Away From the Dark (The Light #2)(44)

I shook my head. “No, not really. It’s still as if the day I woke from my accident was the day my life began.”

She nodded and laid her head back against the sofa. “The other day you said something in the temple about the dark. I remember the dark. I didn’t at first either, but now I do. If you do, talk to Brother Jacob. Benjamin helped me more than I can say.” A tear slid down her cheek. “I’d never go back. I’d never leave The Light.”

“Raquel, what is it?”

She pressed her lips together and swallowed. “Nothing, I was just so scared that you were out there, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

“I know we’re not allowed to talk about the dark, but if it would help you, I promise not to tell.”

Shaking her head, she whispered, “No, I can’t. I know you wouldn’t tell, but I don’t want to be the cause of any secrets between you and Brother Jacob.” Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. “The most important thing is that we’re here now. We’re in The Light and you’re safe. Benjamin said that when I came looking for you, you were out running?”

“Yes, I was in the north acres, but that won’t happen again, not without Jacob.”

“So this”—Raquel tilted her head toward my eye—“happened before Brother Jacob left?”

“Yes, Thursday night after prayer meeting.” I looked down. “He’s really patient—usually. It’s my fault. I need to stop questioning. I think that’s why I’m so embarrassed. I don’t want anyone to think of him like Brother Abraham.”

Just speaking his name gave me chills.

“Oh, don’t worry. That could never happen.” Raquel paused. “Why won’t you be running without Jacob? You like running.”

I nodded. “I’m no longer allowed. Jacob wasn’t happy when he arrived this morning. He knew why I didn’t go to work.” I sighed. “It’s like he always knows everything. Instead of staying here and discussing it, he made me go out into the community with him, to the coffee shop.”

Raquel’s eyes widened. “Were there many people?”

I shrugged. “I kept my eyes down, but even though it was early, yes. I didn’t see any chosen, but there were many followers.”

“I guess that was his way of easing you out of your embarrassment.”

Really?

“It was mortifying, and this afternoon after the Commission meeting concludes, he’s taking me to Brother Raphael and Sister Rebecca’s apartment.” I lowered my voice. “I have to apologize for missing work.”

She squeezed my hand. “It could be worse. You seem to be sitting fine.”

“Now,” I interjected. “He said my correction will be up to Brother Raphael.”

Raquel shrugged. “I guess I’ll know how that went tomorrow morning at service.”

I sat straighter and opened my eyes wide. “Tomorrow! Oh, do you remember me telling you that Jacob petitioned the Commission for me to travel?”

“Yes.”

“Apparently it was approved. Father Gabriel told Jacob to bring me with him when he comes to pick him up from the Eastern Light.”

Raquel’s expression clouded. “The Eastern Light? He’s supposed to take you there?”

“What’s the matter? Do you know where that is?”

“Do you?”

I feigned a smile. “I’m assuming east of here.”

She nodded. “I guess, since it’s not the dark, I can say. I remember the Eastern Light. I was there for a little while before I was brought here.”

Oh. My stomach sank. What happened to her?

I couldn’t stop my inquisitive mind. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It was just different, harder. If you’re allowed to see other campuses, Father Gabriel must really trust you.”

“I don’t understand. Isn’t the Eastern Light like here?” Though I was doing my best to keep her suppressed, the Stella part of me was dying to ask more probing questions.

“Not really. You can tell me what you think when you get back.”

I couldn’t push too much, or she might become suspicious. As I sat there with Raquel, I understood what Jacob had meant last night when he’d said he couldn’t allow his assignment to affect his behavior. Though it was tempting, I wouldn’t either.

“Thank you for coming to see me. Again, I’m sorry I scared you.” I admired her clear, bruise-free olive complexion as her round cheeks rose.

“Hey, now that you’re all right, let’s talk about something more exciting.”

I genuinely smiled. I was doing it, being Sara, and if my best friend since I’d awoken in The Light wasn’t suspicious, I must be doing a good job. Settling against the sofa, I stifled a yawn and listened as she chatted away.




My sleep-deprived nerves were stretched to the point of breaking as we walked silently to Brother Raphael and Sister Rebecca’s apartment building near the temple. Though Jacob hadn’t told me, I assumed he’d spoken to Brother Raphael at Assembly, because when we arrived, they seemed to be expecting us. The only other Commissioner’s apartment I’d visited was that of our overseer, Brother Daniel, and his wife Sister Ruth. The Commissioners’ apartments were bigger than the Assemblymen’s, but not by much. Since all of the Assemblymen’s apartments were similar, I wasn’t surprised that Brother Raphael and Sister Rebecca’s was similar to Brother Daniel and Sister Ruth’s. What made theirs bigger than ours was that it contained an office, which was where Sister Rebecca led us as soon as we arrived.