Arthur Lewis
I looked around hoping to see if my sister was in this crowd with us but there were just too many people. The man in the mask said that he was going to take her to get a medical checkup and I’d get to see her once they announced rooms but I’m still worried for her. Suddenly a distorted voice caught everyone’s attention.
“Welcome, everyone thank you all for joining us. My name is Shane August welcome to Heaven. You are all here to help find the cause of this power awakening from people around the world. Of course, you will have a place to sleep, eat, and a place to relax. All we ask is that you listen out for announcements and give your all on the tests we give you. Sadly for those who are not able to complete or do satisfactory on these tests, will no longer be allowed in the facility.” People started murmuring amongst each other and there was this uneasiness in the air.
“Alright, now time for your rooms. You will all be put into rooms of 2, if you hear your number please head to that designated room. Whoever you end up with will be the person you must stay around at all times for the remainder of your time here.” As he said many different numbers and their pairs it took a while before I heard mine.
“Numbers 252 and 277 will be in room 32” Nakita and I both looked at each out at the same time then at our numbers.
“I guess we are in the same room,” I said awkwardly
“Yea,” he said turning around to walk and find the room. I made one last scan of the room but still didn’t see my sister at all then noticed Nakita was walking far ahead and quickly caught up to him.
“Hey wait up. Shane said roommates have to stick together at all times remember” I said once I caught up. He just kept walking and sighed. Did I do or say something we really only talked for a little bit. Maybe he wanted a girl roommate or something. Once we got to the room he laid down on one of the beds as if he had a long day. Now that I’m thinking about it he does look really pale. Is he okay? Then the wall that was in between our beds flashed and showed a screen of numbers and names pared in rooms. At the top, it even showed the amount of people which was 404 people. I immediately scanned through the names to look for my sister.
“There, number 251 in room 84. she’s there we need to go to room 84”
He sighed “For who, your girlfriend”
“No, my sister she’s 7 years old and I need to see if she’s alright, especially with someone else.” Nakita got up from his bed and did a little stretch
“Alright, let's go”
As we walked through the hallways and filled signs that truly showed how vast of a place this was we eventually found room number 84. I knocked a few and waited for a response but there was no reply.
“Hey is there Ellie Lewis in this room? I just wanted to-” The door creaked open and only opened halfway revealing a beautiful white-haired girl who looked to be my age. She had a unique eye color that seemed black at first but had thin white strings that revolved around the iris.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
‘What do you want” she said in a cold voice
“Oh sorry I was just wondering if my sister was here,” I said while trying to peek around her but she was standing in the way.
“Arthur?” I saw Ellie peak from behind her her face immediately lit up when she saw me and immediately ran past her towards me. I hugged her tightly washing away all my worries.
‘You alright” I said checking her temperature with my hand.
“Yeah,” she giggled pushing my hand away. It's only been two days since I last saw her but she was already looking healthier and did not look as pale.
“Freija has been helping me like mommy” She then ran back to the girl and hugged her too.
“Sorry for my rudeness I've already met some crazy people upon coming here. Once she told me that her brother was somewhere else in the building and her mother was out finding a job, I did my best to keep her away from anything.” guilt washed over me when I heard her talk about my mom. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her what really happened, not yet.
“My name is Freija.”
“Arthur,” I said shaking her hand
She then looked behind me to Nakitia who I completely forgot was still here.
“Nakita,” he said just standing there. Ellie ran past me to Nakita and grabbed onto his pants.
“Are you from America because you look strong like Daddy” Nakita flinched in surprise when Ellie grabbed him. My heart sank not really knowing what kind of person Nakita is. But to my surprise, as I was about to apologize and pull her away he kneeled down and patted her on the head with a subtle smile.
“No I'm Russian but I'm sure you're just as strong” he flexed his right arm showing a good amount of muscle with scars that covered them. “Now show me how strong you are.” she rolled up her sleeve and tried to flex her small arm and even put on a mean face. Everyone acted amazed and laughed.
“Attention lights will go out in 10 minutes please get a good night's sleep as you will take your first test in the morning.” an announcement said throughout the hallway came from the room. I felt worried for Ellie I wish I could help her more, but if this is the price for her living happy Ill do my best so that we can both stay here.
“Alright I have to head back to my room Ellie we can see each other after the test okay.”
“Okay,” she said happily. Seeing her happy is all I need. I looked at Nakita and he smiled and waved back at Ellie before we headed back to our rooms and it felt amazing to finally sleep on a bed again.
A pleasant bell sound began to ring repeatedly.
“Good morning please get ready and order your breakfast meals tests will begin at 9 am”
I yawned and stretched as I got up from the bed. I looked over at Nakita and saw him still sleeping. I went to the bathroom to take the first real shower I've had in a while then changed into another white outfit that had my number on it and brushed my teeth with one of the toothbrushes on the counter. Once I got out I saw Nakita doing pushups without his shirt on. He was in very good shape even though he seemed skinny he had very refined muscles but was also covered in scars and bruises.
“Hey, are you sure you should be working out right now you look hurt.”
“I'm fine,” he said heading to the bathroom. I noticed that the wall that displayed the room numbers yesterday had turned into a breakfast menu and it said a order was placed for Nakita at the bottom of it and needed me to order for it to go through. I picked the eggs and pancakes one which seemed delicious and said it would arrive in 30 minutes. Once Nakita got out of the bathroom someone knocked on the door then opened it and walked in with 2 orders and set up a small table on the ground and placed it there with two glasses of water before leaving quickly. I quickly ate my food then Nakita sat on the opposite side and chowed down on his food too. Then another announcement came on.
“Attention test rooms have been decided. Rooms 1 through 50 will now head to testing room 1, rooms 51 through 101 will head to testing room 2…” I looked at Nakita and saw him stuffing his mouth with as much food as possible.
“Failure to make it on time to your designated test room in the next 20 minutes may result in an expulsion from Heaven.” my eyes widened and I too began stuffing my mouth then got up to leave and Nakita followed.
Once rushed and followed the signs to testing room 1 we made it on time with 5 minutes to spare. Once we went inside it was filled with a bunch of people already sitting down at desks in different seats. we just quickly sat down in the back next to each other. Then a few people came in wearing blue shirts and began passing out tests and a pencil to everyone faced down.
“Before you begin your test if you are caught cheating or talking it will result in an immediate expulsion from heaven so please try your best.” I looked over at Nakita who seemed nervous then back at my paper which was turned over. I had no clue what kind of test this could be and was feeling nervous myself and even more worried for my sister.
“You may now begin, you have 30 minutes,” one of the blue shirts said walking around watching everyone.