Changed

Chapter 8: The Cosmo

The next few days Ash showed me around the village. He never spoke of his family though which seemed odd. I spoke of mine on occasion despite the tragedy of it. A week after Ash had taken me to see Hanaka, Cam told me to shower and put on my nicest clothes. I decided on yellow cargos and a fancy lace black top. It was constantly hot so I couldn't dress up in layers. When I got dressed and went to the kitchen Ash, Cam, and Dex were all standing there dressed up at least a little nice looking. Dex even combed his hair. 

"Where are we going?"I asked. 

"Going to visit grandma." Cam replied.

I had never thought about that. Cam told me that our grandma basically raised her. I had never thought to ask if she was still alive. She wasn't still living in the house here, where Cam said she grew up, so I just guessed she was dead. I stood there for at least ten minutes. Apparently I was wobbling, so Ash came over and kneeled in front of me. 

"Hey, little bird, focus on me. I'm right here." Ash said to me in a calm gentle voice.

I took several deep breaths then began to steady. I was in shock at everything. I thought the only blood family I had left was Cam, but as it turns out that's not true. Cam never mentioned anyone else, but it's possible I have cousins and aunts and uncles. 

"Okay", I whispered.

Ash stood up slowly and held out his hand. I willingly took it. 

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before now." Cam said to me from the other side of the kitchen. 

"It's okay", I said as my voice shook some. 

Cam and Dex began to gather their bags and walk out the door. I started to walk towards the door, but before I could get out Ash stopped me. He turned me towards him. 

"If you need to leave the house when we get there you tell me. If you get overwhelmed at all just tell me and I'll get you out." he said quietly.

I squeezed his hand gratefully. As we walked out the door I saw Cam and Dex next to what I think was a Jeep. It was missing doors and covered in mud. Dex got in the driver's seat and Cam in the passenger seat. Ash slowly led me to the truck. I hadn't realized how tall it was from far away. 

"Need help pretty girl", Ash asked. 

I nodded gratefully. He set our bags and the seat then picked me up high enough I could step in. Once I was in he climbed in swiftly. Dex turned the key to the Jeep and it roared to life. 

I had never realized before this moment that everything was backwards. In the city they tell us the Magnate are the rich. That the Magnate has the tech. That they have everything, but it's all lies. I hadn't realized before how much it didn't make sense. We lived in a big house but it was not beautiful. We aren't the ones running this world. The Magnate Council has been lying to everyone in the city. The Abject have everything. 

"Your in control, right? Everyone in Magnate thinks they are better, but it's all lies. The Abject they are the head of the sectors. Wait are there even sectors or is that a lie too. The walls aren't to keep us safe. There to keep us from coming back out here. Right you don't want all those cruel people out here." I began to raise my voice. I was so confused. How is all of this possible. 

"Hey, hey look at me Vi", Ash said calmly squeezing my hand.  "I'll tell you everything, okay?" 

"My entire life, I've been living a lie. Nothing I know is real." I whispered. 

I was gone after that. I faded out. I could feel the tears running down my face, but I couldn't see or hear. I could feel Ash's warmth. It seemed to be everywhere. I couldn't believe this. I couldn't understand. 

Nothing is real anymore.