こんにちは、やあみんな、全員 !
Now, if anyone speaks Japanese here… c'mon and translate ! :D
So, what do I hear of late ? That some people I know well enough read my stuff and do NOT review ? Although they're good friends of mine and apparently like my story ? Okay, here's is telling it in a direct shot, wzout beating abt the bush : if you read this story and like it, please DO review it ! DO give your opinion ! If you like but feel like bringing in constructive criticism, fine as well, as long as ya formulate it politely. Criticizing is good provided it's made in the sacred frame of respect. But PLEASE review : authors definitely NEED reviews to find pleasure writing for fans, and reviews bring so much happiness to one's heart !
So, once again, like it ? Review ! I like to hear what ya think, what ya like, how ya see the story and the characters. It's always a pleasure to read yr comments. So : REVIEW ! Thanxxxx.
And kudos to the "Y twins", Yuna and Yuri (a.k.a. theSardonyx), for their nice review. Pleased if you are !
Now, on a lighter note, here are two of the verses I found lately in a song : « STOP BEING SO AMERICAN (…) WHY CAN'T YOU BE MORE EUROPEAN ? » Say what, Yankees ? XDDD
Ok, that's old provoking me at work again ! But what can I say, just enjoy spicing things a bit. As long as it's still… hum, « edible » afterwards ! =)
For the umpteenth time : N'joy !
/
13 / UNCOMFY CONVOS
/
{( "Creep" – Radiohead )}
Chris was typing on the supercomputer, but although he tried to get interested in what he was doing, he actually was failing at it. He tried hard to make his thoughts wander as far as he could from the delicate problem, but no matter how many times he attempted to cast his mind on different "shores", he always felt it make its way back to the main preoccupation, the one that had been haunting his head for days now.
How is she feeling right now ? How is her health ? What does she think of us ? What does she plan to do ?
This concern of his for Samantha had nothing to do with tender feeling. What he felt for her was not love, but rather some "knowing friendship". Their bond involved complicity and usual bon accord (A/N : funny, this is French, yet it's the English translation of a French phrase... Therefore, a French expression is translated in English by a French-sounding one... go figure...). He saw her more like the sister he never had. Or like his female version, bossiness in addition.
He sighed.
He missed her.
Oh, what he would have given for this nightmare to end, and for his leading friend to be back at the top of the team's hierarchy...!
But that could still be done.
It wasn't too late.
He sighed again and tried to get back to work, doing his best to immerse himself in it, so much that he could forget about the current problems.
Yet once again, he failed.
Her misfortune was stronger in his mind. Stronger than any other thought.
He stopped and looked up at the ceiling, then down at the floor. His shoulders slumped.
A knock at the door.
He jerked up his head and stared at the clubhouse's entrance. None of his friends would ever knock before entering, and Mr Smith as well wouldn't. So who...?
He went to the door and opened it.
Outside a sad-looking Nat. He truly looked crestfallen.
"Nat ? But... what... what are you doing here ?" Chris stammered.
"Sam had told me where Cathy lives and mentioned that this was your meeting point, like your own headquarters. Can I come in, Chris ?"
The blue member hesitated for a moment. Had Sam mentioned the MBC to Nat ? But he quickly shook off the unease : if she had done it, it meant that she was certain he was trustworthy and that there was nothing to fear from him.
"Yes... yes, of course... but what brings you here ?"
"Don't worry, you'll know in a minute. Thanks for allowing me in."
The blond geek stepped in and gave a circular look at the room. He was stunned.
"Waow, that's quite an equipment you have here. I'm sure that no alien can't hide for long with you using such a technology to detect it. Really impressive, I must say !"
Chris couldn't help but ask him.
"So Sam told you ? About our... side activity ? What we do when we are not at school ?"
The green-eyed boy seemed ashamed, all of a sudden.
"Hum... yeah... she did... sorry if it bothers you... it's just that... she said that she knew she could trust me with it and asked me to keep it to myself... I hope it's not a problem for you and your friends ?"
The freckled genius relaxed and a smile appeared on his lips. He never thought he would be able to smile after feeling so gloomy before.
"No, nothing to worry about, Nat. If Sam grew certain that you are a reliable person, one who can handle secrets, then I know for sure you can be in the know. She has such sensibility when it comes down to feeling people that I could trust her "judgement" anytime. So if she deems you trustworthy, I can be sure you are. Welcome to the MBC base !"
