We exchanged greetings as they each continued into the Center. We waited as their empty transports drove away.
“Maybe he was here early,” Michael said to me.
“He’s never early,” I said, swallowing hard. “He’s not coming.”
My dad patted my shoulder. “Time to say goodbye, Cal Girl.”
I gave him a long hug. Then Tyler.
“You go make us safe,” Tyler said.
I hugged Tyler tightly. “Be good.”
They climbed back into their transport and were driven away. Tyler waved his hand for as long as I could see him. Then Michael and I turned and walked toward the building. We heard a vehicle in the distance and turned our heads at the same time to see dust kicking up across the desert.
One more transport was coming.
We stopped and watched. I squinted in the sun. I couldn’t see who was inside.
The transport door opened.
It was Hyden.
He got out and walked forward to join us. He looked at me and gave a little smile. I saw in his eyes all the pain and anguish he must have gone through this week, coming to this decision. He looked at the Center.
“Some place,” he said, shading his eyes.
The last time I had pinned all my hopes on a building, it hadn’t turned out the way I’d imagined. Now, looking at the Center, I hoped we could work together, Starters and Enders, Metals and scientists. Eventually the Starters would become Middles and then Enders, and the newer generations wouldn’t have the big hole that we had. Maybe then it won’t matter so much if they’re young or old, rich or poor, or what they looked like on the outside.
I took a deep breath. This day was far different from the day I had stood outside Prime Destinations.
This time, I wasn’t going in alone. I was flanked by two guys who would die for me. And I’d do the same for them.
“Ready?” Michael asked.
“I was born ready,” Hyden said.
I nodded. “Let’s do this.”
I took Michael’s hand, then reached out for Hyden’s. He hesitated a moment, then extended his hand and clasped mine. A slight flash of pain registered in his eyes, but he recovered and reassured me with a slight smile.
Hand in hand, together, we walked forward to face a future where we would shape our own destinies.
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