I Have No Excuse

Untitled Part 36

Blaster wasn't happy with my choice. But quite honestly I didn't care at the moment. I wasn't either in a sense. I hated these events. These parties. Acting nice and watching what I said all the time. But I had to be here. They were up to something and for once they weren't going to get away with it. They no doubt had a backup plan, but I could do this. I could take them down. I just had to be quicker. I could gather the evidence. They were going to pay for everything. There were too many people who had been used by them. Not only would it feel great to cause them some damage, but I could get that information they had on Shane if I was smart about this.

"What are you doing brooding in this corner?"

I looked up to my sister. She was looking at me with a slightly inquisitive look. She always had this annoyed air about her now days. No matter what was going on she always seemed annoyed or pissed. Kind of like how mom was when she wasn't pretending to be cheerful and friendly. It just reminded me of how things had changed again.

Making sure no one was paying us any attention in our corner. "Why does it matter what I'm doing? I figured that I was below your notice and concern by now."

"You know you shouldn't have gone to our parents. You can't say I didn't warn you. I bet Li and Nanc gave you a lecture too."

"A little. So why does it bother ya so much?"

"It doesn't really. Just curious what would make you come back when it's obvious you hate this so much. You seemed pretty happy with your peasant life. Why would you come back?"

"I told ya this already. I need info and they won't give it to me."

"Well you should have expected that. Also quit talking like you belong in the slums. If someone hears they'll start talking and it'll get to our parents either by mocking or by accident. Then they'll get angry and I'm sure you know what happens when they get angry. They'll do more that toast the info you need."

"I know I know. It's much more difficult to keep talking like a spoiled brat for so long after all the freedom I've had. Saying and doing whatever I want felt pretty good."

"You can do whatever you want with mom and dad on your side too. You always did what you wanted when you were still living at home. Just paying your 'mistakes' away. Turning things into misunderstandings."

"Back then I just did it because nothing really mattered. Or trying to make things more difficult for mom and dad. They never bothered coming home to scold us for anything. Just told Nancy and Liza to scold us and you know how that went."

"Yes. Exactly. We can do whatever we want. Money is no object.We can do whatever we want. Go wherever we want. Get whatever we want. Why would you ever give this away? These parties they have are a small cost for all of the benefits. Once they get what they need out of these people the parties will stop until the next thing comes up. Could be months or could be a year or two. Minus our birthdays that always turn into a big thing. I don't see what the problem is."

"It's a gilded cage, Nat."

"The world's a pretty big cage."

"You have to be in contact with them when you go anywhere. Make sure you check in with their secretary or whoever they are every day. Come back when they tell you to without a care of what you're doing or why. Your life is always an act. Making sure that you don't say anything that could cause damage to them all the time is exhausting. Acting so nice to everyone of these people is exhausting. I don't want to be a- a doll they can take out and play with when they feel like it before tossing me away again like I don't matter. They don't care."

"Of course they don't. No one actually does. Might as well have money and have fun."

"I like the people I've met. Outside of This of course. I trust them."

"Your little peasant friends don't care either. Everyone uses everyone. No one actually cares about helping anyone. It's an act to get what they want. Everyone just cares about money. Themselves."

"Fine, whatever. Lets agree to disagree there, ok?"

"Fine."

"Fine."

"So want to try again and tell what you're so worked up about? This info must be pretty valuable for you to endure this." She asked again after a minute.

"It is to me. I doubt knowing would do you any good."

"Doesn't need to help me. Maybe I can help you out a little."

"Why would you want to help me?"

"We were pretty close once upon a time. You've also really made a show out of making my ex's lives hell. Made me feel a whole lot better afterword. I think I can spare you a favor. If not for what we were then for getting my exs for me."

"... I doubt you'd know much."

"Try me."

"I'm trying to get information on a guy who's being a really threat at my workplace. His name is Shane Leach."

"Wait, Shane? I know him. He works for that asshole in that big oh so important building on the west side on the coast. They're doing something with mers and damn does he love to brag about it."

"Wait, what?"

"Are you deaf now as well as poor?"

"You Know him?"

"Yep. My friends and I started calling him Screamer a while ago. Annoying little gnat isn't he?"

"How exactly do you know him?"

"He works with mom and dad. Annnd the look you're giving me is telling me they Really screwed you over. I told you not to come here for help."