The Manorshide contestant gave a weak smile, which immediately vanished. His eyes wandered elsewhere, giving away his concern.
"Nat ? What's wrong ?" asked an anxious Chris. He could feel something was wrong with that boy.
"I've got something for you..." simply replied the blond teenager.
He put his hand in his pocket and took out something small.
The blue member moved his head forth, taking a closer look at the tiny thing.
It was a red rhombus.
"What is this ?" he asked.
"Don't you guess ?" questioned his vis-à-vis (A/N : another English word with a French form, used as a translation for a French word... that is written just the same ! So, "vis-à-vis" (FR) is translated as... "vis-à-vis" (EN) ! Once again, the mysteries of translation...)
The blue eyes looked intensely into the green ones opposite.
"Wait... is this... Dresoprin ?"
Nat nodded.
"But... how did you... don't tell me that you managed to convince Sam to give you one !"
"I honestly would have preferred it to be that simple. But no, that's not how it went. I had to be more astute... but I just hated it, to be honest !"
Chris felt tension in the air.
"Did you two... have an argument about it ?"
"Oh no, not even ! But there might well be one if she finds out !"
The tech's eyes widened.
"Wait ! Are you telling me that you stole it unnoticed from her ?"
Nat sniffed, his look bitterer than ever.
"Quite so. Please don't ask me the details, because the mere thought of it emphasizes the despise I feel for myself..."
Nat's eyes remained obstinately fixed on the floor. He definitely looked disappointed, even sad.
The blunette hesitantly put his hand on his new friend's shoulder. The treacherous boyfriend swiftly turned his head to look intently at him.
"Nathanaël... I know it hurts... what you had to do to the girl you love... but remember it was for the best. It was in order to help her, not to cheat on her or anything similar. It was a difficult choice but a right, fair choice. You were not forced to make it, but wisdom made you do it. I fully understand how you feel, believe me, and I'm aware that you must feel most unpleased and uncomfortable right now. But, Nat, you did what was right. No matter how awful it was in itself. And for accepting to make that difficult move for Sam's sake, I thank you, Nat. I thank you with more gratitude than I have ever felt whatsoever. I thank you for your sacrifice. It will not be vain."
The green-eyed boy pushed his glasses back up on his nose and smiled to the tech. It wasn't a big smile, but it was more than a weak, small smile of defeat. It expressed gratitude in the same way as Chris's words did the previous minute.
"My turn to thank you, Chris. Wholeheartedly. Deeply. You found the right words to comfort me, and although I'm not out of my sadness yet, I must say that what you just told me lifted my spirits. I feel a tad better thanks to you. It will take a while before I can tell myself okay again. But in the mean time, thank you once more, Chris !"
The tech nodded, then couldn't prevent his apprehension from getting the best of him for the second time.
"Will you be alright, Nat ?"
The four-eyed sighed then let his look wander away from his friend.
"I'll have to, I guess... no matter what it takes... try to be fine on your side, mate, and good luck with the analysis of that... thing !"
He pronounced the last word with visible disgust, then turned away and headed for the door, which he opened. He looked back at Chris.
"Please do your best ! We need to know how nefarious those vitamins are or can get ! We must do all we can to save Sam from her addiction !"
"Of course ! Take care, Nathanaël !"
The blond teenager sighed again while answering : "Yeah, I'll try to. Same to you."
And with that said, he got out and closed the door.
Chris watched him walk away, head down, shoulders slumped.
Poor Nat... what he had to do in order to help us saving Sam... betray his own girlfriend... I really hope she never finds out...
/
{( "Mercy" – Duffy )}
Mr Smith was walking home quietly, but if his body didn't show any sign of tension or concern, he couldn't help wondering about Cathy's behaviour lately.
He had the odd sensation that she was hiding something from him, although he couldn't quite put his finger on it. And no matter how often he thought about it, how hard he brooded over it, he still came back to the same point : the unknown. However deep he went into his mind, he couldn't dig up any valid motive for Cathy to all of a sudden become secretive.
Maybe I'm just imagining things... but she often stays a long time locked within her room. And even when she gets out, she doesn't leave her room open. That's unlike her ! But perhaps she's preparing some surprise for me. Or for someone else, and she doesn't want anybody to see. Not even me.
