“Exactly! When we were back at home, I needed that coin. I clung to it. It represented one of the few good things in my life. Now, I have all this. I am a citizen, Renee. I’m in Neveah to stay. I no longer need that coin.” Renee dropped her head in response. Somehow, it still felt like a personal insult to her. She tried so hard to keep track of that coin. She knew its value to him. It all seemed pointless now, worthless. Picking up on her mood change, Sam continued. “I do appreciate your effort, Renee. I know you were trying to do something sweet for me and I sincerely thank you for that. I do not mean to hurt your feelings. Seriously though, look at all this. Oh, and you haven’t even seen the best parts…” Renee’s attention was sparked with the last statement and she watched diligently as Sam proceeded toward the other shoreline. “Come on, silly.” He insisted. Renee followed obediently, still somewhat disappointed about the coin.
Sam crawled onto a stony surface along the water’s edge and then vanished behind a tree. When he reappeared, there was a rope tightly gripped in his hand. “Get ready!” He laughed as he grasped it with both arms and swung towards her.
Splash!
Water flew all over her hair, completely drenching her previously half-soaked body. “Ah! I’m so gonna get you back.” Renee rushed over quickly crawling on the stone and grabbing the rope. If one could capture the moment her form flew through the sky, dangling above the watery surface, they would see the most beautiful, genuine smile to ever cross a girl’s face. It was a perfect moment of sheer happiness, and everything else seemed to fade away. At that second, the coin was instantaneously demoted and forgotten, along with all the troubles and worries of life. It was the essence of beauty, joy, and love all captured in a single, still frame.
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18. An Unpleasant Note
The day arrived. It was the morning of the field trip. As Ms. Morrison parked her car in her assigned slot, she couldn’t help but feel sick. She sat there debating for some time if she should simply put the car in reverse and call in today. No. This is not worth destroying a perfect record over…
Since her arrival at the school, Ms. Morrison never called in for anything. She could not allow fear to break that flawless streak.
As she was attempting to lock in her mental resolution, Ms. Morrison noticed the edge of a child’s sleeve peeking out from behind the left corner of the building. Smoke billowed there from around the building’s edge. She checked her clock to confirm. It was only 6:13 AM. The child had no reason to even be at the school yet unless he was involved in the before school care program. This solidified her decision. She stepped out of the car, slamming the door loudly, making her presence known.
The child clearly heard her as he scrambled to put out the source of the smoke. Ms. Morrison was around the corner before he could succeed at his mission. It was one of the older students, from Mrs. Gregson’s class.
“What do you think you’re doing with that, young man?” Mrs. Morrison was pointing to the cigarette in the child’s hand as he bent over to put it out on the pavement.
“Uh, nothing Ms. Morrison….wow you certainly look nice today.” The boy, Alex, was clearly attempting a diversion method. He lifted himself into an upright position with the smoldering object still trapped between his fingers. He smiled weakly, clearly hoping that would grant him some leniency.
“Hand that to me. I am feeling rather nice for once so I will not report it this time. However, if I ever catch you anywhere on this property or off engaging in cigarette smoking again, you will not only be suspended, but I will personally call your mother.” Ms. Morrison knew she had the ace in the deck. Alex’s mother was one of the few parents who had the utmost respect for Ms. Morrison of all the teachers. She was severely disappointed when it was time for Alex to move out of her class. After all, Ms. Morrison’s methods were extremely strict and leniency was generally not a term in her vocabulary. This was something she and Alex’s mother agreed on.
“Yes ma’am.” Alex handed over the death stick and ran off to the school’s entranceway, clearly horrified.
“These students do need me.” Ms. Morrison knew she made the right choice coming in today; yet she could not shake the sick feeling that bellowed in her stomach. She looked down at the tiny burning object in her hand. If this was any other day, she would have put the thing out and disposed of it immediately. However, today was not any ordinary day. She scanned the area to be certain no one was around. The parking lot was still nearly empty. Then, with a deep breath, she inhaled hard. Smoke bellowed from her mouth and she could not control the series of coughs that followed. “Ugh…” How do people enjoy these things? The taste was utterly disgusting. Somehow it took her back though, to a memory of long before. Chills ran up her spine.
