a not-so-cute meet {Illumi/Anna}

I hadn't spoken to Taxxon - or even Hamilton - since we broke things off. Part of me wanted answers. Answers about why he broke things off. Answers about where he was that day I met his father. My inquisitive mind was hungry for information. Yet, I had a feeling this was one mystery I may never solve. And the story may forever remain unfinished as my life went back to that of a mundane socialite - back to dullness and normalcy.

My mother never found out about any of that. I wanted to tell her, but I didn't want to lose the privileges I fought so hard for. The privilege to be a career. The freedom that allowed me to sneak out to the party where it all began. And the privilege I was exercising currently. Going to the public library with no chaperone present. Nor any security, might I add.

Recently, as they get nearer and nearer to the wedding, Dietmar has been calling more and more shots around the house. The security around the house has almost doubled. Previously all we had was cameras, a locked gate with guards, and extra security for large events. But now? Now we had security walking around both inside and outside of the premises. I've never felt so trapped.

He's also trying to convince my mother that all of us should have security whenever we leave the house. She hasn't gone for it yet, but she has yet to question it as far as I know. Well, I'll question it. Why so much security when we've never had issues? Did he find out about Taxxon and I? If so, why not bring it up? Are we in danger? Is Dietmar the danger we should be worrying about?

I had contacted the library about a book I had put on reserved a few days ago. Oddly enough, the system had stated that I cancelled the reservation - likely a system error. Thankfully, they informed me they still had a copy of the book on the shelf. That didn't surprise me too much, people around here were too focused on money and power to care about sciences.

I went to the science section and scanned the shelf for the book in question - one simply titled Salt. Salt is the only rock human beings eat. Not only that, human beings have a relatively high concentration of salt in our bodies - mirroring the concentration of salt in the ocean. This book however, goes more into the formation of salt and how it effects and is effected by ecosystems. I was interested to hear the perspective on it. However, it seems someone else also was.

A girl reached for the same book I was, and she was honestly beautiful. Something in my gut said I might have met her before, perhaps at an event or at careering training, maybe even Hamilton's party. Though, I imagined that even passing her on the street she'd be recognisable. She had a distinct look, not that that's negative by any means. She definitely didn't look like the kind of person I'd see at one of my mother's events.

"Oh- sorry you take it."

I gave her a soft smile in response, She seemed a little shy, and obviously we had similar interests. I glanced at a clock to look at the time. I was expected to be at dinner later tonight, but I had some time to talk if she did. Besides, my mother wouldn't be too mad if I was late, would she? I grabbed the book from the shelf and held it out to her.

"Oh no, you can take it I insist. Just promise you'll let me read it  after you're done, deal?"

I punctuate my sentence with a small giggle, just to try to get her to lighten up a little bit. Yet, as I handed her the book, there was a weird feeling in my gut. Almost as though I should be nervous about something. My mind blanked as I struggled to figure out what I should be nervous about. I ended up counting towards dinner tonight, Dietmar had family that would be joining us tonight - unfortunately.

"Are you interested in Geology? Or does this book just look that exciting?"

annaliese belrose