The old alien wasn't used to his granddaughter not sharing any secret with him. But he had to respect it if that was her will. After all, a room is one's own, personal territory, and nobody has the right to invade it in the owner's absence.
But keeping it locked ?
There had to be something fishy going on, but what ? And was it positive... or negative ? That too was important as a parameter. Now, how to find out ?
His train of thoughts got interrupted by what he saw on his left.
A teenager was pummelling another one, in a waste ground. Nothing unusual. Youth nowadays was far less wise and had so much less self-control than they used to have. And it didn't seem to get better with time. The attraction of kids for violent games and films only made things worse and worse. (A/N : some underlying critic of nowadays' society ? Well... what do ya think ?)
Mr Smith was about to take his eyes off the fighting scene, but that's when the one who had beaten hard the other got up and turned around, starting in the old man's direction.
And the Rhapsodian's eyes widened when he saw who it was.
"Daniel ! My God, are you alright ?"
The red member caught the extraterrestrial's stare. He smiled, but it wasn't exactly a happy smile.
"Hey Mr Smith ! Yup, I'm just fine ! Which is more than I can say for that dork over there ! What about you ?"
"Yes, I am. But tell me, what happened with that other boy ? I mean, I realize it's none of my business, but... it was impressive ! Did he provoke you ?"
The jock whipped some blood off the corner of his mouth.
"Oh yes, he did ! And I'm such an awful mood of late than nobody better mess with me ! Or I'll be very naughty ! I'm just feeling so terrible that I could punch anybody for just a "wrong look" ! Yeah, just like that !"
The white-haired man felt anxiety wrap his heart.
"I see. But, tell me... again, that's no business of mine, but... what makes you feel that terrible ? Is there something I can do ? You don't have to tell me if you don't feel like it, but in case you need any help or advice... if I can help, I will."
The spiked one pondered this for a moment then leaned forward.
"Okay, I can confide to you. But let's find a quieter place, right ?"
"Of course, of course ! I let you decide where we go."
Danny nodded then started for a neighbouring street, followed by Cathy's grandfather. And while he was walking, he took out a handkerchief to clean his fist from the blood of his opponent. He sure hadn't missed his jaw, but he honestly didn't expect to make blood gush out of his mouth. Yet, that would teach that jerk a lesson. For good.
Both stopped by a playground around which were several benches. They sat on one and the alien turned his alert face towards the human.
"So you want to know what's the matter with me ? Or rather what makes my blood boil ?"
That didn't sound like an expression the boy would use. Mr Smith realized that Danny was certainly gaining some maturity lately, even if that didn't exclude some fighting every now and then.
"You know you can trust me, Danny, don't you ?"
"Of course, I know I could, anywhere, anytime ! So it has to do with Sam. I'm just so angry against her, coz she smashed the unity of our team. I'm aware that things are not that simple for her as well, but I'm still pissed as to what happened. We were forced to leave her aside, given her inappropriate behaviour, and even if she's a victim somehow, the consequences are due to her own actions. So she has a huge responsibility in our splitting up with her."
He was silent for a moment, to leave his confidant the time to absorb those infos and react to them.
The Rhapsodian pondered what he had just been told. Then he frowned.
"Listen, Danny, I know how you feel : disappointed, angry, bitter, maybe you even have the impression that Sam betrayed you three. Cathy explained me your common drama, and how you had had difficulty in deciding about Sam's exclusion. I fully sympathize with all of you, and I'm well aware that you're going through rough times with that event that shattered the unity of the MBC. But as you said, Samantha is a victim : she has become addict to those vitamins she has been taking as a boost for her revision. And although addiction has to do with the responsibility of the one falling for the drug – or, in this case, the medicine -, the addict one remains the main casualty, therefore the one who must be helped up. So while I do understand your anger and frustration, I still say that you should show Samantha some mercy and do your best to help her renounce to those vitamins, then bring her back in the team after some weaning time. What do you think ?"
The red member didn't take much time to reflect on all this : he soon replied with more determination than ever.
