“Are you sure this is salt, now ? This still taste awful bland,” she said, pursing her bright red lips.

“Yes, it is salt,” I said “ Perhaps, you want some pepper ? ”

“No ,no .This food just isn’t working for me. Go ahead and take it away. Something is just wrong.”

It’s not the food at all ma’am you are just very  very drunk.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t appease you.” I said. " Is there anything I can get you ?,”

“Maybe just another bourbon,” she said

“I’m on it.” I smiled

She reluctantly returned the smile.

I took her untouched tray and headed back up the aisle.

I checked in with the few other passengers on the way and exchanged a smile with the little girl who had been playing peek-a-boo with me the entire flight. I made it to the back behind the curtain and put the tray to the trash. I unlocked the bar and began to make another bourbon on the rocks, light on the ice.

Henrietta Bryne, the head flight attendant was  in the back wrapping up silverware for the pilot's tray. She smirked when she saw me slicing an orange for the drink.

“54A again ?,” she asked

“Yes,” I said.

“Here honey, I’ll get it. You helped me out enough for now. You can take lunch to the pilot.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

We switched positions and I took the tray out of the convection oven and she started pouring the liquor.

“You know, some people are just nervous about  flying,” she told me.

I nodded my head and headed to the cockpit.

I entered the pass code , swiped my ID and cockpit doors swung open for me. My fellow trainee, Julian Mason was sitting in the co-pilot seat to the right of the pilot, Captain Reed.  I set the lunch down on the table, the Captain looked over the control panel one last time, gave us a knowing look and then turned on his Syndicate and began to eat lunch.

I sat in the observation seat next to Julian, his hands were glossing over the controls absent mindedly. I looked out the sleek windows to see nothing but the darkening sky ahead of us, it was peaceful.

“How many hours do you have?” Julian asked me.

“Well, this flight makes 100.”

“You work hard. I only have 50 hours.” He said, “Then again, I’m not surprised you are so ahead. You were always the perfect A student in the classroom.”

“I had 94 percent for my final marks.” I said. ”Not quite perfect.”

“Wasn’t that the second highest at the Windrose School last semester?,”

“I don’t know,” I said.

We exchanged some more polite conversation about school and classes and why we wanted to be pilots. Julian and I had done some of our flights together, worked on a few group projects together and he had sat in front of me in class but, we weren’t exactly friends.

For the next hour, Julian and I worked together to take over the pilot’s duties, when our front window was suddenly sprayed with rain. I thought it was a light shower but within seconds the aircraft was hit with a torrent of rain and it swerved off course hitting some turbulence.

I heard some curses from the passengers behind the door and  Captain Reed quickly took over and steered us back on course.

“It’s alright just a little storm, you will hit a few out here,” Captain Reed infromed us.

We nodded our heads and watched intensely as he maneuvered us back on course but, the rain was relentless. I heard voices coming from his Syndicate and he was calmly calling up screens from the weather forecast.

“Damn, this rain is making VolAir nervous.  We've been asked to touchdown early in Dresden and call it in,” Captain Lee said.

“But,  we are less than an hour away from our destination,” I said

“Tell me about it,” he said,” We could make it but, you always gotta follow airline orders.”

“It’s just a layover, right ? I mean, when are we going to get the flight back up ?,” I asked

“Well, if we can get everyone transportation to their destination we may get to cancel the flight.” He said.

I sighed louder than I wanted to and the captain told Julian and I to  assist Henrietta and her staff in making travel arrangements for the passengers and to apologize for the stop. 

When the aircraft pulled into Dresden Air Field 20 minutes later, all of the passengers had some place to go.  VolAir gave the captain and the flight attendants rooms at the nicest hotel in town, all courtesy of the airline. Because Julian and I were still technically students and not employees of the airline , they gave us one room to share.

 As we crossed the airfield to the airport the wind and rain was still coming down hard I could feel myself losing my balance. After recording the hours and taking some post flight notes Julian and I called a cab (we split the fare) and went to our hotel room.

“This isn’t weird is it ?,” Julian asked me,” Sharing a hotel room ?”

“No, it’s not like we are sharing a bed,” I said,” I guess we don’t get all the perks until we are done with training.”

The room was pretty small but, still nice. I put my bag down and laid on one of the beds, preparing to take a nap still fully dressed. It had been a long flight.  I saw Julian doing the same.

“Did you have any big plans for tonight ?,” he asked turning towards me.

“No. That is why I took this flight.” I admitted.

I closed my eyes.

“Hey, since we are here why don’t we go out together,” Julian asked,  “ I hear they have a crazy party in the streets every year. Rain or shine.”

I cringed my  closed eyes.

“We aren’t allowed to drink or do anything irresponsible.” I reminded him.

