Chapter 28 #2
When I said nothing, the woman hissed, “Your minder. Who is she?”
“Hilary Tantor,” I said, but only because I was too stunned to maintain my bravado.
“And your name?” the woman snapped.
“Arabella Murphy.”
“Well, Miss Murphy,” she replied in a haughty tone, “you should know that I’ll be reporting the incident to your minder and that this will go in your permanent file.
The Department of Fertility is tired of dealing with ungrateful women such as yourself and has revised the stipulations you must meet for compensation.
It’s going to be addressed at the briefing tomorrow, but just because you aren’t yet aware of the consequences for your actions doesn’t mean there aren’t any.
” She leaned closer, and even though her mouth was covered, I pictured an evil smile curling up her lips.
“If I were you, I’d learn to control that attitude before it gets you in trouble. ”
Stunned, all I could do was nod, and when Bette grabbed my elbow and whispered, “Let’s just eat,” I followed her automatically.
The line had moved on, the women around me who’d witnessed the altercation hurrying to get their food with their heads down. Even Malika, although she did risk a quick glance my way when Bette and I reached her. The fear in her eyes matched my own.
What the hell was this place?
Another minder was at the end of the buffet table, her arms crossed over her impressive bosom and her eyes sharp as she watched us load food onto our plates. She reminded me of a gargoyle.
“The MacGregor and music rooms have extra seating if you’re unable to find a place to eat in the restaurant.
Just follow the signs,” the woman told us.
“There’s also outdoor seating on the patio if you prefer that.
” Bette and I hurried past the imposing woman but had only made it a few steps before she repeated her obviously scripted lines.
“The MacGregor and music rooms have extra seating if you are – ”
I tuned her out.
“Where should we go?” Bette asked in a shaky voice.
“Not here,” I muttered even though there were multiple empty tables.
Malika had passed us in line but was dragging her feet, and Bette and I caught up with her before we’d made it halfway across the dining room.
“Outside?” She kept her voice low like she didn’t want anyone to hear.
I looked around, taking in the fertility counselors whose job titles had apparently suddenly been changed to minders, as well as the soldiers.
When we’d arrived in the dining room, I’d been so hungry I hadn’t paid attention to how many soldiers were present, but there were at least a dozen.
And that was just in this room. They were all armed with automatic weapons, too.
Why? What did they think was going to happen?
“Yeah,” I replied, as a sense of foreboding came over me. “Let’s get out of here.”
Bette, Malika, and I were silent as we wound our way between tables, each of us carrying plates piled with food that was now doubly repulsive than it had been before my altercation.
The thought of taking even one bite turned my stomach, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep it down if I tried.
The problem was, I was pretty sure that if I didn’t eat, one of the minders would notice.
Since I didn’t want to draw any more attention to myself than I already had, I needed to figure out a way to make it look like I’d eaten at least a little.
There were more soldiers outside. A lot more.
They patrolled the perimeter like prison guards, guns clasped tightly in their hands and their expressions stony.
I scanned their faces as I followed Bette and Malika to a table, searching for Ramirez.
Being outside, masks weren’t mandated, so he wasn’t wearing one, and seeing his entire face was a comfort.
Although not much of one. If only I could call Trevor and cry to him.
Since Bette and Malika – who I didn’t know at all but had admired since my first group session – were all I had at the moment, I shifted my focus to them as we settled around a table.
“What the fuck was that?” Malika hissed after she’d ripped off her mask, revealing a sneer that was almost as scary as the minder’s threats had been.
“I don’t know.” Bette’s voice shook as she, too, removed her mask. “But am I the only one who felt like I was going to get detention? I mean, that’s just weird.”
“Forget detention,” I muttered. “I felt like I was about to be thrown in a cell.”
When Bette’s eyes widened, I immediately regretted my words. I didn’t know why, but I felt protective of her. Like a big sister. Which was nuts because I’d never had a sibling.
Malika was nodding, but I barely registered it because I was too busy scanning the surrounding tables.
With their masks off, I was able to get a good look at the other women for the first time.
Like the group I’d come in with, they ranged in age, appearance, and race.
Despite our differences, though, we all had one thing in common.
We were all fertile, and because of it, we were property of the United States government and totally at their mercy.
It made me want to vomit, and the sensation only grew worse when more than a dozen chimes sounded.
I looked at my wristband while around the courtyard, other women did the same.
It was eight o’clock here, which meant it was time for a temperature check.
Again, I scanned the faces of the other women, wondering if any of them had just found out they were fertile, if they would be inseminated tomorrow, and when it would be my turn again.