"You speak wise words, Mr Smith, but tell me, how am I supposed to free myself from the betrayal feeling ? That's not something that can be shrugged off like that, as if nothing... Maybe my anger towards Sam isn't the best reaction, and that I should rather be merciful to her, as you said, but I still can't avoid remembering that it was her careless behaviour with vitamins which had her act unwisely. And that unwise acting is what got in the way when it came down to fighting aliens. So, okay, she's a victim, right, but her situation is the consequence of her inconsiderate way of life. And that's not something one can easily forget..."
The old man sighed.
"Don't be so harsh to her. She certainly is feeling awful right now, and if there's something she doesn't need in this moment, it's reproaches and rants. What she, on the contrary, needs through this ordeal, is support, love, empathy and sympathy, and above all care and respect. You may tell me it's not easy to respect someone who unwillingly triggered the division of a team, but never lose that fact from sight : she suffers a lot from her bad choice, and she is a victim !"
The spike-haired boy confronted his look to the extraterrestrial elder, who was now frowning harder, and he wasn't so sure he should try to insist on and try to make his opinion prevail. The hard look that lingered on him kind of "short-circuited" his angry words, and on the contrary persuaded him to think it all over, but in a different perspective.
"You are irritated against me, aren't you, Mr Smith ?"
"To some extent, yes. But I admit your frustration has some legitimate roots. What I'm saying is that you have to get over it, for the sake of the friendship bonds that unite you and her, and that it's time for a solution to the problem, not for the maintaining tension, which only will postpone the solution. You let your anger develop, now let your mercy and your care develop. Sam needs you, Daniel. She needs you just like she needs Chris and Cathy. And of course Nathanaël, if I remember his firstname correctly."
Danny gave a long sigh, after long seconds of reflection.
"Right. I'll be thinking things over, once again. I don't promise anything, though. Maybe I'll change my mind, but I don't swear it will necessarily happen. It's a possibility. But at least, thank you for your honesty, Mr Smith !"
The venerable alien smiled just as he stopped frowning.
"I'm not asking you more than that. A good, deep thinking. I'm convinced that even the obstinate boy you are can change perspective and listen to the voice of reason, even when the context is not favourable."
The jock couldn't help laughing.
"Obstinate, yeah... you can say that ! But Sam is usually no less, so... I guess nobody's perfect, right ?"
The old man nodded.
"Oh, by the way : are you aware of anything that Cathy would make a surprise about ? Some secret thing she's preparing ?"
That caught the athletic teenager by surprise.
"Hum... no... not that I know... what makes you wonder about that ?"
Hugo Smith shrugged.
"Oh, I just have the impression that she's acting a bit secretive lately. Perhaps I'm just imagining things, though... I just felt like asking someone else, to be sure."
Danny still felt somehow puzzled, but he decided to dismiss it.
"Okay, look, I gotta go, but thanks for the advice. And the lecture, if you allow me such a word. No hard feelings though. I'll really try to reconsider the whole thing. Please say hello to Cath' for me, will you ? Have a nice day !"
"You too, young man !" the elder said with a smirk.
He watched as the rebel youth walked away in a rather fast pace.
Not a bad folk that Danny... but he really should give Sam a chance... She needs support now. More than any other time. I wonder how she's feeling right now...
/
{( "Mixed feelings" – Wasted )}
Cathy silently entered the kitchen and, after making sure that it was desert, she fetched some drinks and fruits in the fridge, put it altogether in a plastic bag, then headed upstairs, where she walked to her room.
She looked around her, then knocked on her own door. But a very peculiar knocking, sounding as some secret code.
There was a faint noise as a key discretely clicked inside the keyhole. The door opened and the alien went in, closing it and locking it again afterwards.
"Hello Cath' ! How are you ? Had a good day ?"
The Rhapsodian turned to her friend.
"More or less. How about you, Sam ?"
The black girl closed her sore eyes and massaged her eyelids. It wasn't getting that much better. What was wrong with those globes, really ?
"I've spent the whole day studying, as you can see."
She motioned towards all the open books.
"And... your eyes...?" asked a concerned Cathy.
The yellow member had a long sigh.
"They seem to be hurting less... good thing..." she lied. But she refused to worry her friend more than she already was.
"Really ?"
The blond wanted confirmation of that, as if she didn't dare to believe it unless it had been assured as true.
