First World(53)

“This wing is yours and Sammy’s, along with your childhood playroom. There’s also a theatre room.”

I bounced a little, well ... on the inside. When I found Lucy we were spending an entire day watching movies. Of course, I didn’t have a clue what type of programs were here, but I was going to find out.

Lallielle continued to talk as we walked.

“There’s a games room with all the interactive tech devices. They’re probably a little outdated now. Sammy loves gaming. He kept us up to date.” Her hands flew, pointing out different doorways as we walked. “The library – both electronic and old-fashioned books. I know it’s not trendy to clutter your house, but I just love books, something about the sight and smell of a roomful.”

I agreed wholeheartedly, except, of course, I had no idea what an electronic library was.

“When you have more time you can explore the entire house. Josian and I have the wing on the floor above. There is nothing off limits, so don’t hesitate to snoop.”

“It’s no fun snooping when you have permission.”

Lallielle laughed. “Even as a child you were a troublemaker. That’s your father’s influence.”

She stopped at a rose-pink door. The word ‘Aribella’ was etched deep into the material; the name glowed for a moment.

“Touch the door, Aribella. Connect.” She smiled. “You will be able to control the energy once you connect.”

During our walk, I’d continued my attempts to pull energy to surround my mind. It was becoming a little easier to leave it there for a minute and still perform other tasks.

Letting that go, I took a breath and reached out a hand. Hesitantly, I pressed it to the door. My name flared, and a surge of vibration traversed my arm. The material was smooth; there was nothing under my hand to give texture.

Then that spot, my coiled energy, started a low vibrating hum. I felt a response within the door, a similar hum. It took no effort to connect. My strand flew out and intertwined. After that I knew instinctively what to do.

The door slid open.

I clapped my hands. Finally I had figured out these crazy doors. “Will I be able to open any door that way?”

Lallielle seemed to shake her head and nod at the same time. “It really depends on where you are and the security they have. At night, I set the outside perimeter and you will not be able to open any doors or remove the iso field unless you either have a pre-approved energy pattern or you know the combination.”

“Deralick mentioned iso shield when he captured us.”

She flicked an odd look in my direction, before smiling. “They are simply energy shields to add a little more security. Most people do not bother with them.”

It would take me another eighteen years to learn the inner workings of this world.

Unwilling to waste another moment, I stepped into my room. The creamy white carpet was soft under my boots. I sank into the luxuriously fluffy depths.

I took a moment to look around. The pale pink walls were covered in painted art, but instead of abstracts they were portraits. Lallielle had painted a timeline mural. I recognized myself as the chubby-cheeked baby, a dark-haired young boy and a few of my parents. I must have spent lots of time at the beach and crawling awkwardly around a lime-green field.

I could trace the days, weeks and months I’d been on First World.

“I painted this once you were gone; I needed something to hold on to until we got you back.”

Her presence was strong in the room; she appeared to have spent a lot of time here over the years.

A large balcony ran along the front of the huge room, with three sets of double doors ready to be flung open. The centre of the room was dominated by a massive bed with four large white posts, over which was draped filmy white netting.

There were mountains of pillows and cushions in lilac and pinks. Basically, this room was any girl’s fantasy room.

I wanted to take my time, to explore the many shelves of photo frames, toys, stuffed animals, little trinkets. But Lucy was my priority. Lallielle, sensing my urgency, moved toward two side-by-side doors.

“This is your bathing room.” The first door slid open. “And here is your dressing room.” The second door opened. “Every few years I donate the old clothes and go shopping for a new wardrobe.” She paused. “It’s probably not your taste, but I hope you’ll find something suitable.”

Considering I’d left my other pack downstairs, I wasn’t going to have much choice. My current clothes were done. Their only use was kindling for a fire, if anyone was brave enough to touch them.

“I’m sure I’ll find something.”

Lallielle smiled. “Off you go, Aribella. We’ll wait for you downstairs.” She left quickly.