Zemblanity

Chapter 4

Three days flew by at school, as did three days of cleaning duty. Cleaning the science lab to Miss Gonzalez's expectations was a hazardous task, but that wasn't the most important thing. Amy had informed me that she wouldn't be coming to school for the week but would attend the opening. I didn't inquire further as she seemed serene, so I wasn't concerned.

With cleaning duty, I left school four hours later than usual. To blow off some steam, I headed towards the outer circle diners. Although further from school, Tim's diner was always worth the hassle.

Rachel was fine after that call, and they did hide everything, but they didn't stop making it. As long as they didn't get caught, I was technically fine with it. So, for the next two days, things went on in routine.

On Saturday, while completing some work, Amy called. She immediately said, "My brother is permanently staying with us now." I smiled, knowing that Amy and Jeremy were close when they were younger until he had to start moving around the city for his job at ROO. I was grateful Aunt Rachel didn't have to move that much. All I could tell for sure was that Amy was relieved to finally have her brother home. 

We continued to talked, and I updated her on everything at school, but I didn't mention my brothers' work. Things could get messy if someone was listening in, plus she would find out from Evander eventually, as he tended to tell her everything. We discussed our outfits for the opening and spoke about who we expected to see there. We ended the call as dinner was ready. I had dinner, continued with my work, and then went to bed.

***

I woke up on Sunday morning to the smell of bacon and eggs, a pleasant feeling washing over me. After completing my morning routine, I hurried downstairs wearing sweats and a t-shirt. Aunt Rachel had her morning playlists hovering overhead, while Andy and Evander were seated with bloodshot eyes and coffee in hand. My lips quirked up at their state.

My eyes swept over them, and I asked, "What kept you up?"

Evander aggressively sipped on his artificial coffee, but Andy, the only innocence left in this family, deigned to answer. "We made something like headphones, but smaller, circular, and wearable as an accessory. We made something similar to our wristband—"

"Wait, how much nano-technology are you using? I thought you were trying to make a replica from before." Andy looked over at Evander and then back at me.

"You didn't want us meddling with it too much, so for now, we're just trying to improve the flip phone," Evander spoke from behind his mug, his eyes fixed on it. That's good... that they stopped.

"Then where did you get the parts?" They both avoided meeting my gaze. Should have known.

"You got them from the black market, didn't you?" I groaned, but at least they knew how to do that much. Aunt Rachel paused in frying at my words.

Andy crossed his arms defensively. "We go when it's dark."

"Like that's any less suspicious," I retorted.

"How would you know?"

"I don't need special knowledge to know tha—"

"That's enough," Aunt Rachel intervened softly. She laid the bacon and eggs on the table and sat down. Evander clenched his fist and kept quiet. I refrained from saying anything further. He better learn.

"We get tiny parts that don't seem suspicious, like what you would need for day-to-day stuff," Andy explained. "We don't even show our faces. And the only thing that we are making that would go against the rules are the SIM cards, nothing else." I only pursed my lips.

"Come on, stop talking about that and eat," Aunt Rachel spoke up. "Now tonight, we have to wear smart casual. I want you to show respect to your elders and watch your words since we don't know who is listening in. Some might not appreciate your opinions, alright?" she advised. We nodded while eating.

"They are going to have information about what was there, such as the nature and how motor vehicles work. They might even have the vehicle itself," she said excitedly.

"How do you know so much about what's there for the museum? Isn't it supposed to be a surprise?" Andy inquired.

She shrugged and replied, "Co-workers."

"Okay," he said, satisfied with the answer. She continued listing the do's and don'ts for the opening, and I just zoned out.

***

When it was 3 o'clock, Aunt Rachel instructed us to get dressed. After completing my routine, I adorned a royal blue dress that gently flowed down to the floor, leaving a trail behind. The neckline was adorned with delicate lace, which complemented my black ballet sandals. Evander wore a white T-shirt underneath a blue blazer with a single button, paired with black trousers and black sneakers. Andy sported a similar ensemble, but with a green blazer instead. Rachel opted for an ankle-length emerald dress featuring a lace neckline, completing her look with black heels.

We piled into the jeep, with Evander taking the driver's seat and Aunt Rachel sitting in the passenger seat, while Andy and I sat in the back. As the jeep hovered above the floor, the vibrations and sounds provided a comforting sensation that I couldn't quite explain. Looking down below us, the passing lights merged together, reminiscent of what I imagined it would be like to fly on a plane. 

The thought of experiencing the sun above the clouds, as described by our creative teacher, lingered in my mind. However, I knew it was best to not think of such desires, as expressing them would only lead to consequences none of us could afford. Despite knowing this, Andy and Evander continued their risky research, whether out of recklessness or bravery. I wouldn't know.

Caught in my thoughts, I locked eyes with Aunt Rachel through the rearview mirror, but she quickly averted her gaze. I sensed there was more to her purpose for visiting the museum, something beyond our education. Inhaling deeply, I leaned my head back, catching Andy's glance as I offered him a reassuring smile before closing my eyes. However, my moment of relaxation was abruptly interrupted by a realization.

"Crap! Miss Gonzalez is giving a test tomorrow!" I exclaimed, startling Alex, who swayed a little in response. Ignoring his reproach, I quickly retrieved my phone to review my notes. Amidst the laughter from Andy and Aunt Rachel and Alex's grumbling, my panic intensified as I realized the extent of material I needed to study. It was moments like these that made me question why only this educational method had survived, while others hadn't.