Phantom Universe
Page 33
CHAPTER 31: MONEY
16 years old
The door between their rooms stays open as the evening progresses. Everyone is hanging out and having a good time while Summer stays quiet and observant. She learns many things about the people around her. Like besides Lucy’s fear of spiders, she also hates heights. Avery’s parents died in a car wreck not long ago in Kentucky, and that’s how he ended up in California with his aunt. The thing Rob misses most is his dog Paco and his guitar. He’s also still deeply upset over the Dear John letter he received from his girlfriend the day before the Exodus happened.
The Exodus. This is talked about in length throughout the night and seems to be a regular topic between everyone in the camp. Summer overheard some of the history that night on the beach, but still doesn’t know much about exactly what happened. Basically, the Exodus was world-wide, wiping out all people with certain antigens and antibodies in their blood. Over two hundred million people went missing, and the world wanted answers. When no one produced any, people—namely countries—began to point fingers at others to satisfy the growing tension in their own. World War III broke out and decimated many countries, including the US of A. As countries pulled themselves back together afterward, they began to plot again. There were more wars, and during those times many American’s moved to Canada to find refuge. Canada, on the other hand, decided to build themselves an army that could take the USA. With lax borders, it was easy. There hasn’t been war in the Canadian Federation in almost a hundred years, though New York State, now its own country, has held its ground, refusing to back down. No one knows how they haven’t been taken over; it’s one thing the Leaguers don’t talk about.
“So Summer,” says Jaden as their conversation switches topics, “tomorrow word will be out about what happened today. There are about three thousand people in this camp—all young—and most of them from the Beverly Hills area. Do you know what that means?”
Summer shakes her head.
“It means that many of the people in this camp are privileged—their families are wealthy. Not all of them are snobs, but a large majority will look down on anyone who doesn’t have a lot of money,” explains Jaden.
“We’re the outcasts, remember?” pipes in Landon.
Summer nods, though she doesn’t really comprehend exactly what being an outcast entails. She knows that being an outcast means you’re ridiculed, picked on, and treated pretty poorly over-all. She always thought it was such a cop-out when she compared her life to anyone who considered themselves an “outcast” in books she had read. But this time Landon holds a very serious expression which tells Summer she should listen and pay attention to what Lucy’s about to tell her.
“You’ve met some of the bad characters already,” says Jaden. “Blake I don’t think will be a problem again.” Summer smiles at the memory of kicking him. Twice. It was very empowering—still is. “Rob beat up Preston pretty thoroughly, but I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of him yet. The girl with the butterfly tattoo on her face? That’s Violet. The only reason she has any standing here is because her very rich aunt owns the most popular tattoo joint in L.A. She hangs with some shady characters so just try to stay away from her.”
“Don’t scare the poor girl,” Lucy chimes in.
“Are you scared, Summer?” asks Jaden.
Summer shakes her head.
“All right then. She needs to know this so she doesn’t step on the wrong toes,” says Jaden.
“Summer’s incredibly perceptive,” says Landon proudly. “And she knows how to avoid people like they have the black plague if necessary.”
“Exactly,” agrees Jaden and glances at Summer. “Now Summer, I want you to be careful around Carter. You can’t miss him—he’s the tallest person in this place. Stay far, far away from him. He’s been especially violent lately because he is detoxing from cocaine. He’s dating Kayla who acts like she runs this place. She’s the one who made a quip about gang signs, remember?”
Summer nods, remembering the girl flipping her dark blonde hair like magical golden dust would flow from the ends. Maybe she’s an evil faerie?
“Wherever Kayla is, her posse is never far behind. Which includes Alexis, Blake, Preston, and Wyatt—the one who was holding Landon back during the fight. Sometimes you’ll find Violet hanging around her too. Basically, if you see a really tall dude and a blonde Barbie go the other direction.”
Summer absorbs the information, hoping she can remember it all tomorrow when she has to face these people again. It’s not much different than the ship’s hierarchy.
“That’s not all, though,” says Landon quickly. “There are also the Leaguers.”
“Hey, give the girl a break,” says Lucy. “Don’t you think she’s been through enough? Plus, she probably knows a lot more about the Leaguers than we do considering her outfit.” She waves her hand up and down, gesturing to Summer’s new clothes. She’s still wearing the black pants, black shirt, and black boots of the Leaguers, though the green and black jacket is gone.
The thought reminds her that Gage said her stuff would be in the room already. She’s anxious to see what “her stuff” is. She rises from the bed and goes to the dusty dresser. They all watch her curiously as she pulls the first drawer out and shuts it quickly. It’s all underwear, and her face flushes a little. She opens the second drawer and finds it full of clothing. Lucy and Jaden come up from behind her and look over her shoulder. They squeal at what’s inside.
“Clothes!” they shout and dance around, holding them up to see if they will fit. “I’m so happy you know a Leaguer,” exclaims Lucy.