I know... I started writing a new story while I'm currently working on 2 more, but I've actually had this idea for quite a while floating in my head. It wasn't until not too long ago that it all just popped in my head and made complete sense for me to get the courage to actually write it down!
This story is actually going to be in first person narrator, and each chapter will be named after the character that the POV will be projected from... For now I only have planned to work with 2 character's perspectives, but it might change to 3 as the story flows on. Not sure about that yet... The chapters won't flow on specific character order, you might get 2 or more chapters in a row with the same character.
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy, and if you read, please review and let me know if you guys like it so far? If I should continue or not...? Ya' know... Whatever moves your boat! ;)
Oh! An important note... This takes place a month after the season finale.
Julie
Red is the alarming vibrant color flashing before my eyes, a color that reflects danger, anger and power, and I can't help but to feel anxious and a little short of breath whenever it paints itself before me, because it's always never good. The warning signs blink, in and out projecting the time, a harsh reminder of how dangerous my deficiency can actually be… I'm late again!
I press my foot against the gas pedal even harder, and my foot doesn't move so I'm pretty sure I've already reached maximum speed, but the sudden pressure brings me some kind of strange comfort. It makes me believe that the further I dig my foot, the faster I'll go, even though that's absurd.
The incoming calls to my comlink don't seem to end, message after message, and it's my father's concerned and pleading yell playing over and over again; he's angry but mostly worried, I can sense it in his voice, and it makes me feel a little guilty. I was supposed to be at my lesson 30 minutes ago, plus I didn't show up for my intern shift this morning so I know it's my fault that he's feeling anxious about my whereabouts.
I can't answer, I can't let him track me, not here, not now! I'm on my way to him as we speak, even though I'm kind of dreading it. I don't think I'm ready to listen to one of his safety and responsibility speeches again. I'm starting to grow tired of them, "Julie you need to learn to take things more seriously!" his voice echoing. I'm already frowning and cursing at myself for being so distracted lately that I already know what's coming my way. I just hate it when I get his scolding voice stuck in my eardrum, like an old record player stuck on repeat. I guess it's my guilty conscience acting up when I know I've failed him.
A new window pops up on my dash; another incoming call. I can already feel the scowl forming on my face. There's enough blinking screens in front of me to cause me a catastrophic accident; no need for extra distractions. I need to get to KaneCo tower yesterday!
But my expression softens when I see who the caller is, I sigh. My tardiness and problems are not other people's fault, but only my own. So I lightly tap on the screen to accept the call, but I don't even dare to take my eyes off the road.
"Hi Claire!" I say hastily.
"Uh… Please tell me you're at least half way here!" She replies, her voice sarcastic.
I allow myself to take a small peek at the screen; she looks upset.
"Let me guess, my dad called you?" I ask, playing a little guessing game for her current mood.
"Oh he called alright! He called like 30 minutes ago! Girl, I left you like 10 messages, what happened?!" Immediately my fingers fly towards the screens on my dash as I dismiss and remove all of those stupid alarms bombarding my view. I finally find my message screen just to confirm her words, and when I do I remember why I was initially ignoring them.
"I'm sorry Claire, I didn't know you called, I've been kind of ignoring my dad…" I say in my most sincere tone, and again that guilty gut feeling comes back.
She still looks upset, and her arms fold across her chest as an addition, her eyes glaring at her side; she doesn't even want to look at me, "I thought you were just going to drop something off last night and then head back!" she pauses and sighs. "Jules, he's really upset." Her eyes meeting back with the screen, and of course mines.
Claire's words causes my heart to sink a bit, because I know what she meant. She's worried for me, I haven't been careful when I know I should be the most; she's frightened for my safety. After all my dad tends to be a little exaggerating when it comes to safety measures.
"I know… But look, everything's gonna be fine. I'm fine now and I'm pretty sure he's just gonna give me a long speech about responsibility and question me about where I was, and I'm gonn-"
"And what exactly are you gonna say?!" She interrupts, and my eyes widen. I'm little taken aback, but I remain quiet and wait for what she has to say. "He obviously knows you weren't with me! And you don't really hang out with other people up here in Deluxe…" She rolls her eyes.
She has a point, but I don't let it show. I can't afford to worry about that now, I still need to get to Deluxe, so I shake my head and focus my mind back on the road. "I'll wing it! I'll tell him that I was at your place, and that I got sick so I left… I don't know I'll come up with something!"