"Yep !" answered Sam. "Thanks again for all your help, Cath' ! I know it's not simple for you to host me secretly like that, in your room, not even telling your grandfather. I remember I asked you not to tell anybody, but I'm aware it mustn't be easy to have secrets for your own grandfather. I'm sorry I dragged you into this, really."
Cathy put a forced smile on her face.
"Bah, what's the purpose of friendship if it's not to be present for your buddies whenever they need you, and be possibly ready to make sacrifices if needed. Real friends are meant to support their mates in just any situation. It doesn't go without saying, to have to keep it secret from Grandpa, but I'm doing it only to help you."
Sam smiled to her bestie.
"Again, thank you so much, Cath' ! I truly appreciate what you're doing for me. Stealing the noise-remover from Chris's lab, in order to make this room soundproof, so that your grandfather couldn't hear us talking, was also very risky and brave from you. I'm sure you felt so uncomfortable about it. So, once more, sorry for this, but thank you for that !"
"It's okay, Sam. I'll survive all this" joked the bubbly girl. "I just hope Grandpa won't have it bad that my room door remains closed that often. He didn't ask me anything yet, but he can't hide his suspicions from me. I can tell he's wondering, even when he tries to hide it. My 6th sense makes me feel it."
Sam's smile left her lips.
"I'm sure it's unpleasant for you. I apologize for the trouble. But I didn't know where else to go. Danny is probably way too angry against me to let me stay at his place, and Chris... I don't know, I just felt more "at ease" with asking you rather than him !"
It was Cathy's turn to smile.
"Thanks for your trust ! But you still haven't told me why you wanted to stay here for some time. You said you would tell me later, but it's been 10 days now, so do you mind explaining to me ?"
The African-American bit her lip, hesitating. But she knew that, now that Cathy was involved in all this, she had to be completely honest with her... she hadn't been that sincere with many people dear to her, lately, so it was time to put all her cards on the table, as they say.
"Do you swear you'll keep it between you and me ?" she asked, decidedly.
"Naturally, Sam ! You know me good enough, no ? Why ask me that ?"
The stretchable girl seemed slightly crossed about that "swearing" request from her bestie.
"Sorry, Cath', but I really need to make you aware of the seriousness of all this."
The dark-skinned teen held her breath, then she let it all out.
"I have been... making counterfeits of my doctor's prescriptions. With his official stamp, which I had stolen from his office. I did this to make sure I would get Dresoprin as long as I would need them, that is until the contest. But the doctor found out and came to my place to have me give back all the fake prescriptions, his stamp and the remaining Dresoprin boxes. He said that he would reflect on whether he would lodge a complaint against me for theft and counterfeit, but that he would consider the fact that I had become addict to those vitamins... and therefore a victim. But since I wasn't sure about his decision, I didn't want to take any risk and decided to stay away from my place, just in case... you know... the police and all that stuff..."
Cathy had put her hand over her mouth, in shock.
"Oh my GOD ! Sam, what did you do ?!"
"The riskiest thing of my life, really !"
"But... what will happen ? What will your parents say ? Oh, your parents ! Now that I think of it, did you tell them where you were going ? Or did you just leave like that, secretly ?"
Sam saw how Cathy was turning from anxious to panicking. And she hated to think it was occurring all because of her stupid, selfish behaviour.
"No, I didn't sneak out of my place without telling anybody. I did tell them I was going to spend some time out. But of course, they ignore the real motive of my leave. And I want them to stay out of it. If they came to learn what I did... I would be devastated ! Same thing if Nat turned his back on me for that !"
Tears began to well up in the leader's eyes when she thought at how terrible it would be if her parents or her boyfriend started to hate her for her wrong choices.
The young alien saw the distress of her best friend and, once she had sat by her, she patted her back, trying hard to make her feel better.
"Now, now, calm down, Sam, calm down ! Don't imagine the worst ! What you did is indeed serious, but nobody wants to cast stones at you for making mistakes. After all, you did it for a purpose that was honorable in the first place : revise as much as you could to be fully ready for the contest. And I know how that event is important for you, so I get your motivation. But while it was a big mistake you made, we still won't hate you."
The black girl sobbed some more then blew her nose and turned to her alien friend.
"Thank you, Cath' ! Thank you for the comforting words ! Thank you for always having my back, no matter what ! Thank you for being such an awesome, unswerving buddy of mine. I'm so lucky to have you ! Just like I'm lucky to have Nat, and Chris, and even Danny, who was so angry and cold to me !"