“We don’t have to drink to check it out. Come on.” He said

“No, thanks.” I said

“Don’t make me go by myself,”

“ I’m just tired.”

“Okay, fine.”

He let me rest for an hour before starting up again. I agreed to go exploring with him as long as we returned before it got dark.  We took the umbrellas the hotel provided and headed for the train station.

Dresden Air Field and the area surrounding it were in the North Heights area of the LOLA, the highest class area of the LOLA sprawl. A train ride away was the notorious red light district, where all the excitement was. I knew that I would be dragged there if the plane stopped here. This time of year, the place was crazier than ever.

-2-

We took the train deeper into the city. The cars were full of men and women dressed in sparkles and extravagant colors. At one point a woman wearing nothing but sparkles and feathers under an open robe sat next to me. I knew I had an uneasy look on my face and I know Julian slyly took a picture of me. The titanium train moved smoothly across its polished tracks before pulling into the final stop.

We wandered around a few blocks and saw all types of  people of every age filling the streets and drinking already. On a street corner a group of people had started making music with a mix of synthesizers, makeshift drums and a keyboard,  a crowd has gathered around dancing in the streets, much to the annoyance of the cars trying to get by.

The next block was even more of a spectacle. All the shops were covered in lights and there were hundreds of holographic advertisements hovering above the crowd.  An entire street corner was blocked off and  an erotic adventures company had an elaborate stand and float set up. Men and women in red latex thongs were throwing condoms and beads off  the side of the float and making sexual  banter with the passerbys.

In the sky, above it all,  a big clock that appeared to be made of diamonds  was floating.

We walked through the streets and at some point I let my guard slip and I laughed. Julian tickled the back of my neck.

“Having fun, aren’t we ?” he jested.

We walked the streets for a while before deciding to head into an arcade, the Phoenix Rising to get some lunch and then play some games. I peeled through the menu while and Julian flipped through the bar menu. We really weren’t supposed to drink , but I didn’t say anything.

We made conversation for a while, a few people even tried to talk to us and through it all he drank 3 beers. After we ate some mediocre burgers , we went into the crowded arcade to  play some games.

We got on to the motorcycle racing simulator and as our avatars mounted their bikes and headed down a perfect coastal town I thought I might ask him some more questions.

“Where are you from again ?,” I asked him.

“Uh, South District,” he said,” It’s pretty nice. You ?,”

“I don’t know.Hard to say,” I said

We talked about sports, how crazy this experience was  and I was beginning to have fun which is new to me. I easily beat Julian in the game and when I took the stimulation helmet off I saw he was stumbling away from the console.

 “ Hey, Julian.” I called after him but he was walking away from me.

I followed him as he went to the back of the crowd, he opened the back door, went outside and began to puke in the alley. The rain had let up to just a drizzle and our umbrella’s were still inside so we were getting wet.

“Julian, are you okay?,”

“Yeah,” he said spitting in the ground,”Sorry to scare you, I guess I just had too much—hey don’t tell anyone--,”

“I won’t.” I said,” Do you want to go back to the hotel ?,”

“Um,yeah I guess we should.”

We headed down the empty alley when I got the odd sensation that someone was walking up behind us. I walked faster hoping Julian would follow suit but, he didn’t. He was still keeping at a slow pace. I was calling myself crazy and paranoid when I felt an arm around my neck.

“Shut up,” a gravely male voice said.

I heard struggling and saw Julian was in a similar hold but, by a woman with a stiletto dagger, her hold on it was off.

“Drop your valuables on the ground, now !," The man said.

“Okay. We will, we don’t want any trouble.” I said

I took of my platinum gold ring and bracelet, my watch and let them fall on the ground.

“I don’t have anything.” Julian said,” I-I-I’m sorry. ”

“Really what’s this ?,” the woman said.

I heard a struggle, I turned to see what was happening but, the man had me in a tight hold.  I heard  Julian scream in pain, before I could react the muggers grabbed my things and ran off.

-3-

“Julian, are you okay ?,” I asked running over to him.

He was holding his leg, I saw blood spilling from just above his knee.

“I’m calling an ambulance.” I said

“No. They just took my dad's watch.” he said, his breath was shallow ”I’ve been drinking, the airline will find out and I'll get a second strike. It’s just a cut. Let’s go back to the hotel and treat it.”

I saw his hand was covered in blood now.

“No, you are bleeding  to much. What’s the worse trouble you can get it in ?”

“No. I said no. Just help me get back to the hotel.”

I begrudgingly took off my jacket and wrapped it around his wound and he leaned on me for support as we headed out of the alley and into the crowded streets. I could see the blood coming through and staining the jacket.

“This looks really bad,” I said. I was freaking out and hoping he would consent to the hospital.

“It’s fine.”

