Finally done the fifth chapter, and I must say I am pleased with this. I am pleased with my progress.
Wolfsbane-craze: Thank you so much for your comments, they really make me smile. I didn't know my story was that good x3
Alrighty, enjoy. Much more Twin goodness in this one…derp.
Even though the Merovingian had already agreed to take on the new Exile, Heller, it took a few days to organize everything with the Train Master. The Merovingian never liked to be hasty with these sorts of things, since any wrong move could draw attention to them, and would blow everyone's cover. Instead he took his time, made sure every issue was worked out, and then proceeded. This particular Exile occupied a lot of his attention, since the Merovingian was quite eager to have such a powerful program on his side.
Thus Mona was left to herself for the days prior to the scheduled date when Heller would be brought into the Matrix. This wasn't to say that her father watched over her like a hawk on regular basis, but he was around a lot less often due to his work, and that always pleased Mona. She felt less stressed or pressured to do her coding.
Now that she had gotten into it, however, Mona was enjoying the coding. She loved to manipulate the program into what she desired, make it to her specifications, see it come to life before her. Every so often Mona would have to interrupt her father to ask about a mistake, which he would tell her how to correct, and she would learn. It was undeniably her passion.
Which is why she had been spending more and more time of her days attached to her laptop, working out the numbers. Many times Mona would check the clock after hours of work and realize that it was nearing morning, then stumble into bed, tiredness having caught up to her. Tonight was different though.
It had been four days since the meeting with Arro. It had just passed two in the morning, and Mona was staring at the screen of her computer with a blank and dull expression. Her eyes moved over the coding before her, which was soon to become a full-fledged black cat, her first successful creation. However, she had hit a roadblock. The character numbers weren't fitting together properly, and Mona had no desire to track down her father at this hour, regardless of if he was awake or not.
She also had no desire to sleep. Lately Mona had been managing at least seven hours a night and waking relatively rested, much to her surprise. Her dreams still bothered her, and on more than one occasion Mona recalled waking up and not remembering where she was, but it was happening less than usual. Thus, Mona found herself more energetic, and needed something to do other than stare at her laptop in frustration.
After shuffling about her bedroom for a few minutes, staring at things in hope that she would suddenly be inspired, Mona gave up and headed towards the basement. There was bound to be at least one Exile up at this time of night who would be willing to amuse her for a bit. Praying that Lisa or Sid was up, Mona trod down the stairs and towards the large, comfortable living room that was made especially for the Merovingian's workers.
As Mona approached, she saw that the room was illuminated by the tell-tale flicker of a television, and her optimism rose. She rounded the corner into the sprawling living room, which was grand enough to mistake as an upstairs lounge area aside from the lack of proper windows. The only windows in the whole downstairs were small and peeked over the rooms at ground level.
Mona strode into the living room without hesitance, heading for the semi-circle of couches and chairs around the huge flatscreen television at the far end of the living room. Then she stopped in her steps so suddenly that she nearly flew forward from the momentum of her walking.
Sitting in the leather armchairs were the Twins. And they had noticed her.
Shit, Mona cursed herself and her lack of forethought. Of course they'd be the most likely Exiles down here at this time. Just her luck.
Mona must have looked rather strange, standing there awkwardly, a deer-in-the-headlights look pasted on her face, for the Twins exchanged quick glances and smirks. "Good evening," one of them said finally, breaking Mona's thoughts.
She coughed, silently damning them both for making her feel so uncomfortable. "Yes, quite. Well, I was just looking for Sid, needed to talk to him about something…" Mona's sentence drifted off unfinished.
"Perhaps we could help," the other Twin said, the one closest to her.
"Nah, it's personal and whatnot," Mona lied with a leisurely wave of her hand. She was getting ready to make a hasty exit when she noticed what was on the television: one of the original Nightmare on Elm Street movies. One of her top favourite flicks. Stopping mid-step, Mona stared at the television.
"You may sit and watch," a Twin commented after a moment.
"Uhh…" Mona muttered, party engrossed in the film. It was at a particularly entertaining part, where Freddy Krueger had gotten hold of his prey, a terrified teen.
"Or stand there gawking, whichever suits you."
Scowling, Mona tore her eyes away from the screen and walked around one of the Twins to sit defiantly on the leather loveseat between the two armchairs they occupied. She would bear the irritation she was sure the Twin's company would bring to watch one of her favourite horror classics.
