III - Life in the Inside
Back in Royal Woods, many cars and buses arrived outside of the walls. Lori looked outside one of the windows in her room, seeing people entering the community. Many of their suits, shirts, and dresses looked simple, nothing too lavish or luxurious. She stretched out a roll of duct tape and bit off a piece using her teeth.
Bobby walked across the hallway and towards Lori's room. He wore a neat white buttoned shirt with small thin vertical stripes and khaki pants. His black dress shoes were polished and his slick hair was combed back. He knocked on the closed door.
"You ready, babe?" asked Bobby.
Lori opened the door, revealing her blue dress, blue flats, and her white pearl earrings. Her glossy lipstick was worn by frowning lips and her blue eyeshadow was worn by downcast eyes.
"You look absolutely gorgeous," smiled Bobby. "But you don't seem like you're in a mood for partying. Something wrong?"
"I'm just nervous about the whole thing," said Lori. "People are flooding in from other communities… I just don't feel okay with the whole thing."
"Yeah, seems kinda worrying, but I'm sure they're good people too! Maybe they thought the same about the people who lived here. But after a thousand days— this party is celebrating a thousand days, right?"
"Yeah."
"After a thousand days, these people turned out to be alright— enough so that these people are leaving their own home to party at some different place."
"Oscar has already invited cold-blooded murders to live here. He has a very warped sense of judgment. Let's just get this over with."
Bobby extended out his hand while keeping his other one in his pockets. Lori grabbed Bobby's hand and rubbed her other hand against her dress, which felt slightly puffy around her hips. She then smiled and looked at Bobby.
"I forgot to tell you how handsome you look," smiled Lori.
"Aw, thanks, babe. I hope I don't look underdressed."
"You look perfect to me."
The door to the house opened. People were walking across Franklin Street, chattering among each other while heading to Rembrandt Street where crowds of people were at. Music could be heard coming from the town center, specifically rock music.
Lori let out a worried sigh as Bobby raised her hand close to his lips and gave it a reassuring kiss.
"It's okay, babe. It's just for one night."
Lori nodded as she locked the door to her house. She then walked down the steps before looking out at the front gates. She looked at the guard post next to the top of the wall and saw people that she has never seen before. A few of them were wearing SWAT police body armor while others were wearing U.S. Army uniforms, along with camouflaged body armor.
Ravi walked past the guard post, looking outside the gate where he saw a black 2016 Cadillac XTS limousine being driven inside the community. He took a sip from his soda can as he kept his eyes on the limo. The headlights then turned off after the limo parked near the gate, and a man wearing a suit came out of the driver's side of the car and walked to the passenger end.
Ravi took a sip from his soda can before slowly tilting it, revealing that there wasn't any left. He let out an annoyed grunt before looking around, struggling to find a trash can to throw out the soda can.
The man with the suit kept the passenger door open as a woman— who wore a black knee-length sequin dress with sleeves covering her arms— came out of the limousine carrying a small purple purse. Her black heels click-clacked against the ground as she walked along the limousine and towards the guard post. She wore red lipstick and behind her rimless glasses was black eyeshadow and mascara. Above her braided low bun hair stood out the most unique feature of her appearance— a gold tiara.
She walked past Ravi as her bodyguards followed her— as if she were royalty. Ravi looked around and saw many eyes looking at the woman as she made her way to the party. He then looked outside the gate and saw an immense amount of guards, all equipped with weapons. He has never seen the community this guarded before.
Disco music could be heard in the background, different from the rock music being played in the town plaza. People can be seen walking in and out of the house and backyard. The tables were decorated with silk table covers and bouquet vases. There were fancy wine cups and shiny dinner plates. Inside the mansion, people were chattering with each other, holding glasses of alcohol, which was being served by Patchy Drizzle in the bar by the kitchen.
Compared to the party at the town plaza, the difference was noticeable. The VIP party seemed very elitist.
Clancy Rhonda acted as a bouncer outside the backyard, holding a clipboard with a list of names. He looked up and saw Lori and Bobby coming his way before quickly crossing out the former's name from the list.
"Good evening, Mr. Rhonda!" smiled Bobby. "Is this the entrance?"
"Good evening. It is, but before you can go in, I gotta check you twos."
Bobby nodded as he raised his hands. Clancy held his clipboard in place using his right armpit and patted him down.
"You look a little familiar," said Clancy. "Weren't you and my daughter, er… romantic partners?"
