DISCLAIMER: I do not earn anything from writing this material
Quick AU: This chapter will be best understood if read after Part one of A Cruel Fate in The NeverEnding Battle. You can find the story on my profile. Also I'd like to credit Reality Warp for the idea of writing different POVs for the same story. I'f you'd like to check out her main story entitled Compos Mentis you can find it in my Favorited tab on my profile. Thanks for reading!
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Chapter I
A Brother's Concealment
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In that moment, the moment I saw the timer counting down, I knew that we weren't going to make it.
Communists had overrun the capital. Michael and I were looking up files on some of the suspects of the bombings when almost the entire basement collapsed due to the work of a timeclosure bomb.
Michael had been directly hit by a fallen beam and hung unconscious at my side. I had set him down at the wall and was looking around trying to find a way out when I came apon another bomb hidden between two file cabinets.
Nineteen minuets it said. Nineteen minuets to live.
I staggered back in shock.
"What a way to go." I thought. "In the Pentagon. The most secure place in America." I laughed bitterly at the sight. I quickly sobered and knowing I could never disable the bomb, sat down next to Michael, and drew out my phone. The lock screen came up. It was a picture of Ella and me. I smiled at her grinning face. She was always so happy. Like a rainbow in the midst of a swirling storm. But even though she was short and looked as though she could blow away in the wind, she was still so very strong.
"I wonder how the news will effect her." I sighed, "It'll crush her I'm sure of it."
"Well if I don't talk to her one more time I'll never forgive myself. Not even if I go to heaven." I resolved.
I pulled up her contact.
I can't call her. I don't trust my own emotions for that. No, I'll text her.
I have to put on a good face for her. I have to. She deserves it.
Ella
Hey kiddo.
How are you holding up?
10:49 am
Just fine.
How are you?
And why do you keep calling me kid?
10:50 am
(I smiled at her frustration)
Because that's what older brothers do.
And I'm as well as could be.
Everyone else is too.
(I felt bad for lying but what else could I say?)
10:52 am
That's good.
When are you guys going to come home for a visit?
It's already been so long.
10:53 am
I don't know.
Things are pretty hectic here.
I only have a few minutes of a break and
then I have to get to work again.
10:54 am
Lewis
what's going on?
Mom is really worried
and I don't know why!
Won't Clancy be sworn into office
sometime today?
10:55 am
(I sighed, "Why does she have to go through this?")
It's more complicated than that right
now, Ella.
Just keep smiling for Mom and Dad.
Will you do that?
10:57 am
For me?
10:58 am
I'll try.
11:00 am
Good.
11:01 am
(I looked over to the clock. Four more minutes of life.)
I'm sorry but I have to get back on the job.
I'll have Will text you later.
11:03 am
Ok
Please be safe.
11:04 am
(My breath shuttered as I read her text and a tear slipped down my cheek as I answered.)
I'll do my best, Sunshine.
11:06 am
(This really is good bye.)
I then pulled up Williams number and called him. He picked up immediately.
"Hey Lewis, what's up? Shouldn't you be working right now?" his voice was cheerful but I could tell his mood dropped to the pit of his stomach as soon as I said what I did.
"William." I said, my voice shaking. "I called to say good bye. See you on the flip side." I smiled a tear filled smile.
11:07 am
Fire, hot and burning engulfed me. Then darkness enveloped me in a cold embrace.
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