The Longing

By serpentine's fang


CHAPTER 2

Tattered dreams

THINA SHANNON

"Money can't buy happiness," I tell myself. That was usually what dad told me about ever since I was young. I tried to convince myself that he's right but eventually I can't for some reasons. Money, for me, is essential but I can't evaluate myself as someone who's addicted to that green paper. It's just that simply I lack one so I never knew what it feels like having everything you want. I live independently ever since both my parents died, a year ago, but I'm used to it. I don't have any siblings. I live by myself but without total freedom at all.

I used to be but not anymore. My family owed a lot to this rich clan in district nine and ever since they died, I have to pay for it. Luckily, their only daughter was kind enough to let me reimburse our debt by working as a manager in one of their buildings which is a restaurant. I accept it without any hesitation because I have no choice. Do you think a girl like me ever has a choice in this? I'm even fortunate enough not to end up as their slave. So don't blame me if I don't desire money because money does, indeed, buy happiness.

I, long ago, desire to invent things that someday I could successfully finish school and work as an inventor. I did work as an inventor before, back in those years when I haven't found out about our real status. My gadgets were saleable and each of their built-in features is totally different than the others' inventions, different in a unique sense. I have a lot of buyers. They love me because even at a young age, I could do something what others thought only adults can. Unfortunately, my dreams became unreachable in a blink of an eye. People started avoiding me though some still willingly brought my last innovations.

I lost my parents and I lost the opportunity of ever completing High School. I can't continue my work on my masterpieces because I'm stuck, from now on then, repaying on our debts. I'm only sixteen, with straight jet black hair that reach the shoulders and snowy skin, but I already have to experience things like this. Teenagers, like me, deserve a life totally different from this condition, my situation –fun, adventure, explorations but no, not me! Is life really that unfair? I used to ask myself. It isn't supposed to be like that, well, not after I knew that our money supplier is another family.

Nowadays, I'm completely homeless. This time, the fault is not within those arrogant jerks but because of those black-suited freaks known as government. Well, they're not really the government but they work for them –they're part of it. I can't actually recall what they're called. They're after me because of a little piece I know, a piece on which might lead to their greatest horrible secret. No one knew about this because everyone who knows gets killed by them. They can ruin your life, your sanity in a glimpse. That's how powerful they are. Lucky me, I'm not yet caught but I know that sooner or later I will be. I sigh. Every time I think about it, I can feel the deadly sensation creeping in my very soul and body.

The time when my house, the only thing of which I called my own and of which contains my happy memories with my parents, was burned into ashes because of them; Now, I'm what they called as 'NPA', a short term for No Permanent Address. How bad can my life get! I jump and stay from one apartment to another which is also another reason why I can't have time to do my creations –I have no peace! No matter how I tried to be and stay calm and live in complete harmony, I just can't. The things I cherished most –my family, my dreams and my house are completely gone. Poof! Just like that. I've never thought of leaving this district though. Where would I stay? And obviously, I never knew any relatives besides my parents and as a matter of fact, I don't want to run away. I don't want to be named as coward. At least, I still got my pride. Secondly, I understand that by doing so will only bring me to more trouble. I already have enough and I don't think adding another one can solve it.

With all these burdens, pressure and problems, I usually get sick but I always ignore it. Surprisingly, I don't look old. My appearance is just as same and fair as the others my age and I'm proud of it. Not that I care.

I came to my senses when, for the fifth time in a day, Rebecca broke the glasses. I was at the restaurant counter, checking the bills and some papers, when it happened. I sigh and rolled both eyes. When will she act maturely? I angrily thought. Surely, a report of breaking glasses five times in a day only meant addition to my debt and subtraction to my salary. Great! Just great! "Becca, come here," I called her. She looks up at me. "Yes, Thina" she said. Though one thing I love about her, she has great patience and treats me as her boss even though I'm younger than her –heck! I'm the youngest among the staff and yet I'm the manager; Ironic, right?

When she was already right next to me, I told her to follow. Without questions, she did. I led her to one of the staffs' rooms, to where no one could hear us. And as the both of us entered, I reprimanded her in a casual and respectful manner. Though I did not yell, we just talked. I begged her to be careful next time –beg her because we're friends and only she, of all the employees, knows about my condition. She slowly nods and explained to me that the fifth accident was not her fault. I just stared at her and let her go. It doesn't matter anyway. Whoever is the reason, she or the customer, I'll still be punished.

That night of the very same day, after work, I was walking silently on the peaceful streets. It's mostly packed and busy every day but during the night, it's the complete opposite. I was kinda thinking where would I stay this time? After months of hiding, I feel like I've been to and stayed at the entire apartment in town. This would be a problem. If I remain or go back to the apartment I've already been, the black-suited people might find me and sooner than you think, I'll be with my parents in who knows where. I ponder on with it while walking; thinking that I can't risk staying in Rebecca's house. As I was walking, however my eyes are scrutinizing and observing. I paused when something shiny on a man's coat caught my eye on the other side of the street –a hexagram badge. Shoot! They found me!

I scurried. He started walking behind my back. Fortuitously, he's alone. I finally broke into a run and so does he. Fortunately, I'm a fast runner that after a few turns, I almost lost him. His silhouette is a little blurry behind me. That must mean our intervals are quite far. Still, I didn't lessen my pace and continued running when a certain stranger instantly grabbed me on the arm and pulled me to a corner. I protested but stopped when I heard a woman's voice, telling me to calm down. Just then, this uniformed man passed by, she covered my mouth to prevent me from speaking. Luckily, he didn't falter and just kept on jogging to the same direction. We sighed when he was finally away. The woman loosens her grip as she intently gawk down at me. She brought out her hand and I reluctantly shook it. She introduced, "Hi, I'm Claire Virendra. Nice meeting you, Thina Shannon"

Huh? How did she know my name?


Thina (Greek) and Shannon (Celtic) both meant wise

Write on what you think! I'll gladly accept them.