2 Chapter Two

I could hear my mother in the kitchen after I closed the Chamber door. I was a little scared to walk into her view. I couldn't possibly know what she was going to say to me which was a little unusual. I have gone through every scenario. It's not my birthday, or dads, or hers, so what does she want to talk about and after what she had told me this morning. Was she really apart of the retaliation with dad? I could tell stress was overwhelming her, turning her hair gray and putting wrinkles all over her face, destroying her laugh lines. I really missed her laugh. I haven't heard it in almost. Come to think about it, I haven't heard it in years. How I would love to make her laugh again and I mean truly make her laugh. Not the kind of laugh that is just trying to satisfy someone so they shut up. Suddenly, I couldn't fight the urge to want to get out of the chambers, but I continued forward.

"Hey, honey," she forced a smile as she cooked, "I saw you talking to Michael, how was it?"

"I rather like him actually," I couldn't hide the smile, "the plus side, he's handsome."

"That he is," she chuckled, "I can't wait to meet him."

"You'll love him," I knew she would to, "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"I never should have said anything to you this morning," she sighed, "I never should've brought you into this."

"I can't say I wish you didn't," I could see the tears falling down her face, "It's a mix feeling. I am glad you did, but I hate knowing the truth."

"I understand," she was desperately trying to pull herself together, "the upside, that died when he died."

"Ok, that's all I need to know," I assured her, "I think Michael is going to be a good addition to the family."

"Really?" she didn't hide the smile, "I agree."

"Everything is going to be ok, mom," I gave her a gentle smile, "I promise."

"I know," she smiled back.

I walked into my room to get everything set up for school work while my mom prepared dinner. I thought about my project and I realized I am going to have to talk to Michael so I can finish it. I can do it myself, I just need to know what he wants and if it's opposite of mine, that we can come to a compromise. Honestly, I hope it isn't. That will make it so much easier. I have to admit, I do like a challenge though, but in the fun way, not the determining my life way. I put that out of my head for now and got my book out to start studying the planets of Anexia. Some people would call me an over-achiever, some call me a brown-noser, but to the people I care about, I am called the smart one. I personally don't think I am any smarter than them. I just apply myself more. They would achieve the same thing if they put the effort in. I actually got all my notes done by the time my mom finished dinner. It smelled amazing if I was going to be honest. I could tell she made a traditional, homemade, Italian dish. Chicken fetticini alfredo with brocoli. I mean homemade noddles, the works.

"Hey honey," she finished putting the food together, "Can you help me set the table?"

"Coming," I rather like helping her set the table, "smells delicious."

"Thank you," that lifted her spirits, "I figured you'd like it."

"I think we need a make-over," I finished setting the table, "Like mani-pedi, hair, and chamber. What do you think?"

"That sounds like a great idea," she took her usual seat across from me, "I think we've needed that for sometime and will do us good."

"Have any ideas?" I dished up both our plates, "I was thinking of a modern, rustic theme for the Chamber."

"Sounds like a good idea, honey," she seemed rather interested, "we can do a little shopping tomorrow and go out to eat."

"I would like that," I missed spending quality time with my mom, "I'll try to do as much school I can tonight since I'm pretty sure on what we will be studying. He doesn't skip through chapters."

"Don't over do yourself," that worried her, "you need to keep rested."

"Don't worry about me mom," I assured her, "I pretty much finished todays work. So, I can get started on tomorrows."

"Ok," she surrendered, "how's dinner?"

"It's delicious, thank you," I knew she would change the subject, "I can't wait to start my career."

"It's one of the best careers," she agreed, "it pays well."

"I thought there are no economical classes?" I actually always wondered about that.

"They tell you that," she sighed before taking a bite, "truth is, most of the money is put away until we find a planet and that is where the classes will start."

"I figured as much," I really wasn't surprised, "it makes sense."

"At least your kids or your kids' kids are going to be well taken care of," she seemed content, "as long as each kid is still placed with a good career like yours and not mine."

"What do you mean?" I was slightly confused.

"The Culinary pays maybe half of what you will make," she sighed, "Cleaners don't get paid as much as Culinary."

"That's stupid," I was a little upset with that, "all of those are needed for our survival."

"I agree and that is why there were retaliations," that was hard for her to say, "but there is nothing we can do about it."

"Hopefully, once this council passes and we elect new ones, there will be a change," I knew that probably wouldn't happen, but I still secretly hoped.

