Page 154 of Chemistry: The Chemist

The vibration of a cellular device had me combing the room for it. Unsure of where the vibrations were coming from or who had the device, I stalked the room for the source. To my dismay, the phone I’d been issued by the agency was dancing on the hardwood countertop.

Whatever was waiting for me on the other end, whoever was waiting for me on the other end, I wasn’t prepared for. The bit of solace Art and my mother offered hadn’t yet performed its magic, but a little conversation, laughter, and reassurance would do the trick.

I needed more time with them. More time to process my thoughts. More time to face my reality. More time with my very small community.

I watched until the buzzing stopped. Almost instantly, it began ringing again. With flared nostrils and an inflated chest, I answered.

“Hello?”

“We’re on our way up, Johanson.”

Silently, I closed my eyes and began releasing an exhausted sigh. Instead of responding, I ended the call. I hadn’t packed a single thing. I didn’t have the strength. They’d hauled my lover off to a black site where he wasn’t accessible to me or anyone else for that matter as he awaited a transfer. I’d never see him again a day in my life. I was still trying to comprehend the nature of the situation, yet they were here to haul me off to protective custody.

“Everything okay?” my mother asked, sensing my frustration.

“The team is here.”

“Protective custody?”

“Yes, Mom, and I haven’t put a single item in a bag. I need more time.”

“Don’t worry, Egypt. That’s what Art and I are here for. We’ll get started instead of sitting down for dinner. I’ve made your plate. Get something on your stomach.”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, baby.”

She scurried toward the bedroom where Art had already taken off to. The knock at my door left me with so many unresolved feelings. I slid my feet across the floor, hating how swiftly they’d made it to my door. I removed the latch, twisted the lock, and opened the door.

“Hello, Egypt.”

Thunderous coughs followed the introduction. My body stilled, my bowels threatened to move, and my bladder began to release small droplets of urine in my underwear. Chemistry’s father stood in front of me with Aden at his side.

“I… Uh… I… sor…”

The scrutiny was written all over his aging face. As if I had some sort of superpower, I heard the pinging of the elevator. Closing my eyes, I waited for my fate, but secretly prayed it was the team I’d let down for the man I loved rounding the corner.

My body ached, strangely yearning for the hot rounds to cut through my flesh. Death had to feel better than this. I’d rather my heart stopped than be in the amount of pain I was in.

Footsteps grew louder as they closed in. I could hear Bradford’s baritone but couldn’t make out what he was saying. The lack of urgency in his voice made me wonder if I’d reached his line of vision. Rooted in place, I tried silencing the hammering of my heart.

I’m sorry. My final thought ruptured my beating heart.

Sorry, Chemistry.

Sorry, Richie.

Sorry, Rhea.

Sorry, Roulette.

Sorry, Range.

Sorry, Roaman.

Sorry, Rugger.

Sorry, Royce.

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