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    Chapter 14
    I packed what supplies I could find and am leaving to find other survivors, hopefully some with more information.
    â€”­The diary of Megan Jean
    The group had returned from the orphanage hours ago, but Madame Dulac’s question and Mia’s lack of an answer still plagued her. She barely touched her dinner. Now as she walked along the grounds with Flo she didn’t find herself any more alert.
    â€œMia?”
    â€œWhat?” Mia looked up at Flo, who wore a mischievous grin.
    â€œYou haven’t said a word all evening,” Flo said. “Are you lost in your head?”
    â€œSorry,” Mia said. “I suppose I’m just nervous.”
    â€œOnly two more nights until we fly out,” Flo said. “Don’t worry. You’ll do fine. What did you think of the children?”
    â€œWonderful,” Mia said. “I didn’t realize other countries had problems with parents not taking care of their kids.”
    â€œThe whole world has problems,” Flo said. “It’s how the ­people manage them that shows their character.”
    â€œWhat kind of person do you think I am?” Mia asked. “I know that we just met, but lately I’m not sure who I am anymore.”
    â€œI think you are brave and intelligent,” Flo said. “I think you put others before yourself and are scared to upset ­people. But what I think shouldn’t matter. The only opinion that should is the one you have of yourself. What kind of person do you think you are?”
    Mia sighed and shook her head.
    â€œHave you been questioning yourself lately?” Flo asked.
    â€œI feel like I’m not my own person,” Mia said. “I have these specific goals. If we are successful and the Registry is stopped, what then? I feel like a symbol, not a person.”
    â€œYou will find a way,” Flo said. “Trust in yourself. Are you still upset with Andrew?”
    â€œNo,” Mia said.
    â€œHave you spoken to him?”
    Mia shook her head.
    â€œGo see him tonight,” Flo said. “Sometimes seeing ourselves reflected in another’s eyes helps.”
    â€œWon’t that draw attention?” Mia asked.
    â€œWe can go now,” Flo said. ­“People will think we are reviewing our security detail for the trip.”
    Flo switched directions before Mia could object. She didn’t know why she wanted to anyway. Maybe Flo was right and seeing Andrew would do Mia some good.
    They arrived at the employee housing and as Flo promised she walked off with Zack. Jesse and Bryan weren’t around and Mia was left with Carter and Andrew.
    â€œHow’s learning to act French?” Carter asked.
    â€œInteresting,” Mia said. “How’s being a bodyguard?”
    â€œBoring,” Carter said.
    He stood up from the couch and started to leave.
    â€œWhere are you going?” Mia asked.
    â€œTo leave you two alone,” Carter said.
    Mia wanted to tell him to stay, but she did want alone time with Andrew. She took his spot next to Andrew.
    â€œHow are you?” Mia asked.
    â€œNervous,” Andrew said.
    â€œDid you memorize your cover story?”
    Andrew relaxed on the couch and turned toward Mia. He lifted his hand and started to twirl a lock of her fake hair.
    â€œI’m nervous for you,” Andrew said. “There’s a lot riding on this.”
    â€œFor some reason I’m not that scared,” Mia said. “Flo is very smart and she’s in charge.”
    Mia lifted one of her legs and tucked it under herself. She placed a hand on the couch between her and Andrew. He lifted his free hand and set it on top of hers.
    â€œWe can still call this off,” Andrew said. “France is a safe country. The two of us can live here together.”
    â€œYou know that’s not an option,” Mia said.
    â€œI had to say it anyway.”
    Mia