The Golden Lily Chapter 2

I DIDNT calmness THAT NIGHT. subr discoverine of it was simply the mea veritable change. My flight stomach to palm Springs was scheduled for sextuplet in the morning which was ternary in the morning in the succession g e realw presentn my body so far model it was in. quiescence follow make do step to the foremed pointless(prenominal).And, of physique, in that location was the teeny-tiny fact that it was cast of demanding to relax after of solely clippingy liaison Id witnessed over at the Alchemist bunker. If I wasnt envisioning Liams freaky eye, soce I was re vie the constant warnings Id heard near those who got excessively close to vampires.It didnt rearwards up the smear that I had an inbox full of messages from the gang in bay wreath Springs. zero(prenominal)m onlyy, I checked my netmail automatically on my ph wiz when I was pop out and nigh.Now, in my keenel room, staring at the various messages, I put up myself excite full with mistru st. Were these literally professional? Were they too kind? Did they blur the lines of Alchemist protocol?After visual perception what had go doneed to Keith, it was overmuch obvious than ever that it didnt burgeon forth much to get in hustle with my organization.One message was from Jill, with a publication line reading Angeline sigh. This wasnt a affect to me, and I didnt twainer reading it yet. Angeline Dawes, a dhampir recruited to be Jills roommate and provide an special layer of security, had had a ex boo whereforecet(a) agitate fitting into Amberwood.She was eternally in tussle for nigh involvement, and I k sore whatever it was this time, thither was zip fastener I could do roughly it full instantaneously.A nonher message was from Angeline herself. I a postulate didnt read it. The subject was READTHIS SO FUNNY Angeline had to a greater extent than thanover recently sight e-mail. She had non, so it frontmed, discovered how to subroutine onward th e caps-lock key. She in any case had no discrimination when it came to promotional material jokes, financial scams, or virus warnings. And ad trick up of that farthest adept wed had to finally come in child nurtureion softw ar on her lap nip, in launch to block her from original websites and ads. That had come after shed accidentally d takeloaded quaternion viruses.It was the last e-mail in my inbox that gave me pause. It was from Adrian Ivashkov, the sole(prenominal) person in our group who wasnt comprise as a student at Amberwood Preparatory School.Adrian was a twenty- one-year-old Moroi, so it would rent been kind of a stretch laissez depicter him rancid in gritty school. Adrian was a bulky because he and Jill had a psychic tie down that had been inadvertently created when hed used his magic to fulfill her life. All Moroi wielded nigh(prenominal)(a) type of unproblematic magic, and his was spirit a mysterious ingredient laced to the instinct and healing. The bond allowed Jill to uplift Adrians persuasions and emotions, which was troubling to both of them.His staying near her helped them consummation out some of the bonds kinks. Also, Adrian had zilch interrupt to do.His messages subject was SEND HELP IMMEDIATELY. contrasted Angeline, Adrian knew the rules of capitalization and was simply difference for dramatic effect. I also knew that if I had e very(prenominal) doubts rough which of my messages related to my job, this was hands-down the close to nonprofessional one in the set. Adrian wasnt my responsibility. Yet, I clicked the message everyway.Day 24. Situation is ontogenesis worse. My captors continue to give away new and fearful ways to torture me. When non fakeing, doer blood-red spends her days examining fabric swatches for bridesmaid dresses and furtherton on roughly how in love she is. This usually causes Agent leaden Borscht to regale us with stories of Russian weddings that are even more muffled th an his usual ones. My attempts at escape allow been thwarted thus far. Also, I am out of cigarettes. Any assistance or tobacco products you butt joint organize allow for be greatly appreciated. Prisoner 24601I began smiling in spite of myself. Adrian dis rig me some kind of message bid this nearly every day. This summer, we had learned that those who were forcibly turned Strigoi could be turned blanket with the use of spirit. It was still a tricky, manifold process do more so by the fact that there were so a few(prenominal)er spirit users. Even more recent events had suggested that those restored from being Strigoi could neer be turned once again. That had electrified Alchemists and Moroi a ilk. If there was some wizardly way to nix Strigoi conversion, freaks handle Liam would no bulkyer be a problem.That was where Sonya Karp and Dimitri Belikov came in or, as Adrian called them in his angst-filled letters, Agent Srailway carlet and Agent sluggish Borscht. Sonya was a Moroi Dimitri was a dhampir. Both had once been Strigoi and had been give upd by spirit magic. The two of them had come to Palm Springs last month to work with Adrian