Lori looked at Bobby, raising her eyebrows.
"You and Becky were a thing?" asked Lori.
"No," replied Bobby. "You must be confusing me with someone else."
"Tad."
"Yes."
"I knew it."
"Wait— what?"
"So you're the one who's been smoking in my house and screwing around with my daughter!"
"No, I meant you're confusing me with Tad!"
"What's wrong with your eyes?" exclaimed Lori. "He looks nothing like Tad!"
"Are you covering up for him?" asked Clancy.
"This is my husband, Bobby."
"I'm her husband, Bobby."
"Oh… my bad, Bobby. You and Tad just look so alike."
"They look nothing alike," said Lori.
"I don't know, babe," said Bobby, rubbing his upper lip. "I think it might be the mustache. Maybe the goatee as well. Did Tad have a goatee?"
"N— I don't know. I don't remember."
"Could be the long hair as well."
Clancy moved his hands away from Bobby and prepared to pat down Lori as she raised her arms.
"Is this really necessary?" asked Lori.
"It'll be quick," reassured Clancy.
Then, a hand was placed on his shoulder, making him look back. It was Oscar, who placed his hand on his shoulder.
"You don't have to pat her down," said Oscar.
"All right. May I ask why?"
"Look at her. She's harmless. Right, Lori?"
Lori reluctantly nodded as she bit her lips.
"Harmless?" asked Clancy hesitantly.
"Sure. Lori, can you squeeze your dress? Just below the waist."
"Like this?" asked Lori, squeezing the dress against her thighs.
"See? Nothing but wrinkles. Go on, VIPs. Enjoy the party."
Lori unsqueezed her dress and held Bobby's hand again. Both of them walked into the backyard, seeing people chattering among each other. All their tables were devoid of food, much to Lori's relief. Then, multiple lights turned on and the music was boosted much louder, causing Lori to flinch. Upon looking upwards, she saw that it was just a disco ball that was turned on. Then, the disco ball was turned off as the music softened.
"Sorry about that!" said a distant voice.
Lori took a deep breath and continued to walk around with Bobby, looking for a table to sit at. In one of the tables, she saw Carol sitting next to Will.
"Thank goodness you're here, Carol," said Lori, scooching over to one of the empty seats at the table. "I was starting to worry about arriving too early."
"Umm… Lori, the others are over there," said Carol, shining an awkward smile.
Lori looked over at another table. She saw Whitney and Roger waving their hands around as a bored Becky sat with them. She turned back towards Carol and Will, both of them waving at Bobby. He waved back at them.
"How come you're not sitting with them?" asked Lori. "Don't tell me Whitney kicked you out—"
"Lori…"
"I gotta talk some sense into her—!"
"Lori, I'm on a date right now."
Lori looked at Will, who couldn't help but smile as he looked back at her.
"Oh…" said Lori. "With this guy?"
Will raised an eyebrow. Carol nodded quickly.
"Oh, right. Okay. No wonder you look so drop-dead pretty! I mean, your purple eyeshadow, your gorgeous hair, those shiny earrings. Right, Carol's date? Tell me she's not literally beautiful right now!"
"She is," nodded Will.
Carol held her hand near her face, giving it some shade as she appeared visibly embarrassed.
"And your eyebrows… are on fleek!"
"Oh my god, Lori," whispered Carol, having enough. "Thank you. You're very pretty yourself too. Can you please… umm…"
"Oh, okay. Yeah, sorry about interrupting your date. We're gonna leave you alone. Bye, guys!"
"Enjoy your date, Carol," said Bobby, his voice sounding calm compared to his overexcited wife.
"Thank you, Bobby," said Carol, waving him goodbye.
As she watched Lori and Bobby walk off, she took a sip from her glass of sparkling water before facing Will again.
"Where did we leave off?" asked Carol.
"The second expansion mission," said Will. "Which was a huge failure. It's the reason why we don't expand beyond what we got now."
"Right, right," said Carol, looking at Will as she smiled softly, entracing him with her eyes.
Lori and Bobby sat next to each other and across from Whitney and Roger.
"There's the Lori Loud I know," said Whitney. "Fashionably late."
"Heh, there's the Whitney I know— fashionably… early!"
"Too early apparently! Food's not ready yet. But me and Roger are starving for some pigs in a blanket!"
Lori gulped.
