Mind Control

Apologies

I'm sitting on the bed in one of the guest bedrooms, flipping through the channels on TV.

Is it actually possible? My father made me study history in great depth, and I never saw any reason for it. History is boring and useless. The very idea of mind control seems so out of reach. Even with today's technology, it's hard to imagine. How is it possible that the Ancient Egyptians figured this out? But I have to admit, their explanation does make sense.

I feel a sudden anger. My mother was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. I was only ten when I lost her. Ten years is not enough! I miss her so much, it's painful. I punch the wall in frustration. My knuckles start bleeding, but I don't care. I'm too caught up in this wave of self pity.

I'm only nineteen and I'm an orphan. My father was murdered because he chose to do the right thing. He knew that those monsters couldn't be trusted with that kind of technology, so he was killed. Those that do good are punished, while those than commit sins are rewarded. How the hell is that fair?

I punch the wall repeatedly, not able to contain my anger. I'm crying and kicking, and making a commotion, which is probably why Drew comes in the room.

"Go away," I say through my sobs. I don't want him seeing me like this. I don't want anyone to see me weak.

Drew walks over and sits down on the floor next to me. "Are you okay? What's wro-"

"What's wrong? We're hiding from people who murdered our parents, who don't think twice before killing someone who stands in their way. These people are monsters, Drew. And for some unknown reason, they now want us," I interrupt, almost yelling now.

"Are you done? I know it's not easy to handle, but get a grip on yourself," he snaps. He grabs my hand and shows it to me. "Punching the wall until your hands bleed isn't going to make anything better. I'm certain you weren't raised to be weak or dependent on anyone. So don't act like it. Would this make your parents proud?"

I shove him away from me and yell, "My dad will always be proud of me,"

He stands up, bringing me with him. "Really? He would be proud of you losing control like this, he would be proud of your inability to cope with new information?" he retorts angrily.

"Shut up! Just get the hell out of here. You don't know my father, and you sure as hell don't know me!" I say.

I slap him across the face, hard. He glares at me before walking out of the room, slamming the door shut.

He just crossed a line, and there's no going back. I do everything I can to make my father proud, even before all this happened. I owe him so much and I just want to be someone he would love and appreciate.

But he has a point, doesn't he? I lose control of myself so easily. Back in the mansion, I almost gave myself up to William. And now, I lost control because I couldn't process everything I was just told. I am being weak.

"Drew, Lydia, dinner!" Julie's voice startles me.

I go to the bathroom and wash my face. I take a deep breath and promise myself I won't lose control again.

I walk into the kitchen to find my favorite dish on the counter; baked salmon. I grab a plate and some salmon, and settle down on the couch in the family room.

"You can sit on the dining table, you know," says George.

"Yeah, but you know I don't like to," I reply with my mouth full. I turn on the TV to an old soap opera. Not something I'd normally watch, but my father would like it.

Drew sits down next to me and puts his feet up on the coffee table. I look over and he looks extremely bored.

"You can change it if you like. To be honest, I don't like it that much either," I say, handing him the remote.

He ignores me and continues eating.  Sighing, I change the channel to some crime show. Why is he giving me the cold shoulder? And then it hits. I slapped him!

I squirm and fidget nervously as I try to come up with an apology.

"Drew, I'm sorry" I blurt. I never was good at apologies. I'm usually too proud.

"Sure, whatever," he mumbles.

I turn to fully face him. "Hey, I said I'm sorry. I shouldn't have slapped you, or yelled at you. You are right. I'm being weak and foolish,"

"Hey, no you're not. You escaped your kidnappers and kept them off your trail. You had the presence of mind to make the connections between us. You're the one who decided to come here. You're not weak. You're strong, and independent. You will always make your father proud, and I'm sorry I said those things to you," he says softly.

I smirk and go back to watching TV. I was never good at accepting apologies either. I'm not exactly gracious.

We finish dinner and I'm about to go to bed, when Julie says "Hey, you two. You need to know something,"

Oh boy. I sit on the island stool next to Julie, while George and Drew stand opposite us.

"We did a bit of research, called up some friends. Apparently, Lotus and Vlast both think that you know where your parents kept records of their research," starts Julie.

"But they didn't, right? They destroyed it all?" asks Drew.

"Yes, they did, as far as we know. Anyways, as you know, the mind control formula has been hidden for quite some time. There has been a lead, the companies both seem to have found traces of it somewhere in Egypt" Julie continues.

"But wasn't it thought to have been used in the Second World War? Why would it still be in Egypt?" I interrupt.

"Hitler's copies are long gone. I'm sure he  destroyed them when the Allies were closing in on his bunker. At least that's what it hints at in his diary," George replies impatiently.

"Anyways, I just thought you two should know that. You did the right thing coming here instead of the police, you wouldn't have made it that far. But that doesn't mean you're safe here either. Go to bed, get some sleep. Tomorrow, I'll have some people pick you up and take you to a safehouse. I'll have them being extra clothes for you as well," says Julie, smiling warmly. "Good night, and sweet dreams,"