Chapter Nine

Radical choices are the only ones May gets to make. The once goodie-two-shoes is forced into unknown territory, whereby she forms allegiances, falls for the son of a notorious drug dealer and feels the pain of what it really means to be alone.

May

After all the drama had unfolded the air was awkward and so I settled myself into bed to sleep for what was only my third night here in the unsettling institution that was 'Cell Block One'. As the warmth of my thin blanket warped around my figure I thought of home. Would my family have noticed yet? Will they call the cops? Hope built within me at the meagre thought of my parents rescuing me from this parallel world but it soon diminished as I remembered my parent's current cruise across the regions in 'non-celebration' of Max moving out. My mind drifted to the little squirt known as my brother, he'd grown since he was younger and was now a lanky boy, and though he hadn't changed in any other aspect he was still the nerdy know-it-all I loved so much. Thoughts of home felt a century away but I just can't let go of the paradisiacal place where I once lived. Betraying my own mindset, my thoughts flicker to Brendan again. Where was he, what was he doing, was he safe, how will he fare when he learns of my fate, why did he leave me alone in the first place? The swirl pool of questions left my mind dizzy but further encouraged sleep to overcome me, a luxury I begged for as I laid on the lumpy mattress whose springs dug into my ribcage. My mind freed to the possibilities as the world went blank and room for another day gave way.

It was early when I woke up. Dawn was asleep on the top bunk; I notice, once I look around, her arms and legs are spread across the length of her bed- starfishing. The sight brightened my morning, giving me a nice fresh start to the day and despite last night's worries I feel an unusual sense of confidence. I strut out of my room, quickly dressing beforehand, and enter the family room. Joy's still asleep on the couch only her body is cocooned in a blue blanket as she now lounges sideways in what appeared to be a blissful sleep. Looking around the room I spot that the chair is occupied by none other than the brunette man from last night, if I recall correctly his name was Gary. For a moment I find myself watching him as I wonder what he is doing back here, did he return after last night's fiasco, and if so why? I hope his friend was okay... Though it seemed no one else would've wished this fate upon him last night seeming as though each and every person watched the confrontation between the green haired male and Ash unfold, not one of them intervening. Of course, I was not going to step in- I'd never been good with violence and besides I'm the new girl here and from what I know so far, I'll be here for a while which means gaining enemies with my roommates is a situation I need to avoid.

My stomach rumbles so I stop my mind from straying from the thought of food by walking to the fridge but as I do so, I catch myself off guard by tripping over, effectively hugging the flat and hard surface of the linoleum floor. Groaning I pick up my deflated body till I'm on my hands and knees but my body forces to a standstill when I hear wheezing from behind me. Slowly, I turn to see the green haired man from last night clutching his stomach, looking suitably pale, in no time I've realised what I have done and crawled over to him, aiding him into a seating position.

"Fucking hell." His curt language comes out in a sibilant pant and I'm somewhat offended by the use of the words but remind myself of where I am. I guard myself but nonetheless feel the strong need to apologise for unintentionally hurting the innocent person.

"I am so sorry, are you okay?" At first when he looks up to meet my eyes he's seething with anger but the look soon quenches and his face softens, a light hearted smirk failing to betray the pain he clearly felt. His hand waves me off and he attempts to stand on his own two feet, never once his hand loosening the tight grip on his side, I level with him prepared to help in case he stumbles. As soon as were both at our full heights, to which I now notice that he's only about two inches taller than myself (a little fact I find cute about the man in front of me), he stretches out his unoccupied hand. There's no way I can reject his kind gesture, especially after kicking him in the stomach albeit mistakenly, so I reciprocate the hand shake. My palm sank into his, my fingers twisting around the small width of the back of his hand in a gesture so similar to the two of us yet it seems so different this time around. Our collective hand heat is quickly burning into electric shocks all down my arm so I pull away, trying not to make it obvious how this attractive male had affected me.

Ignoring how rude I most likely seem right now, I also bow my head to the floor to conceal the flooding pink along my cheeks that I can feel burning through my skin with a fervent intensity. However he doesn't seem at all affected as when I finally gain enough confidence to rear my head he's still retaining that stupid grin, a mischievous glint in his (gorgeous) eyes. Just as I am about to step away and get myself some food I hear him speak in mocking tones.