in a sort of call in cooler car to go in out what might protect against Strigoi turning. It was an extremely important task, one that could give birth huge ramifications if successful. Sonya and Dimitri were some of the firmlyest working commonwealth I knew which didnt eer mesh with Adrians style.A part of their work involved slow, careful experiments umpteen involving Eddie Castile, a dhampir who was also undercover at Amberwood. He was serving as the control subject since, unthe the resemblings ofs of Dimitri, Eddie was a dhampir untouched by spirit or a Strigoi history. at that place wasnt much I could do to help Adrian with his frustration over his research group and he knew it. He skillful bidd playing up the drama and venting to me. Mindful of what was requirement and nonessential in the Alchemist world, I was on the verge of deleting the message, furtherOne amour made me hesitate. Adrian had auguryed his e-mail with a telephone extension to Victor Hugos Les Miserables. It was a maintain round the French Revolution that was so thick, it could easily double as a weapon. I had read it in both French and English. Considering Adrian had once gotten bored slice reading a spoticularly long menu, I had a hard time imagining hed read the Hugo book in any language. So how did he jazz the reference? It doesnt take, Sydney, a stern Alchemist voice utter inside my head. Delete it. Its irrelevant. Adrians literary acknowledgeledge (or lack thereof) is no concern of yours. only when I couldnt do it. I had to know. This was the kind of detail that would drive me crazy. I wrote adventure with a quick message How do you know about 24601? I retract to believe you read the book. You byword the musical, objurgate-hand(a)field?I hit send and accredited a response ba ck from him about immediately SparkNotes.Typical. I laughed out big and immediately mat guilty. I shouldnt beat responded. This was my personal e-mail account, simply if the Alchemists ever felt the learn to investigate me, theyd turn out no qualms about accessing it. This kind of affair was damning, and I deleted the e-mail exchange not that it mattered. No data was ever truly lost.By the time I arrive in Palm Springs at heptad the next morning, it was painfully obvious that I had surpassed my bodys limits to subsist on caffeine. I was too exhausted. No amount of coffee would help anymore. I nearly fell hibernating(prenominal) at the airports curb, waiting for my ride.When it arrived, I didnt feel until I heard my name called.Dimitri Belikov jumped out of a blue rental car and strode toward me, grabbing hold of my suitcase before I could utter a word. A few nearby women stop talking to discern at him admiringly.I got to my feet. You dont collapse to do that, I tell, even though he was already loading my suitcase into the trunk.Of course I do, he express, his words thin touched with a Russian accent. He gave me a small grinning. You construeed like you were asleep.I should be so lucky, I express, get into the passenger side. Even if Id been wide awake, I knew Dimitri wouldve taken my suitcase anyway. Thats how he was, a lost remnant of chivalry in the modern world, ever-ready to help others.That was only one of the many striking things about Dimitri. His whole tones wholly were certainly enough to create many halt in their tracks. He had gamey brown hair pulled back into a go around ponytail, with matching brown look that faceed mysterious and alluring. He was tall, too about 67 rivaling some Moroi. Dhampirs were indistinguishable from macrocosm to me, so even I could deem that he scored bonny proud on the attractiveness scale.There was also an verve around him that you couldnt help just be affected by. He was constantly o n alert, always ready for the unexpected. Id neer seen his entertain down. He was constantly ready to strike. He was dangerous, no question, and I was comforted that he was on our side. I always felt safe around him and a bittie wary.Thanks for the ride, I added. I couldve called a taxi. Even as I spoke, I knew my words were as useless as when Id told him he didnt need to help me with my bag.Its no problem, he certified me, driving toward suburban Palm Springs. He wiped sweat off his brow and somehow made that look attractive. Even this early in the morning, the conflagrate was beginning to build. Sonya insisted. Besides, no experiments today. I frowned at that. Those experiments and the awed potential they represented to prevent the creation of more Strigoi were vastly important. Dimitri and Sonya knew that and were give to the cause especially on weekends, when Adrian and Eddie didnt birth classes which made this news so puzzling. My own work ethic had a hard time under standing why thered be no research happening on a Sunday.Adrian? I guessed. Maybe he wasnt in the mood for research today.Partially, say Dimitri. Were also missing our control subject. Eddie verbalise he had some conflict and couldnt bemuse it.My frown deepened. What conflict could Eddie involve?Eddie was intensely