“Ms. Morrison? I would have never pinned you for a closet smoker.” The voice was that of Principal Herbert and he was clearly disappointed with her recent decision.
“Oh, no, I’m not. I’m just…still a tad bit nervous about the field trip.” She leaned over to put the dreaded thing out as she made the statement and proceeded to throw it in the closest trash receptacle.
“Very well….As I assured you before, there will be numerous volunteers, including Danny’s father, Officer Whitfield….all will be fine.” Principal Herbert’s words were shaky as he made the statement. Ms. Morrison could not help but wonder if he questioned the decision himself.
“Yes sir.” She produced a weak smile and rushed toward the doors of the school. She did not want to continue this conversation any further. After all, her words thus far were utterly useless. She also desperately desired the coffee in the teacher break before facing this endeavor.
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19. The PROPOSITION
As they approached the cafeteria doors, Emily could smell a perfume of foods, causing her stomach to grumble even more ravenously. She followed as Ethan led the way through the doors. Upon entering, Emily paused to take in the sight. In front of them now, lined around every wall, was a multitude of containers filled with food. Heating fixtures rested above each dish, appearing like heaven’s skylights. Emily was clearly famished. The dishes consisted of every kind of food one could ever imagine, ranging from spaghetti to chocolate cakes. It was certainly the most incredible buffet Emily ever witnessed. Her eyes grew at the sight. “Where do I get a plate?” Her eagerness was beyond explanation. She was almost prepared to twist Ethan’s arm if it meant she could obtain nourishment faster.
“Just over here.” He led her to a corner in the room, where dishes were stacked nearly halfway up the wall. Without waiting for further instruction, Emily grabbed one eagerly and started stacking it with food. Under normal conditions, she would never be so ravenous in front of any attractive man. As a matter of fact, she made an art form out of pretending to be a dainty eater. However, at this point, she did not give a damn what anyone thought. She grabbed rolls, pasta, pizza, chocolate cake, anything and everything that caught her attention, regardless of the caloric intake. She proceeded to find a table, sat down and immediately began engulfing the food. She ate and ate and ate. “Wow, you really were hungry, huh?” Ethan chuckled.
Emily put down the half-devoured roll in her hand and chomped down the previous bite. “Yes, sorry. I promise I am not typically this disgusting when I eat.” She slowed her pace, ashamed of her behavior.
“I do not think you could be disgusting if you tried.” Ethan was staring at her with a spark in his eyes. Emily looked away, even more embarrassed. She did not respond and instead slowed her pace but continued eating. Within five minutes, she finished the entire plate. I should be feeling full by now, but I’m still starving….that’s odd…Ignoring the thought, Emily went up for round two.
“I’ll be right back.” She did not know why she offered Ethan the courtesy of this information. She should have let him sweat it out a moment.
“Okay.” He acknowledged, seemingly satisfied to at least be on polite terms with her.
E
mily filled another plate and finished it within ten minutes. Still, her stomach seemed to confirm what her mind already suspected. With a loud growl, it begged for more. “I don’t understand why it’s still growling…..” She intended the question to be an internal one, but voiced it aloud nevertheless.
“You have not yet adjusted to the food here. It’s…unique.” Ethan smiled reassuringly.
“I suppose that would be one way to put it…..anyway, I’m ready when you are…” Emily would not allow herself to go for a third plate. She finally had her weight under control and she was not about to completely destroy that now.
“Are you sure you don’t want some more? Please, do not hesitate for my sake.” Ethan was trying to be kind, but he hit a chord.