"I don't think that's gonna work…" She says in a low voice and her eyes fall to the ground. She's keeping something from me. I raise an eyebrow, and I can't even help the concern that's suddenly gnawing at my insides.
"Claire… Is something wrong?" I ask with a little fear.
She looks up to the screen again. "I'm okay, that's all you need to know…"
But that's not enough for me, "Claire! What happened?" I press, and she sighs.
She hesitates, but she eventually replies. "Your dad sent some of his men to my pod this morning…"
I can feel myself freezing for a second, and I have to shake my head to recollect myself. I'm driving, I'm not allowed to feel this way now.
"He did what?!" I meant to ask something else like, what where they doing there? Or did they harm you? But I just need to hear it again to reassure myself that I heard correctly.
She takes a deep breath and looks away, her eyebrows furrow, and I can tell she's uncomfortable about the subject, but I just need to know!
"Look, they just searched the place and made a big mess, that's all…"
I feel the sudden wave of anger rising in me; my hands tightening on the steering wheel, so much that my knuckles turn white from the force. I feel like punching something, but I can't at the moment, so instead I kick my foot against the gas pedal even harder, no, not kick, press. I press, and I feel 9 Lives roar as she speeds up faster and faster, the Motorcity exit tunnel is not too far from here, and something tells me that this time I'm gonna dread entering it more than ever before.
I let out a long breath, I'm too upset and embarrassed to even rant about the problem, "I'm so sorry Claire…" Is all I manage to say, my voice sympathetic.
"Look Jules, I'm okay really! Everything's fine, nothing's broken or anything. It was just… A little scary that's all." She replies, trying to make me feel better about the situation, but it's hopeless. It still doesn't change the fact that I got her into this…
"He went too far…" I say almost immediately, my voice bitter with sudden hate for the man who ironically I share much love for.
"It's fine! Although I wish that one guy wasn't so freakishly weird…" And I notice her shuddering at the memory.
One of my eyebrows arcs, and I glance in thought at the screen. "What guy?" I ask, very much curious.
"I don't know his name!" She exclaims instantly, "He just looks weird. He's certainly not an ultra elite that's for sure…" she brings her hand up to examine her perfect manicured nails, as if the subject wasn't that important anymore.
I take a couple of seconds to think, but the irritating red warning signs pop up on my screen, yet again to remind me that now I'm 45 minutes late. I grunt, and for a second I even forget about what we were talking about that I don't even realize that I mutter what I see. "Ugh! These stupid red signs!"
"Yeah… He was wearing red." Claire supports very calmly.
When I hear her words, my eyes widen and I immediately turn to the screen, because now I know who that one freakishly weird guy is. "Red? He sent Red to your pod?!" I ask very stunned.
"Red, Black… Whatever… Well he was in my pod with like 3 other ultra elites, and OMG he's like totes super mean! He was asking me all sorts of questions, like when was the last time I saw and talked to you? And when was the last time you visited me? Ugh! I swear he was so rude when he spoke!" She frowns; a little upset about the memory, and I wouldn't blame her.
But that makes me even more furious with my father, not just because he sent Red, but because it also means that Red was given certain orders. Orders that could jeopardize my identity as Kane's daughter. Normally I would be overreacting in front of my dad for being so discreet about my existence, I don't like that I'm his secret. Though I have to admit that it has given me certain advantages, and because of that I've become too paranoid to admit who I really am. My dad doesn't know it, and I know he does it to protect me, but right now my true identity could serve as a detonating time bomb to some. Ready to disappoint and hurt those close to me who just know me as random Julie, intern at KaneCo, and current Burner. A traitor at both ends, but not by heart. I want what's right for my two homes, so I think that I at least deserve a voice when it comes to who my father decides to reveal his secret to. He might trust Red, but I don't! Not even as Abraham Kane's daughter.
I hit the breaks, and I bring 9 Lives to a screeching halt. I've reached my destination. "I can't believe he sent that monster after me! What was he even thinking?!" I yell, banging my fists against the dash.
Claire watches me a little confused, I guess I never talked to her about Red before. "Girl, chill! I said he didn't do anything to me! He was just rude that's all… Besides you never really told me why you ended up staying the night down there, was everything alright?" She asks a little worried.
