The Haven

Chapter 2

     My arms wrap tighter around the little boy I have cradled in my arms. We are both trembling. My eyes are wide with terror as I stare through the small opening in the closet door.

     Mother grips the bat in her hands till her knuckles turn white. The footsteps are coming closer. With a crash, two men and a woman come bursting through the door. Their eyes are fixed onto my mom as the woman steps closer.

     "Everything's going to be better." She says while pulling the cap off her needle syringe. My mom grits her teeth and raises the bat into the air, ready to hit. Before she can release her protective swing, the needle plunges into her arm and her body goes limp. My heart stops it's harsh pounding and tears escape my eyes. Quickly, I cover my bother's mouth before he can scream and we just watch as our mother is carried away, leaving us completely on our own.

     ***

     My eyes flash open and I try to shade the bright morning light from them with my hand.

     What a strange dream.

     I push the blankets off of me and swing my legs over the side of the bed, then slip my small feet into the white slippers on the floor. My mouth releases a tired yawn as my arms stretch into the air.

     After getting ready for the day, I head down to the lower level. I then find Rose seated at a table in the cafe and decide to sit with her. Now, we sit in silence at a table in the cafe while I can't stop pulling at the tight black fabric clinging to my body.

     "You'll get used to it." Rose says with a chuckle, noticing how uncomfortable I am in this black suit.

     "Why do we all have to wear only black and blue clothing?"

     "I don't know, a maxim probably." she says taking a sip of her coffee.

     "What's a maxim?" The waitress comes up with our eggs and waffles and places them on our table.

     "You ask a lot of questions, a maxim is a rule." I nod my head, then dig into my delicious breakfast.

      Somebody taps on my shoulder, making me jump. Turning around, my eyes meet a very familiar pair of blue ones.

     "Hey, do you remember me from yesterday?" Of course I remember, his blue eyes and black hair and how he guided me to where my room was.

     "Yes."

     "Well I never got to ask your name."

     "I'm 87 Dove, a Nova, what's yours?"

     "57 Raven, that's funny, we are both Novas." I notice Rose sitting there awkwardly and hurry to introduce her.

     "Oh, this is my friend 49 Rose, an Eon." Raven reaches out to shake Rose's hand, then brings his gaze back to me.

     "There's  going to be a competition tonight, 8:00, you guys should come."

     "Ok, we will." His gorgeous smile grows a little and he nods, then jogs off towards his friends.

     For the rest of the day, Rose and I ran around doing all kids of things in the Haven. We went to the gym, the pool, the beauty spa, and my new favorite place, the theater. The entire time all I could ever think about was the competition. What is it? I am a little scared, but mostly excited. I can't wait to see Raven again.

     Rose said she'd come get me from my room when it's time to leave for the competition, so now I'm just waiting. Its only 6, so I still have a couple hours till I leave. Earlier today I found a remote thingy in my room. Rose said it was for the tv and radio. I absolutely love music I found out and am now listening to the song 'Roar' by Katy Perry.

     I know what dancing is, but I'm pretty sure what I'm doing is nothing remotely close. I most likely look like a dying fish flopping away from an attacking pelican instead of a pro dancer. Whatever, I'm having fun.

     A series of knocks sound from the door, stopping my terrible dancing. Rose is standing behind the glass door laughing till tears spring from her eyes. I didn't realize I hadn't turned the glass to mirror. When I open the door Rose is still laughing hysterically and collapses onto my bed.

     "You (laughs) suck (more laughter) at dancing!" I'm sure this would've hurt my feelings, but Rose and I have grown to be pretty good friends and I know she's just teasing. Well that and I do actually suck at dancing.

     "Ok ok, laugh party's over...is it time to go?" She calms her laughter and wipes away her tears before speaking.

     "Uhuh, but first you need to change into this." She toses a black suit with glowing blue stripes (like a tiger) on the sides. I hurry and change into the suit, then walk out of the bathroom to see Rose in a matching suit.

      "Alright, let's go!" The Dome (where the competition is) isn't near any of the shops on the lower level. It's actually on the very top floor. I stare in amazement at the sight in front of me.

      There is a giant circular area with all kinds of different virtual obstacles inside. Then, surrounding the arena are what must be all of the citizens of the Haven cheering from the stands. To top it all off, the arena is covered with a glass dome that shows the entire gorgeous and starry sky. Looking around, I notice all of the people in the stands are in their usual suits, so why did we have to change?

     "Why did we have to change?" I ask Rose, voicing my thoughts.

     "Because tonight we are competing IN the competition." WHAT?! Is she crazy? I don't even know what to do or what the rules are or or.....

     "Dove, calm down, your hyperventilating."

     "I don't even know what to do!"

    "You'll be fine, I remember the first time I was in a competition and I freaked out just like you. Once you get in the arena, it's cake. Just follow your instincts, that's what this is all about." I take deeper breaths and calm myself down. I can do this.

    A loud booming voice echos throughout the Dome and signals for the competitors to make there way to the Gate, whatever that is.

     "The Gate is just the entranceway to the arena, over here. I know your a little scared, but I promise it's not that bad. The goal of the competition is to get the silver stone and not let the other team take it from you. The team that gets to their Gate with the stone wins. Also everything in the arena is virtual, so you can't get hurt but the pain will still be there...it will make sense when we go in." I just nod my head, pretending to understand the words pouring from her mouth.

     A loud horn blares throughout the Dome and the crowds cheer louder. The gates start to open.

     Here we go.