Unfortunately the film was being played on a popular television station, and soon a commercial interrupted Freddy Krueger's murderous rampage. When this happened, the Twin to Mona's left turned slowly to face her.
"Your personal issue must not be that pressing," he said.
Mona rolled her eyes. She glared at the Twin and wished she was as good as her father at telling them apart. Since they were practically the same program split into two bodies, the Twins didn't really have names, and instead went by the titles of "One" and "Two". However, there were extremely subtle differences in the way the two spoke that gave them away, made them different. The Merovingian could read their speech and coding much more efficiently than Mona. But she was catching on.
"One, is it?" she said, going with her gut instinct and making a tentative guess. The Twin to her left nodded, and Mona silently congratulated herself. "Well, One, I'll be honest. I became really bored of my coding and came downstairs to find someone to keep me company."
One quirked an eyebrow, and to Mona's right, Two spoke up. "And we were not quite what you were looking for."
Feeling her face burn with embarrassment and anger, Mona stared at her feet. "Well, you guys haven't exactly been enjoyable to be around in the past."
"Hmm," they both seemed to echo.
She heard them lean back in the chairs, and the horror movie resumed on the television. When Mona looked up again they were both facing the front of the room, and she felt a slight sense of relief wash over her, accompanied by a strange feeling of sadness. She'd excuse herself to her bedroom at the next commercial, or maybe lie about needing to use the bathroom.
Just then, Mona's pant pocket began vibrating and emitting a sharp and catchy jingle. Jumping at the suddenness of the interruption, Mona ripped her cell phone out of her pocket and stared at the offending object. Almost immediately she groaned. The screen of the cell phone displayed the caller's name, and it was none other than Roxus. During the activity of the past few days Mona had forgotten her drunken promise of a date to the Rogue.
"Shit," Mona hissed, standing up while rushing lines through her head, searching for one that would save her from this situation. Both Twins noticed her agitated state and watched her curiously.
"A gentleman caller, perhaps?" One said.
"It's that bastard Roxus…I gave him my number in a moment of weakness," Mona muttered, walking around the chairs and coffee tables in her journey to exit the room. Her distraction caused Mona to overlook One's teasing tone. "Fuck, I completely forgot about this."
Mona heard the Twins laugh lightly at her as she strolled hurriedly up the stairs and into the dining room. As she leaped up the stairs, Mona flipped open her phone and spoke a haggard, "Hello?" into the receiver.
"Mona! Did I wake you?" Roxus' cheery voice responded.
"Uh, no. I stay up late regularly."
It seemed odd that the Rogue would call her this late with the known risk that he could have woken her, but Mona shrugged it off. His tone was happy and welcoming, something Mona enjoyed hearing at this moment. While pacing around the huge dining room and fiddling with the chairs, the two chatted about typical topics of conversation. Roxus asked what she had been up to, Mona mentioned the coding and briefly explained what she was doing with it. A feeling of slight unease was coming over her. She knew where this phone call was going and dreaded the inevitable culmination that was fast approaching.
"So, do you have any plans for Friday?" Roxus finally asked. Mona winced, unconsciously pulled a chair away from the table and sat down. Inwardly she cursed her past self for being so stupid and drinking more than she should have in that given situation.
"I don't know, why?"
"I thought we could do something. I know a great upscale bar that I think you'd like."
Mona grit her teeth and thought desperately for an excuse not to see Roxus. Typically she was able to talk her way out of situations that were unfavourable, but when it was someone she knew personally, even just a bit, Mona would often get awkward and confused. This was no exception, and Mona stared at the table cloth in hopes that it would tell her the secret to avoiding this date.
"I suppose I'm free," Mona practically groaned. She rubbed her eyes and felt suddenly exhausted merely from the stress of this phone call.
"Excellent," Roxus responded enthusiastically. "I'll pick you up at seven, if that's alright."
"I'd prefer to meet you somewhere, if possible," Mona said, standing up and pushing the chair back into its place. "Personal rule for dates, if you get what I mean."
There was a brief pause before Roxus said, "No, that's fine, I understand. We can meet at bar at seven, then."
Mona agreed, then got directions from the Rogue before ending the call. The bar was called Favour and was downtown, unfortunately. Mona hated driving downtown, as almost everyone did, but the bar sounded intriguing and there was no backing out of the date now. Heaving a sigh, Mona stared at her cell phone in irritation for a few moments longer before heading back downstairs. She knew that she was going to have to endure an onslaught of taunts from the Twins, but at that moment she felt like she could take it. Besides, she craved competent company, and they were her only option.
