Discrete Discreet

It was a melancholic night. The moon hid behind the veil of clouds. The sad winds were competing against themselves making everything cold. The sky bled the darkest color of blue. Perhaps these were bad omens. Or just how Amber felt everyday- depressed and cold. Almost empty.   Throwing the bag out of the window, Amber glanced at the place she had been living in since years. The gloomy red walls, the antique bookshelf pressed to one corner of the huge room, the gigantic bed centrally placed also pressed to the wall, the big, circle rug placed in the middle of the room, the cherry colored coffee table, two huge armchairs- everything brought back bad memories.   Amber shook her head, as if she could shake away her memories. She wished she could. She had to leave. Amber sucked in a breath going over the list of risks she was taking. If she got caught leaving this house, it would be bad. But, living in this hellhole would be worst. “You can do this, Amy.” Amber mumbled to herself finally finding the courage to leave.   She was lucky enough to have a pipeline next to her window providing a perfect escape. With various scratches, she finally touched the ground. A shiver ran down her spine due to the cold winds blowing. Amber regretted not dressing warmly enough. But again, if she dressed warmly, everyone in the family would suspect her. Being suspected was the last thing that Amber wanted right now.   “This is going to get difficult.” Amber told herself, adrenaline rushing through her body. She knew there were various guards patrolling around and if they caught her, she would be dead meat. But, she also knew that she had taken this impulsive decision and she could not go back now. “Sure I can. I just have to climb up this pipeline…” Nope. Amber was lost in her taught when she heard footsteps.   Her eyes went wide in shock and blood full of panic rushed through her body. She hurled towards the nearby bushes. The spikes of the pointy bushes pierced through her skin but Amber couldn’t have cared less. She was panting in fear and kept her hand on her mouth in order to prevent herself from screaming. Amber was shaking; this time because of fear.   The footsteps retreated and finally Amber came out, blood oozing out of her skin. She needed bandages but before, she needed to leave this damned place. Slowly, Amber creeped towards the back gate of her house. The chair on which guard used to be sit was empty. Smiling softly at it, Amber pushed the Iron Gate open. “Bye.” She mumbled.   Suddenly, she heard a cough and let out a small scream. Holding her breath, Amber turned. A tall but slouched down man met her eyes. He had a flashlight in his hands and he stood smiling at her. The wrinkles on his cheeks showed his old age well. He stared at her and she stared at him. The winds had stopped, as in respecting their silence. After some time, the old watchman spoke. “Finally.” Amber broke into a smile, tears springing to her eyes. Erick was the only person whom Amber was going to miss.   I should hug him, for all that he has done. But, if anyone found out that I hugged a watchman… So what? He’s a father figure to you.   She didn’t hug him.   *** Two knocks, a gap and another two knocks. That was Amber and Tia Anne’s code since childhood. An almost invisible smile broke onto her face by the memories of their childhood. Happy days. Amber stood smiling at the small cottage door for some time before it finally opened. Stood there a small woman, tears in her eyes, smiling at Amber.   “Amber!” She cried, spreading her arms for a hug with her best friend. Amber went in for it and the two woman stood embracing each other. They sniffed a few times. Amber could feel her cheeks getting damp. She was crying. After some time, they pulled back and smiled at each other. “Come on in.”   Amber stepped inside the cottage. She inhaled the smell of freshly baked bread and looked around, suddenly feeling better. Tia Anne’s cottage was much smaller than Amber’s house but still it felt homely. She felt relieved. “Amber, take a seat.” Tia Anne said, her voice shaking. Amber did. “Tell me everything.” Amber’s best friend commanded, taking control over her voice. Amber smiled. Tia Anne had always been the more stable on amongst the two while she was an emotional mess.   Amber wanted to tell Tia Anne everything- but she couldn’t. They would kill her if she told anyone. Amber had to keep her mouth shut. “I… I just couldn’t live there anymore.” Tia Anne nodded, reading into Amber’s uneasy state. “So, you’re leaving the state?” Tia Anne questioned staring at Amber once again. Looking down at the rug, Amber nodded. “Do you have a Travel Id?” Amber shook her head.   Here at Phelia, changing states was big and difficult. Each state had a different and independent government and all the heads of the states had a meeting once a year. Between that, only the government officials and their family members with Travel Ids could commute across different states. Unfortunate for Amber she did not have an Id.   “So, how are you going to escape?” Tia Anne asked, tinge of hesitation in her voice. Suddenly, Amber couldn’t take it anymore. She felt overwhelmed. Tears started raining down her cheeks. She felt a big lump in her throat and suddenly, she couldn’t breathe. “I… I don’t know!” She whispered while taking deep breaths. “I don’t think I can do this! If anyone found out… I just don’t know!” Amber felt being warped around by a petite but warm body.   “I am so weak. I don’t know how I will change states.” Amber kept sobbing in her best friend’s arms. “Shh… Amber you will leave the state… my brother works in the Headquarters… he’ll get you a job there.” Tia Anne’s words were heard by Amber but she failed to register them. She just kept sobbing. “I d-don’t know how I left… I-I can’t do this anymore!” Tia Anne rubbed circles on her back.   The moment between the two best friends was broken by a sharp knock on the door.  They mirrored the expression of horror and Tia Anne gulped. “Go into the kitchen. Hide by the back door.” Tia Anne commanded, authority reflecting in her voice. Amber nodded, getting up and wiping away her tears. She made her way through the dark house. Even in the dark, Amber could see that it was well decorated.   Hearing another identical knock, Amber dived towards the back door, crouching beside a leathery smelling shelf. She was positive that in this dark room, no one could see her, but she could see everything. She could see Tia Anne wiping her sweaty hands in her apron as she walked to the door. She could see Tia Anne open the door. She could see the large man in the dull mustard- yellow uniform who pushed away Tia Anne and entered her home.   “I am here for Madam Amber Prescott.” A chill ran down Amber’s neck at her own name. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Tia Anne lied through her teeth. The police officer grunted and glanced at Tia Anne. “Was she- by any chance- here?” Fear crawled into Amber’s mind by the each word he said. Tia Anne shook her head. “N-no.” Damn, Tia Anne stuttered!   The officer scanned the house and Amber ducked when he faced her direction. As quietly as she could, Amber opened the back door, only so that she could escape. Slow as a sloth, she crawled out of the house, turning around to look at Tia Anne. Unfortunately, she couldn’t see her from where she was standing; but she could hear.   “I hate liars.” The police officer said and the sound of gunshot broke the silence of the night.