"Maybe," she finished her food, "are you still hungry?"

"No, I'm good," I smiled, "it was delicious. Thanks, mom."

"Of course, honey," she picked up our plates.

"You should let me cook sometime," I suggested as I finished picking up the table.

"You'll have to beat me home first," she laughed.

"I'll try," I smiled as she laughed more.

I headed to my room, but not before I turned to see her doing the dishes. I quickly finished my essay and started on the next chapter of notes. After I finished the notes, I reread my essay to make sure it was good. Once I finished that, I went back into, what we call, the living space and finished cleaning up what we started the day before. My mom was in the shower, so I cleaned up the walkway and the area splitting our rooms. When she walked out of the room, she looked sad. I knew she didn't really like me doing all the work and that's why I waited for her to take a shower and finished the housework. Inspections are Wednesday and we had to make sure everything was cleaned up. The slightest proof of cleanliness and she could lose a months work of pay. With my father gone, we can't afford to lose any money. They give us half of the pay and put the other half away in a secret bank account which we won't get the information from until we find a planet.

"Thank you, honey," she faked a smile, "you didn't have to do that."

"I know, but I wanted to," I hugged her.

"I'm going to have to make a note to not shower so close to inspection day," she laughed.

"You can try," I giggled.

"Alright honey," all joking put aside, "you need to get ready for bed."

"Yes, mom," I smiled and touched her shoulder before heading to my room.

I know I said before that we have a study room, but neither one of us have used it since my father died. I think we should go through everything and clean it out. I'll have to make a mental note to talk to her tomorrow about it. It's a touching subject, but I'm sure she'll agree. We can't have anything else lying around connecting us to him. Part of the law of exile. Stupid, but I guess I understand it. No, I don't like it, but it's effective in its own way. After I put my pj's on, I did the usual routine and shut all the lights off, locking the door, and went to bed. Again, I didn't realize how tired I was until my head truly hit the pillow and I was out like a light. When I woke up, I was actually up before my mom, so I decided to make breakfast. Her favorite, french toast with strawberry topping, powdered sugar and sausage on the side. My dad used to make it every Sunday morning for her. I'm sure you wonder how we keep up with the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years here. Well, 6 second equals 1 hour, 6 hours equals one day, 6 days equals a month, 3 months equals a year. That's not acurate, but multiply or divide everything by 4 and that is how here we are 4 times younger than we would be on Earth.

"Smells good, honey," she looked surprised as she walked into the dining area.

"Thanks, I was up before you so I decided to make breakfast," I smirked.

"Well, thank you," she smiled and set the table.

"Hey mom, I think we should clean out dad's study," I decided to rip the bandage off.

"Yes, I guess it's time," she didn't even look up from her plate.

"It's hard for me too, but it's also a hard reminder," I couldn't help pointing it out, "I'll do it so you don't have to."

"That's alright, honey," she sighed, "we'll do it together."

"Ok," I ended it there.

We didn't say anything more to each other and just ate our food. I knew it was a touchy subject, but it needed to be brought up. We finished up and I put everything away. When I looked at the time, I didn't realize how much extra time I had. I got all my stuff together and got dressed. I told my mom I would see her after school and headed to the gym. I thought about it and I haven't seen my mom go to the gym since dad died. That wasn't good at all. Keeping up with your health and exercise is key to survivng on Nora. Otherwise, we fade away slowly. I'm going to have to talk to her about coming with me. I walked into the locker room and changed into my workout clothes. I put in my, what we call, earbuds in and started on my daily workout. I was surprised to see Michael when I stood up from doing my exercises I had to do on the mat. He was staring at me so I smiled and finished my workout. It's good not to be distracted while you are working out and stay focused.

I wasn't surprised to see that he was still working out when I walked out of the locker room. I nodded to him and went to meet up with Isabella. I met her at the coffee stand. I was glad that I had extra time because it's been a while since I was able to have real coffee. I don't have coffee at home because it's the artificial, powdered type and it tastes like crap. I don't know what crap tastes like, but I'm sure it's pretty close to the taste of that coffee. She was actually surprised to see me when I walked up to her. That's how long it's been since I've been able to do this with her. It made my heart jump with excitement. I felt like I was getting back into my normal routine before my dad died. It felt really good. The look of surprise on Isabella's face changed to quickly to excitement the closer I got to her. She has a beautiful smile. Isabella is beautiful, but I mean, she has that smile that makes guys flock to her the minute she flashes it.

