My throat tightens, restricting the words I want to say. Even my fists clench together, and sweat forms on my palms.

Just say it.

“You weren’t like this in Secondary. You didn’t talk to me or take me places or tell me what to do. Now all of sudden—”

“I tried. I can’t say I tried hard enough, but I tried. It’s just…”

I watch her, waiting for her to say more. She’s tapping her fingers on her arms, looking like she’s trying to build up the courage to say more.

“Everyone told me how obsessed you were with Ladia,” she says slowly. “They said she turned you into a self-centered jerk, and quite frankly, Arman, they weren’t wrong. But every day, I watched you, and you know what I figured out? You had no one. No one. You went to school, went to work, and went home. Every time I asked if you wanted to hang out, or play Hologis, or go to Emerson’s plaza, you turned me down.”

The memories rush through my head, a blur of thoughts: Glacia asking if I needed help with homework, if I wanted to grab lunch, if I wanted her parents to make dresses for my sisters. Even back in January, she showed up—uninvited—to the Hologis match I was competing in on my birthday.

The thing is, I never realized she was the only person doing it.

“And when your father…when he…” She takes a deep breath. “Arman, I thought you were going to—”

Glacia’s words catch in her throat. She shakes her head and looks away. I watch her, though. I didn’t know anyone was scared for me, least of all Glacia. I know I should say something, but words fail me. When she looks back, a tear glistens on her cheek.

“Arman, you need a friend. I don’t care if it’s not me, you just need someone.”

Chapter Thirteen

Two Officials collect my belongings and escort me to the main floor of the apartment complex. Victoria and Michael are already waiting there, and soon more Officials arrive with Glacia and Ellin.

It’s quiet without John.

Victoria takes us to the maglev train station across the street, and we ride to the transport docks. A man with messy brown hair is leaning against one of the transports, and he straightens himself as we approach.

“Well, if it isn’t Vicky and my new best friends. Thought you were gonna stand me up.”

Victoria rolls her eyes. “Morning, Larson.”

“Oh, show some enthusiasm! New day, new adventure. On a side note, please tell me this lot’s better than the Recruits you had to babysit last time.”

“Officer Larson Remmit, everyone,” Victoria says, grinning. “And yes, they’re much better.”

“You should’ve seen the batch Vicky got stuck with,” Officer Remmit says. He exaggerates a shiver. “Cheerful bunch, weren’t they?”