“Ugh, and men say we women always think it’s all about us. I will just take a self guided tour from here out, thanks.” Emily was truly grumpy because of her still growling stomach. However, Ethan seemed like a good target to release some of the built up tension onto. So without another word, she spun around and began walking off.
“Wait. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that in an offensive way. Please, there are places with restricted access, you can only see if escorted by a citizen of Luthania.”
Why is he being so insistent? Perhaps I should get all the info out of him while I can…She turned to face him. “Oh yeah, places like where?”
Ethan was holding back a smile; he clearly had an ace in the deck. “The mall…”
“There’s a mall here?” That got her attention.
“Ha…not just a, THE ultimate mall, unlike any you’ve seen before…” He released the smile. He knew she was hooked.
“Really? Cause I’ve seen some fairly impressive malls.” Emily was actually just remembering a postcard Kyle sent to her of an incredible mall named after her country, America. He was visiting the area for business and promised to bring back a memorable token for her. His gift was a necklace with a clear, glass elephant pendant. Inside, her name was etched on a tiny piece of rice. She could picture the necklace now, lying on her dresser with the postcard underneath. Oh, how she wished she was home looking at it right now.
“So….do you want to see the mall?” Ethan clearly could not read her trance-like expression.
Emily drew herself back to reality. “Yes, I would…but…” She was going to insist he tell her how to get home afterwards. However, considering the caged condition of her arrival here, logic determined she should keep the thought to herself, for now. Oh shit….how am I going to get that out of him….Her eyes then wandered across his muscular chest and arms. They seemed to be taunting her with daydreams of possible seditious lures.
“But?” Ethan seemed uncertain if he should have spoken at all.
“Nothing. Show me the mall.” Emily was not about to drift again, she needed to stay focused. Any information Ethan could offer may prove valuable.
“Very well then, right this way.” He smiled as he approached and held open the cafeteria door.
“Oh, our plates…should we have just left them there?” Emily suddenly wondered who did all the cleaning around this place.
“It’s fine, the night crew will attend to it.” Ethan smiled and continued onward, further into the city. I certainly wouldn’t want that job….who would actually….hm…
Resuming their walk along the cobblestone path, they passed several more unique structures. The one on Emily’s right now was particularly interesting. It looked like an egg, literally. The structure was large with an oblong shape and no visible windows or openings of any form. The entire thing was also painted a strange off white color. Why on earth would someone build such a thing? Emily could not possibly comprehend the reasoning behind it. Nevertheless, they progressed forward and her observations continued.
The next building beyond the egg was truly fascinating and seemed to provide an explanation for its predecessor. On the side closest to Emily, a massive dinosaur statue was placed. The tyrannosaurus seemed frozen mid-way through a climb up the building’s side. Scratch marks were etched perfectly along the concrete structure where the creatures’ claws appeared to be sinking in. As they continued to walk past the structure, Emily’s attention continued to be drawn in. The front of the building was even more incredible. Here, a massive fake tiger stood on its hind legs. The thing was at least thirty feet tall. The animal’s mouth gaped open as though mid roar. His head and front left paw bridged the gap between the building’s interior and exterior structures. Glass was manipulated around him in a nearly impossible way. Shards poked out around his head and exposed paw as though he just broke through. The rest of his body could only be seen by looking through the glass into the lobby of the building. The structure’s doors rested between his gigantic hind legs which were contained inside the building. Around each of the tiger’s paws, large metal cuffs rested, as though he just busted out of his chains. The imagery was amazing but also dauntingly horrifying. Emily half expected the tiger to roar out for freedom at any moment. It seemed like a far stretched idea, but then again so was the concept of receiving everything for nothing.
“What is that place?” Emily’s curiosity longed for an answer and she pointed to the building.
