Knowledge was my companion, and my own mind would be my friend.
Of course, that didn't mean I was isolated from all human interaction. The fact that I was so often alone made me a perfect target for the newscasters.
On one particular Tuesday morning, I had just finished breakfast and was walking out of The Sphere when Sal approached, a trio of assistants in tow.
"Good morning, Sal," I greeted, nodding in turn at him, the man holding the light, the man holding the microphone, and the camerawoman.
"Good morning, Miss Breaker," Sal chirped, as his crew mumbled greetings. "How are you today?"
"Fair," I answered, as the man with the light adjusted it over my head, washing me in a cascade of warm, golden brightness. The light made me feel, well, lighter, and happier somehow.
The microphone dropped in front of me as Sal boomed: "Glad to hear it. Now, I know that our interviews lately have been pretty specific. Today, instead of hearing your opinion on a narrow topic, I'd like to get a little more personal. We get so caught up in broadcasting your opinions that we forget to show the viewers how Jada Breaker is doing day-to-day. That sound okay?"
"Yes."
"Alright then, let's get rolling. We'll just walk down this hallway here. Look casual."
Casual wasn't my preference, but I did my best to walk less stiffly and to put on an easy smile. The camera rolled in front of us, the unforgiving lens staring back at me with every step I took.
I took a deep breath. Sal held up three fingers, then two.
"Ready."
"And we're here now, live with Jada Breaker. In the past few weeks, we've been privileged to hear this young woman's insights on a variety of topics. Today, though, she's just going to tell us about her own life. So, Miss Breaker, how is your summer going?"
My attempt to force a show-stopping grin wasn't successful, so I just gave a little smile. "My summer is progressing nicely," I said. "Thank you."
"How do you spend your time when school's out?"
I spent my time uncovering and researching potential government conspiracies, but I thought it best to keep that to myself.
"Not much differently than when school is in session, really. I enjoy studying, so that takes up much of my time. I exercise, I cook, I play music. I do whatever I can that's engaging, I suppose." Sal glanced at his microphone handler with a silent I-told-you-so. The assistant patted his pocket, where the corner of a five-dollar bill peeked out.
"I'm not surprised to hear that, Miss Breaker. During the summer, though, I’ve always known you to spend some time socializing with friends and participating in group activities. Can you tell us a little more about that?"
I nearly stopped in my tracks. Other than my scientist friends in the basement, anyone who had ever cared to socialize with me was now either dead, angry, or Rowan.
"I . . . " Stalling for a moment, I tried to form an answer. "I've really been focusing hard on studying and on my role as Youth Ambassador. It's not that I don't want to socialize and participate in group activities, but I’ve been more inclined toward spending time with a few close friends this summer rather than a large group."
"Well," said Sal in that loud and enthusiastic voice of his, "that about wraps things up. We wish you all the best, Miss Breaker, and I hope that your summer is truly wonderful."
The camera clicked off, and I was finally free to stop smiling.
Sal looked at me sadly, waving his crew ahead as he hung back to talk to me. "That bad, huh?"
I nodded. "Socializing is not my strength this year."
He clapped me gently on the shoulder. "I'm sorry, kid. I really hoped you and the new guy would hit it off."
"Me, too," I remarked quietly. "I don't even know what he's been occupying himself with lately. I’ve hardly seen him."
Wrinkling his nose, Sal informed me of Rowan's latest exploits. "He's spending an awful lot of time with Charlotte Cassidy and her bunch."
"Really?"
"Really. And Charlotte seems very happy to have him around, if you know what I mean."
Picturing Rowan and Charlotte together made me more uncomfortable than I thought it should.
"Good for her," I told Sal.
"Bad for him."
"I know." Shaking my head, I added, "But there's nothing I can do. That’s his choice."
Sal nodded, punching my arm softly. "You've got a good attitude, kid. We're here for ya, and I'll keep an eye on him. Before we go, though, there's something important you've gotta know."
Sal's usually jovial expression darkened dramatically. His voice was now hushed, his tone serious.
"What?"
"The headmaster's been asking some stuff, okay? Stuff about you. He thinks you're poking around some of the databases and academic records, and I don't doubt him for a minute. Just lay low for a while, okay? I'll let you know when the danger's passed."
Sal’s warning warmed my heart.
"Thank you, Sal. I really appreciate your help. But I have to ask, is there any way I could have an hour tonight to do some more research? I might have found something big and I really need to keep digging."
Sal sighed. "Fine. From ten o'clock to eleven tonight, I'll keep the headmaster occupied. But please, be careful, and clean up after yourself. I don't want anything to happen to you."
A genuine smile rose to my lips. "Thank you again. That means a lot to me."
"Anytime. And if there is something big going on, I wanna know about it!"
"Don't worry, Sal. You will."
He gave me a grin before walking away, his crew trailing behind him once more. I smiled and sighed happily, content in the knowledge that someone was looking out for me.
However, I was even more unsettled to hear about the headmaster’s inquiries. As it were, the headmaster already disliked me, and I didn't want to give him any more reason.
Really, though, I had no choice. I had to find the truth, whether or not the headmaster condoned it.
Or, whether or not the headmaster was the one hiding it.
I started back to my dormitory. There was an entire day ahead of me, and I had plenty to do, but all I could think about was my plan for the night. I would have exactly an hour to carry out my research, and I needed to use every minute of it wisely.
Energized by the thought, I decided to visit the fitness complex after stopping by my room. For the first time in weeks, the universe seemed to be on my side.
∆∆∆
Though I was still electrified in anticipation of my upcoming research, my great day didn’t last as long as I’d hoped.
I distinctly remember wearing my favorite workout clothing to the fitness complex: a pale pink tank top, a short-sleeved grey jacket, and loose black shorts that fell to the middle of my thighs. Strolling into the gym, my blue duffel bag bouncing next to me with each step, I didn't think anything could ruin my day.
I should have known better.
At first sight, the section of the complex I entered seemed to be empty. Then, however, a short, scantily clad redhead appeared around the corner, her approach cloaked by a nearby punching bag.
"Hey, look who's out of her throne room!"