The moment she stepped into the living room, both Twins looked at Mona.
"I don't want to talk about it," she snapped before either could start a witty comment. Surprisingly they remained silent. Mona stared at them, then said, "I'm going to get some fucking coffee, wanna come?"
It was an impulse decision, one she probably shouldn't have made. It was nearing three in the morning, and coffee meant an all-nighter for Mona, but she didn't really care. Coffee was a comfort item at this moment and she craved it deeply.
Both Twins nodded and stood, which further surprised Mona. She hadn't really counted on their company. For the first time since they had been appointed as her body guards, though, she actually didn't mind that they were joining her. The three walked to the garage in silence, but not before Mona grabbed her black trench coat and wallet.
The garage was huge and expansive, like everything else in the mansion. All variants of vehicles were parked here for whatever the house's occupants desired. Mona suggested they take her lime green Volkswagen Beetle, her favourite car, but the Twins insisted on driving. They settled for one of the many black Mercedes Benz, with One driving while Two rode shotgun.
"I swear you don't trust my driving," Mona growled when they were all comfortably seated in the car. "I've literally been driving for a human lifetime. I think I've got it mastered."
"It's not that at all," One said as he started the car, which rumbled to life smoothly.
"We would sooner dissipate than be seen in that monstrosity," Two concluded.
Mona quirked an eyebrow. "What, the Beetle?"
"Yes."
"Oh get a grip," Mona scoffed. "Afraid someone might think you're gay or something?"
Two turned slightly to looked at Mona around the headrest. "Don't be stupid. It's just not suitable for our standards."
"Of course," she said with a roll of her eyes. She then noticed that both Twins were still wearing their sunglasses, despite it being night. "How in Christ's name can you see? How have we not crashed yet?"
"Relax," One said, manoeuvring the vehicle with expert ease.
Mona did, but only because they had never had an accident with her in the car before. She admitted that they usually drove with sunglasses regardless of the time of day, but that she rarely noticed or remarked on the fact. Personally Mona could never drive with sunglasses on at night, and was silently impressed by the Twins…again.
They headed to an 24-hour café that Mona suggested and one she often visited when her caffeine cravings hit. It wasn't too far into the city and was therefore easily accessed and relatively quiet. They parked the car and headed into the small and welcoming café, where the smell of coffee was constantly wafting out the door, tempting pedestrians during the day.
Once inside, they were greeted by a friendly but tired-looking barista, with a nametag that read "Megan". Mona recognized her, but only vaguely. Megan's attention went to the Twins almost immediately, and her eyes widened with curiosity and shock. They were admittedly an odd sight to humans, who often mistook them for albinos, and were sometimes regarded rudely because of their appearance. Due to this, both Mona and the Twins ignored the barista's somewhat intrusive stare and sidled up to the register to order. It became a bit weird when Mona discovered that neither of the Twins actually wanted anything, and she was the only one to place an order while the two merely flanked her like strange bodyguards. The barista politely prepared her coffee, but Mona could tell by her expression and mannerisms that she found them strange.
"That will be four-fifty, please," Megan said, placing the finished specialty coffee on the counter. Mona slid her MasterCard out of her wallet and was about to hand it over to Megan when one of the Twin's hands outstretched in front of her, holding a five dollar bill. The Twin blocked Mona's hand, and the barista hesitated briefly before accepting the money. Mona looked at the Twin with a funny expression. He merely nodded to her and took his change back.
"What was that?" Mona asked as the three headed back to the car.
"What was what?" One said as he got back into the driver's seat.
"I don't need money hand-outs."
Two, who was back in shotgun, smirked. "Of course you don't. Cash was merely a much more convenient method of payment. Using credit would have taken longer."
Mona nodded slowly, narrowing her eyes at the Twin. "Mhmmmm."
"You are welcome, by the way."
"Oh yes, thank you," Mona said with sarcastic emphasis. She sipped delicately at her coffee, since it had not cooled down sufficiently and was still hot to the point of scalding.
While driving back home the three engaged in casual conversation. Mona was feeling increasingly shocked by this turn of events, mainly the fact that she was talking so easily with the two. Maybe they had grown tired of ragging on her and were giving up. Maybe they suddenly found her interesting. Maybe their coding had changed…or maybe the world had changed. Either way, Mona tried not to linger on this strange occurrence, and relished in this moment where she didn't hate their non-existent guts.
