C2 Isabella's POV

Isabella's POV

It was a dreadful habit to be late. I wasn't flexible at all. And you'd see how out of shape I was because I was running as if my life depends on it.

I was having difficulty breathing, had sweat running down my forehead, and was itching all over from the intense heat of July sun. I couldn't stop because I was running late. I never arrived late

Richard, a ninth-grader at the high school, had his stitches come undone for the third time this week, and as I was the only responder available when he fell, I took care of his wound.

Of course, I wasn't criticizing our system because doing so was frowned upon. I was only annoyed that I, a novice medic, was assigned first aid duty for the entire week.

I frequently found myself improvising since I wasn't qualified to handle half of the incidents I reacted to, and the worry was just too much.

In addition, I was running late for the meeting today at Mr. Gaius' study. The idea of offending Mr. Gaius doesn't do anything to stop my heart from racing.

I stormed inside the big white house in the middle of The Outpost, commonly known as the Town Hall, since I was so frightened that I didn't even care to say hello to Patty, the receptionist.

It was a big building with many stories. Mr. Gaius's study and other rooms are on the upper floor, with the main area serving as a banquet room for gatherings and functions.

I burst into Mr. Gaius' study after sprinting up the wide wood stairway and turning into the hallway that led there. Three sets of eyes flash at me as I enter the space.

The first thing that drew me in were Antonia's blue eyes. His typically laid-back smile has vanished, and in its place comes a frown that signals his displeasure with me.

Nora has a comforting grin on her face as she relaxes next to him on the couch. Even though she arrived on schedule.

My gaze finally turns to the man who is seated in the middle of the space. Mr. Gaius is seated on a throne appropriate only for a king behind his desk. His piercing green eyes flash at me as he stands up wearing a white dress shirt and jeans.

His comparatively huge frame draws all of our attention while he does this. I slightly tremble as the light from the glass window only highlights his clean-chiseled face, salt and pepper hair. He appeared dejected.

I hastily move forward and talk in an effort to defend myself. Please accept my sincere apologies, Mr. Gaius I had to attend to a medical emergency. I restrain myself from saying more because I understand that criticizing him is the highest form of disrespect.

Mr. Gaius moves closer and extends his arms to me as his grimace transforms into a grin. "I'll make an exception this time. In addition, my kid, I can never be upset at you. He speaks in a loud voice that fills the entire space.

I hesitantly approach him and grin as I enter his outstretched arms, allowing him to embrace me. I hesitated for a second before giving into his arms, and I was glad I didn't offend him.

Mr. Gaius doesn't have a lot of patience. First to pull away, he keeps me at a safe distance while reaching up to brush my hair off my face. His admiring gaze was twirling. "Go sit down with the others so we can talk about your futures now," he said.

Mr. Gaius approaches us and begins to talk as I turn to face the brown leather sofa and sit between Antonio and Nora.

You three are aware that I will enroll you in schools outside of the Outpost, he gives us a stern look. "I will caution you that although life appears normal from the outside, it is everything but… My kids, you can't put your faith in anyone. You will spend the next four years fitting in without mentioning the wonder of our Outpost to anyone. We all nod in agreement as he approaches us with his hands clasped behind his back and paces in front of us.

They dread our greatness and lack understanding. You'll go through a week of camp training to get you ready for life outside of school, and you'll graduate with the rest of the class. I'd let you all know what schools I have admitted you to for the time being.

Though my ears perk up as I sit up and silently ask Mr. Gaius to consider my grades and accomplishments deserving of a school in New York.

I carefully listen as he starts by talking about Antonia, who had been accepted into a school in the north.

Although I was unhappy that we would be apart for four years, seeing Jonathan was just too alluring.

We would be close because Nora was admitted into Columbia university. I grin and give her a silent, congratulatory hand squeeze.

And when it's my turn to hear the results, I look up at Mr. Gaius, who beams as he strides over and kneels down to my level. And for you, my wise Isabella, I've determined that staying near home is crucial. He takes hold of my hands. I've admitted you into the neighborhood community college. I am confident that living closer to home will make you more comfortable. He winks at me while grinning.

Mr. Gaius gets to his feet again and continues with his speech, but I'm too busy trying to stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks to pay attention to a word he says. My delighted smile immediately fades.

This is not possible. My hands were shaking, my breath is shallow, and my ears are beginning to ring.

For one good year, I had been praying, giving more to charity, and taking on more responsibilities just to be allowed to go to college in New York. This was the one thing that prevented me from exploding over Jonathan's exile.

The only person I had was Jonathan. Jonathan was the only person that protected me. For as long as I can remember, this has been something I have anticipated.

It wasn't enough to catch a glimpse of Jonathan while he was able to see me. I worried about him so much at night that I couldn't sleep. Was he content or safe? I prayed that he was, but my prayers weren't answered. I was anxious to see him.

By the time the first tears starts to fall down my cheek, I already knew that I won't be able to hold back the rest for long.

Mr. Gaius quickly wipes it away and orders for everyone to leave, pausing only to tell me to stay behind.

Given that it was currently all I could do to contain my emotions, I truly didn't want to stay, but who was I to refuse Mr. Gaius?