The Curve of the Card

Curve of the Card - Chapter One

6 years later

My alarm didnt surprise me as I was already lying awake staring at my fan that I had left on overnight by mistake. I looked at the mould patch, it was getting bigger. The paint was flaking off the ceiling making my floor look like a drug lab. I open my blinds to the dirty street of tall buildings covered in graphite. I never opened my window because of the polluted air that smelled of cigarettes and body odour. I enter the only other room in my apartment, the kitchen/living room, I knew we could afford a house but the apartment was easier to disappear into. I was alone, as normal. I didnt bother to keep track of where anyone was anymore. I rub the sleep out of my eyes, stretch and walk to the kitchen. I open the fridge to a mouldy banana, some tomatoes and many condiments. It looked like I was going out. I slip on a pair of old blue skinny jeans and a plain tee. My boots had worn through, my foot was almost totally exposed as the sole had worn down to practically nothing. However, they were my favourites. I dont bother locking the door behind me on my way out as there was a hole in the wall big enough for someone to climb through if they really wanted to steal my toaster. Even that wasn't worth stealing.

The street was disgusting. People from the wrong side of the tracks, construction workers and the homeless. I learned not to take any notice of them. I find my way to my favourite milk bar with the neon sign in the window. The bell rings as I enter. The air con was refreshing and it always looked bright and cheerful compared to the hell outside. Yet it kinda felt like I was in a kids waiting room, and I hated feeling like a kid.

Morning Costas, been busy? Costas was open every day without fail. He was a chunky old man, probably Greek. I never asked. He rolled his Arh sounds and has the warmest happy voice.

Just you as always. Its been really quiet ever since that poor boy got stabbed but then again when are people not being killed all the time around these parts. He lets out a chuckle, I didnt laugh or smile. I wander through the isles looked at the cheap bread loaves that had gone stale. I grab a loaf of chia and an iced coffee from the fridge.

Just these today Costas.

Just these? Go ahead and pick out something else you like. We need to put some meat on those bones!

Thanks but no thanks. I wasnt impressed.

Aha. I see you need to be able to run from all the freaks! he lets out a bellowing laugh. I give a fake smile and sigh. Cmon man hurry up. I go to grab a five dollar note from my pocket. I think it was my last as well.

My shout. Be safe Miss. I smile and nod to say thank you, I was low key desperate. I walk back, dragging my feet on the road, kicking the loose gravel. I plug my earphones into my phone and tune into the world news. I hated music it was always sad or about love, and love doesnt exist anyway. All lies and fiction, people just care about themselves. Human instinct. I swing my bread in my hand sipping on my coffee. Weather. Boring. Missing person. Heard it before.

I almost choke as I stop to listen back into the feature interview. Is that my Dad?

Citizens of Australia, I would like to inform you on a new revolutionary product that every person will have to have according to a new law. We have a new device that will be inserted in the back of your neck. This device will stop crime and attacks like the extreme rebelion act in the opera house 6 years ago. Just a reminder the Eleventh man is still out there and any information will be rewarded. With your cooperation and support, we can create a safe world where no law is broken. Ever. To change one country, one person, one moment at a time. If everybody could please go to his or her local hospital as soon as possible, you will have ten days before action will be taken. For more information please contact a government near yo-

What? I am so confused. I knew he was working on something to stop the group of extremists. The men, those 6 years ago all were found, but one. I guess thats why he became so obsessed with stopping crime and making sure he could be 100% sure he would find him. He took everything to the extreme, thats how he built an empire. Asshole.

I swing the door open, not noticing William sitting on the couch. William was defiantly my father figure after the incident. He was there for me when no one else was. Helped me learn to live on my own. He was a drunk slob most of the time, rarely came back but at least he paid rent.

We have to go. NOW. He says standing from the couch, already swinging a full backpack over his shoulder.

Nice to see you too. Why do I have to come with you? Cant you sober up on your own? I said in a mocking voice.

Stop that attitude. Youre 16 and a mature young lady, act like it. Just get your shit and we are leaving. I could see he was agitated. Probably withdrawals. I stood in the doorway with my arms crossed. Hell no, was I leaving.

I dont think you realize just what is happening. Your dead daddy wants to put these thingys in everyone's necks that read their minds to see if they are gonna breaks the law and send it to a mass database to stop them before they actually do anything against the law. Do. You. Un-der-stand! He was puffed after yelling.

Well, its not great. So if they can see when you are breaking the law does that mean they can see when you cant? That means he will actually have the power to control everyone. Meaning me.

Where are we gonna go?

Off the grid.