Rebellion

Chapter 3

I awoke at noon, and went downstairs. My mother was up and eating lunch at the dining table. Since she did not work, her lunch was sent to the house. I wondered if mine had been as well because I wasn't at school. My question was answered when my mom gestured to the counter. It was like she read my mind. "Thank you," I said, my stomach growling.

"You're welcome. Do you feel better?" She smiled softly from her seat as I grabbed my lunch from the counter.

"Yes. Do you?" I sat across from her at the table and opened the container for my lunch. Today it was pizza, and I was relieved. It was past lunchtime, so it was probably cold, but pizza was one of the few things that actually tasted good after it got cold. I started eating as I waited for her response.

"Yes. I do. I got some sleep, so you don't need to worry about me depriving myself of it." She still looked tired, though. Those few hours were probably all she slept. I don't think she slept at all the night before.

I finished eating and threw away the garbage. "I'll be in my room."

"All right sweetie," my mother said, still sitting at the table, though she had finished eating minutes ago.

I went up to my room and took out my tablet to look at the assignments I had missed in my classes. I read and did all the work, taking my time, since I had all night. By the time I had finished, my father was home and it was time for dinner. I went downstairs and sat in my place at the table. It was completely silent. I picked at my food until we heard a knock at the door. My father stood and walked over to answer it. It was very strange to have someone at our door; people didn't often get visitors except family from other states. We didn't have any family from other states though.

As my father opened the door I felt my eyes widen and the hair stand on my neck. It was an Officer. "Xandia," the Officer said, "Please come here. I want to speak with you." My father turned and gave me a look that I hoped I would never have to see. He was very angry with me.

I stood and walked to the door. "Yes, Officer? What is it?"

He smiled, but it wasn't a kind smile. It was threatening. "I think you are quite aware of why I am here, Miss Wyatt." I wasn't sure how to respond to that so I stayed quiet and waited for him to continue. "It has come to the attention of the state that we have a law-breaker. Two, actually. Does that ring any bells, Xandia?

"We know that you've been getting a bit too close with Landon Hale, and it needs to stop. People don't break the law. Do you know why?" He paused but didn't really wait for a response. "It's because the ones who do break the law get punished. Do you understand? This is only a warning, but if you are seen with Landon Hale again we will take action against you." He paused and I could see he was holding back a smile as he looked to my parents. "Goodnight Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt." He looked back at me before turning to leave. "I trust you'll do what you're told this time, Xandia. Have a good night."

There was a mocking cruelty in his voice as he spoke, as if he found enjoyment in my fear. It would not be a good night. Everyone knew that.

My father slammed the door. "What the hell did I tell you Aeda?! We knew this was going to happen and you didn't do a damn thing! You just sat by and let it happen! You knew, yet you supported her!" He was screaming, even angrier than the night before. His face was red with rage.

My mother tried in vain to calm him, raising her hands in front of her, submissively. "Viktor, please-"

"Shut up, you stupid woman! I will not have my wife support my daughter's crimes!"

"Dad, stop. Leave her alone." I tried to intervene. "Mom has nothing to do with this. It's me you should be angry with." That was a mistake.

"You're right. This is your fault. If you had done what you were told and obeyed the laws you had been taught your whole life, we wouldn't have this problem! You're a disgrace, not only to our family, but to the City. I am ashamed to have you as a daughter." Every word cut like a knife, and I felt tears come to my eyes.