Rules of Escape

Chapter 39 - Peter

Peter sees the dust cloud before he hears the car barrel down the driveway. Something is wrong, no one ever drives this fast down the driveway.

He runs up to Jesse's car as it comes to an abrupt stop and Jesse flings open the door.

"Peter! I'm glad you're here. Ah, shit!" Jesse says, wiping his face with his hands. "Something's going on. I don't get it! Where's Ro?"

"She's inside. Come on, I'll grab you a drink."

Inside the house, Peter hands Jesse a glass of water. "Have a seat. Ro's coming. So what's going on?"

"I don't know. It makes no sense." Jesse leans back in the living room chair, squeezing the bridge of his nose with one hand. He takes a sip of water. "Thanks for this. She wanted me to look into buying the property across the street from the developers."

"Oh right," Peter says. He is worried about Jesse who is sweating and trying to catch his breath as if he has just run a marathon.

Ro walks into the living room, followed by Evan and Joe.

"So? What's up?" Ro says. Seeing Jesse, she takes a seat beside him.

Jesse takes a deep breath. "I called the owner and asked if by any chance, he would consider selling the property. He said," Jesse shakes his head in disbelief, "I was the second person to inquire about his property and the first person had already made him an offer he couldn't refuse."

"What!? Who?" Ro asks.

"He didn't say. Just said that he was getting more than triple what the property would be worth if it were finished and developed. He said it's still just land, no buildings, not even a septic system in place. He said he's finishing the transaction today and going on a holiday with his family."

"Isn't that always the way," Joe says. "At some price, everything can be bought."

"No kidding," Peter says. "But who would want the property that much besides us?"

"When I asked him, he just said it was some foreigner who's in for a surprise because there's nothing in the land. No gold or oil. Nothing to make it that valuable," Jessie says.

"Did he say what the buyer's plans are?" Ro asks, her face pale, her eyes wide, as she reaches for Jesse's hand.

"No, he didn't. Ro are you alright? You don't look well," Jesse says.

Peter watches Ro. She looks like she's going to pass out. Instead of holding her hand, Jesse reaches around her to support her. She sways slightly against his arm. Both Jesse and Ro look like they need medical attention.

"What's going to happen to us?" Ro whispers.

Jesse glances at Peter and raises his eyebrows. Peter shrugs in return. Ro's worried about why the property has been bought, Peter thinks. But she can't say anything with Jesse and Joe present.

"Ro, do you want to lie down in Evan's room? I can get an extra blanket for you," Peter offers.

Ro tries to stand, but slumps back into Jesse's arms.

"Ro!" Jesse says, giving her a gentle shake. He looks at Peter, panic stricken. "I think I should take her to the hospital."

"No, no. I'm fine. Just give me a minute." Ro tries to sit up straighter. She leans heavily on Jesse. Jesse offers her his water but her hand shakes so much, she sets the glass down.

"Maybe the new owners will be better," Joe says. "There's no need to get all worked up over things you know nothing about. Anyways, this is what you wanted, the construction to stop."

"I have to be strong," Ro says. "I have to keep them safe."

"Ro, I think you're having a panic attack. I'm taking you to the hospital." Jesse stands up and pulls Ro up with him.

Peter watches Ro try to resist Jesse. She must be really afraid. Is she resisting because she doesn't like hospitals? Or is she resisting because she has fears about who bought the property and subsequently doesn't want to leave the home even for medical care?

"Do you have any idea who bought the property?" Peter asks Ro.

"I... Maybe someone .... Kazuki ... I don't know." Ro looks from Jesse to Peter. Finally she looks at Evan for a long time until Evan gets fidgety and leaves.

She does have an idea, Peter thinks. She's trying to get information from Evan and he's not giving it to her. She knows who the new owners might be and is terrified.

"Maybe, I will go lie down," Ro says, looking at Peter.

"Okay that's it!" Jesse says. "I know you know something you're not sharing with me. Quit looking at Peter for help. Talk to me!"

"I'm fine. Really," Ro says.

"No you're not. You're scared," Jesse says. "Tell me why."

"I just worry about the residents here. I worry that the new owner might build something bigger than the last owner planned."

"Bullshit!"

"I just want to keep everyone safe."

"Bullshit! There's no danger. Unless you know something you're not sharing."

"They're unique, Jesse... Evan and his friends, they're different."

"Tell me something I don't know!" Jesse yells. "What are you hiding?"

"They do well here. This place is good for them."

"Still keeping the secrets. Fine Ro. If that's the way you want to be. Fine. But I'm out. I love you, but I don't know you. I'm done." Jesse marches towards the front door, red-faced, tight lipped.

"Don't go!" Ro cries. "Haven't you ever noticed how they communicate, Jesse?"

Peter stands up quickly and walks over to Ro. "You still look pale. I'll help you to Evan's room."

"No wait," Ro says swaying slightly as she stands on her own. "Jesse think about it ... please. Evan's your brother. Surely, you of all people must know."

"Know what? What the heck are you talking about?" Jesse yells, his hands clenched.

Peter stands nervously. He can't get Ro away from Jesse. She's going to tell him. "Ro, come on. You need to lie down."

"They're telepathic, you dimwit," Joe says.

"What?!" Jesse says.

"I tell Evan to tell one of the others something. He goes to them, doesn't say anything, and then they know what I wanted them to know. I'd call that telepathy," Joe explains.

"I thought telepathy was a hoax. It's unproven," Jesse replies.

"Well, whatever. That's what I think, for what it's worth. I'm going outside," Joe gets up and shuffles out of the living room. The kitchen door to the backyard slams shut a few moments later.

"Is it true?" Jesse asks Ro.

"Yes."

"And that's why you want to protect them?"

"Yes," Ro says after a brief pause.

"What else Ro? What else are you not telling me?"

Ro glances at Peter. Peter looks away. He can't help. This is up to her.

"It's not just them... Okay!? I'm the same as them."

"But I thought... You look... You were never in care..."

"I'm a passer. I can pass as normal, but I'm not. Satisfied?" Ro collapses into an easy chair. She is barely keeping her emotions controlled. It's clear she wants to fight, but her body is betraying her. Ro lifts her chin. She can, at least, do this: she will not let a single tear fall. With a low, controlled voice, she says, "I can participate in both worlds, but neither world will accept who I truly am."