Coma White (Book 2 of the Razor Blade Trilogy)

III

Brian’s mother woke him up early the next morning. “Come on, sweetie.” She chimed, giving him his morning ‘vitamins’. These would help him to be ready for school. He showered and put on a navy suit. He combed his hair back and went downstairs.

“Morning, son.”; “Morning, father.” Eggs, sausage, and toast greeted him. “Don’t forget, Breena is coming over to look at the wedding arrangements this afternoon.”; “Of course, sir.” Brian took the pills that would make him learn; he was out the door.

No thoughts entered his mind as he boarded and road the brown bus to school. There were very few people on the bus, only twenty or so…didn’t there used to be more? He couldn’t remember. No one spoke; each was too drugged to really care what happened. The Parsh School for boys loomed ahead of him.

Kia watched the bus with Brian onboard carefully. There he was; he entered the school. She turned to look at Jimbo. “What?” He gave her a knowing look. “No, I’m not stalking him.” Jimbo threw up his hands in surrender.

“Come on, we’ve got work to do before tonight!” They both started off towards the outskirts of the city.

‘There was a Spanish test today? Oh, well; B, C, A, D, blah, blah, blah.’ Brian thought, barely reading the test. He knew he’d failed it; but he didn’t really care at the moment.

“Here, baby.” Kia cooed to a robin. “To the witch in two days.” She set the bird free; then to a mocking bird. She sang a short two note call; to any civilian, it would mean nothing. To outcasts, it meant a meeting at Dub.

The birds flew; the robin, down through the forest, and the mockingbird all over, spreading the message.

Brian ate his peanut butter sandwich quietly. There was no chatter at lunch; there was nothing to chatter about. The lunch attendants came around with their midday pills. Brian took his quickly and started off to calculus. Parsh History was after that; then he finally made his way home on the silent bus.

“Hello, Breena; please come in.” Brian’s mom welcomed her. She and Brian sat together on one side of the red velvet couch. There were wedding colors and patterns on the table; the planner sat across from them.

“So what are we looking at?” The planner prompted.

“Pink! Lots and lots of pink!” Breena exclaimed. She was wearing a knee length pink dress at the time.

“Excellent choice.” The planner commented, flipping to the ‘pink’ chapter of the book. Brian was nearly blinded by the shades.

“Is that one okay with you, honey?” Breena asked. Grabbing hold of Brian’s hand.

Brian stared at the hideous shade ‘Pale with Jazz’ “Of course, as long as you like it.” What was he saying? He hated that color; oh well. He’d never realized just HOW pink Breena was.

Her dress, bow in her hair, shoes, and purse were pale pink. “Oh! And a strawberry cake!” she giggled, what? Brian was allergic to strawberries…”And lots of pink, red, and white roses!”

“No…”

“What?”

“No, Breena; I don’t like pink, I’m allergic to strawberries, and I HATE roses.” Brian spoke slowly.

“Brian, sweetie, please come here…” His mother called. Brian was given multiple pills. “Now go see if Breena’s okay!” She scolded. “And apologize.”

Breena had tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, darling; it’s very stressful, I like you’re colors and flowers…but please no strawberries?” Brian put his arms around her; his brain was dull.

“How silly of me to forget your allergy!” she smiled. “A wedding in the emergency room wouldn’t be good.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, strawberries are out. What about just vanilla with pink dye?”

“Of course, darling.” Brian said numbly.

I knew he was allergic to strawberries, how could she not?” she looked at Jimbo. “No, I do not know because I stalk him!” she mumbled. “It was televised a while ago, on billboards and everything…”

Jimbo fumbled with something under his pillow on his couch... “What’s that?” Kia asked. Jimbo sat on top of whatever it was; he shook his head meaning ‘nothing’. “Come on, Jimbo; let me see!” Kia jumped on the couch; she freed it from its hiding place.

Jimbo gave a cry; it was the first time he’d ever made a sound. Kia jumped at the noise but was too preoccupied with what he’d been hiding. “A stuffed bear?” She examined the black fluffy bear. “Why would you hide this from me?” Jimbo bowed his head, not looking at her. “Did you think I’d take it?”

Jimbo nodded, his head still bowed. “I wouldn’t take this!” Kia knelt down on the ground next to Jimbo. She gave him back the bear. “It’s yours; I’m Kia, not the government.” Jimbo hugged it to him. “You don’t have to be afraid of me.”

Jimbo nodded that he knew. Kia sat down next to him. “We’re all we’ve got anymore; we have to trust each other.” Jimbo nodded.