Chapter 2

Alex

I watch Lucinda immediately rise.

"Nathan you're awake. Why didn't you call me to help you?"

"I found it difficult sleeping with the noise in here." he says flatly, "And I doubt you would have heard me over it."

She walks toward him as if some invisible force pulls her. She gently brushes his hair out of his eyes. Everyone else is silent with the apprehension he brings with him into the room.

I study Nathan as I haven't seen him in some time and he has changed a bit. He looks healthier and far less sickly than I remember. Luce must be making sure he eats proper meals. He has some meat on his bones. His blood red hair still covers half of his face but it seems to have grown, no longer shoulder-length. I suppose Lucinda hasn't gotten around to cutting it. Or he wont let her yet.

I watch her lightly lay a hand on his forearm.

"Are you hungry? You need to take your afternoon medication."

His dull grey eyes look tired. At last he gives a barely perceptible nod, then lets his head slowly fall forward, causing crimson locks to obscure his face.

"Alright." she says.

Then she dutifully wheels him through the door leading to the kitchen. The rest of us follow, after all we're hungry as well. Everyone settles at the dining table, leaving a space beside Nathan, while Luce hurries into the kitchen to prepare the meal. No one speaks because the mood is awkward and we are unsure as to what to say. Eventually, Alice decides to strike up a conversation with Lucky, ironically enough. I simply pick at the edge of my teal and black striped scarf. I see Nathan has opted to fiddle with one of his wheels for lack of anything better to do.

Nathan has always caused wariness and anxiety in most people who have the displeasure of meeting him. I'm not sure if it's an air of despair he carries with him or just his cool gaze but he always makes everyone uneasy. Everyone excluding Lucinda, at least. Though I suppose it wasn't always this. From what I've heard before his tragic accident, the one that landed him in the wheelchair, he was a cheerful and nice kind of guy. But that was a long time ago. And loss and grief have changed that. After that he came to depend solely on Luce.

I doubt Lucinda even minds, however. She loves taking care of him. Its obvious. It brings her joy to be able to care for the ones she loves. It's stupid, but she practically lives for it. And honestly, who am I to care? But with Nathan I don't think its just friendly love. I think she loves him. I think she has for a long time. It sounds like an impossible feat but I'm certain its true. I honestly don't know what she sees the hapnophobic. I doubt I ever will.

Soon enough Lucinda comes in with a large platter of fresh chicken and chips. She sets it down then retrieves a small bowel of steaming rice and a jug of water from the kitchen. After she sets it down, she serves Nathan first, as per usual. After setting the plain rice down in front of him, she goes on to serve everyone else.

Luce has a special way of knowing just how large a portion is necessary for each individual. For example Lucky, being a relatively larger fellow compared to dainty little Alice has a much larger portion, as is necessary for him. I suppose it could be considered brilliant, if it wasn't such a pointless skill.

We all tuck in quickly. It is Lucinda's cooking after all, and despite my indifference to her and people in general, I have to admit she is an amazing cook.

When we are done we all wash up and settle in the main room while Luce cleans up. Everyone pretty much does their own thing, save for Nathan who spends most of his time, if not all of it, with Lucinda. Honestly I think the two of them deserve each other. In fact, they can go to hell together for all I care.

 

Luce

I look at the mess that has been left on the table and sigh. I decide to ignore it for now and take a cloth instead. I gently wipe Nathan's face then get his prescriptions and a glass water. He takes them with no trouble at all. I cant help but remember what it was like before, though.

He begs me over and over not to make him take it. I tell him he will feel better. I promise several times that it is the truth. At last, after a little more coaxing, he gives in.

I smile in memory. Its one of the very few pleasant ones I have of him after the accident. After mentally shaking myself out of the pleasant reverie I turn my attention back to the table and begin to gather up everyone's dishes.

"You shouldn't have to do this."

I look up at Nathan, expecting an explanation to his quiet comment.

"The least they can do is clear up their own dishes. They are not young children."

I indulge a small smile. "They're not adults either. Its fine. Its not any trouble. I don't mind."

He says nothing and looks away, but I am sure he does not agree. I take the stack of dishes to the sink and start washing them. I finish washing and drying the dishes, put them away then begin wiping down the table. As I work I can feel his eyes on me. I look up.

"You could use a haircut." I say.

He shrugs.

As I finish I turn back to him. "Now?"

"No."

I don't argue. I just wheel him back to the main room.