Cathy smiled wider and went on rubbing the leader's back. It took several minutes for Sam to pull herself together. It wasn't the same bossy girl that her teammates were used to mix with, but a teen who had lost her once legendary self-confidence and who now had to rely on people's pity to get help... while she usually was the one providing help ! Tables had been turned, and oh how ironically... !
When she felt that her friend was feeling better, the blue-eyed one decided that it was time to bring up again the heart of the matter. It wasn't going to be pleasant, but... it had to be discussed in the minutest detail.
"Sam... look, I know you may think that it's the mistimed moment to come back to this, yet I'm afraid we can't avoid talking about the crucial point. And that is : those vitamins are doing you no good ! They are weakening you ! They are ruining your eyes ! They are exhausting you ! You told me several times, since your arrival, that you felt very tired. I'm not so sure it's just because of your extended revision time : I do suspect that it's another side effect from those... Dresoprin, if I recall the name correctly ! Sam, you MUST stop taking those pills ! For your own good !"
The African-American took a good look at her alien mate, she stared for long long seconds at her, her golden orbs locked with the blue ones opposite. It was serious matter. Very serious one. And not a chance to skip this unpleasing part. Time to confront. Time to face the problem for good. Time to weight things carefully.
"Cathy... I know how you feel about it... how you all feel... I'm aware you're worried about me and consider Dresoprin as the source of all evil. And I admit that they certainly are not my best choice in life. But... as I said, I need them ! I need them until the competition, which will be soon ! And as I already promised, I will definitely drop them after that event. You have my word, Cath' !"
"But what if it has already gone too far ? What if the worst happens before that competition ? What if a most serious accident takes place ? I don't want to scare you or anything, but... Sam... you're playing with your health here !"
The leader's look evolved into a frown.
"I am not playing, as you say ! It's not a game, and I'm fully aware of the risks ! I'm not that ingenuous as to play with my health ! I'm taking calculated risks here ! And I know it does make you all anxious, which I'm sorry about, but I'm more resistant than you think !"
It was Cathy's turn to feel wrath overwhelming her.
"You may be tough, right, but careful not to overestimate yourself ! You're not invincible or stuff ! And if you cross the line, no matter how much your body will have endured : it will be too late ! I'm saying this for you, Sam ! Because I care for you !"
The last words were squarely shouted on top of her lungs. The Rhapsodian's voice was trembling, as if it was about to give out and be replaced by tears.
And honestly, the alien felt that she was on the verge of emotional collapse, and about to give way to the most desperate weeping.
Sam saw how Cathy was almost giving up and about to burst into tears. It was too much for the poor alien. The yellow member could tell her outer space teammate had been worried a lot lately and was trying to help her, and that her own refusal was bringing Cathy beyond the limits of self control.
"Cath'... I... I know that you care for me... and that you do your best to save me... but just trust me... I won't die or anything... I won't leave my health into it... I will be stronger... please believe me..."
The Rhapsodian hung her head, struggling with her overwhelming grief. She just couldn't take it anymore.
"Cathy... please... don't cry... don't cry..."
But just when the young extraterrestrial felt she would let it all out and give in to sorrow, her cell phone rang.
She hesitated. Looked at Sam. Then at her cell phone. Took out a shaking arm. And finally reached out for it.
"Allo ?"
"Cathy, it's Chris ! Nat brought me a Dresoprin pill he stole unnoticed from Sam and I ran analyses on it. And I've found something alarming ! Cathy, we must meet, you, Danny and I. And I think it would be better to call Nat as well."
Silence.
Something alarming...
"Cathy ?"
"Yes... Yes, I'm still here. When... when should we meet ?"
There was a short pause at the other end of the line. Then, finally...
"Cathy... are you okay ? Your voice sounds... strange !"
Alarming...
The alien cleared her sore throat.
"Yeah, just a sore throat. No big deal."
But of course, while it was the plain truth, it still was misleading. On purpose.
"Ah, okay. Look, do you think you can come now to the park ? I... I prefer to get away from the clubhouse... after what I found in there. Let's say... in 20 minutes ?"
Cathy swallowed her saliva.
After what he found in there... oh my God, that sounds bad. Very bad.
"Y-Yeah, alright. See you there. Bye."
