India Rose & The Eternals - The Fountain Of Youth Chronicles Vol. 1

Chapter 20: The Five Questions Of India Rose

The Hope Springs Public Library, 1982, 10:30 A.M, 40th Day of Summer

India swung her feet nervously in her chair as she sat next to Jonas in Mrs. Blue's office, facing the strange conglomeration of her Father, Mrs. Blue, Egan, and Roberto. She racked her brain desperately, trying to figure out the connection between the people across from her. Egan, Mrs. Blue, and Roberto all worked together this summer, that was the easy one. And she knew that Mrs. Blue and her Father had known each other. But what connection did Mr. Rose have with Egan and Roberto?

Mrs. Blue spoke first.

"Jonas, India. I'm sure that you are full of questions and confusion at this moment. But I would ask that you refrain from asking anything at this juncture. The time for answers will reveal itself soon, but this moment we have a job to do and we need to get to it quickly."

"What job?" blurted out Jonas.

"Ah, that is a question isn't it?" said Mrs. Blue, a little icily.

"Bianka, please," said Mr. Rose. "There's no need for condescension here. We've all agreed to ask Jonas and India to help us, and we owe it to them to be as patient and understanding as possible."

"You got this ball rolling David, and so if my involvement is still needed, then I will talk any way I please," said Mrs. Blue in a flat yet curt tone.

Roberto, who had been standing quietly since India and Jonas had come in, quickly put his hands up in a sign of surrender. "Okay, everyone; let's show these kids how to work a plan, while still being civil with one another."

Mrs. Blue looked down at the top of her desk for a moment. "Thank you, Roberto. David, why don't you start?"

Mr. Rose smiled and cleared his throat before he began.

"India, Jonas. I know that this is all sudden and a bit intense. Let me start with a question. You are familiar with what is happening with the oil spill, correct? If you are, let me know what you think might happen to Hope Springs and all the other towns along the coast."

The two friends looked at each other for a second, as if to acknowledge the bizarre conversation they were involved in. Then India spoke.

"The oil is going to contaminate the bay for years to come, and wipe out most of the fishing industry along with it."

"That's right," said her father, smiling a little, despite the solemn topic. "I'm both glad to know that you are paying attention to what is going on around you, and a little sad that you can't just be a kid. Now tell me, what will happen if the fishing industry is wiped out?"

"Everyone will lose their jobs and have to move," said Jonas, not waiting to be asked specifically. "Including me, and my mother."

"That's right," said Mr. Rose grimly. "Everyone in our area, and then the whole State Of Maine will eventually be negatively affected by this spill. It will kill the local economy and make the coast a series of ghost towns. The state's economy will be crippled for a long time, and it will eventually affect millions of people, even if they live on the other side of the state."

The mood in the small office got notably more somber and quiet. Roberto and Egan nervously shifted their positions a bit as they leaned against the large shelf on the far side of the room.

India broke the silence first.

"Dad! What's this got to do with Jonas and me? Are we in trouble? We didn't do anything to cause this to happen. Why are you talking to us about this?"

Mr. Rose broke into a small laugh which he tried to hide.

"Dad! Why are you laughing!" India demanded.