Page 134 of Marks of Rebellion

Carlos

My insides shake.I wipe tears as I go out to the balcony, but my tears of pain turn to love as I look down below.

Petals from red hibiscuses are spread all over the lawn as if the wind blew them in. Some are half-decayed. Some are fresh and vibrant. But every one of them brings me joy.

It's as if Hunter knows how hard this day will be for me and is sending extra encouragement for me to get through it.

The effort he went through, and the risk he took to create the message give me a new resilience.

The Global Leaders will be there tonight. I need to act normal.

Don't disappoint Carlos. Hunter is coming. I have to be patient.

Arja comes and gives me a stern lecture about making sure I look perfect and don't embarrass Carlos at the event.

She rises and puts her hands on the rail. "What happened to the lawn?"

"What do you mean?"

"How did all those flower petals get there?"

I do my best to lie convincingly. "I don't know. I didn't notice them."

She spins and studies me. Her eyes turn to slits. "You didn't notice that?"

"Sorry. I've been going over in my mind what to say to people and how to act for tonight. Oh, and I'm worried about my makeup."

"Carlos is sending his beauty team in. You won't be doing your hair and makeup."

I fake a big sigh. "Okay. That's good. Do you know what time so I can shower? Should I have my hair wet or dry?"

She shrugs.

"Well, can you find out? It's important," I bark at her, and her head moves back in surprise.

I put my hand on my hips.

She carefully studies me and I try not to squirm.

"Well? Can you find out? I don't want to be unpresentable or late for Carlos. You know he is very punctual."

"Yes, I can do that."

"Is there anything else I need to know about tonight?"

"No crying. No attacks. No disobeying Carlos."

"I can't control my attacks."

"You better tonight."

I take a deep breath.

"You also owe Jonas an apology."

"What?" I cry out and dread fills me.

"You were disrespectful when he rescued you."