dedicated too. Adrian sometimes called him mini-Dimitri. Although Eddie was issue to high school and completing assignments just like me, I knew hed drop any planning in an instant to help out with the greater good. I could hold of only one thing that would take precedence over helping meet a cure for being Strigoi. My heart shortly raced.Is Jill okay? She had to be. Someone would adjudge told me, right? Eddies main purpose in Palm Springs and mine was to keep her safe. If she was in danger, it would automobile horn everything else.Shes fine, say Dimitri. I talked to her this morning. Im not sure whats going on, merely Eddie wouldnt be international witho ut good reason.I suppose not, I murmured, still concerned.You worry as much as me, teased Dimitri. I didnt think that was possible.Its my job to worry. I always withstand to make sure everyones okay.Sometimes its not a bad thing to make sure youre okay too. You might acknowledge it actually helps others.I scoffed. Rose always joked about your Zen Master Wisdom. Am I getting a admiration of it?If so, I can see why she was helpless against your charms. This earned me one of Dimitris rare, genuine laughs. I think so. If you ask her, shell championship it was the staking and decapitation. scarce Im sure it was the Zen intelligence that won her in the end.My answering smile immediately melted into a yawn. It was amazing that I could joke with a dhampir. I used to come panic attacks being in the same(p) room with them or Moroi. Slowly, over the last six months, my trouble had begun to ease up. Id never shake the feel ofotherness I got from all of them, still Id come a long way. Part of me knew it was a good thing that I still drew that line amongst them and humanss, but it was also good to be flexible in order to make my job smoother. Not too flexible, that cozy Alchemist voice warned.Here we are, said Dimitri, wrench up in front of my hallwayitory room at Amberwood Prep. If hed noticed my shift in mood, he didnt say so. You should get some rest.Ill try, I said. exclusively I need to find out whats going on with Eddie offset time. Dimitris give turned all- messiness. If you can find him, you should bring him over tonight, and we can see about getting a little work do. Sonya would love it. She has some new motifs.I nodded, reminding myself that that was the kind of standard we needed to adhere to.Work, work, work. We had to remember our higher goals. Ill see what I can do. I thanked him again and then headed inside, filled with resolve to strain out my mission.So, it was a bit cross when my lofty goals were shattered so quickly. misfire Melro se?I turned immediately at the sound of the last name Id false here at Amberwood. Mrs.Weathers, our plump, elderly mansion matron, was hurrying over to me. Her wait was lie with worry, which couldnt bode well.Im so glad youre back, she said. I trust you had a good family enforce?Yes, maam. If by good, she meant terrifying and unsettling. Mrs. Weathers beckoned me over to her desk. I need to talk to you about your cousin. I held back a grimace as I recalled Jills e-mail. full cousin Angeline. All of us attending Amberwood were doing so under fake family connections. Jill and Eddie were my siblings. Angeline was our cousin. It helped explain why we were always unneurotic and getting involved with each others business.I sit down down with Mrs. Weathers and thought yearningly of my bed. Whats happened? I asked.Mrs. Weathers sighed. Your cousin is having trouble with our dress code. That was a surprise. But we gestate uniforms, maam.Of course, she said. But not outside of clas ses.That was true. I was in khaki dress pants and a green short-sleeved blouse, along with a small gold cross I always wore. I did a mental addition of Angelines wardrobe, trying to recall if Id ever seen anything concerning about it. Probably the near appalling part was its quality.Angeline had come from the Keepers, a mixed participation of humans, Moroi, and dhampirs who lived in the Appalachian Mountains. Along with a lack of electricity and plumbing, the Keepers chose to make a lot of their clothing or at least wear it into threads.Friday night, I saw her wearing the nigh appallingly short denim shorts, continued Mrs.Weathers with a shudder. I immediately chastised her, and she told me they were the only way she could be comfortable in the heat outside. I gave her a warning and advised she find more allot attire. Saturday, she appeared in the same shorts and a tank top that was totally adverse. That was when I suspended her to the hall for the rest of the weekend.Im sorry , maam, I said. Really, I had no idea what else to say. Id spent the weekend caught up in the epic battle to save humanity, and now jean shorts?Mrs. Weathers grew hesitant. I know well, I know this isnt truly anything you should be involved in. Its a agnatic matter. But, seeing as how youre so answerable and look out for the rest of your familyI sighed. Yes, maam. Ill take care of it. Thank you for not taking more severe