For A Star To Fall

Chapter 4: Lovely Tragedy

Chapter 4

“What is this?” she asked and took the oval-shaped tablet from him.

“It’s a chewy tablet meant to cool a fever down in under a minute—which would be way faster than any fever medicine on the market right now. It would totally be in high demand, and also increase efficiency and reduce wastage of resources—a fact which would appeal greatly to the government and consumers, considering the fact that our resources are running out and everyone wants to kill each other over a tiny amount of oil. Of course, I’m rambling, so I’ll sum it up by saying that this’ll generate even more revenue for our company and keep us running. Brilliant, huh?” Jordan grinned proudly, though Emyle was unsure whether the word ‘brilliant’ was referring to the tablet or himself.

Dismissing the distraction, Emyle squeezed the tablet between her thumb and index fingers and felt no give in its shape. “It is abnormally hard.”

Jordan’s grin grew impossibly wider. “That’s what she said.”

Emyle’s eyebrows furrowed and she did not reply for a period of time. Finally, she said, “I do not understand your meaning.”

Scratching his head, Jordan felt even more confused than before. “I just said an innuendo, Emyle.” Seeing no change in her expression, he continued, “Um...sick joke, disgusting, wanton, something you’re supposed to find funny..... Don’t you get it?”

Emyle shook her head. Jordan opened his mouth and shut it again, debating whether he should attempt to explain the meaning of his words. It was a classic dirty joke, how could she not understand it? Unless...a thought occurred to him suddenly. But it was impossible, surely this could not exist in this day and age? However, considering Emyle’s behaviour since they had met, he would not put it past her not to know.

“Emyle,” he began carefully, but cut himself off, wondering how to phrase his question. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Jordan was acting rather strangely, as if he was hesitating, uncertain of what to say next.

He sighed and looked down at her again. “Do you know what happens between a woman and a man?” he blurted out.

Emyle put on her best “of course” expression. “Yes, I do. Only tragedy happens between a woman and a man.”

Jordan stared at her, nonplussed by her response. “Um, okay. Nice answer, really unique.”

Looking up at him, she was about to ask him what exactly he was implying when Jordan changed the subject. “Yeah, so the tablet isn’t really chewy right now, and all it really does is release chemicals and overload your brain, making people black out, but the concept of it is still awesome. Like I said, a masterpiece in the making.”

Emyle nodded slowly, her mind generating scenario after scenario in which the tablet would be of use to her. “Can I keep it?” she asked, blinking innocently.

With a shrug, Jordan said, “Whatever. That scientist told me to keep it anyway. But if anyone catches you with it, I was never here, okay?”

Smiling in satisfaction, Emyle wrapped the tablet securely in her handkerchief and slipped it into her pocket. Suddenly, there was movement behind Jordan—someone walking towards them, but Emyle elected not to inform him about it. Better let him handle it on his own, so that she could get a feel of this stranger’s intentions.

“What are you doing here, Ripley?” a low voice sounded, its tone hostile and rude.

Jordan froze and turned, a mischievous grin spreading itself onto his surfer-boy features. “Why, fancy seeing you here, Richardson. I was just showing Emyle here around. You don’t have to look so surprised, I do possess a sense of responsibility, you know.”