Artificial

Chapter 3: Hale

Rene was fast asleep as Renea slipped out from her apartment wearing her black biker suit underneath a jacket of the same color.

 

 

She started the engine of her Dulcatte 848 EVO she named “Noir” that fit its dark appearance despite its silver and dark blue accents, and drove off into the cold night, a single message floating in her mind.

 

From: Hale

I want to see you.

I will wait for you in St. Claire Park at 10 pm.

 

The message swirled around her head; it wasn’t the only one that she received from the sender but it is the one that stayed with her. It had been days since it was sent and it was followed by numerous mails that told her that she should go because that person is always waiting, night after night, not stopping until she finally does.

 

Renea wasn’t sure of what could happen and somehow, it felt unsettling. She knew that it is pointless to think about it, so she just focused on the road, feeling the wind against her body.

 

It took just 30 minutes (actually it’s supposed to be an hour; don’t do this at home and drive responsibly) for her to get to the meeting place. She parked Noir in a distance and walked to the park.

 

The park was somehow dark, the lamps are dimly lit and some are flickering, needing new fluorescents, but it was light enough to be able to recognize the person whose features will be forever known to her mind.

 

You haven’t changed. She thought as she approached the single figure that stood in front of the great clock. She felt cold, despite the leather jacket she had on. Then she started to question why she came in the first place.

 

“Rea.” the familiar voice sounded. “I knew you would come.”

 

Hale wore a cream colored trench coat that stopped below the knees matched with black leather shoes, her brown hair tied in a ponytail with a few strands hanging on the sides of her face that showed a slight blush because of the cold air.

 

“You’ll catch a cold.” Renea said, “Go home.”

Hale shook her head, “Not until you talk to me properly.”

Renea sighed and sat on the railings that surrounded the clock. “What is it?”

Hale took a deep breath, as if readying herself.

 

 

 “Nothing.” came her reply, which made Renea glare at her.

 

“I was just kidding. You looked like you needed some comic relief.” She chuckled as she saw Renea’s reaction.

It’s not funny. Renea angrily thought as she stood up and started to walk away.

 

“Wait!” Hale grabbed her arm and apologized, asking her to sit with her on the bench nearby.

 

They kept quiet for a while, both probably thinking what to do next.

 

 

“How have you been doing?” Hale finally decided to start.

 “Fine.” Renea answered.

“You’re so dull. Can’t you even go into details?” the brunette whined.

Renea replied with a quick no and asked how it was going for her.

 

“I… quit.” She mumbled in reply. “But I got a better job so I’m fine now.”

“What kind?” Renea understood what she wanted to say but chose to ignore it.

“Almost the same, except I’m in a private org now.”

“Well, that’s good for you.” Renea snickered, “So, is that all you came here for?”

 

“Rea! Please go back with me.” she took her hand, “You don’t have to do things for me anymore.”

Hale’s lapis lazuli eyes quivered as she fixed them to Renea’s.

“Who said I’m doing something for you?” Renea leered at her, “Don’t be conceited.” She shook off Hale’s hand and stood up.

“Please… sis…” Hale called out to her “You’re the only one I have left.”

 

Renea turned to her, “Forget about me Hale.”

 

“No! You’re my only sister.” Her voice was filled with desperation.

 

Don’t cry.

 

“I don’t care if you’ve done horrible things...”

 

Shut up.

 

“I still-!”

 

“Stop.” Renea cut her off.

 

“Renea…”

 

 “You are Hale, Lena Hale Bennet.” It was like she was memorizing her name. “And I’m not your sister.”

 

“You know the truth!” Hale was shouting now, she knew it wasn’t helping but she just had to.

 

“Your sister….” Renea turned around and walked away, and even with a low voice, Hale heard.

 

 

 

 

“… is dead.”