#paras1

A knock sounded on the door not even five minutes past eight am. Trix was curled up on the couch with a glass of Cabernet , sketching up some new decorations to add to the already twinkling blue and white fairy lights that she had made come to life just weeks ago. She knew that it was already Christmas but between her work at the gallery and her work for the government, it was the first day that she had been able to finish decorating.

She stood up cautiously, not knowing who would invite themselves to someone’s house on Christmas without asking first, moving slowly through the openness of her studio apartment. Trix was always aware of the fact that she was on a team of people that were not well liked. If the rebels were anything like the government team, they would have no problem showing up to someone’s house and slaying them just like that.

A quick glance through the peephole revealed that it wasn’t anyone from the rebel team at all. She sighed in annoyance and slid the chain to open the door.

“You can’t even let me have this one day without giving me new shit to do? It’s Christmas.” The government official gave no sign that he had heard her or even noticed that it was a holiday, he had delivered packages to her before but Trix didn’t even know what to call him. He never spoke and this time was no different; he simply handed over a manila envelope and nodded before turning on his heel and stalking down the hallway. Trix watched his progression before stepping back into the apartment and slamming the door behind her.

It was just like her bosses to send her an assignment on Christmas; they didn’t give a shit about anyone, as long as they had people to call their property. Of course, Trix had signed the contract that said that she was government property. That didn’t mean she liked being constantly reminded of that fact.

She sank heavily into the couch, eyeing the folder with distaste. No doubt that it would contain schematics for a new weapon that was intended to be used against the rebels. Carolyn flashed into her mind, who Trix happened to like a lot, who she wanted to paint one day but would never get the chance because they were on opposing sides. And then there was Elise, who was probably her favorite person. Maybe she wasn’t on either side but in the eyes of the government, that automatically meant that she was the enemy. Simply spending time with her would be considered an act of treason of Trix’s part.