The scarlet harvest, p.14
The Scarlet Harvest, page 14
Twenty-one
The blanket presses against my sore abdomen. I grimace and toss the covers off. Tiny bumps dot my lower stomach where fertility shots were administered.
We received the final trigger shot three days ago. I feel slightly bloated but not too bad, considering I’ve been stabbed in the abdomen every day for the past two weeks.
Today is the big day: October first, the date of the Fall Harvest. I still haven’t figured out why they refer to the Harvests as Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter when the island has only a wet and dry season.
I get up, swallow the vitamins, and get ready for breakfast. As I walk down the hallway, Everly emerges from Clover’s bedroom. She looks surprised to see me. She quickly closes Clover’s door and hits the elevator button.
“What were you doing in Clover’s room?” Her hands are empty. She didn’t take anything.
Everly ignores me and steps into the elevator.
I knock on Clover’s door. “Clover?” No answer. I open the door and step inside. Nothing looks out of place.
On the first floor, voices I don’t recognize travel down the hall from the foyer.
“…found this morning,” says a male voice.
I glance in the foyer and see Saphronia standing with two Security Force officers. In the dining room, each plate has a single hard-boiled egg centered on it. Instead of juice, there’s a glass of water.
I sit and poke at the egg. “Is this a joke?”
I hate eggs. Especially slimy boiled eggs.
“We aren’t allowed to eat anything the morning of Harvest except for a single egg for luck,” Blaise says.
I raise my eyebrows at her. “Luck? I thought we were supposed to abstain from superstitions, yet they expect us to eat an egg for luck?”
Everly taps her egg with a spoon until the shell fractures. She digs her fingernails into the cracks and peels away the shell. I imagine stinky egg white stuck under her fingernails. Once the egg white is exposed, she holds it in the air.
“To luck.” She sinks her teeth into the egg as if it were a delicious apple.
“Supernovas, may I have your attention, please.” Saphronia enters with Berkeley, Harlowe, and the men from Security Forces.
“Captain Norcross and Lieutenant Kellum are here to deliver disturbing news,” Saphronia says. “The body of a Supernova from House of Lillith was found this morning near the cliffs.”
I picture the girls we pass sometimes on the walk back from the spa. Which one was it? Cambria? Maven? The tall brunette? One of the others?
Captain Norcross walks closer to the table. “We suspect foul play. We will know more about the cause of death when the coroner completes her analysis.”
“There was one curious detail,” Lieutenant Kellum says.
Berkeley and Harlowe raise their eyebrows at each other. Berkeley taps her foot, bites her nails, and fidgets. What are they worried about? A Supernova was killed, not a Nadir.
“The eyes were removed before the body was disposed of,” Lieutenant Kellum says.
Prisha inhales sharply.
I glance at Everly. Was the killer targeting people with eyes like ours? Why would the eyes be removed when a Supernova’s value is tied to her ovaries? It doesn’t make sense. Who would want to kill us and why? A chill settles over the room and sends shivers down my spine.
Captain Norcross says, “Keep your eyes and ears alert at the Harvest today. If you have any information that might be helpful to our investigation, report to your Zenith. Supernovas are one of the most valuable resources in Ovation. Rest assured, we will catch the person responsible.”
“Thank you, Captain and Lieutenant. Harlowe, please see the men out so they may notify the other houses.” The men thank Saphronia and follow Harlowe.
Saphronia turns to us and says, “Do any of you have anything to share with me?”
We all shake our heads. Clover’s eyes are red and puffy.
“If you hear anything suspicious, you will report to me immediately. Despite the disturbing incident, the show must go on. After breakfast, you will find custom-made Harvest dresses in your rooms. Be dressed and in the foyer at ten o’clock sharp.” Saphronia leaves and the room is quiet until the sound of her footsteps fade.
Everly breaks the silence. “I hope it’s Cambria.”
“Everly!” Maris scolds in an indignant tone.
“What?” Everly says. “If she isn’t at Harvest, I’ll have no competition.” She leaves the room with a pep in her step.
