Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 127712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Locke is the one who found me in prison. And maybe you remember this, or maybe you don’t, but he’s the one who found you too.
He found you because of me.
I told him where you were.
I told him to go get you.
I told him to put you in the program.
Actually, I thought he was going to kill you. I thought that was my payment. I agreed to take the drug if Locke had you killed in prison.
I pause again to let out a long breath of shock. I know this part. Obviously, I just saw the fucking movie version playing on the screen back in that ballroom, or whatever. But what I don’t know is how it got that bad.
What did I do to make Travis hate me? What did I do to him that was so bad that he not only wanted me dead, but then decided that giving me to these sick people would be a satisfactory alternative?
Only one way to find out, Nova.
Keep reading.
The next year was junior high and we were in two classes together. English and history. You did all my homework. You’re the only reason I passed seventh grade. Your brain, Nova. It was amazing. You were amazing.
I knew I loved you back in third grade, but you weren’t interested in me like that.
You were interested in everyone else but me like that. The memories of you jerking off the football team, or whatever, those were real. I’m sure, like positively sure, that Mercer left those memories in for a reason.
I know what you’re thinking now. Did they use you like this—sexually, I mean—every time they changed your history? Did Locke beckon you into the woods every time? Did Mercer treat you like a dog every time?
No. They didn’t.
They are desperate, Nova. They are desperate to keep you happy in this fantasy world because they are very close to completing these trials. And they need you to accept what was done and be a good little clinical-trial participant. They need you to sign all the papers, and do all the interviews, and act like this drug saved your life.
And this is why I’m telling you the truth. Because if you want out, now is the only chance you’ll get.
I have your out.
In fact, we’ve already had this discussion. The plan is well underway now. There is no real way to go back because you’re pregnant...
I gasp out loud, then look at Travis. He puts a finger up to his lips in a shushing motion. Later, he silently mouths. Then, out loud, “Everything OK, Nova?”
“Sorry.” I scramble to come up with a reason for my gasp. “I was falling asleep, then kinda jerked awake.”
“It’s OK. Would you like more tea?” He nods his head, telling me to accept, and I do. Though he doesn’t make me more tea, just picks up my still-full cup and clinks a teaspoon around for a few seconds to give off the impression that this is actually happening.
I look back down at the little notebook and continue reading.
There is no real way to go back because you’re pregnant and Mercer is the father.
I close the book, and my eyes, and lean my head back against the leather seat. I’m tired, I realize. And sad. And sick.
I thought the queasy feeling in my stomach was because I hadn’t been eating. And that still might be true, but it’s more than that.
I’m pregnant.
With Mercer’s baby.
When? How?
Olsen taps me on the arm. I open my eyes and find him pointing to the book.
I sigh, and nod, and open it back up.
There is no real way to go back because you’re pregnant and Mercer is the father. But there is a way to make this right. There is a way that I can forgive myself for getting you involved and a way that you can forgive yourself for what you did to me.
There is a way that we can both walk away from these sick fucks and never look back.
And I will be there for you, Nova.
I promise with all my heart that I will be there for you.
All you have to do is play your part.
There are many more pages in this book that need to be read, but Olsen reaches over and gently takes it from my hand. “We’re here,” he says.
And I realize we’re at the airport.
“Patricia would like to talk to you in person, Nova.”
I almost have a panic attack. But Olsen’s hand is right there on my arm to calm me down. His eyes are locked with mine, telling me not to react.
“I’m taking you back to the island and you will meet Patricia on the top floor of the library.”
With this revelation comes a flash of memory. My first day on the island—oh. Well, the most recent ‘first day,’ I guess. I was in the library and that girl came up to me. Eliana, I think her name was. Torres. Yeah, Torres. She said I should check out the top floor, but I decided to be sociable instead.