Interference
Chapter Three: Turn For The Worse...
Another chapter. I'm desperately hoping to get this done by the 25th, and you can all send me your reviews then so when I get back on the 30th I'll have some nice, pleasant reviews, and some more motivation to write my next fanfic! ^_^
Meridiana High was the only school that tried to teach lessons with no power. The principal had decided that with the sunlight, classes shouldn't be too hard to teach. Most of the staff were giving a study hall, or a free period. Adrian sat at his desk, listening in on several conversations amongst the students. He certainly hadn't wanted to get up and teach on such short notice; with his runnings about the night before, there hadn't been much time for a lesson plan.
My aunt knew somebody who was in a car when the power shut off. She said there was an explosion and there was smoke coming out of the hood. She said the guy thought the car was on fire so he tried to get the door open but the handle broke off, and then he started panicking and ended up passed out in the car.
Aw, get off it, that's no story.
Well, what'd you hear?
I heard the plumbing backfired in the slums, so all those beggars down there don't got no toilets or sinks.
That's godawful!
You telling me? Christ.
Adrian shook his head. The plumbing had most certainly NOT backfired, as far as he knew, but then, he wouldn't call his apartment the either. It wasn't the greatest bargain in town, but where else could he live on the small teacher's salary? Bill Gates' mansion? Not likely. He'd tried a savings account, but a person had to eat-and not just microwave dinners.
Lori and her gang were huddled in the back of the room. Adrian had some difficulty picking up on the conversation, but they were definitely up to something.
I told you, you can't just waltz into a Dairy Cow and expect to walk out with a king size bottle of alcohol!
Specially not with our rep.
Lori crossed her arms. I'm so sure. Look, idiots, with the power out there's not going to BE any alarms. Probably no one will be WORKING, and the police got better things to do than chase after us.
They've made time before, y'know, Lori.
You're all pathetic! You won't even TRY to have fun.
Who's having fun? interrupted a boy. I can't get anything to drink except water; our stupid fridgerator cut out yesterday. All the milk's spoilt, I couldn't eat my cereal this morning.
Well BOO HOO, called out someone else, I can't drive my car; it's stuck on Pearl St. and East 9th! We couldn't even get it towed! I think the engine burnt out.
I knew this one guy who was behind a car, right, and when the power went out, he got covered in burning exhaust! They tried to get him to a hospital, right, only the EMS vans can't get anywhere, so the guy was laying on the street, twitching and red and pimply all over with his clothes burned to him. So everyone's just watching, right, and this HUGE truck comes barreling down the ramp outta nowhere, right, and it just rolls right over and dumps OIL over the-
Adrian slammed his book shut. That's enough, he snapped. If you want to spread rumors, do it on your own time, not mine or the school's.
The students scattered back to their desks. But, Mr. Seidelman-
Be quiet, Mr. Rutter. For once in your life, just keep your mouth shut and study. Adrian looked at the rest of them. I expect everyone to do the same.
School passed far too slowly, and by the end of the day, Adrian was in a bad temper. He headed home, noticing the astounding number of abandoned cars. José would have a field day, he thought absently.
He was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Whoa, Adrian. You okay?
Adrian looked at Lucas and shrugged. I've been better. He looked over Lucas' shoulder to the café, which displayed a distinct sign. No power?
No, and I was looking forward to a coffee.
Adrian smiled. Right. Have you heard anything else about this?
Lucas rubbed the back of his neck. Just that a lot of people living near the city limits are coming down ill with something. The mayor wants to petition to surrender Meridiana.
Adrian was sure his heart skipped a beat. You're kidding.
Lucas made a sound of disbelief. I wish I was.
Adrian thought quickly. Do you think he'd listen to me?
Couldn't hurt to try. But be careful, all right?
Don't worry. Adrian turned around and headed towards City Hall. Watch yourself, Lucas.
Heh. Don't worry.