Just to clarify, these chapters won't outline a whole new story. They're a string of scenes that could've (in my opinion) added so much more depth and connection throughout the film. Proof of just how little was needed to make it better (?). Read and review or let me know what other stories/scenes could've worked. I love feedback!
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"Because you can't."
Owen saw his words burn Maisie's ears. She reared up, stomping from the fire. He heard Claire sigh and shared a look that they weren't done. They needed to be in front of this before it got out of hand. Before they were ready.
"Hey," Owen stood up before Maisie got too far. She stalled yet didn't turn around. He kept his cool. "Eyes."
Maisie gave a disinterested spin, hair and jacket emphasizing her frustration. It had been growing, week after week. Owen stepped around the fire to face it. "This is the world we're living in, kid. The consequences we have to deal with."
"Because of me?" Maisie cut him off flailing her arms. "Another callback to this guilt I'm supposed to feel."
"Find some humility to go with it." Owen suggested, immediately earning razor-burn from Claire. Too bad! She knows better than to talk back.
"With all the other valuable skills I'm learning in your boondocks!?" Maisie had drawn up now into her fighting stance.
"Alright," Claire joined them, hands risen to look for peace. "We're not trying to argue-"
"What then?" Maisie challenged, eyes blazing in and out of the fire. "You're going to tell me you know that it's hard?"
"How about it's hard for others too." Owen suggested. "Get a little perspective."
"It might make this easier." Claire nodded in earnest.
Both of their voices however, failed to rope Maisie in. "Why should I? I could chop, stitch, and track circles around any number of kids! But what's it matter when none of them have a chance to know me."
That, you deserve. Owen had to agree. He had thought it so many times, wanting to show Maisie off in town, to other parents. But one word to the wrong person...
"You said it wouldn't always be like this. You," Maisie pointed at him and Owen felt its impact. "You said you learned so much about yourself when you joined the Navy, from Barry. Even more, when you were hired at Jurassic World... when do I get to learn?"
Her eyes darted at both of them, daring- or begging- for an answer. Owen lowered his head, tangling his fingers in his hair.
"This isn't a permanent solution." Claire intervened, moving toward her. "It's not. Nor is it a punishment. Still, we want you safe, Maisie."
"That comes first for us." Owen added, blowing a long breath into the cold. "Always."
Maisie gave them silence, chin locked in more emotions than Owen could name. Wish I could take them all on, kid. If only you knew.
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Maisie heard those words, believed them. Claire and Owen could irritate and frustrate her, but they were also the ones she laughed with and loved. They made her feel plenty safe. That's the problem.
"You're such liars." she spit out and resumed walking away. She'd go to her room, but she wished to bypass the cabin, the mountains, the Pacific Ocean. Into what, she didn't even care. No place would be far enough!
She wanted to bridge her anger, see something beyond it. Everyday the world goes on, leaving me here. Only to guess.
Was she just an experiment? Had she ever been meant for a real life? Or did Grandpa really think I'd live out my life in the mansion?
She'd never know. And now it seemed she'd only live through the consequences of her actions that night. That stormy, frightening night. Maisie stopped in the middle of her room, shadowed by a single bulb. She stared at her pictures, clipped from numerous magazines. Forget consequences... even the responsibility of curfew, remembering a friend's birthday, would be enough to hold out another four years.
"To be normal." Maisie swallowed the lump in her throat. She glimpsed out, seeing Claire and Owen back at the fire. I just want that chance.