"They're gonna serve that?" asked Bobby, sounding excited.
"Yup! With ketchup!"
"Where does the meat and ketchup come from?" asked Lori.
"I don't know. Probs one of the other communities."
"I think they got pigs and tomatoes at Huntington Oaks," said Roger. "Or is it the Queendom? I can never remember."
Becky stared at Carol, who was watching Will talk more about the history of Royal Woods. Her thoughts were racing around, wondering what made Will more important than her.
"How'd you get in this party anyways?" asked Lori. "I thought only people from the 'outside' were considered VIPs."
"Becky's dad let us in," said Roger. "He really came through. Isn't that right, Becky?"
Becky continued to stare at Carol as she took another sip from her glass cup. She then looked back at her table, seeing her friends staring at her.
"What?"
"Roger said your dad got 'em in," said Bobby. "That true?"
"Yeah," replied Becky. "He's a very sneaky man. I'm gonna refill my drink."
Becky stood up and walked away from the table, carrying her cup. She felt the air touch the skin of her feet, making her feel very uncomfortable. Her green sundress and sandals, as well as lack of weapons, made her feel extremely vulnerable. But she kept these feelings to herself, hoping to wash them away with alcohol.
She walked towards the glass door leading inside the mansion, before seeing her mother walk to the backyard, rolling in a table of hot food.
"Hey, I brought that flavored soda that you're obsessed with," said Ms. Carmichael.
"Cool. I'm sure my friends are gonna love it."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm gonna refill my drink."
"But… your soda's right here."
"I didn't come here for a cup of Fizz, Mom."
"You're drinking from the bar? Did you already have some to drink?"
Becky sighed as she crossed her arms.
"What are you doing? You're not even 21," said her mother.
"I knew you were gonna be like this."
"Like what? Concerned?"
"Yes. Concerned like I'm a child."
"I mean, can't I be concerned? Alcohol isn't something you should be drinking, you know that."
"But drinking heavy amounts of tequila before nighttime is fine?"
Ms. Carmichael inhaled sharply, getting increasingly frustrated with her daughter, especially after hearing her bring up that specific bad habit of hers.
"Are you really gonna talk back to me like that?"
"Like what?" chuckled Becky.
"You—"
"Woah, what's going on?" asked Clancy, walking up to both women.
"Nothing. I'm getting a drink," said Becky.
"Clancy— tell your daughter not to get drunk."
"She's allowed to drink at the party," said Clancy.
"What about what's good for her?"
"What's the worst that can happen? She can't drink and drive. There's people everywhere, nothing's gonna happen to her."
"She's too young."
"She's a grown woman for Chrissake. Let her be."
"Fine. You win. Like always, right?"
Ms. Carmichael rolled her cart away, moving towards the tables to serve the food. Clancy turned towards Becky, who smiled at him.
"Mom hates you 'cause you let me be myself," said Becky. "And she hates everything I do."
"Ah, cut your mother some slack," said Clancy. "She looks at you and sees a baby with a bottle of milk. Don't resent her for it."
"Okay."
"Before you go, tell me— doesn't that boy look like Tad?"
"Who, Bobby?"
"Yes. Him."
"No. Why?"
"I thought that boy came back and was up to no good. Now, I know it ain't my business to interfere with your relationships, but I really do not like that boy. You're too smart to be with him."
"You're in luck then," said Becky as she began to walk away. "He's dead."
Clancy's amused demeanor quickly faded away as he watched Becky walk into the mansion, unable to see her face. He raised his hand in an attempt to call Becky, but kept himself quiet. He shook his head softly and walked away, feeling slight guilt.
As Ms. Carmichael grabbed the pigs in a blanket and the quesadillas using her kitchen tongs, Melissa approached her.
"Hold on a minute," said Melissa. "Did you make this food yourself?"
"Not this time," said Ms. Carmichael. "People from the other communities brought in the food."
"What about anyone in this community? They bring anything to the table?"
"If you're talking about deer and squirrels or canned food, then that would be a no."
"Calvin and his crew didn't go hunting?"
"They didn't bring anything back. Melissa, don't worry. We're not eating outdoor food. Everything here comes from a farm."
"I see. Thank you."
Ms. Carmichael nodded before she began to serve the food. Melissa looked over at Lori and shook her head. Lori sighed as she checked her glass cup.
"I'm gonna get myself something to drink," said Lori. "Can you come with me, Boo-Boo Bear?"