"Wow, look who's here on time," her eyes danced with happiness, "I was wondering when this was going to happen again. Now I have more time to braid your hair."

"I know," I laughed, "let's sit for a minute."

"So, what did your mom want to talk about yesterday?" she didn't hide her curiousity as we sat down.

"Nothing important," I sighed, "she was just making sure I was ok."

"Weird," she looked confused as she got up to start braiding my hair.

"I know," I hate lying to her, "she agreed that we should clear out the study."

"That's a big step," she finished the braid, "but I guess it's time."

"Hey," somebody over my shoulder said and Isabella's face light up, instantly giving me an idea of who it was.

"Hey," I turned around to be able to look at him.

"Lunch today?" he smirked.

"Of course," I lifted my chin, "we need to talk anyway."

"This will be interesting," he gave a crooked smile, "I hope you're not calling everything off."

"Well, you'll just have to see," I desperately hid a smile.

"I guess I will," playfulness dancing through his eyes, "I will see you ladies later."

"Later," Isabella and I returned, trying to hide the feeling of a bubbling teenager.

"He is so beautiful," she sighed, "I wish my arrangement was as handsome."

"Girl, your man is still hot," I teased her.

"I was placed with a cleaner," she groaned.

"True," I sighed, "my mom told me all about the paying scale yesterday."

"What do you mean?" she looked a little sad and irritated.

"Nevermind, I'm sure everything is going to be great," I assured her and then changed the subject, "hey, do you think you'll be able to come stay the night Friday?"

"I can see," I could tell that she was upset about me changing the subject, but she played along, "why?"

"Well, a sleep over like old times," I gave a playful smile, "and I was wondering if you would help me with a project."

"There it is," she threw her hands in the air trying to be dramatic, "fine! but, you're helping me with an essay."

"Deal," we both laughed.

We always helped each other out when the other needed it. I was surprised she had an essay though. It couldn't be for my moms class. It must be for her career knowledge class. No point of thinking about it now. I'll figure it out on Friday. She did her normal looping of my arm and we walked off to our classes. I had 10 minutes to spare when I arrived to the class. Everybody looked at me with surprised. I just shot a huge smile to everyone and sat down in my usual seat. By the time the teacher came into the classroom, I already had everything on my desk and was ready to go. He taught everything I already knew he was going to teach, so the class was rather a breeze, but felt like it was taking forever. So, I decided to do the essay so I wouldn't have to worry about it when I got home from hanging out with my mom and started on the next chapter of notes. Surprising, he didn't call on me at all today, but called on the kid across the room and he answered correctly. I don't know why, but with a room that could seat 20, we all sit away from each other.

If the council came in, they could force us to all sit together. They want us to make friends and such. After they leave, everyone goes back to where they where before. I can understand why they want us to make friends. We need to maintain our humanity and make sure we have people once we inhabit a planet. Unfortunately, the more intelligent you seem, the more you isolate yourself from other people here. I desperately try not to do that. I want to have people I can count on, but unfortunately, no one really wants to be my friend after my dads conviction. It seems now that people are finally forgetting and letting go. That should make it a slight easier, maybe. It was really hard right after. No one would even look at me. They would turn their heads when I entered the room or they would just leave. Now, everyone has pretty much gotten back to their lives. I've always had Isabella to count on though. She would yell at anyone who treated me badly. I don't know what I would've done without her.

I had finished my notes by the time class was over. I turned in my notes and stepped out of the classrom. This time I wasn't the last one leaving the room, but the first. Everyone behind me gasped. That made a slight smile cross my face and bring m chin up. I waited by Isabella's classrom. They still had a couple more minutes. She'll be surprised I'm waiting for her instead of the other way around. I overheard Isabella's teacher wrapping things up. Isabella's schedule is opposite of mine. Her career knowledge class is first and then the cooking class with my mom is after lunch. Apparently, I helps keep people from cheating. I don't know how, considering everyone who is supposed to be in the class is already in the class since they are so small. Maybe it's supposed to be for future plans that they try to enfore now. Who knows. Before I knew it, Isabella was walking out of the classroom and of course, she had the look of surprise on her face which made me laugh.

"Wow, what is going on today?" she was going crazy.