And guilt rushes through me again, my cheeks burning at the thought. "Uh… No, nothing bad happened." I reply, quickly getting out of my car and stealing every hint of worry from her; the holo-chat following along. I touch a button on the collar of my vest and my attire changes to the dull light blue and white that paints me along with this city's mandatory boring cleanliness and safety.
Claire smirks, and even though I don't have time, I know what's coming, "Julie Kane! Did you finally-"
"Nope! No, don't even bring it up! It's nothing like that!" I immediately dismiss, but it's no use. At this point it's a little hard to conceal the red on my cheeks.
She giggles, and I try to force my smile back, I'm probably going to get punished to death in a couple of minutes and here I am thinking about the cause of it! "Just say yes or no!" She presses.
And my smile dies when I think about my options, I pause and let it sink in. "No." I reply softly, sadly shaking my head before I continue the walk to the end of my days.
"What?! Oh come on! I swear it's you, it's like you don't even want this sometimes!" She scowls at me, a little disappointed. But she's right, sometimes I don't want it, because reality sinks in, and I know how complicated things might get… I'm scared, and I don't want neither of us to get hurt.
By now I'm jogging my way to KaneCo tower, the heels on my boots are hurting my feet but I don't let that stop me. I frown at Claire's response, how many times do I have to explain this to her? "Claire, you know it's not that simple!" I say in between a pant.
"I know it's not, but I also know that he trusts you, and deserves to know the truth!" She snaps back.
He does, I know that. I'm just too scared of loosing him entirely, or about disappointing him and loosing his trust, even though that won't change my goal to do what's right. So instead, out of fear, I just don't risk him. Instead, I just rather be in love and hear his voice call my name, "Jules…" it's like those poems I found in an abandoned building once down in Motorcity. I never knew people actually wrote down their feelings on paper and dedicated them to their loved ones, that's not taught in Deluxe. Beautiful long lost words that meant affection and romance, and described things with such details like flowers, and the color and smell of things that I'm not even sure what they are. And that's what I hear every time he says my name; poetry, because I can sense the passion behind his voice. He doesn't just call me because he needs something, sometimes there's no need to say it and he does anyway. It's like he needs to say it to fill a void deep inside him, and I turn and smile and melt a little inside.
This has been going on for a month now, ever since the last big attack. It's like, something in us changed after that day, and I can't really explain it, but it's like a switch was suddenly turned on; like a drug that I need to take in order to survive. We've been getting… closer… Not in an obvious way of course, but it's like our own little secret that we don't even speak about. The world that surrounds us might know, but they don't speak either, they just know, smile and silently root for us, because they think we belong. They smile when I'm tired and I unconsciously rest my head against his shoulder and he stretches his arm to bring me closer. They smile when we get lost into each other's eyes and escape reality for a couple of seconds. When I blush whenever he compliments my work, or the way I look certain days… Last night they smiled when he asked me to stay and watch a movie with him and the guys, and I agreed. Little by little they left to their rooms for the night until it was just me and him. My heart throbbed desperately when he brought his arm across my shoulders, and I swear he wanted to say something, but he didn't, instead he leaned and I knew what was coming, and then reality attacked me. I panicked, I can't get too lost in him, because I don't want to loose him, no matter how bad I crave to feel his lips against mines. So I just don't. I restrain myself, no matter how tempting and painful it is.
And every day I wake up with the hopes of giving up, and forget about the consequences, but it never happens. I just live with the constant fear of loosing him, because of who I really am. Reality is, I am a huge risk for him, and it hurts to know that he doesn't even have a clue of how much damage I could really cause him. I don't deserve his feelings, his closeness and care… Like I said, I'm a deadly weapon waiting to be ignited and I don't want to hurt! I don't think I even want to know what my options are either. All I know is that I'm in love with Mike Chilton, and I'd like to keep it that way. Sometimes I'm okay with just daydreaming about things, like when we kiss in my dreams and I can finally brush my fingers freely against his soft brown hair, feel his warm breath against my lips, and loose ourselves endlessly into each other's eyes until we speak no more, and let our feelings express themselves in that blissful silence I so desperately crave… It's okay, I don't think I was ever meant to have a normal life anyway.
"You deserve to be happy yourself you know…" Her voice brings me back from my short fantasy. I blink as I analyze her words.