"Thanks for the wakeup call there, Princess." I instantly feel the need to defend myself and with this new found confidence I have woken up with I have no difficulty defending myself.

"First of all, how the hell am I supposed to know that you were on the floor-?" He interrupts:

"Well there's this new thing it's called looking where you're walking, you should really try it."

"As far as I was aware you had left last night." Seeing he had no retaliation to my statement I continued on, "Secondly, do you honestly think that I would stand on you if I knew you were there-"

"I don't even know you're name let alone if you're the type of person that would stand on an innocently sleeping man." His smirk is growing and the sparkle in his eyes is an irking challenging that I am doubtlessly accepting.

"My name is May, I'm twenty four years old, I'm not the type of girl to stand on a sleeping person, and my likes are eating, sleeping and as of now my dislikes consist of you." I mirror his smirk then turn away so he hasn't a chance to return an insulting blow, yet this little man has a big mouth and he's not giving up so easily.

"March, aye? Nice name."

"March?"

"That's your name, right?" His eyes tell me he knows all too well that is not my name and my own reactions are, without a doubt, revealing my intense hatred for his form of teasing nicknames. His grin is growing wider in time with the silence on my end.

With a huff I turn and storm into the kitchen. He's quick on my tail.

"What's up March, is it something I've said?" Usually I'm talented in the art of ignoring idiots like the one who's currently stalking my every move but he's a special case as my anger get's stronger by just his existence.

"Come on March, speak to me, you know it's not very nice to ignore your guests." Does this boy ever grow up?

I poke my head into the fridge, considering slamming the door shut onto my neck and then I consider the possibility of shoving him into the cold metal; box, quickly denying the possibility due to my damn morality. I try humming to block out his incessant voice but it only serves to make him louder- a torture I really do not wish to suffer through right now.

"March," he whines, "if I didn't know any better I would say that you're trying to block out the sound of my voice now that really isn't a nice thing to do. I'm starting to think that you are the type of girl who will kick someone who's innocently sleeping, minding their own business and certainly doing you no harm. Nothing to say, huh? I guess that's your conscience no longer able to deny the cold, hard truth. You know, March, I'm learning a lot about you..." And on and on he went.

When I finally conclude that there is nothing of any interest in the kitchen I turn and try to make my escape. If only he made it easy.

Like the ill-mannered child he was he snaked his hand around my bicep and pulled me towards him, lustful eyes gazing upon my still form. Only now, that I'm stood invading his personal space, is it that I can see the mark that Ash has bestowed upon him as well as a he has a gash over his nose which the more that I look the more it appears to be slightly bent, I wonder when that happened... And how the hell did I miss these discolorations of his face beforehand? I deny the possibility that the vibrant green of his eyes had stole my attention from his markings and now that I see his other injuries I actually feel even worse for accidentally inflicting even more pain upon him.

"Breakfast." Wait- what- breakfast?

"What?" Does he really expect me to understand the one word, standing alone?

"Breakfast. You, me; breakfast." Hesitantly I question him.

"You want me to have breakfast- with you?" Slightly he contemplates the idea, placing his head to the left then right in a thinking gesture.

"Yes- and no. Not here, out, somewhere nice, with good food." I'm unsure as to whether that's a dig at my cooking, his cooking or the cooking abilities of something else but I feel a slight feather of offence nonetheless. I stay silent, unaware of what the correct answer would be. "I'll pay of course." The offer is nice, a bit of flattery I feel has lacked from my life in a long time but I can't. Not if it's a date because a date would be cheating and I'm no cheater even if my fiancé is nowhere to be seen and even if I don't know where he's hiding. It's still cheating, right? I sort through my thoughts. Are Brendan and I even still a couple? The questions were confusing and annoying and painful to think about, it was clear that Drew could see my hesitation a look of worry flashing across his expression but I dismiss it, like he said we don't know each other- so why would he be worried?

