Rush Above Sea Level

Chapter 9: Mates for Life

When you're hiding something the world seems more aware of what you do, everyone is staring at you, your daily life seems different, the weight on your shoulders seem heavier (maybe it's just my backpack but we're not going to talk about that). The hike trail isn't far away from my home, but the journey to it sure seems like it. Florists glowered at me, cars moved slower at the sight of me, the streets wanted to swallow me, my legs felt heavy, nevertheless I strolled on. Finally reaching there, I stared at the path ahead...

"We're getting assigned jobs?" Jerry croaked.

Everyone was in Jerry and Jesse's room, Kayla slept on the edge of Jerry's bed.

"Yes, I think it's time we contribute to society again." Twinkle's voice bubbled with the enthusiasm of a TV show presenter for kids.

"I don't see why not." Jesse sat on her bed "It has been some time since I last worked."

Standing at the door I perked up

"We just came, isn't it better to see if this place is really for us first?"

Jerry smirked

"Thank you, Atlantis!"

Realizing what he thought I meant, I corrected myself

"Oh I'm not on your side, I'm just wary, this seems like a bunker and I just think that's questionable."

"There isn't going to be any other place that'll be good enough for us to survive, this is our only shot." Twinkle pleaded.

"But we should really know this place before he make any ties in case it's actually something bad." Jerry countered.

"We should vote." Jesse argued.

"I vote we get jobs now." Twinkle raised his hand.

"Me too." Jesse raised hers.

Realizing that this would end in a tie if I sided with Jerry, I grimly raised my hand. Jerry looked betrayed but he put his hands in his pockets.

"I abstain." he sneered.

"It's settled then." Twinkle looked around to see if any of us objected "I'll go discuss with Mr. Baron."

Jimmy walked in, examining us for a while. Motioning for Jerry's bow he shook his head

"That is not needed."

Jerry looked shocked

"But it's for hunting!"

"Mr. Lancum, we have our own livestock, if you wish to work with animals I can assign you to the livestock section right now."

"I can do that, but I'm keeping my bow."

"No sir, you are not! If you refuse to follow my orders I will have no choice but to evict you!"

Twinkle coughed and whispered something in Jimmy's ear. Jimmy looked pleased and looked at Jerry

"I expect your bow to be in our trash department and you working in the livestock section tomorrow, Mr. Lancum."

"What?" Jerry scowled.

"I expect your-"

"I heard you the first time...fine."

"Very well, Mr. Clerk?"

A young man about the same age as my brother walked in, wearing a red shirt and denim pants with black boots. I gasped.

"Allen?"

Hearing my voice, he stared at me

"Atlantis Ebert?"