The more blood I saw the more uneasy I felt. Instead of heading to the train station I went in the opposite direction.

“What are you doing ?,” he said.

“ I won’t take you to the hospital but, I am getting  you help.” 

We hobbled down the street together and I was supporting most of his weight on me. I went down two blocks where the crowd was thinner and crossed over two streets where there was absolutely no one.

“Are you trying to get mugged again ? Where the hell are we going ? ,” Julian asked, it was clear he was in pain.

“We are almost there.”

I went inside one of the  buildings and we took the elevator to the 9^th  floor. Getting off the elevator we were met with a large carbon door. I knocked hard on the door.

There was no answer.

I knocked harder.

“Hello !,” I said,” Hey ! I need help !”

I knocked harder and the door opened ajar. A hand peeked through the crack and rested  over mine, where I had just been knocking.

“Who is it ?,” a voice inside asked .

My heart began to beat faster.

“It’s me.” I said

“And who is me ?,” the voice asked ,opening the door some more.

“Kristopher.”

The door opened all the way and he leaned between the doorway and the door, I was face to face with the cold blue eyes. He stared at me and made a quick glance at Julian, not even acknowledging that he was profusely bleeding.

“Well, what are you—“

“I don't have time Alan, my friend is hurt and needs help.” I said pushing past him and into the loft.

The loft was just as dark but more cramped than I remembered.  Even with the lights off I could see the shelves covered  floor to ceiling with books, overflowing containers, boxes and other pieces of nonsense that should have been thrown away.  I cleared off a space and let Julian rest on the couch, I sat next to him and looked up to see  Alan had disappeared into the  small hallway and into the other room.

Standing in the corner was a long legged girl with tousled dark hair, she looked a few years older than me and was dressed in silver heels and a matching lingerie set.  The joygirl didn’t acknowledge us as she pulled on a sheer jacket, picked up  a plastic umbrella and stumbled out the door, picking up a container of pill as she went out.

 “Where the hell are we  ? Is that guy a friend of yours ? ” Julian asked

“Kind of, he is just a little well---just relax. I’m trying to help you.” I told him.

Alan came back into the room and looked at Julian from a distance.

“I was really beginning to doubt you had friends.” Alan said.

 He walked over to us, pushed some clothing off the coffee table and placed a small light on the table. Kneeling down he undid my jacket from around Julian’s leg.

It hadn’t  been that long but, Alan Gray was just as I remembered him. His cheek bones were just as hollow and straight, familiar small creases lined his otherwise smooth face, his lips set in a straight line and his hair was the white blondish color it had been for as long as I can recall.

“Um, hey don’t you need to do this someplace sterile ? Like your office downstairs.” I suggested

“I had to close it for the day. There was an awful accident. I need to find someone to clean it up.” He said flashing his eyes up to me for a moment.

He examined the wound on Julian’s leg. Blood  was still  dripping  from it , Alan stood up,  went to the open kitchen  that was next to the living room and took out a cutting knife from a drawer. He kneeled in front of Julian and pulled a syringe out of his shirt pocket.

“What are you doing with that, knife ?,” I asked putting my hand over it.

“He needs stitches. You have to make the wound bigger in order to heal it.”

He  wiped the blood with a towel to look at the wound, he kept wiping it until the towel was soaking red and he looked at it squinting his eyes a bit.  He quickly improvised and wiped the blood with his sleeve

 “Shit.”Alan frowned,  losing his usual calm demeanor.

“What ?,” I asked

“Nothing .” he responded

The blood was soaking into the carpet.

“ Are you a hemophiliac ?,” Alan asked Julian, acknowledging him for the first time.

“I don’t know what that means.” Julian said

“I need a towel or something.” Alan said

Alan tsked to himself, took a small basket from underneath the couch flipped it over  and looked through the stuff inside, he hastily  took out a black handkerchief and put it over the wound. He went to the silver fridge and took our some pills and gave them to Julian. I saw Julian reluctantly dry swallow them and we sat in silence as his blood began to clot and the wound stopped bleeding.

Alan kneeled in front of Julian again and  put the shot into his leg—I assumed it was an anesthetic , he cut the wound bigger and begin to thread a needle. He carefully started to sew a neat line in the wound.

“Thank you, sir.” Julian said as Alan made the second stitch.

Alan was unresponsive and Julian held on to the handkerchief tightly.

“My name is Julian by the way. I really appreciate this,” Julian said.

Alan continued to sew.

“ If there is there anything I can do for you . . . “ Julian said.

I touched Julian’s shoulder and tried to signal to him to be quiet.

Alan was on the penultimate stitch when he acknowledged us again.

“Were you boys out celebrating the New Years?,” he asked like there hadn't been a 30 minutes when he completely ignored Julian.