"Sure thing. We'll be right back, guys."
Simon could hear the rock music and see the smoke flowing around the town plaza as he snuck into the back parking lot of City Hall. He walked to the back door and took out the multitool from his pocket.
The doorknob jiggled softly before the door opened. Simon entered into a dark room before reaching for a flashlight tied to his pants. He turned on the flashlight and looked for a light switch. After walking to the opposite side of the room, he found the light switches and turned them on. He found himself in a kitchen, stuffed with canned food. He turned off his flashlight and reached for another doorknob. This time, however, he did not have to break in. He simply twisted the lock and unlocked the door.
He opened the door and walked out of the kitchen, finding himself in a dimly lit narrow hallway that led to the wider main hall, which is where the metal detector and the double staircases were at. The other hallway, which was also narrow like the one he was in, had Melissa's office. But he was not interested in her office.
Simon walked across the hallway before peering from the corner into the main hall. He could see Schoffner's back standing outside of the building. He took his chance and snuck into the stairwell, keeping his footsteps soft and his eyes on the main entrance.
He was now upstairs. He looked around the doors, reading each sign. None of what they said mattered to him until one did. He looked left and right before taking out his multitool to pick the lock to the door he stood in front of. On the door was a sign, which said 'Mayor's Office'.
He unlocked and opened the door. He then closed the door and locked it before turning on his flashlight. He looked out the windows and was able to see a crowd of people dancing in the town center. Ignoring the crowd, he looked from drawer to drawer, trying to find anything about the combination of the blue combination lock to the safe back in Oscar's house. He then heard a jiggle in the doorknob. He quickly turned off his flashlight and hid under the desk.
The door opened and the lights turned on. It was Jackie who walked into the room. Simon held his breath as she looked around the room.
"Hello?" she called out. "I saw you enter this room. Can you come out, wherever you are?"
Simon sighed as he stood up, revealing himself. Jackie looked at the small kid, scratching her head in confusion.
"I was… I was trying to find the pool… thingy…" stammered Simon.
"You were snooping around the room," said Jackie. "It's okay. I do it sometimes too."
"You know how to pick locks too?"
"Yeah. A friend taught me how. What are you looking for?"
Simon remained silent as he stared at Jackie. She smiled.
"Relax, I'm not gonna tell Oscar. I'm also not supposed to be in this room."
"Okay," whispered Simon.
Jackie waited for a response from Simon. However, he stood there silently before preparing to walk out of the room. Suddenly, Katherine Mulligan walked into the room.
"What are you two kids doing here?" asked Katherine. "You know you're not supposed to be here."
"Oh, we were just trying to get a good view of the party from here," said Jackie.
"Want a better view? Go to the balcony."
"That's a good idea, Ms. Mulligan. We should probably head there now."
"Get me a coffee while you're at it."
"My shift is over. I'm gonna party. Go screw your radio operator or something if you wanna stay awake."
"Ha! And disregard all sense of professionalism?" said Katherine with a forced chuckle. "I don't think so."
"Oh, you have something better to do right now, right?"
"Yes. In fact, my radio operator and I are going to do what we do best. Report the news."
Katherine Mulligan walked away. Jackie turned around, seeing Simon looking around the drawers.
"What—"
"A combination for this blue combination lock that Oscar has," said Simon. "The lock looks circular and it has letters in it, not numbers."
"Ah. It's in that file cabinet there."
Simon looked at the file cabinet that Jackie was pointing at. He walked over to it and opened it up, seeing a bunch of random receipts stored inside. He then found a tiny slip with letters on it. Written on the slip was: 'Blue combination lock. E-G-O.'
Simon rolled his eyes and closed the drawer before he looked at Jackie, who remained standing by the light switch.
"Thank you," he said.
"No problem."
Simon walked out of the room as Jackie turned off the lights. She locked the doorknob before closing the door.
Fireflies periodically lit up the air around them as Lincoln and Clyde approached the school entrance. Lincoln held a pair of bolt cutters with him.
"Can't believe it took this long to find a pair of bolt cutters in this dead town," said Lincoln.
"Yeah, thanks a lot, Principal Wilbur," said Clyde.
"Why him?"
"Remember the whole drive-by baseball incident?"
"Oh yeah… that's why the bulletproof windows are there?"
"Yup. Did Lynn ever get suspended for that by the way?"
"Hmm. I don't know. You would have to ask her."
