Amber Stone and the Dead Doctor Chapter 3.1
After Amber and Auntie Leona leave Marble School, they have an important conversation in the car.
“Janice needs to grow a backbone,” Auntie says inside our black SUV. “Don’t worry; we will deal with those girls. Maybe then they will be made an example of, and the Elite students will leave the Median students alone. Maybe we can get a personal protector to escort you to class.”
I pick at a loose thread within the seams of the gray upholstery. “It wouldn’t have been a problem if I didn’t have this eye patch on my face.” I shove a finger toward my left eye.
We pull away from the school. I look past Auntie’s head as we drive further and further away from the dome-shaped building. It disappears after we take a right turn. We enter a cluster of forest green trees, the leaves and branches overhead twisting and interlocking with one another.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Amber; it wasn’t your eyepatch. It’s because of who you are.” She switches seats to my side and gently removes the patch, revealing the secret that only we know.
My head lowers out of habit. Auntie cups my chin, tilting my head up, until my gaze fixes upon her gaze, aqua eyes peering into mine.
“The eye is turning more silver by the day. The difference is inevitable. I tried to get an appointment this week, but the closest opening is not until a few weeks from now.”
I scowl and slump. “Does this mean I still have to wear this thing until then?”
“Yes, it’s for your safety.”
I grit my teeth. “Well, look how that turned out. If I hadn’t defended myself, who knows where I would be now? Dead!” the words spill out faster than I can think until I realize what I have done. I’ve said too much, damn it!
“Defend yourself? What do you mean?” Auntie prods.
“Nothing, they tied me to a tree; I was completely powerless.”
“Did you use your abilities?”
“No…”
“Don’t lie to me.”