“No, we have work in the morning," I said.

“You should go out,” Alan said, “ It’s a special one, 2100.  The 22^nd century. How many people can say they have lived in 2 centuries ?,”

“You mean besides everyone in this room ?,"

"Well, there is no guarantee you will still be alive at midnight," he said

" I don’t think we want to do much celebrating after getting mugged.” I said ignoring his comment.

Alan found this funny and started chuckling. He sealed the stitches and stood up.

“Does this one still have a giant stick up his ass ?,” Alan asked jerking my chin.

 “Yeah,” Julian laughed, “So he’s always been like that ?”

Alan nodded his head slightly, before walking into the kitchen and bringing out some beers.

“We can’t stay or drink for that matter,” I said.

“Yes, you can.  Just for one drink.” Alan said.

He and Julian opened their beers and sat in silence drinking and I kept my arms crossed. Julian’s hand went over the blood stained handkerchief he was holding  and he looked over the military ensign.

“Um, so,  are you in the military, sir ? “ Julian asked.

“Fuck no.” Alan said in an even tone,”Those tight ass motherfuckers can kiss my fucking ass. Don’t get me started on this fucking administration. Fuck them .”

“I’m sorry I asked,” Julian said

“Don’t be,” Alan said,”  You know, I was a prisoner during the motherfucking  war. I actually new the  god damn motherfucking vice president back then. He was a fucking dick. I’ll never forget. I actually went out and voted just so I could vote against him.”

I was waiting for Alan to continue on another one of his anarchist and anti-war tirades but, he just sat back in silence. I knew he kept an odd schedule and if I hadn’t barged in he would be taking a nap right about now.

The silence was interrupted by the chimes of different bells going off in a charming melodic rhythm, it lasted for a few seconds before Alan shot up and disappeared down the hall.

-4-

I touched Julian’s shoulder.

“Hey, let’s go, we can leave. I’m sorry about this,” I said

“No, it’s cool. Your friend is pretty cool.” He said

I heard Alan’s foot steps again, they were slow and more careful now, his voice was low and he was mumbling as he rounded the corner of the hallway pushing a wheelchair.  Aunt Minnie’s wheel chair was a simple standard unit, it was shiny and made of the highest quality silver ,it was tied with sparkly ribbon at the neck  and the occasional rhinestone glued here and there.

Aunt Minnie sat in the chair in a sheer shimmery blue and beige dress that stopped just at the middle of her thighs.  The flesh of her right thigh gave way to a spindly metallic cybernetic leg, her left leg was completely cybernetic and the ends of the dress snagged on it. The cybernetic legs were made entirely of  malleable metal and instead of feet at the bottom there were large smooth spheres of metal.  Her right arm was whole but, missing a few fingers and had patches of discoloration and she wore fingerless lace gloves and her other arm was completely gone, today it was covered by a lace shawl.

Despite her injuries and the constant annoyance I knew they were, her face was bright and she smiled upon seeing me. Today it seemed her  hair was a mix of the brown roots, pinks and blondes  that sat perfectly curled into her always youthful face. Even though I knew she had just woken up she seemed effervescent.

Aunt Minnie’s love of wearing colors and sparkles contrasted with Alan who wore mostly all black all the time. They were both dressed in a way that seemed like they were about to head out and join the street party but, I knew they weren’t leaving and hadn’t been out all day.

“Hi.” I greeted her.

“Hi ?, As long as it’s been and that is all you can say. Come and give me a hug, sweetheart.” She said

I walked over and leaned down to hug her, she smelled of perfume and chocolate—she had been baking something. He soft pink lips kissed my cheek, they were sticky with lip stick.

“This is my friend, Julian.”I said

“Hi. I’m Minnow Dory.” She said waving to him.

“Hello.”Julian said. He was doing a good job at not being flustered by her appearance.

"Kris, honey I can’t believe you are here. How long has it been ?,” she asked

“Less than a year.” I said as she kissed my cheek again, I saw her face was spotted with black tears.

Alan turned on the lights in the room and picking up a tissue dabbed Aunt Minnie’s eyes before kissing her on the lips.

“We never have company. Oh, Alan,this will be fun.” She said

She scooted herself out of the chair and the metallic legs half rolled half walked her towards the kitchen, she pushed the piles of their crap out of her way as she went, on her way she flicked a switch and the television came on displaying the New Year’s Eve parade going on at the capital in Fort Perch.

Alan took the things she had pushed out of the way and threw them in a corner of the room.

Aunt Minnie came back into the living room with a tray she had cut some chocolate cake up on. Alan tried to take the tray from her but she placed it on the table first and then scooted herself back into the chair.

“I made this cake yesterday--it's like coffee and chocolate. I can’t believe you didn’t offer them any, Alan.” She said, “Oh hey, look there’s the president’s float !”

