Life With Their Rules

Chapter 5: First Recruit

"They're trying to brainwash everyone. He told me. Just listen."

Ren took off his collar, and replayed the recorded audio of a conversation he had:

"So man, what's new at work?"

"They all keep talking about how They're worried about the project not working out the way They want."

"What project?"

"Don't tell anyone about this, but... They're planning on putting subliminal messages into the TV programs. They're worried someone might be planning a rebellion."

The recording stopped, and I glanced at Dell. He looked completely stunned.

"They know, don't They?" he asked, "About what we're planning?"

"Not exactly. They suspect something is gonna happen, so They're making Their rules more strict. They don't know about the plan though."

"Do you know when They're going to enact Their plan?" I asked Ren.

"Two weeks from now."

"Then we have two weeks to interrupt Their broadcast. Here's what we need to do."

Dell explained that he's going to be the one to interrupt Their broadcast for us to stop Them and spread the news of what They're doing. Ren's going to keep us updated on Their progress with Their plan. I'm going to need to write a script for our broadcast, and I'll be the one presenting the information on live television. All we need is someone who can work a camera. And I know someone who can.

*

Saturday. There's no school. Yet I had to go out into town. I know it's not necessarily normal for someone like me to visit someone outside of my neighborhood, but I had to. We need someone to work a camera. And I told Dell I knew someone who could. I just had to convince her to come with me to Red Ring Brook.

It was about 11:30 when I called up Dell to let him know I'm going to stop by with someone else who could potentially help us in our mission. But as I said, I had my doubts. I'm not a very convincing person. However, I had one trick up my sleeve: my writing skills. People say I'm really good at writing stuff, so I might as well try to convince her with a story or something.

I got to her house. Time for the attempt. I knocked on the door. And she answered.

"Ugh. It's you. Why are you here?" Becky Willis said, in her usual, disgusted tone.

"Heeeeeeey Becky," I nervously said, like the moron I am, "Can I talk to you about something...?"

"What? Friendship? Equality? Frolicking through a field of daisies because 'we're besties?'"

"Uh... yes actually."

She then laughed in my face.

"Wow. You're more childish than I thought, Pix," she said. She began to shut the door.

"Hey wait!" I forced my hand forward and stopped the door from closing in my face.

"Please... please reconsider."

I stuffed my hand into my pocket and whipped out a folded piece of paper. I unfolded the paper, and read the words I scribbled down last minute.

It was a normal Saturday morning. A normal girl was living her normal life. And she was happy. She was happy being normal. And then that one not-normal girl came by. She was a freak. And that freak was sad.

"What's wrong?" The normal girl asked her.

"I wish I was normal like you. You all seem so happy," the not-normal girl replied.
The normal girl shyly smiled.

"Oh, but you're much more than just 'not-normal.' You're unique. And we need to show that you're unique."

"But..." the not-normal girl softly mumbled, "won't that get us in trouble...?"

I took a deep breath. This was my one chance to convince her. If I screwed up now... our plan for change would never work out.

"What does it matter if we get in trouble? It's not right to be treated as less than human if your genetics say you're 'not normal.' I know deep down, you believe that too. You and I just have to work together."

The normal girl held out her hand.

I looked up from the paper and held out my hand as I recited the last line of the story.

"Won't you join me in the quest for happiness?"

Awkward silence. Becky stared back at me in shock. I stared back, my hand still extended toward her. I was shaking. Was that convincing enough? Did I just waste her time? Finally, Becky broke the silence.

"You... how do you come up with that stuff?!" she stuttered, "That sounded almost too real!!"

"Well... the best stories are the ones inspired by one's feelings and experiences," I mumbled.

Awkward silence again. Becky looked like she was thinking about something. She suddenly grabbed my hand. I almost forgot I was still holding my hand out for her.

"So that's all true stuff, huh... well I suppose you aren't wrong. I do kinda agree with your standpoint, so... maybe you aren't as much of a dimwit as I thought you were, Pix."

She closed the door behind her.

"Let's get going to wherever you need us to go before my parents think there was someone at the door."

I smiled. Success. 

"If anyone asks where you went, tell them you went to study at a friend's house."

She giggled a little and nodded. I made her laugh. Ever since Thursday, my life changed. My opinions were actually being listened to. My voice was going to be heard.

And I had finally got Becky Willis on my side.