The black fighter had heard what her friend had said, but couldn't deduce from it who had been calling. Still, the anxious expression on her face gave away some disturbing matter.
"Bad news ?" asked the brunette, biting her lip.
The blond looked up at her. She realized she shouldn't say anything that would make Sam understand what was going on. And especially how that Dresoprin pill had been obtained...
Poor Nat ! How he must have hated himself for acting behind Sam's back and stealing from her... and how he probably will be down when he hears about that "alarming" stuff... for I'm sure it's something terrible that menaces Sam !
"Hum... yeah... it... it was... uh... about a dangerous alien we captured lately..."
The last part had been rushed out... as if it had just been made up, thought the leader.
"Okay. And what did he say exactly about it ?" inquired the African-American, her eyes narrowing imperceptibly.
"He didn't say anything..." The Rhapsodian had spoken very quickly... and, when one came to think of it, very uneasy ! "He wants me to come, so that he can explain it to me and Dan' !"
"Right. Then we'll see each other later."
"Yeah, exactly !"
Again that rushed pace when Cathy spoke. Sam could feel something fishy behind all this. The alien's behaviour had changed in the most curious way...
"I'll say hello to them from you" the blonde said, now more convincingly. It sounded true, this time.
"NO ! Please DON'T ! Nobody must know I'm here ! Not even them or Nat ! Only you, Cath' ! Please promise me you won't tell anyone about me being here !"
The blonde was somewhat surprised by this anxious request from her bestie, but she knew she couldn't refuse. And that she better not spill the beans anyway : Sam had been betrayed already once, it would be awful to betray her again !
"Okay. I swear I won't tell anybody else. Not even Grandpa. You have my word."
The brunette sighed.
"Thanks."
Cathy got close to the door and smiled at Sam. Strained smile, thought the latter.
"Later, then..." the stretchable girl quickly said.
She feels uncomfortable, I can tell. What is their meeting all about, really...?
"Yeah, later..." the dark-skinned trailed off.
The blonde quickly looked away, opened the door, went out and closed it again.
Samantha narrowed her eyes some more, as she stared at the closed door...
What are you hiding from me, my friend...?
/
And... C-L-I-F-F-H-A-N-G-E-R ! ÜÜÜÜ
Just love it !
So, since you guys aren't publishing, coz you're all taking exams, then I guess I've got free hand for bringing one more chappy in the MBC world. Happily enough, I had a holiday this month, which enabled me to write a lot at home. :))
In this chapter, I wanted to put all the protagonists of the story, grouping them by two. I indeed think that conversations between 2 persons have much potential, both on the intimacy and depth level. Never have I seen so much emotional strength as in a face-to-face private talk.
A personal thanks, if ya don't mind : Thank You Bloc Party for FOUR, which is just great ! Not SILENT ALARM, but very good nonetheless ! (And since I just mentioned the fascinating side of an intimate conversation bw 2 persons, I can refer to one of their titles in FOUR : "REAL TALK". Interesting title, no ?)
And here's something I wanna share wz ya. Found it in a daily newspaper, and it moved me so much that I decided I'd cut it out and keep it in my wallet, to have it with me all the time. Here it is, translated for ya :
"It's not because his life might be short or different that it wasn't worth being lived". Katyia Rowe decided to keep her foetus, heavily handicapped, after she saw him smiling, making bubbles and moving his limbs during a 3D sonogram. "I knew I couldn't put an end to his life" explained the British to the Daily Mail. "If he was able to smile and play, he deserved to make the most of his life, no matter its duration". Instead of aborting, this Shropshire inhabitant made inquiries on the handicaps Lucian suffered from in order to support him after his birth. The baby finally got born in October, but survived only for 9 hours..."
Incredibly touching to me ! She decided to go against abortion after she saw her handicapped foetus smile ! His smile saved him from immediate death ! There are times, like this one, when existence feels strangely magical... and you feel more than you usually feel.
And you, what do you think ? I want to know how you feel about this true story. Tell me.
Peace, Love, Ecstasy !
And Hope !
XXXX
P.S. : Oh, today, January 23rd, is my birthday. I updated my age profile accordingly, and as a celebration way, chose myself another avatar. Ouch, a supplementary pain at the basis of my back... ! Not good getting older, ufff ! 8D