Page 12 of The Commons

“People like your birth dad?”

“Exactly.”

“If he were here, he would be so proud of you.”

“I know. But he’s gone. Such is life! He did everything to give me the best until his very last breath.” Her eyebrows lower, knitting into a frown. “And if Dad hadn’t found me in that special shelter in Iceland when I was seven, I don’t know what would have become of me and...”

“We would have never met…” My voice breaks.

She stares at the wall behind me, like she’s wandering off into gloomy thoughts. My hands instinctively reach to comfort her, but she snaps out of it.

“Exactly. I would have no clue that I have a very emotional little sister who sucks at goodbyes.”

A slight smile escapes me, causing her to smile back, but her smile fades. “I would have never had the chance of a life like this. I wouldn’t have interned for the governor’s office or had the knowledge to even apply to such a prestigious school. You see why I can’t let this chance go to waste, can’t you? I have to use it. I’ve worked too hard for this.” Her hands shiver and she tightens her fists to control her passion.

“Yeah, I know.” I sigh. “I only wish it could be in a different way…”

“There is no different way.” Her eyes find mine. “This is the best, Shantavia.”

I tilt my head down and nod. “And you’re sure I can’t come?”

“Only parents and students are allowed on the island of Commonda. Cameras are everywhere. If I break a rule on the first day, I could face the dark dome.”

“The dark dome? What the heck is that?” My muscles tighten as I hold my breath.

“Nothing.” She flips her wrist like she’s flicking a mosquito away. “A rumor, that’s all.”

“That sounds scary. How is this school’s existence even legal? I bet you, if The Commons was not more powerful than the government, they would have been out of business before they even started. There’s a reason normal kids don’t go there!” My skin tingles and my stomach flutters, afraid of the sound of my own words.

“Mmm… maybe you should think about becoming a lawyer. That was like an entire monologue, girl! You have good oratory skills, I’ll give you that.” She raises her eyebrows with an uneven smile.

“Levon, stop teasing, I’m serious!”

“You stop! I still have twenty minutes, so come on, let me brush that crazy hair of yours.”

I jump out of my bed and pounce on my chair in front of my golden dresser. Staring past the decorative white light at myself in the mirror, I do not see me. I see my sister, but my heart can’t stop racing.

Who is going to take care of me like she does? Who is going to ask me how my day was after school? Who is going to listen to me ramble on about new books that I read? Who is going to hug me after a hard test? Tears cloud the corners of my eyes, so I turn my face away from the mirror to avoid Levon seeing me.

Levon is not one to entertain tears. Moreover, I know deep down, she fears The Commons, or she would not constantly remind me of their rules. I know my sister—Levon does not like conforming to systems.

She sprays some argan oil and brushes my hair. I relax my shoulders and enjoy her gentle touch one last time, knowing that I will not see her for the next four years—this is the worst rule of all.

“I guess…” My voice fades.

“Don’t miss me. Okay!” she commands.

“Okay, whatever you say.” I hold my tears back, rolling my tongue to distract myself from crying, but a tear falls down my cheek. I wipe it with my shoulder.

“You’re gonna be fine. Pretend like Mom’s apathetic attitude is non-existent, and that Dad is not always away. Make new friends, okay?”

“Okay.”

We stare into the depths of each other’s reflection. My stomach burns and bubbles, but I stay silent. After a full minute, I break the spell. “I know you have your reasons, but I’m worried, that’s all. Because… because I love you so much and I’m going to miss you! I can’t… I can’t help it! Everything I am is because of you and all you’ve taught me.”

“Your hair is not hideous anymore. That’s the only love you’re getting from me.” Levon drops the brush and walks toward the door.

I stand up to follow her and notice her cheeks are red. I gulp in shock that she is expressing emotion. “Will you at least make me a promise?”