Extraordinary Mistakes II - Blood Ties

Help us, child

April 2013

"His body had to stay here for his daughters to visit him, Janes, that was what Erik would've wanted," Marianne says slowly in Norwegian, trying to have her father-in-law understand over the phone.

Megan shows up without saying a word, grabs her cereals and sits on the table.

"This conversation is going nowhere. I understand your grief, but this is nonsense. I have to go to work," she says before hanging up.

She turns around and notices Megan, how she's wearing another of Erik's hoodies. Since his death that Megan made them her own. Too large to fit her. The hood completely hides her face.

"Edward Hall discovered how he died. Who killed him, Megan," Marianne whispers.

Megan's head raises immediately. Turning her attention fully to Marianne.

"It was the Ariston community." Marianne pours a cup of black coffee. "they're not sure why. Wrong place, wrong time, most likely. Still..." she takes a sip, "justice must be served. They won't come willingly."

Megan's heartbeat increases.

"The generals have their location. They are taking their army there. Still..." she takes another sip and Megan looks at her, "with your ability. As soon as you showed what you are capable of. They'd surrender. Shedding blood is unnecessary."

Any more than it has. Megan puts the bowl of cereal away.

"All you have to do, Megan," Marianne takes the bowl away and puts her hand on Megan's chin, raising her face, "is scare them. They'll surrender. It will all end today."

Megan turns her face away. The doorbell rings. It's Sofie's tutors. Marianne rushes to open the door.

Sofie hides from them and comes to the kitchen instead.

"Can you stay with me today?" She tries to make Megan look at her and pulls the hoodie out of her hair.

"You ask me that every day, Sof. No, not today," Megan puts the hoodie back on.

"Why not, M? Please!" She taps her foot continuously.

"You have to learn... It's important. I promise that we'll play later, okay?" Megan puts her hands on Sofie's shoulders.

Sofie starts silently whimpering and Megan hugs her.

"Du kunne aldri skade meg," You could never hurt me. Sofie wipes the tears off her face.

"Jeg ville aldri skade deg," I would never hurt you. Megan pats her on her hair and smiles.

***

After a short strategic meeting at the organization, the soldiers stand by next to the location of the Ariston community. Saif, Thomas, Edward, the generals, and Marianne watch from a van as Megan approaches the center of the community.

An older woman sits on a bench next to the statute, Megan sits next to her and the woman smiles.

"Why did ya kill my father?" Megan turns to face her.

The woman's eyes open wide and the smile disappears.

"I'm sorry?" The woman asks. She's the eldest member and mother of the leader of the Ariston community, Xiutzecatl.

"I know this is the Ariston community, and I know you killed my father. Erik Bergen." Megan shows her a photo, and the woman shakes her head. "I don't know why."

"Child..." the woman puts her hand on Megan's shoulder, and she immediately flinches, "I have never seen your father and you are deeply mistaken." She fakes a smile. "this isn't the Ariston community. This is the Liberty neighborhood. We have the best cheesesteak in town. Do you want to try it?" The fake smile grows wider.