Sleepers Part 1

Dreamers Episode V

Chapter 5

          Cora sat watching the clock on the wall while bouncing her leg with out thought. When she had gotten home for the day, she had asked Mrs. Miller if she could call David when she was told he was making a visit that evening. It would mean Mr. Hall would being coming over with Jacob but she cared very little about it. The only thing that kept rolling through her mind was the hope that David would allow her to leave there. She could continue to be around Jacob any longer. Especially after what he had done that day. He had always kept his play outside of the school. The fact that he had hurt one of the kids at recess had Cora believing it was just the beginning. If he got away with it this time, he would get worse.

          The movement of the doorknob made Cora’s heart skip a beat in anticipation. Glancing at the clock she realized it was too early for David’s visit. The truth was only punctuated by the fact that Jacob came over to the couch to sit down beside her. Glaring Cora got up from her seat moving to a chair instead. She wanted him as far away from her as possible. Mrs. Miller came out of the kitchen to greet Mr. Hall. Both made small talk and speculation for the visit while observing the two children. Jacob moved over to the end of the couch to reach out and touch Cora. Yanking her arm away she turned her glare to him as he laughed at her reaction. He wouldn’t find it funny later when she ratted him out to David. It would probably make him boiling mad. The thought made her smile. Jacob began chatting her ear off over his stunt earlier. Neither adult called him out on his behavior as he went on and on. They just watched them as if they were mere observers instead of their temporary parental figures. It was aggravating that he never got into trouble for acting out. It made Cora wonder what they would do when Jacob brought trouble down on them. Cora spaced his words out as she continued to watch the clock.

          An hour later, right on time David finally showed up. By that time Jacob had given up trying to get a rise out of Cora and had gone quiet. David approached the other adults and spoke quietly to them for a minute before turning to the kids. He glanced between Jacob, who had found a line of ants to torture, and Cora, who was sitting peacefully. He waited for Mrs. Miller and Mr. Hall to join them by sitting on the couch before stating his purpose.

          “We need to move the children.” He ignored the questions the adults threw at him. Instead, he watched the reaction of the kids. Jacob got up from the floor to come to Cora’s side. In reaction Cora stood up and walked over to David in leu of staying by Jacob.

          “Did Jacob cause this?” She asked him. Raising an eyebrow David kneeled to her level.

          “Why would you say that?”

          “He hurt a boy today. He meant to hurt that boy.” David took in her words looking over to an angry Jacob. They boy was glaring at Cora’s back clearly wishing harm to her for opening her mouth.

          “We’ve talked about this Jacob. You know you’re not supposed to draw attention to yourself.”

          “No one knew I did it on purpose. No one was watching.” David shook his head in disappointment.

          “You never know who could have seen that you didn’t notice. We can’t keep you safe if you’re going to continue to do what you want. Do you want to be taken to the compound?” His question didn’t even faze Jacob.

          “Why do you keep saying they’re bad? If we get to do what we were born to do why would that be a bad thing?” Cora sighed causing David to give her a small smile. She couldn’t figure out how he couldn’t understand what the problem was. Maybe he should get caught. The thought was short lived since she knew anyone finding out about his existence would put the rest of them in danger.

          “Am I going back to live with my mom?” It was an innocent question based on a child’s hopes, but it made David sad when she asked.

          “That’s why we’re having a change in plans so soon.” His announcement brought about a tense silence to fall over the room. David stood back up running a hand through his already messy hair. Fear coiled in Cora’s stomach.

          “Have the children been discovered?” David shook his head in response to Mr. Hall’s question. Cora’s heartbeat hard waiting for him to continue.

          “Astrid has gone missing.”

          “Are you sure?” David glanced down to Cora before looking back to the adults. His larger hand rested on Cora’s shoulder as if to give her comfort.

          “She missed the meet up.”

          “Maybe she’s running late.” Mr. Hall offered up.

          “It was two weeks ago. She’s never run that late without word.”

          “You don’t think?” Mrs. Miller’s words drifted off like she didn’t want to speak the words out loud.

          “I’m not sure but we need to move forward as if that’s the case.” Neither adult spoke up to refute what they were being told. Instead, Mr. Hall nodded before gathering up Jacob and leaving to prepare. Mrs. Miller was wringing her hands but had walked to the back of the house to get their own things together. Cora gazed up at David knowing it was now or never for her request.

          “Can I not live in the same area as Jacob anymore?” David looked down at her. He took a moment to answer watching her. Leaning down he moved her golden curls behind her ear.

          “Why don’t you want to be with Jacob?” Cora stood up straighter glad that he was willing to listen to her. Whether it changed anything remained to be seen.

          “I don’t like him at all. I have no where to be alone at all. He won’t leave me alone and when he is around, he acts like what he does doesn’t matter. I don’t want to get caught because of him. I want a fighting chance.” David smiled at her words. Cora tensed thinking he thought her funny.

          “Your mom would be so proud of you and the way you’ve grown. I think you are right, and it would be safer to separate you both. I was only planning on it being temporary but perhaps I’ll leave that choice up to you.” Cora relaxed glad to be rid of the jerk even if she couldn’t hit him before they left.

          The two of them were interrupted when Mrs. Miller came out sitting one suitcase down beside the door. Facing them she squared her shoulders ready for an argument. David looked to the single piece of luggage before looking back to Mrs. Miller.

          “Are you sure?” Was all he asked.

          “I can’t do it anymore. I know what I signed up for but, I just can’t.” David nodded in understanding. Moving to the door he took Cora’s jacket from the rack before grabbing the handle on the suitcase.

          “Let’s go Cora.” Cora said nothing as she walked behind David out the door of the house she had lived in for the last two years. There was nothing to say. Mrs. Miller had always made sure to put distance between them. Cora was never sure as to why that had been her reaction, but she never faulted her for it. She already had a mother and didn’t want another one.

          As they pulled out onto the street Cora watched the house as they drove past it. Mrs. Miller hadn’t even looked out the window to see them go. It was just as well. She didn’t plan on ever coming back to that place.