They arrived home and it was nearing three in the morning. Mona had already downed half her coffee and was in even less of a mood to sleep. Instead she headed back downstairs with the Twins to watch cheesy horror movies. Mona could have done this by herself upstairs or even in her room, but their company was nice and distracting from the fact that she had to see Roxus in two days.
"Do you guys even sleep?" Mona asked at one point as dawn began to approach. The squat basement windows had been pushed open to catch a warm breeze, and early morning birds could be heard singing to welcome another new day. Mona was succumbing to the tiredness that was bound to catch up to her, regardless of how much coffee she drank. This state often caused her to be less quick with her thoughts and words, almost like she was tipsy. "Are those sunglasses perpetually on your faces to hide the fact that you don't have eyes or something? And that you don't need to sleep because you…don't have eyes?"
The Twins were situated on the couch this time, and Mona was in an armchair she had moved so she could see both the television and the two of them at the same time. Two, who was closest to her, gave her a strange look.
"We sleep. Just not as much as an average person."
"And we have eyes," One answered incredulously.
Mona narrowed her eyes at the two, then leaned forwards for a closer look. "Then why have I never seen these eyes of yours?"
One shrugged nonchalantly. "Bad luck?"
"No, seriously," she persisted, shuffling even closer in her seat. "I wanna see them."
"They're really not that interesting."
"C'mon. Do you want me to go on living thinking that you guys are eye-less?"
Both looked over at her with amused expressions. "Actually, yes. That would be fine with us," Two said, smirking.
Mona frowned. "Oh, give it up! If they're not that interesting, why won't you show me?"
"For God's sakes," Two growled. "Fine."
Sitting triumphantly upon the leather recliner, Mona watched as the two Twins reached up and removed their sunglasses. This was the first time she had ever witnessed their naked faces in all the time she had known them, and she had known them her whole life. Both the Twins eyes remained shut, however, and Mona waited in suspense for them to open their eyelids.
They opened their eyes, and looked at her in unison.
It was stunning.
Their irises were a pristine and pure white, surrounded by a black rim that separated them from the whites of the eyes. Their look was deep, fathomless, and Mona felt herself being pulled towards them, like she was looking into a black hole. The skin around their eyes was a purple-ish black colour, like bruises, as if they hadn't slept for weeks. The dark patterns contrasted with their soft pale skin, and somehow the combination worked. Before her were two beings that embodied beauty and perfection, and more than ever Mona saw this in them.
"You're beautiful," she whispered.
"Pardon?" One said.
Mona blinked, then pushed herself back in her chair. She laughed nervously. "Nothing. Just…really interesting eyes. I guess this proves that you two aren't albinos."
Both rolled their eyes at the same time, then slid their sunglasses back into place. "Satisfied, then?"
"Mm, quite."
Mona stared at the floor now, unable to raise her eyes to look at the Twins. It was as if they were too much to gaze upon, like it would hurt to behold them. She felt inadequate to be in their presence. They were gods; she was a silly little girl.
"I am, uh…I'm gonna head off to bed. I'm crashing pretty bad from the caffeine," Mona said, rising out of the chair. She tried to look at the Twins as calmly as possible, but her eyes flickered away from them constantly, avoiding their stare. "Thanks for the company."
"Our pleasure," Two said, both doing their charming half-grins.
"Yes…well…night."
Mona hurried off and upstairs. As she reached her room she saw the horizon brightening with the coming sunrise and immediately threw her blinds closed to block any unwanted light. She brushed her teeth in her attached bathroom, stripped off everything but her underwear, and climbed into her spacious bed with speed that bordered on urgency. Staring into the darkness before her, Mona contemplated her thoughts.
Ever since she had formally met the Twins Mona had been attracted to them. Of course they had always been insolent to her, and so her feelings never went further than passing admiration. But things had suddenly changed. It occurred to Mona that they may just be messing with her, playing with her mind in a more advanced plan to drive her, perhaps permanently, insane. Either way, Mona felt her grasp on the situation slipping away.
"Stop overthinking this," Mona snapped to herself. She rolled to the side and tried to get comfortable. Fortunately her brain was so exhausted that Mona was able to shut off her thoughts and begin ebbing into sleep. An image stayed with Mona until slumber finally overtook her, however. An image that seemed to be printed on her very eyelids, one that wouldn't leave her.
The haunting white eyes, watching her.