shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes, normal roundish-heart shaped face. 'Why would they pick me?' I smooth down the front of my brown dress and take a deep breath, turning away from the mirror and back to the door, counting my steps.
I walk down the stairs and before I reach the end all conversations stop. Everyone watches me as I slightly jump down the last step. I look up and see sorrow in all their eyes. Some people I didn't even know. I clear my throat and look to where my mother stands. She gives me a small smile when she sees me look, and holds out her hand. I walk up to her and take it, watching the others as I get pulled out the front door to the car.
I shake my head and get into the back seat, shutting the door and buckling my seat belt. I look back out the window at them and watch a few of them wave goodbye, some crying, some giving small smiles. I watch them until they fade out of sight. I turn back around and look at my mother who looks like she's about to burst into tears. I wish I could speak out to her, to reassure her that it will be alright..but I can't. I never will be. I turn to look back out the window and watch as the trees fly by, just like time. I lean against the seat and rest my eyes, falling asleep.
The car jolts forward, and my eyes snap open. I look out the window and see that it is now nighttime. We are parked outside of a giant building. I look back at my mom and she turns around in her seat, tears flowing down her cheeks, but she holds onto the smile, keeping it on her face. "Eviene..you know I love you..no matter what." She reaches forward and strokes my cheek. I lean into her touch, closing my eyes. I wish that I could tell her how much I love her, how much she means to me. But I can't. A tear slides down my cheek and I open my eyes, staring into her own brown ones.
She slowly takes her hand away and gets out of the car, walking around and opening the door for me. I get out and look at her, then rush forward, wrapping my arms around her. She hugs me back and we stay like this for a few moments before someone comes out, holding the door open for us. We walk slowly to the door and I look at the man holding the door. 'He's one of them.' "Welcome. Front desk is just a few steps ahead." He laughs. "You wouldn't believe how many people can get so lost." His smile falters when he looks into my eyes, but he quickly fixes it.
I turn my gaze away and look at the front desk. As we get closer the lady behind it stands, holding out her hand and my mother shakes it. Her name tag reads 'Rose.' She smiles and speaks to my mother. I let go of mothers hand and look around, walking over to the fish tank. I watch the fish swim around, swimming in circles. I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I look at Rose, who has a smile on her face. She leans down slightly, coming to my height. I may be 17, but I am kinda short.
"Hello. I'm Rose. What's your name?" Rose addressed me, but I looked at my mother, who jumps forward. Rose looks at both of us in confusion. I turn back to the fish tank as my mother explains.
"Eviene can't talk. She's never been able to since she was born. We have no idea what caused it." I feel their eyes on my back, but I keep my head high and watch the fish. "We've tried sign language, but she could never wrap her mind around it. She can hear us just fine, she just can't...respond." I breath in and hear Rose breath out.
"Well...this is..." I feel her hand on me once more and I turn back around. I meet her eyes and sorrow is as clear as any day. I look down. 'Everyone treats me as a child..' I shake the thought away, but keep my eyes down. Rose clears her throat. "Would you like to see your room for the next few nights?" I keep my head down and I hear Rose clear her throat again.
Rose turns and walks away, but stops at the front of a hallway. I look up to my mother and she frowns at Rose for a moment, before it turns into a smile and she shines it upon me. I give a small smile back and grab her hand, clinging close as we reach Rose and walk down the hallway. I look at each door as we pass them, each one with the same style but a different number. All the doors are white and windowless. We continue pass rooms on end until we come to a stair case and climb up. We continue when we come to the top of the stairs, but stop at room 493. Rose brings out a key and unlocks it, letting the door swing back lightly.
I let go of my mothers hand and walk in slowly. My eyes rake around the room. A large T.V sits on a stand and a couch sits in front of them. Another room connects and I walk over, brushing my hand across the top of the couch, feeling the soft fabric. I walk into the other room and see a twin bed with a nightstand. My mother slips her hand around my shoulders.
"Oh Evi...you're going to..be in good hands." I could tell she was going to say something else, but it got caught and changed into something else. I look up to mom and gave her a small smile, trying to hide that my body wants to shake uncontrollably with fear. I wrap my arms around her waist and hug back, not wanting to let go. My other was the only support I've had..I don't want to let her go.
We both turn back to Rose, who has a small smile plastered to her face. "Well? Do you like it?" I look up at my mom first, but then look at Rose, giving her a small nod. Her smile grows winder and she motions for my mother to leave the room. My eyes grow wide and and I clutch onto her jacket. She leans down.
"Honey, I'll be back in a few days." She gives me a smile, putting her hand on my head and staring into my eyes. 'Everyone is saying a few days, but no one is telling me how many exactly.' I nod slowly and let go of her. She looks at me once more and stands, walking out the door without a single look back. Rose turns to leave, but turns back before she locks the door.
"If you need anything, push the red button by the T.V. Have a goodnight, Eviene." She smiles and leaves, locking the door. I stare the the handle before leaning back on my heels, looking around. I start to head to the bedroom when a voice suddenly speaks and I can tell it is not only to me.
"Cloning shall proceed tomorrow morning." My eyes widen and I lose it. My body crumples onto the floor and I shake, tears falling from my eyes. I look at my hands and watch as tears fall into them.
'You could die tomorrow.' I grab my head, shaking. 'You could be one of the unlucky ones.' If I could make any noises, I bet I would be screaming as the fear takes over. I sniff and try to pull myself together, at least enough to crawl up and onto the bed. There I cry softly into my pillow until I fall asleep.