"No." I pushed out of his biased embrace and walked over to the door, all too alert of his hungry gaze following me like prey. I hurried out of the block of apartments and ran into the desolate streets- it seemed not only where my roommates sleeping in but so where the entire population of the city. In all honestly it was odd not to wake up to the bustling of people- odd but somewhat soothing. I looked to my watch and only now noticed that it was six in the morning. My body clock was still set for work. I wasn't going to return, not while I knew that arrogant pig was still there. I'

Slowly I paced myself, drifting through secure streets of the city's shopping centre that I had found whilst strolling around. It was a nice experience, to be the only person there although it would have been much more enjoyable if the shops were actually open. I kept wandering, lost in thoughts of my family, of my new roommates and unfortunately of Drew too.

Bright lights stole my attention, the words 'Kumquat Hotel' highlighted before my very eyes. The hotel itself appeared to be closed for the night so I began to walk away until I noticed the small expansion, a cafe, with the lights on inside. Curiosity was quick to beat me as I peered into the establishment, a neat and comfy place that held an aspect of safety- appealing to anyone in my predicament. With apprehension I tested the door, it opened wide and a bell signalled my arrival. It was completely quiet. Not a single soul in sight. I wonder whether the owner just forgot to shut the place down and I back up, ready to leave when a young teenager walks in through the back, clad in a peach apron. I approach the desk, and I smile at the bored look on his face. Visually he resembles the love child of both Ash and Ritchie, their appearances uncannily similar with their similar untamed hair, chiselled features and slightly pointy noses, this young boy even adorned a blue cap, like the two I was slowly becoming comfortable with. He had Ritchie's caramel coloured spikes but Ash's dark eyes and even though the eerily similar appearances are undeniable, I can't help draw the similarities to my younger brother. Images of the lanky boy as a teenager, manning the local's coffee counter with an irked look on his face as a customer debate the numerous possibilities of coffee combinations. I stifle a laugh at the memory then return to reality, to Travis (or so the name tag says). "Welcome to the Orange Crew Cafe, one of four chains here in Viridian. How may I help you?" His tone is monotonous, rehearsed. So similar to Max. This time I don't feel warmth at the thought of the twenty one year old, only a stab of pain. I sigh, "A cappuccino please." His service is slow and tired. I don't mind, Max was too. I take my coffee in hand and chose myself a table near the counter, "Is is okay if I sit in here?" I don't want to be a bother but his shrug of the shoulders doesn't give away much so I sit down anyway and when I look to see his reaction I only see his retreating back.

I'm alone. Completely alone, in every sense of the word. I'm alone and, I like it. The space away from anyone and everything provides me with time that I hadn't noticed I desperately need. I pick a newspaper off another table and return to my space, the date is from yesterday but it won't matter. It's just nice to get my mind off of things. As I'm reading I get lost in the stories of robberies, murder, riots- not one lacking grotesque images of violence and pain. At one point I'm placing the paper onto my knee, glaring into the wall and returning my hands to the cold plastic of my forgotten cup. The stories were too much to bear, too surreal but yet now that I'm here, living this life it's all so believable. I blow on the nonexistent heat of my coffee absentmindedly. When the bell rings throughout the cafe I jump. I turn to look at who had entered the homely surroundings. A cop but not just any cop, the cop. I instantly recognise his wild blonde hair and his bronze was undeniably the cop that had spotted me the day I was dragged to Viridian, the man who had driven past after giving me a slight feeling of hope. I say nothing as he casually walks up to the coffee bar and awaits the arrival of young Travis. Despite knowing it was morally wrong, I couldn't help myself and decide to eavesdrop on the conversation though I doubt any fruitful information will come of him ordering coffee.

"Welcome to the Orange Crew Cafe- Barry?" The teen cheered up at the sight of the officer, quickly warming to his presence and leaning over the counter.

"Hey Champ, how are you and your mum holding up, I heard that she's had issues his N's gang dealing at the rear end of the Hotel?" Travis response was instantaneous, no hesitation as he divulged the information to the blonde.