She was pointing to the screen.

President Bishop’s float was a magnificent recreation of the President’s Mansion as it rolled down the streets.  In the windows of the house It had  holograms recreating notable moments that took place there. President Bishop was sitting at the top of the float and Vice President Maxwell was seated in the car tallying behind him with his wife , Marlana at his side.

“See the fucking smug look on that god damn bastard’s face.” Alan said showing his middle finger to the screen when they closed up on Maxwell.

“Stop.” Aunt Minnie said, “That man hasn’t done anything to you.”

“I don’t want to watch this.” Alan said

“I want to. It’s nice and fun. Look, sweetie the evil vice president has  gone away now and can’t hurt you,” Aunt Minnie teased and then turned to me,” So, Kris what exactly have you been up to ?”

“ Just school, it’s really tough and a commitment you know.”

“I just can’t believe they let you boys fly those planes,” Aunt Minnie said

“Well, not yet. I still have to do 100 more hours and 2 more test just to be a jr. assistant. Mostly we just spend time on the planes.”

“Do they fucking lock you inside so you can’t come home ?,” Alan asked.

He would go there.

“No,it’s just  the flights don’t usually stop in Dresden Air Field. The only reason we stopped today is because of  a storm. The flight was headed to Olympia--,”

“Olympia ?,” Aunt Minnie said

“Yeah, it’s like one of those new resort towns. The flight is from the Boston Atlantic--,”

“Hm,” Alan said, “When we were your age you couldn’t even fly from here to the East without a special permit--,”

“Well, one good thing came from the war then,” Aunt Minnie said.

He put his arms around her waist to adjusted her properly back in her wheelchair and kissed her again, locking his lips over hers.

I rolled my eyes but, for as long as I had known them they had been like that, more in love than any teenagers I knew. Which was surprising seeing as Alan regularly slept with prostitutes and Aunt Minnie kept a strict schedule of doing everything and nothing at the same time.

I couldn’t really read them, everything they did was a contradiction. All I ever did was accept them. They lived in an apartment full of their things  and memories but, were never really close with anyone that wasn’t family. They hardly left the apartment, Alan  made more  money than I would ever know from the black surgeries he regularly performed.

He always had one simple explanation for their relationship.

"She has my heart." he would say.

We silently watched the parade for a while, the only sound was Aunt Minnie’s occasional “how pretty” until the ads came on.

“So, Kris.” Minnow said adjusting her dress and exchanging a look with Alan, ”Um, well did you go and , uh see your mother ?,”

“Uh, no. Like I said this was an unscheduled stop and I didn’t plan on stopping here--,”

“Oh, okay.” Aunt Minnie said ,“ Well, it’s just, I’m sure she wants to see you after--,”

“Not in front of Julian,” I cut her off, knowing where this was heading.

“Don’t talk to her like that Kristopher,” Alan said

“I’m sorry, Aunt Minnie.”

“It’s okay.” She smiled and turned to Julian,” This is kind of rude, honey  but, do you mind if we talk to Chris in the other room, Julian ? ,”

“It’s fine, I understand . . . family stuff.” He said

I followed them out of the room and into their bedroom

The bedroom  looked completely different than the last time I had seen it. The walls had been painted  a deep  purple  and they had a matching white and violet embroidered  bedspread on the unmade king sized bed. The moved the day bed into their bedroom--it was in the far end of the room and covered in quilts, clothing and shoes.  A new vanity was pushed against the window, the top of it was overflowing with makeup and jewelry.

Alan sat on the king sized bed with his back to the headboard, he easily pulled Aunt Minnie out of her wheelchair and sat her between his legs, he played with the pink strands of her hair putting them out of her face.

I sat on the bed across from them picking at the threads on the bed. They were both silent waiting for me.

“So. . . how pissed is Mom ?,”I finally asked

“Well, I think she is past being upset with you for leaving. I mean in my opinion” Aunt Minnie said,  “ But, she is absolutely furious you weren’t at the funeral. I mean she was livid--”

“I was busy--,”

“No one fucking believes that, you better come up with a better fucking excuse.” Alan shot at me

“Alan, sweetheart,  you can’t talk to him like that.”

“He can’t be babied, mon cher. Kristopher isn’t a child anymore, he is a man” Alan said

“Don’t go there,” Aunt Minnie said, “Everybody saying shit like that is why he left--,”

“No it’s not.” I said,” It’s not.”

“Listen, Kristopher,” Alan said , “ Go and see your god damn mother or we are telling her you were here.  The death was hard on her-“

“Doubt it.”

“It was. The bitch actually cried,” Alan said

“Alan,” Aunt Minnie warned him

“What ? She did,” he said running his finger underneath her bra strap.