The realization that Everly would do anything to win makes me uneasy. Would she kill? An uncomfortable silence expands between me, Clover, Blaise, Maris, and Prisha. I’m certain we’re all thinking the same thing, but nobody says it out loud. I get up from the table, leaving the egg untouched. My stomach growls in protest.
In my bedroom, I find a white dress with a black satin sash splayed out across the bed. Shiny black heels stand upright on the floor. I’ve never worn such a fancy dress or heels. I unzip the jumpsuit, letting it fall to the floor.
Pulling the dress over my head, I gingerly push my arms through the delicate lace sleeves and twist it over my torso. The fluffy layers of the skirt fall slightly past my knees. I tie the sash around my waist and slide my feet into the heels.
I walk to the bathroom mirror to assess my appearance. The lace bodice is lovely. The lace ends where the sash begins. I move my hips and watch the chiffon skirt whirl and twirl.
Taking the hairbrush from the vanity, I pull the bristles through my hair until it shines. I look more like a bride than a Supernova. For the first time, I feel pretty.
Downstairs in the foyer, Prisha, Blaise, and Clover apply sunscreen. Blaise finishes and hands the bottle to me. “We’ll be in the sun for hours.”
I rub sunscreen into my face, neck, and legs.
Saphronia enters the foyer and says, “Line up single file and face me.”
Everly rushes in late and takes her place at the front of the line. Saphronia inspects each of us. She straightens my sash and adjusts Prisha’s hem. Then, she hands Everly a compact mirror and a gold tube.
Everly uncaps the tube, holds the mirror up, and applies scarlet lipstick. She rolls her lips together and passes the mirror and lipstick to Maris. Maris applies lipstick and passes it to Clover. When it’s my turn, I wish I wasn’t last to use it. After I smudge the color across my lips, I smile at the rosy-lipped girl in my reflection.
Saphronia collects the lipstick and compact. “Supernovas, today is your opportunity to give back to the community. Through your contribution, a more perfect world will be born. Never underestimate the importance of your role. I wish you all a successful Harvest.”
Carefully descending the outdoor steps, I extend my arms for balance and keep my eyes fixed on my wobbling high heels. It’s a beautiful sunny day. Parade floats line the normally empty streets. The House of Saphronia float has an elevated purple throne at the back. A smaller throne is centered under a gold, egg-shaped frame.
Supernovas file out of neighboring mansions and take their places on the floats. They all wear the same white dress with a sash and shoes in the color of their House.
On the sidewalk, an armed guard helps Saphronia onto the float. She takes her place on the largest throne. Next, Everly sits in the center throne.
Five pedestals squat at Everly’s feet. Great. I guess that’s where the rest of us will be sitting. I squint at the House of Lillith float, but I can’t tell which Supernova is missing.
“Step up.” The guard offers me his hand. I climb the steps and sit on the last pedestal next to Prisha.
“Bow to your Queen, peasants.” Everly smirks from her throne.
Blaise and I exchange eye rolls.
“Security Forces aren’t playing around today,” Maris says, looking at the armed officers posted around the neighborhood.
“Do you think they found the killer yet?” Prisha asks.
Maris extends her legs and adjusts her dress. “Suicide makes more sense than murder.”
“But they said her eyes were missing. Why would you pluck out your own eyeballs before committing suicide?” Prisha’s voice is full of doubt.
“Did you see the body, Prisha?” Maris’ voice has a sharp edge. Without allowing Prisha to respond, she adds, “Neither did I. Neither did any of us.”
Blaise says, “Did any of you see who was missing from House of Lillith?”
Clover shakes her head. “I couldn’t make out faces, but I counted only five Supernovas on the House of Lillith float.”
“I saw Cambria.” Everly’s face puckers as if she bit into a lemon.
The first float moves toward the cobblestone street leading to the spa. The other floats follow at a sluggish pace. My mind keeps replaying images of ocean waves tossing an eyeless Supernova against the cliffs.
