Free United (The United Trilogy Book 1) by Jaci Wheeler Page A

room seems to be more beautiful than the last. 
    Masters stops at the waterfall, not to enjoy the amazing sight before us, but because he is waiting for someone.  His eyes don't flick even once toward the magnificent sculpture.  No matter how long I work here I think it will always captivate me. 
    All of a sudden I hear heels clicking on the marble floor.  An older woman around 60, with perfectly-styled gray hair and large brown eyes approaches us.  She is smiling, but it doesn't reach her eyes.  She looks tired, and something more...skeptical, I think.  She takes her time eying me, and then Wes.  You can tell her inspection is making Wes very uncomfortable, but, to my great relief, he keeps his comments to himself.  After several moments she extends her hand to me and then Wes. 
    “Good morning. I’m glad to see that you both have arrived.  My name is Annabelle and I am the representative of the Foundation. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
    My mouth goes dry.  The Foundation Council is made up of ten members and it is the Council that makes sure that the laws of the founders are being upheld, with no deviation.  It is also the Council’s responsibility to approve of and appoint the new President from the candidates presented to them by the Career Board.  I remind myself that she must be in my corner and push my nervousness aside.  “It’s very nice to meet you, Annabelle.”
    “Just one moment and we will get started for the day.”  I notice that she is pressing buttons on her watch.  Within moments a beautiful girl comes walking towards us.  Her age could be anywhere from 18-25.  She has long red hair with blonde highlights running throughout, bright hazel eyes, and a very friendly smile that puts me instantly at ease. 
    “Ah, Aspen, this is Rosaline and Wesley.  I’d like you to show Wesley around for a few hours while the Foundation meets with Rosaline, please.”  Turning to Wes, Annabelle adds “Aspen is my assistant and will take good care of you.”
    Wes is clearly put off and uncomfortable with the idea of leaving me and having to go with a stranger.  He looks at me, pleading with his eyes not to make him go.
    I turn to Aspen, “It’s very nice to meet you, Aspen.  Wes is very interested in the train and would love a tour if all possible.”  I am begging her with my eyes to please understand that this isn’t a request and if she doesn’t want him to flip out immediately she will catch on and say yes.  Please just say yes.
    “Of course! That is a fabulous idea.  In fact, one of our scientists is making some adaptations to one of the trains at this very moment and I’m sure Miles would love to have your opinion.”  I could just kiss her.
    Wes lights up brighter than I have ever seen him.  All fear and worry about leaving with a stranger instantly vanish with the promise of seeing the workings of a train and being able to harass one of the scientists. 
    “That sounds wonderful, Aspen!” Wes turns and walks away with her without another thought of me.  As they are walking away I can hear him ask her “What kind of name is Aspen anyway?”
    Oh good Lord, that poor girl is going to hate me by the end of the day!  Surprisingly, however, she just chuckles and says “What kind of question is that to ask a stranger?”
    “I like her.”
    “Yes, Aspen is the best!  I couldn’t get along without her.”  Annabelle is now openly studying me.  I stand there trying not to squirm.  “I was very impressed with you as well.  You handle Wesley perfectly.  I was worried for a minute there that we were going to have a meltdown on our hands.” I like her honesty and candidness very much. 
    “Yes, well we might have.  Wes doesn’t like change, and not feeling like he is in control.  I learned at a young age that as long as you can redirect him to something he enjoys or distract him with something he finds fascinating, we can avoid meltdowns altogether.”  Suddenly I