Alice sees me and smiles. Lucky nods in acknowledgement. Then Alex speaks,

"So what was so important that you need all of us here?"

I realise that now that everyone is present and fed, its time to cut to business. Nathan nods at me. I clear my throat and speak up.

"Its kind of an emergency," I say, "I think we're all fully aware that our peers have never been quite fond of us. They want to oppress us and make our lives miserable." I see some nods of agreement. "But some are getting a bit bold and are publicly, physically attacking people like us." 

I pause, carefully phrasing what I'm about to say.

"Last night at the park, a Goth couple was attacked by a group of drunken teenage boys. A couple we know. Right now Lila Robinson and Derek Night are both in critical condition." Alice gasps and I watch both Alex and Lucky's eyes widen.

"Oh God." Alice says as Lucky slowly helps lower her onto the settee. "He was my ex but he wasn't a bad guy. And Lila was so sweet..." Alex brings a hand to his temple, shock written all over his face. "Holy f**k."

As that message sinks in, I take a breathe to continue, "There have been others too. Some in which the victims have died. They're targeting whoever fit's the stereotypes for 'moshers' or 'metal heads.' Though I've also heard some attacks on homosexuals." I notice Lucky and Alex shift a bit. "Just wearing all black," I gesture to myself, "Makes us targets. Piercings, tattoos, band tees, that's what they look for. Some even believe we're Satanists."

"What?" Alice asks, obviously bothered, "I'm Catholic!"

She pulls out her crucifix from inside her shirt. "This is a freaking cross!"

I shrug. "I don't know but we need to be careful. Its dangerous."

Alex speaks up, "I get that you want us to careful but honestly if they do attack us with killer intent what do you expect us to do? You cant be suggesting we change the way we look just because some stupid preps give a f**k!"

"Of course not! I wouldn't even consider such a thing! We cant just change the way we dress and act because they don't like it. We aren't just going to give up our identities. They cant make us give up our way of life because they don't understand. We wont ever bow down to that sort of injustice!" I exhale.

I watch the mischievous grin slip onto Alex's face as he leans against the arm of the sofa in front of me.

"I've never heard you speak so passionately before. I admit, I like this little rebellious side of you."

I gasp as Alex reaches up and plays with an inky black lock of my hair. Suddenly his grin looks predatory. I carefully untangle his fingers from my hair and take a considerably large step back. After clearing my throat awkwardly, I continue speaking,"So, to answer your question, no, I don't believe we should give in. That's just what they want us to do. I do, however, believe we ought to take some precautionary measures of sorts. We need to figure out ways we can avoid confrontation and up our chances of escaping if one is inevitable."

Lucky speaks up, "She's right. We cant prevent everything but we can give ourselves a fair chance." The others nod and express their agreement.

Everyone starts conversing, trying to think of ideas.

"Luce," Alice says, "Wouldn't you agree that we'd have a better chance if we weren't alone?"

I turn to her, "What do have in mind?"

"I think we should stick together when we can. And pair up when we cant. Each of us has classes with at least one of us with them."

"Alice is right. Two of us have a much better chance than just one."

"Lucky and I have classes together." Alice says cheerily.

"Me and Luce have two classes with you, as well." Alex adds.

I nod, "So it works out."

The rest of the evening went like that. Everyone thought of ideas and chatted.

I cant help but worry about Nathan though. Would he still be targeted despite his handicap? I collapse on an empty couch, tired. Alex notices and comes to sit with me.

"So I guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other now, huh?"

I felt warmth rise in my cheeks as I realised that most of my classes were only shared with him.

"I suppose..."

He opens his mouth to say something else but instead of his voice I here a cough. I turn my head to Nathan, who I now see is quite exhausted. I mentally curse myself for not noticing earlier.

"You look exhausted."

"I'm surprised you noticed." he sounds less irritated however and more resigned.

"I'm sorry. I'll get you to bed."

I turn to the rest.

"Hey, I think its time to call it a night. We're all going to need rest if we want to stay alert."

They agree and start to head off.

"Goodnight Luce!" Alice says with a forced smile, still not over the shock about Lila and Derek.

Lucky just waves, "Night." before making a brisk exit.

Alex however quickly comes over and kisses me on the cheek before I realise whats happening. "Later." he says with a wink and a flirty wave.

All I can do is stand stunned. Until I hear Nathan clear his throat behind me. I turn to him. Surprisingly, I don't think he saw the exchange.