“I know.” Minnow said, “But, don’t call her a bitch in front of him.”

I almost laughed, it wasn’t the first time I heard someone call my mom a bitch and I was sure it wouldn’t be the last.

“Kris, I'm sure you had your reasons for leaving,” Minnow said, “ We know you weren’t exactly happy here---“

“But,you can’t just turn your back and erase family,” Alan cut in.

“What like you did ?,” I challenged.

“Why don’t you come over here so I can beat you ass,” Alan said throwing a pillow hard at me, “But, you know  atleast I went to funerals, smartass.”

“Fine, I’ll go.” I said

I laid down and stretched out on the bed and Aunt Minnie ran her fingers through my black hair and down my face,  I felt like I was back in the childhood I was still pretty much in. The weekends and vacations  I spent most of my preteen and teenage years here with them, in this apartment under Aunt Minnie’s close eye. Watching the parade of strangers in the  evenings and nights in Alan’s basement office.

I craved Aunt Minnie’s maternal affections and I always had a playfully antagonistic relationship with Alan. I  always thought it was funny to do things that made him upset with me just to hear his empty threats to me.

We finished watching the parade with Julian and after a half of an hour more I promised not to make myself a stranger and said my goodbyes. I went back with Julian to the hotel and after dropping him off took the train to Mojave.

***

-5-

Getting off the train in Mojave the sun was setting in the sky and businesses were still crowded offering up parties for New Year’s Eve celebrations.  The crowds inside were nothing like the ones I had seen in the sprawl. I nervously  headed to the  noodle restaurant at the corner and I felt like all the eyes on me.  I was sure they weren’t but,  I felt like it.

I made it inside the restaurant and headed for the back, on my way, the first person I saw was Uncle Jean at the bar sipping on a shot with his arm around a man sitting beside him. He saw me out the side of his eye and  pushed away his stool, he  walked up to me and put his arm around my shoulder laughing.

“I knew it !,” he exclaimed, “I heard you were in town, little brother.”

“Aunt Minnie and Alan ?,” I guessed

“No,” he laughed, “ Some idiots tried to make a settlement  with these.”

He opened my hand and dropped  my ring, bracelet and watch into it.

“Not a good way to treat gifts, little brother,” he said

“Thanks.” I said,” I thought I would go and see Mom.”

“You did, did you ?,” he smiled picking up my watch, “Well, it is dinner time.”

With his arm still over my shoulder he walked me towards elevator at a speed faster then I was comfortable with. We went to  the second floor of the dining room and to the VIP seating. He rapped on the door before opening it.

“Oh, Sara Grace, I have a gift got you.” Uncle Jean called

He didn’t go in the room himself but, pushed me in and closed the door quickly.

Before I could take in the surroundings my mother got up from her seat, bolted across the room and slapped me hard across the face, she did it again before pushing me against the wall.

“Ow,” I said

She slapped me again.

“How dare you, Kristopher Grace ! How dare you not come to your own father’s funeral ! ” She screamed,” Tell me what the hell was so important ? Tell me Kristopher ? ,”

I heard the sounds of a glass and drinking. I looked up and saw Twyla, my baby sister sitting at the table trying to ignore what was going on.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I am. I guess I was afraid,” I said,” I thought you might make me do something I didn’t want to do.”

“Like what ?,” she questioned but she knew, “ Kris I always knew you were never made for that, I knew that. Everyone did."

“What is the big deal, anyway ? I never knew him. He wasn’t a real dad to me,”

“He gave us everything we have,” Mom reminded me.

I don’t know if I ever asked or when I even learned that Rayne Washington was my father. I knew the man in the picture next to my mother’s bed was Derek , Luce’s father who died 5 years before I was born.

I never came in much contact with Rayne so father was a word to me like saying this person is your waiter, this person is you cab driver, this person is your teacher.

As I got older, I became fully aware of what Rayne did and how my mother provided assistance to him as more than just a hacker on occasion.  When I turned 15, I spent more time around my father and was learning what went into running the most notorious cartel and organized crime group in the Republic. I was never alone with him, I was just around him.

That was when I realized what they did was something I didn’t want but, I could feel Mom wanting me to be involved in the Yakuza like my brother (he is a whole different story).  She was nonchalant when I brought college applications and information about schools. If I started talking about leaving home she would change the subject.

When I got into the Windrose School she always called it a nice option. Windrose School is in the North District of the Eastern States and I knew she didn’t want me going that far but, she never said it. We had a couple of fights and after a while, I was sick of the games and the pressure to do what she wanted that I  left for school without telling anyone last February and hadn’t been back home since.