Lincoln placed the bolt cutter on the chains and then squeezed tightly, snapping the chains apart. Clyde took out two flashlights and handed one to Lincoln.
Both of them opened the entrance doors slowly, anxious about what could possibly be awaiting them. They stepped foot inside the dark school and closed the doors behind them before turning on their flashlights. The light revealed a messy floor, filled with paper, notebooks, pencils, and blood.
But upon seeing the mess in the ground, the fear and anxiety lessened as sorrow and guilt began to wash over the two boys. They walked forward, moving their flashlights around every corner and every spot they could find. They knew what they were looking out for. The lurkers as they called them— the roamers who intentionally find a hiding spot to avoid their victims until they are up close— could be anywhere.
They raised their flashlights up towards the walls, seeing scratched and blood-stained lockers— some open, some closed. Clyde moved his flashlight into an open door and placed his hand on Lincoln's chest as they both slowed down. Both of them pointed their flashlight inside the classroom, moving the light around before slowly entering.
The desks were toppled over. Pencils and crayons were scattered all around the floor. A broken mug can be seen next to the teacher's desk. There was a small pink backpack that kept the door open. But there was no sign that anyone was inside.
Lincoln moved the pink backpack away from the door with his foot and allowed the door to close. He and Clyde then continued to move forward, taking a turn around the hallway.
Upon making a turn, they suddenly felt chills go up their spine as their flashlight revealed piles of bones covered with clothes. It seemed to belong to that of a teacher. They stepped over the pile of clothes and bones and continued moving forward. Then, they looked at another classroom— this time having a locked door. They took a peek through the rectangular window in the door.
"Oh my god," whispered Lincoln.
Clyde groaned as he shuddered, trying to hold back his tears and vomit as he turned around and slid against the door and down to the ground. Inside the classroom was Ms. Shrinivas stumbling around with a bite mark on her neck and in her leg. She turned towards the source of the light by the door window, revealing her golden eyes and rotten teeth. And below her were more glowing eyes and more rotten teeth. None of the roamers stood above her waist.
Clyde gasped as he felt a thud against the door followed by the sound of nails scratching against wood.
Lincoln held his hand out. Clyde looked up and grabbed his hand as he stood up. Then, they walked away from the kindergarten class.
Clear vodka was poured into a shot glass. Becky grabbed the cup and swallowed the vodka before placing the shot glass on the countertop. She looked outside the window and saw Ronnie Anne standing next to Clancy, nervously waiting for her boyfriend.
"Another," said Becky, clearing her throat.
Lori and Bobby approached the bar table, catching Becky's attention. Patchy poured more vodka into another shot table as he looked at the couple.
"Oh hey, you're that weatherman on Channel 4," said Bobby.
"It's always nice to see another newcomer," smiled Patchy. "What can I get you two lovebirds?"
"Do you serve any non-alcoholic beverages?" asked Lori.
"We have water."
"I was thinking of something with… flavor."
"They have root beer," said Becky. "Tad used to like root beer. Damn, now my dad got me thinking about him."
"I'll have a cup of root beer then," said Lori.
Patchy nodded as Bobby faced Becky.
"You know your dad thought I was—?"
"Yeah, he asked me too," said Becky, rolling her eyes. "Maybe he's had a little something to drink before. I'll see if my theory is correct after a few shots."
Bobby turned around and looked at Lori.
"Earlier with Carol…"
"Yeah, I know. I acted like a total weirdo," said Lori. "I was just so happy to see her with someone else!"
"Someone that isn't Bobby?" asked Becky, getting a bewildered look from Lori. "After all this time, aren't you happy that she likes someone who isn't Bobby?"
"Yeah, I guess that must've been it."
"Oh, there's my handsome son and his beautiful wife," said a voice from behind the three survivors, revealed to be Maria.
Lori blushed as Bobby hugged his mother.
"Hi, mamá," smiled Bobby, giving her mom a kiss on the cheek. "Where's that wonderful date of yours you were bragging about?"
"He's going to try to bring his daughter here. Has his daughter always been…?"
"A loner?" interjected Lori. "Yup. She keeps to herself a lot."
"The same isn't with Ronalda, right?"
"No, she's still her lovable self," said Bobby. "She still hasn't gathered up the nerves to talk to you yet?"
"No, I've been looking for her everywhere. I hope she doesn't start to hate me for this."