"I know Claire, but have you ever wondered how he'll react if he ever finds out that I'm his mortal enemy's daughter? That I share the same roof as the tyrant he's been trying to take down? The same guy who's tried to kill him multiple times? For sure he'll kick me out of the Burners, and probably have me banned from Motorcity… Not to mention that…" I pause, swallowing the sudden lump on my throat. "I don't want to hurt him…"
Claire sighs annoyingly and rolls her eyes. "Well if you're gonna put it like that, then yes, expect some major hate!"
I frown, "Yeah thanks for the encouragement…" I say unimpressively as I pause on my heels. I've reached KaneCo tower. "Okay, I gotta go! I'll call you later to let you know how my death sentence went…" I say sarcastically.
She nods and gives me a sympathetic look. "Good luck, Jules… You know I alway got your back, but today…" I know how she feels, like she somehow failed me even though it was the other way around. I'm the one who failed her and wasn't too careful with my precious time, I took advantage of my limited freedom for my own selfish ironic needs.
I give her a half smile, "Thanks, I know I can always count on you, Claire!" and with a light touch, I end the call and the screen before me turns to nothing.
I'm panting and a drop of sweat trickles down my cheek, immediately I wipe it away, and continue my walk with a slower pace. I feel a little hesitant about opening the door, but it's mostly because I don't want to face my father, and right now my only wish is to run away and never come back, but that would be selfish of me. As much as I wish to leave everything and move down to Motorcity permanently, it's a huge help that I'm up here in Deluxe. It's a little harsh, but reality is that if I want to help, Motorcity needs me up here in Deluxe, that's a fact! So I try to do what's "right" and be in good terms at both ends. Besides, I know it hurts to think about it, but when the time comes, it's going to be me who's gonna end up picking up after my father's fall.
I approach the entrance and the door slides open; welcoming me with that cool sanitized air that vents through my father's perfect city. And I can't help but frown at the monotony. People walking in silence, expressionless as they work on their own tasks. Are they not even allowed to smile? I take a silent note, I can make sure that changes when I'm the one in charge.
When I reach the correct level, I sprint towards my ending destination, and the heels of my boots are the only thing that fills this huge but less than empty hallway with life, *Click. Click. Click* they go in perfect rhythm, and it doesn't take long for curious Tooley to pop his head from one of the doors and find the source of the sudden and persistent noisy clicks of my shoes.
"Julie!" He calls out a little excited, and then as if he suddenly remembered something the expression on his face changes to alarmed, like a child that wants to tattle tell on something. "Ohhh! Mister Kane's been looking for you!" He says.
I roll my eyes, I don't need a reminder! "I know! I'm on my way now!" I yell back, panting every now and then.
"He's very upset!" He notifies, his voice sounding more like a warning, even though to me it serves more as a confirmation. I already know that.
I keep running until I finally reach his main office, hurriedly pressing the entrance code until the door opens. Taking a couple of seconds, I catch my breath, and I can't help that I'm panting uncontrollably like a sweating dog, my heart racing, like when Mutt made the Doom Jump to drain the power core's energy, and that's the fastest thing I've ever seen. I think I should probably be having a heart attack or something, but I'm still standing, and I curse under my breath, that could come in handy right now.
I notice that the office is strangely dark. That's weird, I'm pretty sure it was sunny not too long ago… He's blinded the window glasses I note, and the darkness suddenly makes me feel a little threatened but mostly scared. This is very rare.
"Dad?" I call, my voice a little tight.
But there's no sign of movement inside this room, even though it's too dark for me to tell for sure… I sigh and take a step; finally entering the gloomy office.
"Dad, I'm here okay? Look I'm sorry I'm late, I lost track of time! Dad…?" I try to focus, but it's too dark, and I'm pretty sure I'm making a fool out of myself as I'm sure there's no one here, so I turn to flick the light switch on, and when I do I freeze in my spot, because I can't believe what my eyes are seeing.
There, at the frame of the door stands the one person who I swear might beat my father's hatred for Mike Chilton. Red.
Any assumptions you might have right now about this story is probably right! But I will NOT confirm or deny anything! That is all! ;P
Also, the mentioning about the poetry... Just in case, you all have to remember that Motorcity is very dystopian, and some things like that are very rare in post-apocalyptic worlds. Hehehe... I do read a lot of dystopian shit that's why...
Please review! Those tend to help!
