Escape Is Not Possible

Aliana Slate's POV:

I cannot believe this day has finally come. Graduation day was finally here! I've looked forward to this day for the past four very long years. Over the past six months, I have been sought after by various prestigious art studios across the country, but none of which I wanted to work with.

However, little did I know that the letter I received last night was the one I had been hoping for, but never figured I was good enough to receive. It was from the leading art studio in the country. They were even based here in my very city! On top of that, I even have an interview with them tomorrow. I couldn't wait to bring my portfolio along.

"Allie, where are you going to sit?" Claire called out to me.

I laughed, standing there in my dark purple cap and gown. I even reached up, fixed my tassel, and placed it on the proper side of my cap. I hadn't graduated yet, so I couldn't place it on that side till after the ceremony.

"Right beside you, of course," I called back to her.

This was a momentous occasion. She reached out, quickly wrapping her arm around mine as we both walked to get in line. We made our way to our seats, and before too long, the ceremony officially started. There was minimal chatter among the graduates, but most of it came from Claire.

Claire tugged on the outer edge of my gown at my shoulder, and when she leaned her head closer, she whispered, "I have a special surprise for you."

"Oh yeah?" I asked, whispering back as I slightly turned to look at her. "Please tell me it's not another lost puppy."

"Oh no, I know you're not allowed any sort of pets at that new apartment of yours," she whispered again, chuckling to herself. "It's a whole lot better than that."

"What is it this time?" I couldn't help but ask, just as the last person in the row in front of us heard their name called.

"A few friends and I are going to the bar after this for a graduation celebration party. They wanted to invite you too!" I turned to look at her dead on, completely surprised.

Claire knew how busy I was. I've never been one to go out with anyone else, except Claire. She conformed to my schedule, and I appreciated that. Suddenly, she stood up on her feet, tugging my arm along as it was our turn to walk up to the stage and receive our certificates of graduation. I held my head high as I made my way up the center aisle and over to the front of the stage.

"Aliana Slate," I heard my name called over the loudspeaker.

I smiled as I walked across the stage, each foot placed with grace. Even making sure I stopped to take a photo with my certificate in hand, all before returning to my seat. I was filled with excitement that I could hardly contain myself.

After that, the rest of the graduation proceeded in a flash. Now it was time for all the graduates to stand and throw their caps up into the air. Claire held tight to my hand as we all shouted with excitement. We were finally done with all the hectic schedules and back-to-back tests.

"Hey, girl, you have to ride with me!" Claire spoke loudly enough for me to hear.

"Yeah, but what about my car?" I asked her over the roar of the other graduates.

"It'll be fine," she replied as we slowly made our way over to her family. We continued our conversation as she added, "Don't worry, your car will be just fine right where you left it."

As we reached her family, Clarissa, Claire's mother, called out to us. "Girls, I'm so proud of you both. I bet you must feel so proud."

"I know I am," I said, turning around, trying to figure out exactly where my extended family was.

They were supposed to take a flight in the town, but the last message I received was that their flight had been delayed. So, as far as I knew, they completely missed my graduation altogether.

Claire was still holding tight, her elbow wrapped around mine as she was practically bouncing on her toes.

"I know I am," Claire said as she turned to look at me. "However, Allie here already has an interview set up for tomorrow!"

"Is that so?" Clarissa asked, with a decent thrill in her tone. "You simply must tell me everything."

"We don't have time for that right now, Mom. We simply must get ready for the graduation party!" Claire cut me off from even saying anything.

"All right, well, you two girls be careful now," Clarissa called out as Claire already turned me to walk away from her family. "I wish you the best of luck tomorrow, Aliana!"

"Thanks, I appreciate it," I called back over my shoulder when I turned back to look at Claire. Then, in a more normalized tone, I said, "Thanks, I needed that."

"Oh, I know how my mother can be," Claire responded as we immediately headed over to her car.

"Intrusive?" I asked as she walked me to her passenger door first. "Hey, why don't we stop by the dorm so I can change first?"

"Are you kidding me? So you can get your phone and be stuck in chat all night long, I don't think so," Claire responded, opening up the passenger door. She patted me on the top of my shoulder, gently pushing me towards the open seat. "No, I think I'll have you to myself for the remainder of the evening. Besides, I have a gift I needed to bestow upon you as well later."

"I hope it's nothing bad," I said, taking my seat and fastening my seatbelt.

Right before she closed the door, she leaned down, looking into my face and saying, "This is an experience you're not likely to forget."

Finally, we were sitting at a table at Claymore's Bar. Even though I was present physically, my mind just wasn't in this. I couldn't help but dwell on the fact that I didn't have my phone to check my messages, including confirmation of tomorrow's interview promptly at 9 AM.

"Oh! Allie! I have something for you," I heard Claire shout out to me over the various conversations in the bar. I swiftly turned to look at her as she walked up to me with a small black box perched in her hands.

"What's this exactly?" I couldn't help but ask.

"This? This is the gift I told you," she said with a cheerful tone. I took a sigh of relief, realizing it wasn't an animal or even a goldfish in a bowl. "I took the liberty of having this picked up for you."

"Oh?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "What's that exactly?"

"You just have to open it and find out," she said, reaching out as I took the lid off the box.

With the lid cover removed, I saw a single key with a red tag: #617.