I was thinking about how I might fly today. Just to disprove all the things
that you say. It doesn't take a talent to be mean. Your words can crush
things that are unseen. So please be careful with me, I'm sensitive.
And I'd like to stay that way.
- Jewel
Chapter Three
Decisions and Hardships
I was startled out of my reverie to find Dr. Sid watching me in concern; that was when I noticed I had tears streaming down my face. Ashamed, I quickly got up and brushed them away.
I...I'm sorry Doctor. I shouldn't have brought up the past.
He stepped into the room and sat across from me on my bed looking me firmly in the eyes.
Aki, there's nothing wrong with reminiscing through painful memories. Those memories are what makes us grow stronger, but if were not careful the pain can consume us. Do you understand?
I nodded my head in reply, remembering my suicidal impulses as I continued to hold on to Gray while the gondola climbed back up to the surface.
Dr. Sid got up to leave and said, The Council and the press would like to congratulate you for saving our world. They said they want to speak to you personally, but don't worry, I told them that your not available and all questions should be directed towards me for the time being.
I watched him go as I thought about what he said. Thinking about whether or not I should come. After all, didn't the public have the right to know who was actually responsible for saving Gaia? But what if I broke down? What if the press found out about my relationship with Gray? If the world found out I would never be able to work out my feelings. What I need right now is solitude, not a three ring circus.
Still, people should acknowledge Gray's death. I don't want him to die in vain. I want a part of him to live on. To be a hero to future generations. But is that what Gray wants? A voice asked me in the back of my head.
I brought my hands up to my face and sobbed.
Gray........Gray...........
God I wish you were here.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dr. Sid left Aki's room and walked down the dark hallway. The darkness resembled her room almost. Bleak and filled with sadness. Aki was facing hard times and there would be more to come, but he had to wonder, will she be ready?
His thoughts were interrupted momentarily as a voice asked,
He turned around to find Aki standing outside her room.
Surprised to hear her say, What time is the meeting?
Tomorrow at Twelve, are you sure you want to do this?'
Yes, maybe then I can go on with my life.
She gave a smile and went back to her room.
At that moment Dr. Sid thought to himself,
She's going to make it.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I tried to go to sleep, but fragments of forgotten memories kept swimming back to the surface of my state of mind. So, I decided to go back in time once more. To the time when the Deep Eyes finally respected me, and the time when I discovered not all hope was lost.
So what's you're plan Aki?
All eyes looked towards me in anticipation.
Alright, Neil, what's the status of the ship?'
Neil rubbed the back of his head and sheepishly replied, Well, I was able to unlock the controls but the impound tractors still attached to the ship, and quite frankly Doc, I estimate we have a twenty percent chance of getting this baby off the ground, thirty percent chance of crashing, and a fifty percent chance of kissing our asses good-bye.
Neil we can always count on you when it rains,' Jane mocked.
I groaned inwardly at the chances of survival, but we had to take that risk, there was just no other way.
A twenty percent chance is better than nothing. I suggest you all hold on to something because this is going to be one hell of a ride, I said with a determined attitude.
The Deep Eyes looked at me in shock, realizing I said something totally out of character, and then quickly sat in back, locking their safety restraints.
Gray followed me as I quickly rushed to the emergency room and took a metal cutter out of the side panel. Handing it over to Gray I said, When I force the coupling off the ship I'm going to land by Ryan. I want you to cut the pipe and take him here. Dr. Sid will take care of the rest.
I was about to turn away but Gray grabbed my hand.
Gray what are you....
Before I could say anything I felt his warm lips on mine. It was a brief kiss, but a kiss nonetheless.
Thanks Aki, for everything.'
Gray walked back towards the front and I followed him. At that moment, despite the overwhelming odds, I thought anything was possible. Together, we had a chance to change our future.