What happened to her eyes? Is their absence symbolic? Was the killer trying to send a message? Since arriving in Ovation a month ago, I never questioned my safety. Until now.
Twenty-two
Past the iron gate, a cheering crowd greets the floats. Brightly colored threads strung overhead pop yellow and blue and pink against the cloudless sky.
Flower petals rain down on us from open windows and rooftops. I pull a yellow petal from my hair and bring it to my nose. Definitely a rose.
A rotund woman bumps against the float. She thrusts a transceptor and stylus in my face. “Can I have your autograph?” she asks eagerly.
A member of Security Forces steps between us before I can respond.
“Why would she want your autograph? I’m the one sitting on the House of Saphronia throne,” Everly says with a haughty look on her face.
“Who are all of these people?” I ask.
Maris says, “Hundreds of people live in Ovation. You haven’t seen them because our neighborhood requires special credentials.”
Blaise looks into the distance with a nostalgic smile. “When I was a little girl, my moms would walk me to the neighborhood gate to show me where I would live someday. I couldn’t wait to grow up and become a Supernova.”
The floats crawl toward a town square filled with people perusing booths set up along the perimeter. An imposing cathedral flanked by asymmetrical bell towers stretches across one side of the plaza.
The float parks near the square. Saphronia is first to disembark. The wind plays hide and seek in her purple cape. “Supernovas, when the bells toll noon, you will take your seats in the cathedral. Until then, enjoy the outdoor festivities.” She walks away and joins a group of Zeniths.
“Move it, plebeians.” Everly stands.
The smell of fried funnel cakes, buttery popcorn, and chocolate wafts through the air.
“C’mon, let’s check out the guys.” Everly grabs Maris and they make a beeline for the square teeming with Security Force members who look out of place next to the brightly-colored vendor booths, balloons, and decorations.
Giant eggs painted with tranquil landscapes—cherry blossoms, snow-capped mountains—are placed throughout the square.
Prisha wanders into the plaza and admires a bronze sculpture of a nude female torso. A clock melts down the neck of the statue. An ant crawls across the abdomen next to a giant golden egg.
“Look at that crazy statue.” I point.
Blaise stops in the middle of the street and gawks at me. “You’ve never heard of Dali’s Space Venus?”
I shake my head. “We studied Dali, but I don’t remember that.”
Blaise says, “Supernovas touch the golden egg for luck during Harvests. Dali was obsessed with eggs. In his work, eggs represent birth and renewal, ants represent death and decay, and the melting clock means different things to different people.”
Clover says, “I think the clock reminds us that youth and beauty and life are all fleeting. The Space Venus in its entirety represents the cycle of life.”
Blaise leads us toward the vendor booths. “Let’s see what the vendors are selling.”
“How many times have you guys participated in Harvests?”
“This is my fourth Harvest,” Blaise says.
“My eighth one,” Clover says.
“Does it hurt?” I ask.
“They give you a pill that knocks you out for a few minutes so you won’t feel anything.” Clover kicks pebbles with the pointy toes of her shoes. After eight harvests, she’s probably used to walking in heels. I’m still trying to avoid twisting my ankles on the cobblestones.
A woman dressed in pink steps into our path. “Get your eggs right here! I have scrambled eggs, deviled eggs, raw eggs! Take your pick, only two ovals each, ladies. I have pickled eggs, egg salad sandwiches!”
She holds out pastel colored eggs on sticks and says, “Who doesn’t love hard-boiled egg lollipops? Two lollipops for one oval!”
Blaise hands the woman an oval. “I’ll take two lollipops.”
“Choose any two you like.” The woman motions to a booth where oodles of lollipops are on display.
Blaise reaches for an egg lollipop painted sky blue with clouds. She hands it to me. “Hold this for a second.” She stands over the display. “Should I get this one or that one?”
“I hate eggs. Get whichever one you want,” I say.
“Get that one.” Clover points to an egg painted green with a four-leaf clover.
