Ryan: Is it love - The original story (Game walk through)

Chapter three part two

I'm snapped out of my uneasiness by a man's voice speaking through a microphone. He's announcing the start of the auction. It's obviously organized in favour of the Carter Foundation and will help fund the actions to be undertaken in the coming year. Two beautiful young women are giggling, hanging onto the arms of aging men. As if encouraging them to participate, as if it were an exciting game. The audience seems suddenly galvanized by what's coming up. Away from the crowd, I lean against the wall with my arms folded across my chest. I've never been to an auction before... I wonder what it's like. The auctioneer begins the auction with a modern work of art by an in cogue, New York artist. A hand rises, then another... The price soars quickly and I can't believe what I hear!

Auctioneer > 20 000 dollars here... 25 000... Yes, 27 000... Oh! 30 000 dollars over there!

Do they even realize the irony of the situation? We're so far from the poor person's issues. For the people here, it's all just a game. The works of art come one after another and so do the dollars. Sculptures, paintings, manuscripts... I have to stay for Carter. I can't let him down now, it would be impolite. But what I see next glues me to the spot. The auctioneer is holding a beautiful young woman by the hand. She's giggling like a schoolgirl, as the man explains the reason for her presence.

Auctioneer > Gentlemen you will have the opportunity to spend an evening with this delightful young woman. So, place your bids.

I can't believe it. The height of bad taste! My heart sinks as I see Carter raise his hand laughing. What?! I'm not staying a minute longer! I'm leaving! And on the double! I rush up the stairs towards the exit. I almost feel like I'm coming back from Dante's Inferno. I know, I tend to exaggerate. As I breathe the fresh night air it's as if I was cleansing myself of everything I had seen or heard in there. I close my eyes an instant and burst into nervous laughter at the absurdity of the situation. And to think I was changing my mind about Carter.

??? > Is everything ok, Miss?

When I open my eyes again, I see Stewart's kind face looking at me.

> Yes, I'm fine... I just needed to get a little fresh air. I was suffocating in there.

Stewart looks at me. He can tell something's wrong.

Stewart > What happened?

> I realized that I don't belong to the same world. These people belong to a different sphere, one that I know nothing of and that I don't wish to know.

He straightens up. He seems to understand what I'm talking about without me having to explain further.

> What's your real name, Stewart?

He looks at me a little taken aback.

Stewart > Jake.

> Jake, could you take me home please?

Jake > I'm not sure Mister Carter would agree.

> He's my boss, not my damn babysitter!

He seems to be hesitating.

> I'll take a cab, it'll be simpler.

Jake > No come on, I'll take you.

Jake reluctantly opens the Limousine door for me to step inside. On the way, I keep fiddling with my fingers. I'm nervous, annoyed, upset. Too much emotion at once.

Jake > Should I open the windows a little, miss?

> Yes... And please... can you call me by my first name?