"What do you mean?" I knew what the answer was going to be.

"You know what I mean," she threw her hands up, almost hitting someone, "sorry. First, you meet me for coffee and now you are waiting for my class to get out."

"Oh…..that," I was being coy.

"Oh….that?!" she hissed, "fine!"

"Honestly, I just woke up early for once this morning after a long time," I calmed her, "that's all."

"Wow. Ok," she didn't like that answer, but she accepted it, making me laugh.

"Come on, let's eat," I giggled.

"I didn't realize how hungry I was till you said something," she picked up the pace, "hurry up! I'm starving!"

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" I laughed, catching up to her.

When I caught up to her, she looped her arm around mine and we laughed. Almost skipping to the cafeteria. Looking around the tables, my mom made tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. Probably because she knows I don't like grilled cheese without the tomato soup. I find it funny that whenever she cooks for everyone, she only makes what I or Isabella would like. I should probably see what Michael likes to eat. Obviously, he has grown up with authentic Italian food. I grew up with American food, which is just about everything, but it's not as aunthentic as the true countries. I noticed that Michael had already gotten mine and Isabellas food. We looked at each other in awe and moved to the table. He pulled out our chairs as we sat down. I didn't realize he was such a gentleman. I was a little surprised, but glad I was going to marry a good man.

"Wow, thank you Michael," Isabella and I said in unison as usual.

"No problem ladies," he looked quite accomplished.

"Don't be smug," I raised an eyebrow with a smile on my face.

"My apologies," he bowed his head, "just want to make you happy."

"You're already doing that," I smiled, "so...what do you like to eat?"

"I love my pasta and my soups," he looked a little puzzled, "why?"

"Well, we need to get to know each other," I gave a side way look.

"True," he titled his head a little, "then what do you like to eat?"

"Same," I took a bite of my food, "but also breakfast foods. Just not big on eggs or bacon."

"Ok," he took a couple bites of his food, "let's get down to the chase, shall we?"

"Yes, lets," I jumped straight to the point, "how many kids do you want? 1 or 2?"

"Ugh," he pratically choked, "I hadn't really thought about it. You?"

"I want 2," I wasn't fazed, "We need to come up with a career plan. Especially when we have our first kid."

"We can have 2 and I agree," he pulled himself together, "we should make a day to discuss that."

"I agree," I found amusement by the look of shock on Isabella's face, "I think everything else can be talked about in private."

"I couldn't agree more," then he dropped the proper act, " you just better not turn into a housewife. They are just utterly boring."

"I promise I won't," I was shocked with that statement.

"So….How was class?" Isabella didn't not want to be part of that conversation.

"I had already had the stuff done for tonights and tomorrows assignment," I sighed, "so it was rather boring."

"Why did you finish everything already?" she had a weird look on her face.

"My mom and I are going to go shopping and out to eat tonight, so I wanted to make sure everything was done that way I don't have to worry about it," I thought that was a good answer and it was true.

"Ok, that makes sense," she nodded her head in agreement, "what do you guys plan on doing?"

"We are going to remodel the Chamber," I wasn't sure what yet, "we are also getting a mani-pedi and doing something with our hair."

"Sounds like fun," she smiled, "I'm not going to ask how, because I don't think you know how yet."

"You would be right, as usual," I laughed, "I love but hate that you know me so well."

"Don't worry, the feeling is mutual," she laughed right back.

"How long have you guys been friends?" Michael seemed intrigued.

"Since we were both 10," we replied in unison. We could be twins.

"Do you guys finish each others sentences?" he was being playful.

"Why yes, sometimes we do?" I gave him a snide look while trying to hide a smile.

"Maybe you two should get married," he smirked.

"You'd like that to much," I smiled this time.

"You're right, I would," he laughed, "2 beautiful women as my wives. Who wouldn't?"

"Um… I don't think so," Isabella joined the conversation.

"What? Why not?" he acted hurt.

"You're not my type," she looked away.

"Oh, ok then," he laughed.

"We need to get to class," I sighed, "we'll talk later about a day."

"Of course," he stood up, "you ladies have a good rest of your day."

"You too," I smiled.