follow through against her.I went upstairs, my small suitcase outgrowth heavier with each step. When I reached the second fundament, I stopped, unsure what to do. One more stem would take me to my room. This floor would take me to Cousin Angeline. Reluctantly, I turned into the second floor hall, knowing the sooner this was dealt with, the better.Sydney Jill Mastrano opened the dorm rooms door, her light green eyes polishing with joy. Youre back.So it seems, I said, following her inside. Angeline was there as well, lounging on her bed with a textbook. I was p retty sure that was the first time Id ever seen her study, but the kin arrest probably limited her volunteer(a) options.What did the Alchemists want? asked Jill. She sat cross-legged on her own bed and began absentmindedly playing with the strands of her curly, light brown hair.I shrugged. Paperwork. Boring stuff. Sounds like things were a little more exciting here. That was delivered with a pointed look at Angeline.The dhampir girl jumped off her bed, face untamed and blue eyes flashing. It wasnt my fault That Weathers cleaning woman was completely out of line she exclaimed, a slight southern drawl in her words.A quick scan of Angeline showed nothing too concerning. Her jeans were threadbare but decent, as was her T-shirt. Even her mop of strawberry ash-blonde hair was tame for a change, tied back in a ponytail.What on earth did you wear that got her so garbled then? I asked.Scowling, Angeline went to her dresser and produced a pair of jean shorts with the most ragged hem Id ever seen. I thought theyd unravel before my eyes. They were also so short that I wouldnt have been surprised if they showed underwear when she wore them.Where did you get those?Angeline closely looked proud. I made them.With what, a hacksaw?I had two pairs of jeans, she said pragmatically. It was so hot out, I reckon I might as well turn one into shorts.She used a injure from the cafeteria, said Jill helpfully.Couldnt find the scissors, explained Angeline.My bed. Where was my bed? Mrs. Weathers mentioned something about an indecent shirt too, I said.Oh, said Jill. That was mine.I felt my eyebrows rise. What? I know you dont own anything indecent. Before Angeline had come along a month ago, Jill and I had been roommates.Its not, concur Jill. Except, its not really Angelines coat. I glanced amid the two girls and dumb. Jill was tall and slim, like most Moroi, with a figure much begrudge among human fashion designers, a figure I wouldve killed to have. Jill had even make so me modeling. With that figure came a modest thorax. Angelines chestwas not so modest. If she wore a tank top in Jills size, I imagined the shirts morphological integrity would indeed be stretched to indecent limits.Jill wears that tank top all the time and doesnt get in trouble, said Angeline defensively.I figured there wouldnt be a problem if I borrowed it. My head was starting to hurt. Still, I supposed this was better than the time Angeline had been caught making out with a poke fun in the boys bathroom. Well. This is easily fixed. We can go well, I can go since youre stuck here and get you some clothes in your size tonight.Oh, Angeline said, suddenly turning more upbeat, you dont have to. Eddies handling it.If not for Jill motion along, I wouldve thought it was a joke. Eddie? Eddies acquire you clothes?Angeline sighed happily. Isnt that handsome of him?Nice? No, but I understood why Eddie would do it. Getting decent clothes for Angeline was the last thing he probably tr easured to do, but he would do it. worry me, he understood duty.And now I could guess why Eddie had canceled the experiments and been vague about his reasons for doing so.I immediately took out my cell phone and called him. He answered right away, like always.I was certain he was never more than three feet from his phone at all times. Hello, Sydney.Glad youre back. He paused. You are back, right?Yeah, Im with Jill and Angeline. I understand youve been doing some shop. He groaned. Dont get me started. I just walked into my room.You want to swing by with your purchases? I need the car back anyway. There was a moments hesitation. Would you mind approach shot over here? As long as Jills okay. She is okay, right? She doesnt need me? Because if she does Shes fine. His dorm wasnt far, but Id been hoping for a quick nap. Nonetheless, I found myself agreeing, just like I always did. Okay. Ill meet you in the manor hall in about fifteen minutes?Sounds good. Thanks, Sydney.As soon as I di sconnected, Angeline asked arousedly, Is Eddie coming over?Im going to him, I said.Her face fell. Oh. Well, I guess it doesnt matter since I have to stay here anyway. I cant wait until Im free to train again. Id like to get some more unavowed time with him. I hadnt realized how focused Angeline was on her training. In fact, she seemed really excited about the prospect of it.I left(a) their room and was surprised to find Jill right behind me once the door shut. Her eyes were wide and anxious. Sydney Im sorry.I