"No, I promise she won't. She just needs… time to process this! I'm sure she'll turn up soon."
Becky looked outside the window, now seeing her father standing alone.
Outside the house, away from the windows was Ronnie Anne moving herself into an angle where anyone inside the house couldn't see her. She earned a puzzled look from Clancy, but she didn't care. Her back continued to move against the house before bumping into a girl, who was also leaning against the house.
"Who are we playing hide-and-seek with?" smiled the girl.
Ronnie Anne gasped as she felt a surge of happiness inside of her.
"Sid! Wha… how…"
Ronnie Anne immediately hugged Sid, who hugged her back. She opened her eyes, seeing her other friends standing in front of her.
"Nikki! Casey! Sameer!" she exclaimed.
"The whole gang's here!" said Sid.
"I must be dreaming! I feel like I'm gonna faint."
"Oh, here!"
Sid pulled out a paper bag and handed it to Ronnie Anne, who took deep breaths in and out of the bag.
"Thanks, Sid," smiled Ronnie Anne.
"No problem at all… Ronnie Anne," smiled Sid.
"Are you sure you're Ronnie Anne?" asked Nikki. "You're wearing a dress."
"Ha, are you sure you're Nikki?" giggled Ronnie Anne. "You're wearing a dress too."
"What's got your face all beat up?" asked Casey. "I get the dress code, but makeup too?"
"Heh, can't a girl look pretty for a night?"
"Oh you're blushing, you are waiting for a special someone!" said Sameer. "Who's the special someone?"
"Well…"
"It's… who?" asked Sid, stopping herself from assuming a person. "C'mon, tell us!"
"It's Lincoln."
Sid and Sameer shrieked in joy as Casey and Nikki chuckled together. Ronnie Anne let out a giggle as she tried to hide her rosy cheeks.
"I knew you were gonna go out with that boy," said Sameer.
"It's not just going out, right?" asked Sid. "It's so much more than that, right?"
"Yeah. He's… my boyfriend."
Sid and Sameer shrieked again, causing Clancy to flinch before he grumbled in the distance. Casey laughed nervously as Nikki looked at Ronnie Anne.
"Where might that boyfriend be?" asked Nikki.
"I… have no idea," said Ronnie Anne. "He's probably gonna show up soon. But while we wait… I have so many questions. Where do you guys live? Is it close to E Sixth Avenue?"
"We… don't live here. We're from Detroit."
"Detroit?"
"Yeah. You know, the RenCen."
"The heck is that?"
"You've been to Detroit before, right?" asked Casey.
"Yeah."
"You've seen the tallest building in the skyline, right? The RenCen— short for Renaissance Center— includes that building and six other buildings."
"Those seven buildings make up the RenCen Safe-Zone," said Sameer.
"Last time I was in Detroit, it got bombed to bits," said Ronnie Anne.
"Yeah, most of downtown is like that. But that actually gave us the perfect shield against the dummies," said Casey.
"Wait, you were there when it was bombed?" asked Sid.
"Yeah, were you?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"No, all of us didn't get there until months after Day 1."
"How'd you guys get there then?"
The group all looked at each other, appearing distant and reserved. They all seemed too uncomfortable to speak up.
"Umm… okay, different topic then."
"Speaking of Detroit, turn around, but don't stare," said Sid, her cheery personality returning. "You see that man? Black suit? Trimmed beard? Really handsome?"
"Oh yeah, I definitely see him," asked Ronnie Anne.
"That's our leader. Full name— Christopher Buchanan. But back home, we all call him Mayor Chris. And he just happens to be my crush at the moment."
"Really, Sid? That guy must be like forty years old…!"
"That makes him daddy-material."
Casey and Sameer groaned as Nikki shook her head with a smile. Ronnie Anne groaned playfully as Sid let out a laugh.
"I missed you, Sid," said Ronnie Anne.
Christopher looked at the window on the side of the house and tried to look inside as Clancy was patting him down. He then saw the fancy woman with the tiara approaching Lori.
"Hey, Oscar," called out Christopher. "Lori is the one who took down half the Laborers, right?"
"That scrawny little lady?" scoffed Oscar. "Who told you that?"
"The Laborers."
Oscar's cocky smirk faded as he gulped. Christopher smiled softly as Clancy allowed him into the party.
