Corrupted

Chapter Seven, Part Two:

Chapter 7.2

"They told us we dreamed too big and thought too hard... They said with a perspective like ours, we'd only end up living an even more pathetic life than we already were... they said we wasted our so called childhood trying to get them to understand-understand our outlook on everything from money to friendships... they said we'd never make it in the real world, but little did they know that this isn't real... this isn't even living... " Lauren trailed off and Gary picked up were she'd left.

"They wanted us to be so cookie cutter that they forgot that we didn't want to... we wanted to live... they were breathing, and their hearts were beating but it was on command.. like programmed machines.. they were living but they weren't truly alive. and so we set off to show them what being alive... is. " Gary finished with the last swig from the flask. 

Anna sat in silence. Hearing these stories were making her skin itch with guilt. 

"But what about getting jobs, and starting families, and.. growing up?" Anna asked quietly. 

Lauren snorted with laughter "You really dont get it, do you?" she said.

"We've done our growing up." snapped Gary.

Lauren nudged his sholder as a way of telling him to settle.

"Listen, Anna, just because we're not typical adults doesnt mean we can't prove to them that we still have a chance."

"And you think you're giving yourelves the best chance at living by dropping out of college to go on a roadtrip across he country? You know, last year I felt the same way. I was willing to drop everything to prove a point to myself. But not for something i belived in... it was someone i belived in..."

"Quite foolish and child-like of you to put your faith in a man and hope for a happy ending." Said Gary, shrugging his shoulders.

Anna knew it was true.

"Why don't you come with us?" asked Lauren, turning to Anna. 

"I-i..no..i mean, i couldnt- "

"Yes, you can." interrupted, Gary.

"There's a bit of a problem with that.. I have to finish growing up, and i have to do it here. I owe him my youth... "

"Him? You owe him your youth?" Asked Gary

"Well - " Anna began

"This isn't Neverland, there's no reason for you to stay young... Especially with him." Lauren shook her head. 

"But -" Anna stuttered 

"We'll be here waiting until midnight. Then we leave..." Lauren told Anna.

Anna understood.

This was a second chance.

She set off towards the apartment to pack a bag or two.