A DARKER CITY

chapter five, do you believe in love at first sight

"why do you always have to say things? Why can't you just stay quiet like you used to." Athena asked once brunch was over.

"I don't know, it just suits me."

"it really doesn't." Athena was angry, of course, for ruining the mood. And for obviously kicking Cassandra out.

"well, I'll send her some halfhearted apology card."

"I know you won't either!" Athena said, to the now closed door of her sister's bedroom.

Ramona knelt in front of her mouse's cage. Ciel nibbled on the cage in front of her.

"oh ciel, I want out of here. I want to go somewhere where the city lights shine and I live in an apartment over the city, looking at all the wonder. Forget this uptown life, I want a downtown life, with hard working people who don't have secrets."

He seemed to agree with her.

She hated the silence that night as she went to sleep. The clock was ticking quietly in the hall, and ciel was fast asleep. Uptown the night was quiet. All the boring happy families were asleep in their houses, tucked in by their loving parents.

She didn't wake up until noon the next morning. And when she did, it was because Athena knocked loudly on the door.

"go away."

"not until you come out here. I secured my job as a co-writer for the newspaper with an upcoming reporter. I'd like you to meet her."

"fine, but breakfast better be out there when I'm around."

"it's noon, I'll have lunch ready."

"perfect." She huffed. She threw on a black skirt and a white button up shirt, then tied a cute yellow bow under her collar.

When she came out a beautiful girl with brown hair was sitting at the table. She wore a vest and a purple skirt, and sat with her legs crossed at the ankles. She was wealthy.

Ramona sat down next to her.

"hi, I'm Ramona."

"Katherine, and it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm working with your sister on an article about the newsboy's revolution."

Ramona silently thanked whatever god was listening that Katherine hadn't said 'your parents murder and the fact everyone thinks you did it'.

"Athena told me you know one of the boys?"

"yeah, but I didn't know there was a revolt."

"it's only talk so far. They're going on strike." Katherine explained.

Athena came in with a tray of various appetizers for their lunch. "lunch is almost ready, just a few more minutes." It was obvious she only came in to make sure no discussion was going on without her. Reluctantly, she disappeared into the kitchen once again.

"but the boy you know? Athena told me you were close?"

"I like him a lot, but we've only met a few times." Ramona explained, taking more than her share of the assorted nuts from the snack tray. "we're going on a date tomorrow night."

"oh, what's the lucky man's name?"

"unlucky, and it's crutchie."

Katherine laughed at that, once she realized she was meant to. "I know him, he's a friend of jack's."

"jack?"

"the face of the strike." Athena cut in. she had brought in a plate of chicken, thinly sliced and most likely of high quality. Ramona couldn't tell for sure though, because to her it just looked like a dead animal.