Lori grabbed her root beer and began to chug it down as Bobby grabbed his cup of water. Bobby raised his cup of water and looked at his mother, earning an approving nod from her. He then saw Jane approaching Lori with the tiara-wearing woman behind her.
"H-Hi, Lori," said Jane.
Lori set down her drink.
"Hey, Jane. Here to take some pictures?"
"It's Princess Jane," said the woman next to Jane.
"It's okay, Mom," said Jane. "I told her she can just call me Jane."
"It's an honorary title. I think she should call you by your proper title."
"Wait a minute…" whispered Lori.
"Whatever… you can keep calling me Jane, Lori. Anyways, t-this is my mom, the leader of our community in Orchard Lake, the queen of the Queendom… Queen—"
"Miriam Adler?" gasped Lori.
Jane froze. Bobby tilted his head in confusion. Becky scratched her head. And Miriam slowly smiled.
"I see someone may have recognized me," chuckled Miriam nervously.
"You're… you're the billionaire CEO of Adler's Luxuries! I-I buy my stuff from there! I used to, I mean. My eyeshadow— my lip gloss— it's all from Adler's Luxuries!"
"I noticed. That's my Perfect Pink lip gloss and Attractive Azure eyeshadow that you're wearing, isn't it?"
Lori gasped excitedly, quickly closing her mouth as she smiled through her eyes. Bobby looked over at Jane, who seemed to be caught off-guard by Lori's reaction.
"Is your mom famous or something?" asked Bobby.
"Y-You could say that," said Jane.
"I have a sister… umm—- had a sister who loved you. You hold the record for most beauty pageants won in Michigan, right? And to become a billionaire right after? That must be… I'm sorry— I'm getting too excited, right?"
"No, it's fine," said Miriam. "I just didn't expect you to be so… enthusiastic."
"I'm not normally like this. Must be the root beer."
Miriam let out a chuckle.
"You're funny. Are you into beauty pageants too?"
"No, I was more interested in that business side of yours. I always wanted to be a CEO of a big company when I grew up, but then I had a promising career as a promising golfer. And well… you see how that turned out."
"Indeed. I always felt sorry for the young people who never had a chance to reclaim the kind of success that I enjoyed for some luxurious amount of years. I never caught your name."
"Oh, I'm Lori Loud. This is my husband, Bobby Santiago."
"You kept your last name! I respect that a lot, Lori."
"A billionaire respecting me? That's not something that happens… at all."
"And she only got that rich by exploiting people," said Christopher Buchanan, who was now approaching them. "Meanwhile, I'm a man of the people. Hello, Lori. My name is Mayor Christopher Buchanan. Leader of the RenCen Safe-Zone in Detroit."
Miriam laughed along.
"He used to lie to people for a living," said Miriam. "Hell, he's still doing it now. He's no mayor. The only office he ever held was City Council."
"Old mayor has been gone for three years. I stepped up with the people's votes. Democracy made me the mayor. Who proclaimed you the queen of your people?"
"Myself. At least I'm honest about it."
"Lori! Can I get you a drink? Something with a lot more alcohol than that… soda thing?"
"I'm not old enough," said Lori. "Thank you, though."
"I like that you stick to the civil rules that existed before," said Miriam.
"She takes that too literally," chuckled Christopher. "The rules in her community— insane. Christ, it's like she's tryna' create a fourth Reich. Talk about pissing on the graves of your ancestors."
"Funny."
"Meanwhile, there's a lot more freedom in my community. That's why 3,000 people love it there."
"Heh, what is this about?" chuckled Lori nervously.
"I'm confused too," said Bobby.
"They want you to join their community," said Jane. "Y-You and your group."
Jane turned around and faced both her mother and Christopher.
"But she's not gonna wanna go," she added.
"Think we came in too strong?" asked Miriam.
"I just think she wants to stay home."
"Jane is right," said Lori. "Royal Woods is my home and I'm sorry that you two had to travel all this way to try to convince me to go to the Queendom or the RenCen."
"You don't have to apologize, dear," said Miriam. "I understand. No one is going to force you to give up your home. Right, Chris?"
"Right," said Christopher before spotting another community leader approaching Lori. "Oh, here comes another one— who completely missed the most important part— she's already home."
The woman, sporting a low bun and a patrol cap covering most of her coily hair, had a tan T-shirt on and baggy pants with a camouflage pattern, along with boots, all clothing of the US Army. As Lori looked at her, she began to have heart palpitations and felt her throat getting dry and her hands becoming sweaty.
