Mau5in' Around

Chapter 21

Stupid… stupid, stupid, stupid!

He sat, hunched over in a chair, his eyes sore and his fingers fidgeting frantically.

He never had such a bad break out like that. But Raven…? How could she do that? How could she try to run away? Wasn’t she happy?

He put his hands over his head, gripping it tightly as he pulled his face down. She hurt me… but I… I hurt her ever more. His tail was shivering uncontrollably as he sniffled and squeaked. The break out was trying to come out again. It was all because of this… heartache.

Raven… why would you want to leave…? But he knew why… He let out a shrieking cry as he withdrew his body tightly into a ball. He knew exactly why she wanted to leave. He gripped his legs harshly to the rest of his body, as if physically trying to hold this break out in.

You are not human. You are a freak.

“Raven… graaahhh… Raven!”

Dead Mau5, the rodent DJ continued to try and hold himself sane.

…

Raven sat in the empty stage room next to James. She had calmed down but her eyes were still puffy and red from the sudden fright. Daniel sat next to them both, talking frantically with Thomas on a cell phone.

“Yes, I realize that. And- No, no, we did not let her out of our sight… … I told you, she escaped out the window to the bathroom… … No… No, he’s not… He’s contained, don’t worry… I’m sorry, no… we haven’t been able to get him to tell us anything… … What? … Really? … Well, uh, I guess then, we will wait for you to get here… alright… okay… goodbye.” 

Raven looked over. “Daft punk are flying into London?”

“That’s what they said…” Daniel sighed, putting his phone in the inside pocket in his coat. He rubbed his face roughly in his large, meaty hands. “What a mess…”

Raven sank low in her seat, feeling the guilt bubble up inside her. The whole incident was her fault. She did feel bad for causing Mau5 so much grief and anxiety, but more so… she felt bad that her chance of escape was gone. Because she had attempted it, they were probably not going to let her tour around again. Her head lowered as the very thought of permanat imprisonment made her eyes water.

Worst of all… I’m stuck with him. Now I’ve seen what can happen… instability… I have to live with that.

James stood up. “After all this chaotic excitement, I’m going to get something to eat,” he looked at Daniel first. “Want anything?”

Daniel sighd again, before asking, “Where are you getting it from?”

“There’s a kitchen in the back for the technicians. They told me to help ourselves since we’ll be staying here. I’m guessing its just instant microwave food…”

Daniel thought a moment. “I’ll be fine for now, thank you. I can grab myself something later.”

James then turned to Raven. “What about you?”

Raven just slowly shook her head. With that, James walked off to the hallway and disappeared. 

Suddenly, one of the technicians came in through another entrance.

“Oi, I’m heading home for tonight. I al’ready locked up all the doors ‘cept the back enterance.”

“Thanks, friend.” Daniel said.

“It’s not much, but we pulled out the coach in the lounge room and dug up three air mattresses. That’s all we can offer for sleeping arrangements. The key to the ack is in the lounge, so make sure you lock up before going to sleep.”