The ceremony starts shortly after my friends spirit me away from my mom and Mr. Finch. President Holland gets up to the podium and smiles kindly at all the masked kids who press against the platform, trying to give him high fives.
"Welcome to the celebration of November the 5th. Are you guys ready to dance?" He asks. We all shout out our approval. He signals a dude by a stereo and then the overture starts blasting from speakers all over the square, on lamp posts and tops of buildings. Johnny grabs my hand and we start dancing. I try to avoid looking at Vanessa, as she's trying to convince me currently that Johnny likes me. I wouldn't mind it if Johnny liked me, but I know he's just naturally flirty.
"Are you having fun?" He asks me.
"Of course!" I grin. Suddenly the music is cut and the lights go out. The street has never looked so dark.
"What's going on?" I hear President Holland demand, then the sound of a blow being landed. Something goes THUMP and then with the whirring of old wires, the lights are back on. But the scene has drastically changed.
President Holland is curled up in a fetal position on the stage, and in his place stands a boy, no older than 19, but obviously holding a lot of power. He's dressed all in black, but in the old style Victorian way. Looking around, I see that the entire square is surrounded by men dressed the same way with guns. The boy in charge grabs the microphone.
"I will give Evey Hammond and Mr. Finch thirty seconds to join me on stage before I exercise force. It's still for a moment but then there are footsteps. In horror, I realize it's mom and Mr. Finch! As mom passes me, she whispers quickly in my ear.
"As soon as you can, run and don't look back." I shake my head but her tone clearly left nothing for discussion. As mom and Mr. Finch stand in front of the boy, I feel my heart sink a little. What is this?
"Hello Evey. Mr. Finch." He says civilly. "You know why I'm here." He announces.
"I do. And under no circumstances will V's child be brought forth." Mom says bravely. What is she talking about?
"I am…disappointed to hear that." He sounds much more than disappointed, but for the moment seems to be keeping his cool. He nods to one of his men, who forces Mr. Finch to his knees. "What is her name?"
"Whose?" Mom asks innocently. A gun is aimed at Mr. Finch.
"My patience wanes Evey."
"That sounds dangerous."
"Oh it is, for you. Where is V's child?" Mom says nothing, and the gun is cocked. My heart is in my throat and everyone is still. No one is sure what's going on, but we're all vibrating with fear. The guy mutters a little under his breath and turns to us, standing motionless in a tight knit group. "My good citizens of Britain. This woman had a child, many years ago. One belonging to the man behind the mask you all wear. I would ask that child step forward now, or events may unfold that will not sit well with you."
I'm very grateful for the mask I'm wearing; otherwise everyone would see me gaping like a fish. Me? He's talking about me? After all, I am the only child mom has, unless there's some terrible secret in her past, which it sounds like there is. I look at mom who, despite the sea of same faces, seems to know exactly where and who I am and narrows her eyes at me. Telling me vividly not to take one step. The boy isn't very patient though.
"I'll make this easier for you. When I reach 1, Mr. Finch will die. Unless you care to come forward." He announces. People have stopped breathing. Everybody loves Mr. Finch! How can I let him die? How can my mom expect me to? "10. 9. 8." He starts. I feel paralyzed. "7. 6. 5." How can I not do something? "4. 3. 2-"
"Wait!" I call, barely recognizing my voice as it calls out. Everyone instantly turns their faces to me. I slowly reach up and pull my mask off, it and the hat/wig falling to the ground. The boy smiles and nods to some of his men. Two approach me and grab either one of my arms. I know my face must display horror then entire time they walk me to the stage, which feels like I'm going to meet my executioner.
"Annie I told you to run." Mom mutters when I'm close enough to hear the disappointment in her voice.
"I-I'm sorry mom. I c-couldn't…couldn't…" I can't seem to make a coherent sentence under so much pressure.
"At last. And who are you?" he asks, stroking my cheek.
"I…I'm Evey Hammonds daughter. But I'm not V's." I finally manage to say.
"Not V's daughter? But then whose are you?"
"My…my dad was a freedom fighter who followed V. he was killed by a man called Creedy." My voice is a timid whisper full of nervous fear.
"I see. Hiding the truth from your own daughter Evey. How cruel. You are V's daughter my dear. I can see it in your eyes. His spirit and vision rest there. You're quite a handful for your mum, aren't you? Well, at least you got her skin, right Evey." He smirks at mom.
"Shut up Annon!" Mom snaps.
"What's your name darling?" He pushes on, ignoring mom.
"Annie." I admit.
"Annie. I'm sure you're very confused. But you're going to come with us, just for a little while. Say goodbye to your mum now." He turns me back towards mom. He yanks out of the hands of the man holding her and takes me in her arms.
"Don't trust anything he says Annie, I will come for you." She promises. I can't say anything. What is this all about? What did he mean I'm V's kid?
"Annie, be strong." Mr. Finch puts in. I open my mouth to say something, but the boy grabs the back of my cape and pulls me away from them.
"Toodles folks. We'll see you soon." He grins evilly and a black bag goes over my head.