“Blaise!” A woman in a black robe, white bib, and veil hurries toward us.
“Mother Rose!” Blaise embraces her.
“Isabel!” Another identically dressed woman throws her arms around Blaise.
“Mother Ivy, I’ve missed you so much.” Blaise’s voice bubbles over with enthusiasm.
“Look at you. All grown up in your Harvest dress.” The one called Mother Rose brushes Blaise’s curls out of her eyes.
Blaise beams at the women. “Mothers, these are my friends, Clover and Wren. We live together at House of Saphronia. This is Wren’s first Harvest.”
The women acknowledge us and continue to fuss over Blaise. Two little girls peek out from behind their skirts.
“Can I give them lollipops?” Blaise asks.
“Of course, dear,” Mother Ivy says.
Blaise offers egg lollipops to the girls.
“What do you say, girls?” Mother Rose prompts.
“Thank you,” they say in unison.
“Good luck today, girls,” Mother Ivy says.
“Blessed is the fruit,” Mother Rose says as they walk away.
The Mothers disappear inside the cathedral. I look away but something draws my eyes back.
Is that? Could it be?
My heart leaps into my throat.
“What’s wrong, Wren?” Blaise asks.
“I’ll be right back,” I say.
I rush across the square, weaving in and out of a swarm of swanky summer dresses, fancy hats, bowties, and gloves. Butterflies multiply in my chest; hundreds of fluttering wings carry me forward on a wave of hope and excitement.
Someone bumps into me and nearly knocks me over. “Sorry, Miss.”
I keep moving, smiling, and don’t take my eyes off him. I run up the cathedral steps, rush to his side, reach for his forearm, and squeeze. I have to keep myself from hugging him. The last time I saw him, his face was scruffy, but today he is clean-shaven and wears a formal uniform.
“Fritz!” I blurt out, breathless, heart racing.
He frowns. “Do I know you?”
“It’s me.” I frown back. “Wren.”
Fritz pulls his arm away. “I suggest you join the other Supernovas. It’s almost noon.”
His words feel like a butterfly net thrust into my chest—twisting, ripping, tearing the wings off my hope and excitement. How can he not remember me? Maybe he needs evidence to prove it’s really me.
“I found your letter in the woods.”
“Listen,” he says sharply, “I’ve never seen you before in my life. I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but I suggest you stop before I report you.” He looks over my head.
Why would he pretend not to recognize me? Is he being watched? Was he captured and brainwashed? I notice cameras mounted above the cathedral doors. Is he scared to talk here?
“If you change your mind, I live at House of Saphronia.” My voice carries a sliver of hope.
He ignores me. The butterflies in my chest fall and form a pit in my stomach. As I back away, I notice he doesn’t have a scar through his eyebrow or callouses on his hands. If he isn’t Fritz, who is he? I picture the Lucindas at the spa. Could Fritz have an unknown twin?
Confused and rejected, I sulk on the way back to Blaise and Clover. I dodge little girls running through the square carrying egg-filled baskets and join Blaise and Clover at a booth where they admire eggshell jewelry. Below the vendor’s rainbow painted face and gap-toothed grin hangs a necklace of dyed eggs.
“Find anything good?” I attempt to sound upbeat to hide my hurt feelings.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” Blaise says. “Did you know him?”
I shake my head. “I thought it was somebody from home, but it wasn’t.”
Two bells stacked within the wider bell tower begin tolling. A wave of people pushes forward toward the cathedral. My stomach tightens into a knot. It’s time.
Twenty-three
We join Prisha, Everly, and Maris on the cathedral steps.
“It was Freya,” Everly announces, twisting from side to side, causing her dress to swish and swirl.
“What was Freya?” Blaise asks, climbing the last two steps to stand next to Everly.
“Freya is the one missing from House of Lillith.” Everly tosses her hair over her shoulder and nods toward the House of Lillith girls lining up at the door. Her red lips stretch into a satisfied smile. “This is one harvest they won’t win.”