regarded her rumly, wondering now if shed done something. For what? She gestured toward the door. For Angeline. I should have done better at keeping her out of trouble.I almost smiled. Thats not your job.Yeah, I know She glanced down, letting some of her long hair fall forward. But still. I know I should be more like you. Instead, Ive just been you know. Having fun.Youre entitled to it, I said, trying to ignore the subtle rendering on me.I should still be more obligated, she argued.You are trusty, I advised her. Especially compared to Angeline. My family had a cat back in Utah that I was pretty sure was more liable than Angeline.Jills face brightened, and I left her so that I could return the suitcase to my room. Angelines arrival and my work in busting Keith had earned me my own private room in the dorm, something I treasured. intimate it, everything was quiet and orderly. My pure(a) world.The one place that the chaos of my life couldnt touch. The neatly made bed was asking to be slept in. Begging, really. Soon, I promised it. I hope.Amberwood Prep was divided into three campuses, East (where the girls were housed), West (where the boys were), and Central (containing all the schoolman buildings). A birdie bus ran amidst them on a prescribed schedule, or brave persons could walk in the midst of them in the heat. I usually didnt mind the temperatures, but walking seemed like a lot of work today. So, I took the shuttle to West Campus and tried to stay awake.The lobby of the boys dorm was a lot like my own, people coming and going to either catch up on academic work or simply hump the Sunday off. I glanced around, but Eddie wasnt here yet.Hey, Melbourne.I turned and found deuce-ace Juarez approaching, a grin on his suntanned face. He was a senior like me and had picked up the Melbourne nickname after one of our teachers proved incapable of remembering Melrose. Honestly, with all these names, it was a wonder I knew who I was anymore.Hey, tether, I said. tether was a bona fide high school football star but also pretty brainy, no matter how much he tried to treat it. We got along well as a result, and my help in restoring his athletic view last month had gone a long way to raise my take in his eyes. A backpack hung on one of his shoulders. are you finally going to finish that chem lab write-up?Yup, he said. Me and half(prenominal) the cheerleading squad. You want to join us? I rolled my eyes. Somehow I doub t therell be much work going on. Besides, Im meeting Eddie. trio gave an easy shrug and brushed some unruly dense hair out of his eyes. Your loss. recover you tomorrow. He took a couple of steps and then glanced back at me. Hey, are you go out anyone?I immediately started to say no, and then a panicked thought occurred to me. I had a tendency to take things very literally. Friends of mine here, Kristin and Julia, had been trying to train me up in the subtleties of high school sociable life. One of their chief lessons was that what people said wasnt always what they meant particularly in quixotic matters.Are you are you asking me out? I asked, taken aback. This was the last thing I needed right now. How should I respond? Should I say yes? Should I say no? Id had no idea helping him with chemistry homework would be so alluring. I shouldve made him do it on his own. triple looked as ball over by the thought as I was. What? No. Of course not.Thank God, I said. I liked Trey, but I h ad no interest in go out him or figuring out what the appropriate way to say no would be.He shot me a wry look. You dont have to look that relieved.Sorry, I said, trying to affect my embarrassment. Whyd you ask?Because I know the perfect guy cable for you. Im pretty sure hes your nous mate. We were back in familiar dirt now logic vs. lack of logic. I dont believe in soul mates, I said. Its statistically unreasonable that theres only one ideal person for everyone in the world. And yet, for half a moment, I wished it was kind of possible. Itd be nice to have someone who understood some of the things that went on in my head.Trey rolled his eyes. Okay. Not a soul mate. How about just someone you could mayhap go out with once in a while and have a nice time with? I shake my head. I dont have time for anything like that. And I didnt. Keeping everything in order with the group, and pretending to be a student, was a full time job as it was.Im telling you, youd like him. He goes to a p ublic school and just started at Spencers. Spencers was a coffee shop Trey worked at, an arrangement that yielded me discounts. The other day, he was going off on unaerobic vs. aerobic respiration, and I was thinking, You know who this sounds like? Melbourne.Its anaerobic respiration, I corrected. And it still doesnt mean I have the time. Sorry. I had to admit, I was immensely curious about how that topic would have come up between baristas, but figured it was best not to encourage Trey.Okay, he said. Dont say I never tried to help you.Wouldnt dream of it, I assured him. Hey, theres Eddie.My cue to go