Page 81 of The Order

“Most likely report it to an Official,” Kai says, only urging me to keep my mouth shut.

“I’m sure they’re from whoever decided to break our camera,” I say, scrunching my nose anxiously.

“You're keeping something from me,” Kai says silently, sounding the most serious he has this entire walk.

The smell of fresh bread from the downtown bakery hits my nose, and I can hear the quiet chatter of shopkeepers and patrons as people enjoy their day off. The stores are busy with life. The doors are constantly in motion, people carrying armfuls of goods in and out. The downtown area is lined with gray buildings, each made of concrete meant to support itself for years to come. Massive glass windows are plastered in each storefront, showcasing the goods within each business. Citizens scan their IDs to enter to keep Unfortunates out and away from the luxuries the stores provide.

“If I’m hiding something from you,” I say, rubbing my hand along my throat, “I promise it is for your own good.”

He looks hurt by my response, lingering back a few feet to process my words. I continue my march toward town, pulling my hood up again and ignoring Kai’s fluctuating emotional state. A wall shields the back portion of the shops. There’s a section low enough to jump over and make my way there.

I clutch my hand into the bricks, forcing my leg up and over the top, watching my brother's frantic eye movements as he surveys the area to see if anyone noticed.

“What are you doing? The path to the front of the shops is over here,” he whispers, tugging at my pant leg.

“Can you just try to trust me?” I question, shaking away his grasp on my leg.

He stops, letting out a deep sigh. Kai runs his hands through his curls. His mind is at odds, struggling to understand the world around him for the first time.

“I don't know what to believe. All I know is my sister hasn’t been normal for days, and my head feels like a jumbled mess. It feels like you are walking around with the weight of the world on your shoulders, and worst of all, you're shutting me out while you deal with it,” he says, his face filled with sorrow.

“I can only tell you so much,'' I begin, reaching my hand out toward him, “So you'd better learn to trust me if you want answers,” I whisper, waiting for him to walk away from all of this.

There's a moment of hesitation before he grabs my hand, forcing himself over the wall, too.

“Why are we walking behind the buildings?” Kai questions, anxiously fiddling with the buttons on his coat.

“So no one sees us,” I turn toward him, “I thought that part was clear,” I say, motioning to my outfit of choice.

“Is there any reason you are so avoidant of people all of a sudden?” he questions, looking at me with confusion.

I pause, trying to find the best words to say to him.

“Last night-”

A body moves before us, hurling a large beaten bag onto a wooden cart. I hear the figure grunt, struggling to force the bag off its slumped position on the ground. There are numerous baking supplies scattered amongst the bins out here. Some are older, while others are broken altogether. Kai puts his arm out, stopping me from taking another step. I watch the figure closely, seeing a familiar set of dark brown eyes and short brown hair. His dark complexion and kind smile are still visible from this distance.

“It's that Unfortunate who worked the booth at the movie screening,” Kai whispers. I shove his arm down, giving him a look of disapproval.

“I know,'' I whisper back, moving away from my brother and closer to Hunter.

Hunter’s head snaps up, looking more defensive the closer I approach. I see the worry flash over his face. The only thought I’m sure that’s racing through his mind is that I am here to hurt him. Quickly, I pull down my hood, watching his figure relax when he recognizes me.

“Sorry, no popcorn today,” he says with a smile, pausing his work of loading the supplies on the cart so he can wipe off his flour-coated hands.

“I know we’ve met before, but I'm Forest,” I start, reaching out to shake his hand. “Your name’s Hunter, right?” I question, feeling him hesitantly take my hand to exchange the gesture with a firm grasp.

I focus my energy on my brother, who I know wants to walk away, silently urging him with one look to come closer.

“It's the name my mom gave me,” Hunter says, smiling ear to ear. He leans over to observe Kai’s sudden presence. His arms are crossed as he watches us.

“Your twin?” he questions, and I’m surprised at the laugh that leaves me.

“Actually, I am a year older,” Kai says, making sure to answer the question with a snobby tone.

“Don’t be an asshole,” I hiss, nudging him in the ribcage.

He shoots me a look of confusion, looking between Hunter and the bags.

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