“Oh, that’s just the zoo entrance….it’s far more interesting inside….” Ethan laughed with an almost cruel twinge in his voice. Emily ignored him and continued staring at the building’s final side as they passed. Here, a half figure of a black horse rested outside the concrete. It was as though he was also bursting through the building. The horse’s nostrils seemed flared out and his mouth was open as though pleading for freedom. Why would something like a zoo be portrayed in such a dark manner….I thought zoos were supposed to be fun. Emily tried to wrap her mind around the strange concept, but she failed miserably. Before her mind could make any more futile attempts, Ethan stopped in front of a massive building composed entirely of white brick. The glass doors to its entranceway had steel bars crossing them. Emily distinctly paused at the sight. A small, tiny voice rose within her, warning her not to venture there.
“Why are there bars on the doors?” Emily at least needed a logical answer to this question to reassure her.
“Oh….those are for night purposes….in case anyone from the other village tries to get in…” Something about his tone indicated the statement was a lie.
“From where? The place Lucy thought I was from? The reason she put me in a cage….” The thought brought a shutter to Emily. She was starting to feel more hesitant about this entire venture. You came here for an explanation….and hopefully to find a way home…stay on track Em…come on…
“She put you in a cage? Wow that’s severe, even for her…” Ethan trailed off as though he already said too much.
“What do you mean by that?” Emily wanted answers. She wanted them now.
“Nothing, it’s a long, boring history lesson. So do you want to shop or what?” He wasn’t going to budge, not yet at least.
“Yea, let’s do this.” Emily pasted on a smile and hesitantly approached the doors. They then entered a wonderland of shopping. The building was even more massive than Emily initially suspected. It stretched ten stories high, an open ceiling in the center creating a majestic effect. Shops lined every hall and appeared to continue on for an eternity. “Wow.” In that instant, Emily lost all comprehension of previous plans or investigations.
Ethan smiled brightly. “Where do you want to go first? Lead the way my lady.”
“Please do not call me that….and this way.” She quickly approached her first target. It was a well known, ridiculously overpriced purse store. Perhaps I can milk a purse out of this experience….if I’m going to deal with this asshole, I might as well get something nice out of it.
“Hold up a minute.” Ethan was insistent.
“Why? What’s wrong with that store?” Emily’s disappointment was obvious. Her tone likely sounded similar to a first grader who was just told she can’t have ice cream.
“Nothing is w
rong with it, nothing at all….but do you remember how I said you would need a citizen escort?”
“Yes….why is that exactly?” More questions burned in Emily’s mind. As much as she wanted to focus on them, she could not. It was as if her eyes had been enchanted and they were taking a course of their own, scanning all around the incredible mall.
“Hold my hand.”
“Excuse me?? Why?” Emily’s eyes snapped toward him. Who does he think he is…ordering me to hold his hand….shesh, this guy has no game!
“Watch, see the light that flashes as shoppers enter in and out of the store?” Ethan’s tone was calm and serious as he pointed to her first targeted store.
Emily watched for a moment and, sure enough, every time someone entered or left a shop, a light flashed momentarily. “Ok, what about it?”
Ethan lifted his wrist and pointed with his other hand. “You see that mark there, the number imprinted on my wrist?”
Emily stared; flabbergasted she had not noticed it earlier. “Yea, what is that thing?” She was getting worried. Things were suddenly starting to seem like a concept in a science fiction novel.
“It’s my chip, my identifier if you will. Back home, you carried around an ID, correct?” Emily nodded her acknowledgement and Ethan continued. “Well, here we have chips implanted in our wrists; they identify us as citizens of Luthania and lawful followers of the regulations here.”
“Regulations….huh…so there is a catch?” He was cornered now. She was freaked out about the entire microchip concept, but knew she needed to focus.
“If you call five free items a day a catch….oh, did I mention that’s per store?” Ethan smiled brightly, clearly thrilled by the allowance.
“Wait, so you’re saying because you have that chip, you can pick up five items from any store every single day with no other strings attached?” Emily couldn’t hold back a smile at that thought. Elation was running through her like alcohol through blood.….alcohol….
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 10