It was impulsive and stupid but, it felt great to be away from that life, in a place where nobody knew me. I got the occasional message from Twyla, who is twelve now telling me what was going on. I think Twyla and I were close because we were the closest in age. She is a spitting image of my mother without the fiery red hair. Mom has always said Twyla was the  result of  a “quick and sweet love affair”.

4 months ago, Aunt Minnie sent me a message about Rayne getting killed and the funeral. I was sad and scared; sad because I knew Mom and Rayne were close and she would be upset but, I was afraid because I knew leadership of the Yakuza was done by hierarchy. Rayne and his wife never had any children, and to my knowledge I was the only illegitimate child he acknowledged. I was afraid if I came back I would never leave.

The dining room door opened again and Luce, my older brother walked in. At 10 years my senior I spent most of my life in his shadow and overcoming it. Growing up Mom told us to be careful how we treated him because he was so sensitive and because he was  functionally autistic among other things.

 Yet, he was now  the one running the Yakuza.

The decision  was a group consensus made by Rayne’s wife and others close in the organization. Luce had done excellent work for them in the past and my mother knew more about Rayne and the organization than she ever cared to share. I think it was his lack of emotions for everyone except mom and occasionally family that made him the perfect candidate. He was extremely intelligent, could be charasmatic when he wanted to and his charming good looks got him very far.

He walked into the dining room right between Mom and I and sat down at the table.

“Farfelle pasta. Red Sauce.Grilled Chicken. Glass of Sauvingon Blanc. I'm sorry. White wine is for fish. Very complex. Pinot Gris. No, another white. Gris a mistake. I'm sorry. Pinot Noir. Common mistake. That is weak. I'm sorry. Half glass of Merlot. Merlot is good.” Luce said. 

The woman in the corner left immediately.

He stared at me for a half second before undoing the silver ware.

Mom walked away from me and took a seat in the chair between him and Twyla. I felt bad for ignoring Twyla when I first came in so, I went over to her and hugged.

“I missed you, you know that ?,” I said to her.

“Yeah,” she smiled.

I stood awkwardly not knowing what to do next.  The chair next to Luce, the one I usually occupied was missing.

“So, Luce, your brother finally came to see us,” Mom said.

He flipped his eyes to me like he was seeing me for the first time.

“Sit. ” He said.

“I can’t stay,” I said

“Sit.” He repeated

“My friend is waiting,”

“Do they kick you out when you stop paying for school ?,” Luce asked.

He was referring to the fact that  my school tuition and board was always paid on time and I had 400 dollars in my checking account every month.

“I have to --,”

“SIT IN THE DAMN CHAIR !” Luce shouted at me.

I looked around and saw the table only had three chairs.

“You can have my seat,” Twyla said standing up.

“No. Take mine.” Luce said getting up.

 He sat on the edge of the table for a second, then stood up to take a handgun out of his back pocket and sat down again on the table.

I reluctantly took his seat and mentally prepared myself for the awkward dinner conversation that was going to ensue.

 Despite the obvious dysfunction, I did love my family. My mom wasn’t a typical mother, she was a hacker, a fugitive and the occasional assassin. My siblings and I had very little in common.  Luce took after mom, and he was the understood favorite.  I was the one who left and Twyla was still trying to find her place in this family. I kind of hoped she would follow after me.

“Kristopher," Luce said." They shot Rayne in the head. Kristopher. Clean shot. Stained mother’s shirt.  Kristopher. A sad time. Women cried. I’m sorry. Some men cried too. You missed the funeral. He is dead. Not that it is your fault.  I’m sorry. You missed the funeral."

“I know, I feel really bad I didn’t go.”

“I remember it. Should I tell you ?  Maybe later. I forget. I’m sorry. It was a long time ago. July.  A month before your birthday.  19 years old. Time passes.  I’m sorry. Never got your present.   That is all you missed.  I'm sorry. Christmas too. It’s over. What now ?. Nothing. I’m sorry.  A New Year. New Year’s Eve. You are here. Excellent. ” he said.

“Yeah, are you all doing anything special ?,” I said.

I knew they occasionally threw large parties.

“Mother. A girl. What is her name ?  I forget. I’m sorry. Her name is Aspen Ivan. Mother. She sent me a message.” Luce said

“Isn’t Aspen Ivan a Mjollner daughter  ?, ” Mom asked

“Yes. I believe she wants sex. I’m sorry. Sex with me,” Luce said

“They will say they want a truce but, they just want to takeover, they think we are weak.” Mom said, “A lot of us think they were behind Rayne’s death. I think you should stay away from her.”

“ Of course. Yesterday. I’m sorry. Just now. I met a man, personally. Owed us $30,000. Wanted out. He is suspicious. He is a spy for Mjollner. I think. I had to kill him. That is why I am so late,” he said.

“Did you shoot him, Luce ?” Twyla asked warily.

