Chapter 3
What has happened for five years was between me, Gabriel and the Giver. Of course, I had forgotten that I had told Gabriel to stay hidden outside. There was silence and it felt awkward for both to be sitting like that, facing eachother. Jonas finally asked, "I'm guessing that girl, Katherin, will be turning twelve this year, if I remember correctly."
The Giver shook his head as he told Jonas, "No. The Elders have asked me to give her trainining starting this year, though. I really hate to do this, Jonas."
"I know, Giver," Jonas quickly replied. Suddenly, Jonas got up as he said, "I'll be right back. I forgot that I left Gabriel outside."
When Jonas brought Gabriel in, the Giver looked astounded as he said, "Never have I thought that the child that was supposed to be in the Ceremony Of Release specially made for newborn would turn out to look like this! I supposed he don't fret as much, does he, Jonas?"
Gabriel looked confused as he asked, "What does he mean?"
Jonas nervously coughed as he asked, "Do you have the memory of the boat floating on the water at night?" When Gabriell nodded, Jonas quickly said, "I got that memory from this man and I had given it to you by mistake when I touched you in middle of the night because you were screaming and crying. But that was before I ran away with you in my bike five years ago."
Trying to avoid explaining to Gabriel about the entire story of that night five years ago, the Giver, Gabriel and Jonas talked for hours and hours of what they were going to do. When morning finally arrived, the Giver quickly said, "Today's the day when they give out the newborns. You may stay with me at the back of room if you wish, Jonas. But it would be safer if Gabriel stayed in my room until the Ceremony Of Fives, which will be five days from today. He is more than welcome to read my books, considering that's what he's used to."
Jonas looked doubtfully at Gabriel as he started to beg, "Please, Jonas! I want to see what books he has! I could keep myself entertaind for awhile!"
Jonas gave a small smile as he replied, "I don't see why not."
As Jonas and the Giver walked out of the room, the Giver assured Jonas as he said, "Don't worry, Jonas. No one will ever think about going into my room and no one will question you as long as you have that old robe of mine on from years ago."
By the time they arrived at the auditorium, all the seats were filled and the ceremony have begun. For hours, Jonas stood there and listened to all the names of the newborn children as they were given away to the family units. When it finally ended, the Elder announcing the names finally said, "Five years ago, on the day of one of the twelve ceremonies, we have lost our Receiver named Jonas! Because of that, a lot of terrible memories have come back to us, including the war and blood!" There was murmur going around for about two minutes, but setteled down once more as the Elder continued saying, "Jonas's family unit asked us not to give them a newborn child in replacement of their son until six monthes ago!" The Elder raised up a newborn child and cried out, "This child will be the new Jonas in replacement of our lost Receiver Jonas!"
Jonas started to panic as people started to murmur his name, slowly getting louder and louder. He didn't even think that he cried out, "STOP!" When people turned to look at him, silent, Jonas felt his face burn as he quickly said, "I'm sorry, but the Receiver Jonas is not dead! I'm the Receiver Jonas!"