"Yeah, she called the police, but they just told them to move on, Mum's been terrified ever since, with not knowing when they'll be back next or if they've taken offence. She's on edge, it's driving me crazy she wouldn't even let me visit Rudy and he lives literally three doors down, it's mental!" The officer, allegedly Barry, chuckles at the melodramatic teen. "She's just looking out for you. Luana's a lovely lady, she's just scared of losing you. It could be worse, you know, think about Rudy and Mahri." Travis seems to acknowledge this fact and I'm lost as to everything that has been said right now but I refuse to restrain myself. "I know, I know. Mum's offered for them to stay here but you know how stubborn Rudy is. It doesn't matter anyway, Drake's practically moved in over there." With a nod, Barry agreed but took heed of their conversation and picked up his donut and drink that I now notice Travis must have automatically made for Barry whilst their conversation was ongoing. "Drake's a good man. Anyways, I have to get going. Work to get done." I nearly scoff- work to pretend to do, I think he means- but I hold it back in fear of the two realising, or in Travis's case remembering, my existence.

He carries on, "Let Rudy know that I'm only a phone call away next time you talk to him and," his voice suddenly hushes. I strain to hear what he says and only just catch his words, though they still mean naught to me. "We're cracking down on N, let your Mum know and tell her not to worry. Giovanni's next." Travis nods, smiles and leans back, hands behind his head.

"Will do, thanks again Barry."

"Anytime Travis." He smiles and turns to leave and I'm suddenly on my feet, nodding to the boy and running after the policeman. When I step outside the splintering cold greets me but I'm too focused to care. I spot him at his car juggling his food, drink and car keys.

"Can I help?" I extend a hand and take the drink from his possession but I receive no reply. I look to him. He's physically paled and nervously glancing at me.

"Er, thanks..." He sounds anything but grateful- to my elation. I smile fondly then begin my inquiry. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" I tilt my head and observe him, much to his discomfort. "I don't think so." He unlocks his car and then turns to me expectantly but I won't give in just yet.

"Oh, I remember now. You're that prat who drove off while I was being hauled, literally, out of a car and into the back of a casino. Sound shady to you? I should hope so, officer."

He sighs, no longer nervous.

"Listen, there was nothing I could do-"

"Nothing you could do?-" My voice rises but what would it matter, I wasn't going to disturb many situated in the shopping centre at this hour of the morning. "There was plenty you could've done. Mr Police Officer. You could have cautioned them, arrested them, at least question them!" He stands his ground, hands raised in defence.

"Do you not think I would've-"

"Evidently not! What kind of policeman are you? You just let them take me. Take me to do God-knows-what and that's okay is it?" I have so many lines prepared in my head to prolong the rant but he interrupts me in a burst of anger.

"I told you there was nothing I could do! If I could have, I honest to God would have, but right now that's just not possible. It's not possible because it's Giovanni and as of ten years ago, when he infiltrated the police with corrupt cops and blackmail, he took over the city, so when I say I couldn't do anything, trust me I couldn't. Do. Anything." He's so angry right now. "And even if I did interfere I would've made it worse for you. Is that what you want?" I don't know what to say. I was so wrong about him. I know he's not lying, the tears he's holding back and cracks in his voice were enough proof of that. So I stay silent. "Is it!"

Silence followed, well, that was until an unwanted intrusion broke my learning.

"Is this guy bothering you March?" I can almost hear the smirk in his voice...

[A/N:] One of the longest chapters yet, woop!

Is this chapter a little jumpy? I feel like the transition from the last chapter to this one was a little jumpy...

REPLIES:

Blacksword 1: Drugs and gambling are definitely two big mistakes but they're always two life choices that are so much fun to write about to exploit corruption within a story. Anyways thank you for the review, it honestly means a lot; hopefully you'll continue to read and review! :D

Ready to fly: As always, thank you so much for the constant support; it's amazing to hear you're still following! You're totally right the boys would be lost without Misty, I'm thinking of exploring that reliance a little more because no doubt the Gary-Misty-Ash Trio is my absolute favourite! Sorry there's not much about any of the characters pasts in here but I want to start establishing a May and Drew relationship and there's still a lot of characters I have that I am going to introduce but there's more about the back stories to be said yet!

A few questions: Should I look at more POV's, any in particular? Any characters you'd like to see? I have a few lined up but if there's any in particular let me know!

Reviews are appreciated whether criticism or kind words or kindly worded criticisms!

p.s: All Authors Notes will be here from now on!