“No. I’m sorry. Yes. I shot him. Execution. I’m sorry. You know execution style ? I will explain,” he picked up the abandoned gun, “He gets on his knees.  I shot him in the head. I am close to him. Very clean. Not like Rayne. The body is still upstairs. I’m sorry. The man’s  body.”

She looked uneasy at the statement. He pushed the gun to her.

“I enjoyed it.  Practice. I’m sorry. Practice on  your toys. I’m sorry. If you want.”

“I don’t have toys, I’m not a baby.” Twyla whined

He picked up the gun and then put it back down again.

“We will get your own gun and give you something proper to practice on,” Mom said to Twyla.

This, this was it. This is what I couldn’t stand about living here, the constant talk about “the business.” The talk of life and death that Mom has been desensitized to, that Luce found fascinating and Twyla was getting a growing curiosity in.

“I have to go,” I said

“Goodbye,” Luce called after me.

“Kris no--,” I heard my mom say but, I was out the door.

 I went past the two guards and bolted  down the stairs. I heard someone coming behind me and I knew it was my mother, I tore out the restaurant faster because I knew she was still fast as hell. I made it outside past  where Uncle Jean  was lulling someone into a car.

-6-

I looked behind me and saw Mom running  at full speed close behind me , Twyla was trailing after her. The soles of Mom’s  boots making a quick clacking sound and red hair trailing behind in her own wind.  She was fast  and she caught up to me, took my arm holding me back.

“Kris, I don’t like this ! ” Mom said.”You know I always told you this life was a choice for you--,”

“That’s a lie. How can I choose when I don’t know anything else  ? ”

“Don’t leave, again” Twyla pleaded.

“Please, don’t walk out on me and never come back,” Mom said. “ That is my worst fear. It’s going to be new year let’s start over, okay ? ”

She put her arms around Twyla and held her close to her.

“We are your family, you are stuck with us. We should be worth everything to you.” Mom said.

She was right but, I just didn’t feel that way. Whenever I saw them I always wanted to go in the opposite direction.

“I’ve heard that before,” I said “Listen, I’ll be back tomorrow. I just need to leave. I have to go meet a friend.”

She frowned, I was sure she was seeing through my lie.

I took a few steps back to see if they were going to follow me—they didn’t and then I walked off.

I took the train back to Dresden  and headed straight for the hotel. I was in a blind panic to leave this city before I got sucked back in and  decided to go  and sleep  off the entire night.  I was heading through the lobby when I saw Captain Reed breeze past me in uniform with a suitcase in hand.

“Are you catching a flight ?,” I asked him,” I though VolAir canceled it.”

 “They did.” He said,” I got called in to do a private charter back to the East for a company. Quick tip, that’s where the money is. ”

“You are going back to the East ? Can I join you ?,” I asked

“Sure, but you won’t get paid and it won’t count toward your hours.”

“That is totally fine.” I said,” I’ll be down in 5 minutes.”

I went upstairs to see Julian was passed out on the bed. I left him a message, changed into my uniform and went to the airport with Captain Reed . The flight was a normal size with about 50 or so adults in their New Year’s best. I took the co-pilot’s seat and once we were in the sky I could breathe normally again.

“Are you worried about the weather ?,” I asked Captain Reed

“No, it’s cleared up and besides pilots have flown in worse,” he said.

I settled in my seat and tried not to feel guilty for just leaving. I knew it was juvenile, just leaving like that but, there was no other way. 

-7-

We were floating above the LOLA city limits and surrounding towns, when the storms started up again.

The rain covered the windows making it impossible to see anything out of it.

“This will clear up soon,” Captain Lee said.

He called the rain into headquarters and reduced speed. The plane cruised for a while before flipping completely on it’s side. I was pushed backwards against the wall and collided hard into the cockpit door. The plane then went back to it’s original position,  passengers were shouting behind the door..

“Shit ! Are you okay ? That was crazy,” Captain Lee asked, he had been thrown to the clear other side of the plane.

“Yeah,”  I said.

The wind hit again, followed by a spark of lightning the plane tilted to the side again before all of the power went off and we were in pitch black.

“I got it,” I said heading for the emergency power generator.

There were screams and knocks on the cockpit door, the passengers were demanding answers. I hit the emergency power.

“Hit the power !,” Captain Lee shouted.

“I did.” I said, I futilely pushing the button and nothing  happened.

The plane tilted to the side again and I felt gravity pulling us.

“What do I do ?,” I called

He was fiddling with the controls.

“What do I do ? ”  I yelled

“I don’t know,”Captain Lee said.

He shouted into his Syndicate to control central.

“We need help. Emergency.  We have no power. Help!,” he shouted

 I went to the window to see we were falling, the plane was going down and we were all spiraling towards Earth and our deaths.