"Good evening, Mrs. Loud," said the woman. "I'm Captain April Bell."
"Hey, April," smirked Christopher. "Save the recruiting for another young victim. The lady decided to stay here."
"That's not what I'm here for, but thanks for the notice, Buck."
Lori took a quick breath as she tried to calm her nerves down. However, that name just began to bring bad memories back.
"You see, I'm from Dallas," continued April. "That's where I last saw my family three years ago, but after all this time, I expect them to be anywhere but there. You and your group coming back home after all these years is proof of that."
"Are you sure this isn't another recruiting tactic of yours?" asked Miriam, crossing her arms.
"Don't listen to this wannabe queen. I just want to ask if you saw my grandmother and my sister out there. Names are Diana Harris and Angel Bell."
"I haven't…" said Lori, still feeling nervous.
"Damn. I guess they're still back in Texas."
Lori had so many questions for April. She wanted to ask April if she knew about the rogues. If she knew about General Black. Or Richard. If she knew what happened in Washington D.C. or New York City.
"Oh, the food's ready?" asked Bobby. "We're sorry we couldn't help you out, Captain April."
"I was gonna ask where you guys moved around," said April.
"Nope, too hungry," said Lori. "Sorry."
April let out a sigh, shaking her head as Lori and Bobby walked out of the bar and outside of the house. Becky followed them out.
"Something's on your mind," said Miriam.
"She knows something," said April.
"Or perhaps a person in all army camo asking her questions was enough to intimidate a girl trying to have fun at a party with her partner?" asked Chris.
April huffed as she walked away. Miriam looked at Chris.
"She's right, you know," said Miriam. "She knows something."
"Yeah. And I'll be the first to find out what," said Chris as he walked away.
Miriam turned towards Jane, who was staring at the bottles of alcohol on the shelves. Jane looked at her mother, who shook her head.
Lori looked at Bobby and smiled softly as Becky continued following them.
"Thank you," Lori said.
"For what?" asked Bobby.
"For getting me out of that situation."
"I… have no idea what you're talking about, heh."
"You said food's ready…"
"Yeah. The food really is ready, right? Unless it's not? Did I just lie about the food being ready?"
"What? No. Whatever. Let's just eat."
After Lori, Bobby, and Becky arrived at their table, Carol shifted her eyes away from the house and back to Will. She continued to listen to him talk until she noticed just how off-topic they were now.
"...it's not the most tragic thing to happen, but it's so disappointing, you know?" said Will as he bit into his quesadilla. "A pandemic robbed us of prom. Man, this food is delicious."
"Was prom something you looked forward to?" asked Carol.
"Yeah. Very much."
"Ooh, was there a special girl for the night?"
"Asking about another girl on our first date?" chuckled Will.
"I promise I'm not jealous. Yet," giggled Carol.
Will laughed back before reminiscing.
"Yeah, there was a very special girl. A friend I liked for so long, it would take three more dates to describe what happened in my life during that time. But anyways, I was a very nervous wreck. Trying to figure out all the ways to ask her out."
"I mean, you seemed so confident earlier," said Carol. "Are we talking about the same person?"
"Haha, yeah, I worked on it. My confidence had to start somewhere— the time I asked her out to prom. She said yes. That day was the happiest day of my life."
Carol smiled as he could see Will genuinely enjoying remembering his memory. However, there was a sense of sadness behind his voice, causing Carol's smile to fade away.
"I looked forward for the day to come. I brought a tuxedo, dress shoes, all of that. But then the outbreak happened. I tried to look for my friend… but I could not find her. She went missing. I dedicated a lot of time into trying to look for her. Had people with me. And eventually all that time and energy paid off. I found her. But she wasn't alone. This whole time… she's been surviving out there with a man she loved. A man that wasn't me. But it was okay, because she was my friend. And if she's happy, then I'm happy. Oh, how short-lived that was. It didn't take long before she went missing again. Her boyfriend too. They might still be out there. But I didn't want to search anymore. That's why I'm here now, eating these delicious quesadillas. And… I totally killed the mood, didn't I?"
"It's… it's okay," said Carol, gulping. "I wanted to know. Seeing someone you loved be with someone else? You're not alone."
Will raised his eyes, now ready to listen to Carol. And as Carol talked, Simon passed by her, walking towards the glass back doors, and getting ready to head to Oscar's room.