We walked to our classes as usual. I got more and more excited as the time got closer to have a mother and daughter night. It was well needed between me and my mom. We've drifted apart since my dad died. I needed to talk to my mom about her exercise anyway. I will just have to figure out when would be a good time. At this rate, if she doesn't start exercising again, she will die in a matter of years. I need my mom. At least for another few decades. I'll need her help when I have my first kid. You know, the works. Anyway, I don't want to think about that right now and this class seems to be dragging today. I guess it's because for once I have something to look forward to doing after school besides school work. We are going to have to decide what we are going to redecorate with. I don't want us spending to much money though.

Finally, class was over and I raced home. I was so excited. I even changed my clothes and apparently, my mom decided to change as well. The night was great. We couldn't stop laughing through the mani-pedis. I colored my hair with dark blue and dark red streaks. My mom decided to go with blonde streaks. I teased her a little bit about it saying it was so basic. Of course, she didn't care. She laughed at it with me. We decided to go with a more earthy, warming affect to the Chamber. I rather liked it. The mixture of bright and dark colors. Keeping balance between the two. She is going to allow me to paint some flowers and stuff along the walls. We decided to have Mexican food. Steak Chicano has always been my favorite.

We sat there, quietly, eating our food. It was like we ran out of stuff to stay. I just hoped that it wasn't going to be like that all the way home. I rather enjoyed hanging out with my mother. We used to do this all the time until my father died. Then she just closed herself off and would barely let me in. Today was the closest I have been able to get to my mother on an emotional standing. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it is not going to happen as much as I want it to and I feel like there is going to be bad news following this when we get back to the chamber. When I start to feel myself falling down the same depressive route as my mother, I turn to dance, singing, writing, drawing, reading, anything to do with the artistical sense. I have a feeling that is what I am going to end up doing tonight after I do a little homework. I refuse to fall behind in any means.

Anything in the artistical sense is almost like a lost art. There are historical videos of Derek Hough and his dancing, Ryan Buell and his ghost hunting, Stephen King and his intense books, and Katy Perry or any other great singer and their music. Writing by hand or even by keyboard has become a historical art, but I am one of the few that try to keep it going. Sometimes I wonder how it would've been like if I lived during the early 2000s before the worst president in history came and the world start deteriating from inside the countries out. We aren't allowed to talk about that though. They say "we need to focus on the future of our survival, not the past", but wouldn't it be smarter to look at the past and see where we gone wrong to prevent it from happening on the new planet? I hope that both me and my mother are alive when that day comes that we can step foot on new soil and make a place we can call home. No difference of race, everything start anew.

"Mom, you feeling ok?" I'm genuinely concerned for her.

"Yea, honey," she was forcing a smile, "just in my own thoughts is all."

"Ok, you must be tired," I knew she was, "should we head back to the chamber?"

"Yea, that sounds like a good idea," she got up, "besides, we need to make sure the chamber is good for inspection tomorrow."

I didn't say anything, but got up and followed her. I could tell she was hiding something from me, but I didn't want to push my luck. Today was a good day and I didn't want to ruin it with prying for answers. I'm sure in due time she will tell me or at least I hope so. Considering, she has been able to hide things from me before, but she had my dad around then. Losing my dad was the worst thing that could've ever happened to her. I couldn't even imagined. It's ironic though, at first they couldn't stand each other. A couple years after they got married is when they started to get along. I guess they figured "If you can't beat it, given in". It's sad that we have to live that way. I definitely don't want to live that way. I guess it's a good thing that Michael and I are getting along. I think secretly that my mom doesn't want me to live the same life she did. Honestly, I don't either. I love her with all my heart, but there is no way I want to be or end up like my mother.

When I walked into the chamber behind my mother, the atmosphere got dense and it made me rather uneasy. Her physical demeanor changed and she started slouching. It made my heart to start racing. I haven't felt this uneasy since my dads trials and execution. My mom kind of just dropped the stuff we bought and walked distraught like to her room. I let her be, but it wasn't without a heavy heart. I knew something was seriously wrong, but I couldn't make her talk even if I tried and believe me, I've tried. I put everything away and made sure everything was up to par for the inspection tomorrow. I'm going to have to miss the last half of my morning class tomorrow to be here for the inspection because my mom has to work. They at least respect the fact of there needing to be somebody there for it. My mom hasn't come out of her room and I still have a time before bed. I didn't know what to do because my mind was on my mom. I just decided to try and go to bed early. It was probably for the best anyway. I sighed and walked into my room, did my nightly routine, and crawled into bed. Surprisingly, I fell asleep with everything going through my head.