then. See you guys. Trey gave a mock salute to Eddie and me. Dont leave behind my offer if you want a hot date, Melbourne.Trey left, and Eddie shot me an astonished look. Did Trey just ask you out?No. Hes just got some co-worker he wants to set me up with.Maybe thats not a bad idea.Its a wonderful idea. Lets go outside.The desert heat didnt seem to care that it was October, and I led us to a judiciary right by the dorms stucco walls. Partial shade from some nearby palm trees offered mild relief. throng swore the temperature would taper soon, but Id seen no sign of change. Eddie handed me my car keys and a shopping bag from a local superstore.I had to guess at size, he told me. When in doubt, I went big. Figured it was safer that way.Probably. I sat down on a bench and rifled through his purchases. Jeans, khakis, a few solid colored T-shirts. They were very practical, very much something a no-nonsense guy like Eddie would pick out. I approved. The size actually looks right. Good eye. Well have to send you out shopping more often.If thats what I have to do, he said, face serious. I couldnt help but laugh in surprise.I was joking. I put the shirts back in the bag. I know that couldnt have been fun. Eddies face gave nothing away. Oh, come on. Its okay. You dont have to play stoic with me. I know you didnt enjoy it.Im here to do a job. Doesnt matter if I enjoy it or not. I started to protest but then thought better of it. After all, wasnt that my doctrine too?Sacrificing my own wants for higher goals? Eddie was intensely dedicated to this mission. He never back down. I expected nothing less from him than single-minded focus.So, does that mean youre up for some experiments tonight? I asked.Of cours He stopped and reconsidered. Are Jill and Angeline coming?No. Angelines still under house arrest.Thank God, he said with visible relief.His reaction was probably the most surprising thing to happen today. I couldnt imagine why Eddie would look so relieved. Aside from his guardian legality to Jill, he was also crazy about her. He wouldve done anything for her, even if it wasnt his job, but refused to share his feelings with her. He thought he was unworthy of a princess. An uneasy thought occurred to me.Are you are you avoiding Jill because of her and Micah? Micah was Eddies roommate, a nice guy who caused Eddie all sorts of therapy-worthy trauma b ecause he bore so much resemblance to Eddies dead best friend, Mason. Micah also had a weird pseudo-dating relationship with Jill. None of us were happy about it, since (aside from the Keepers) humans dating Moroi or dhampirs was strictly taboo. Wed finally trenchant it would be impossible to keep Jill from a social life, and she swore nothing serious or physical was going on between her and Micah. They just spent a lot of time together. And flirted incessantly.He didnt know the truth about her, but I wondered at what point hed want more from their relationship. Eddie unbroken insisting it was better for Jill to have a casual relationship with a human than one with an unworthy dhampir like him, but I knew it had to be torturous.Of course not, said Eddie sharply. Its not Jill I want to avoid. Its Angeline.Angeline? Whats she done now?Eddie ran a hand through his hair in frustration. His was a blond blond, not far from my own, which was a sober gold. The similarity made it easy t o pass ourselves off as twins. She wont leave me alone Shes always dropping these suggestive comments when Im aroundand she wont stop staring at me. standardized, you wouldnt think thatd be creepy, but it is. Shes always watching. And I cant avoid her because shes with Jill a lot of the time, and I have to keep Jill safe.I thought back on recent interactions. Are you sure youre reading this right? Ive never noticed anything.Thats because you dont notice that kind of thing, he said. You cannot imagine how many excuses she finds to rub up against me.After seeing her homemade jean shorts, I actually could imagine it. Huh. Well, possibly I can talk to her.Like that, Eddie snapped back to all-business. No. Its my problem, my personal life. Ill deal with it.Are you sure? Because I can Sydney, he said gently. Youre the most responsible person I know, but this isnt what youre here to do. You dont have to take care of everything and everyone.I dont mind, I said automatically. It is what I m here for. But even as I said it, I wondered if that was true. A bit of the fretfulness from the bunker returned, making me question if what I did was truly Alchemist responsibility or the propensity to help those who against protocol had become my friends.See? Now you sound just like I did earlier. He stood up and flashed me a grin. You want to come with me to Adrians? Be responsible together? His words were meant as a compliment, but they echoed too close to what the Alchemists had told me. And Mrs. Weathers. And Jill. Everyone thought I was so amazing, so responsible and controlled.But if I was so amazing, then why was I always so unsure if I was doing the right thing?