2 - No More Fun and Games

2 - No More Fun and Games

A Chapter by GHW

Chapter 2

 

“Jared…Jared!? You still there?”

 

He looked at his smart phone, wondering why his mind was suddenly marvelling at the technology he and everyone else had taken for granted for so long. There it was, in his hand " so small, sleek and thin, yet with a screen large enough to let you surf the Internet and watch video. And so shiny " it was like a mirror made of different colours. Truly a far cry from the old dull plastic rotary phones he remembered as a child growing up in the 70s. It seemed to have a life of its own as it sat in the palm of his hand, and shouted out to him. It couldn’t have been Joey on the other end " he doesn’t shout like that…yet he could still hear what sounded like Joey, his best friend since elementary school, coming from this thing in the palm of his hand. Jared quickly snapped the phone up to his ear, but held it several inches away.

 

“Joey!” Jared interrupted.

 

“Jared! We have to get ourselves together!!” commanded Joey, referring to Mattie and himself, and Theresa and John who were with them at Papa Bowl’s. Joey wasn’t simply shouting " he had a frightful desperation in his voice Jared had never heard from his best friend in all the years they had known each other.

 

Jared agreed, but began to wonder if the rest of them had become separated. “What’s going on down there where you are Joey " are you all still together?!” queried Jared.

 

“No!” he cried out, “We were seated waiting for our order when we first heard them! Mattie said she needed to check something out and got up " she said she’d be right back! That was fifteen minutes ago, and she’s not answering her phone " I left Theresa and John at the table, and I’m out in the mall looking for her now. People are starting to leave, and more of these things keep marching in! Are they ever going to " ”.

 

Jared noticed everything suddenly when silent on his phone. “Oh God, what’s happened now?” he though out loud. Then he realized it wasn’t just his phone that went silent. He lowered the phone slightly and listened all around him in the washroom " silence. The marching musical chorus had stopped.

 

His phone came to life again with the familiar sound of his friend’s voice. “Jared " you still there?” he called.

 

“Hi Joey " I thought I lost you.”

 

“No " I never hung up” confirmed Joey, “Do you see " um " hear what is going on now, or should I say ‘not going on’?”

 

“Yeah " I ran to the washroom in the back so I could hear better, but it’s quiet here all of a sudden” Despite being very concerned, he sensed while Joey was still agitated, he was now slightly calmer. No " distracted might better describe his shifted demeanour, like he was suddenly preoccupied with something else.

 

“Yeah, that’s probably why Mattie isn’t picking up her phone.” Joey realized, “She probably couldn’t hear it ringing…”

 

“You should try her again Joey " I’m making my way towards you now…” He hung up as he exited the washroom door and looked up the text sent by his sister. No more texts came through. As he started to dial Darlene’s number, she must have been thinking the same thing " to check on her family. Its distinctive ring signalling her incoming call, which he answered, interrupted his phone’s dialling.

 

“Hello " Darlene?” His voice was strained with tension, especially after hearing Joey so agitated.

 

A female voice, crying ever so mildly answered back. Darlene often tried her best to contain her emotions. She was ninety percent successful a hundred percent of the time, but anyone who knew her could tell when she was more bothered than she let on. The ten percent always gave her away.

 

“Jared " what’s going on? We thought this was some kind surprise performance for our recycling tour, but none of the employees here seem to know anything about it. I though it was a joke because everybody’s phone started ringing, and people were saying that friends and relatives, calling from different places " not just here " are all seeing and hearing the same thing!”

 

She paused and Jared found himself at a loss for words, which happens quite rarely. As he was about to round the corner into the main part of the grocery store the pause allowed him to hear the same thing described by his sister. There was no more music, or performance announcements, or loud show-time chatter " just the digital beeps, alarms, and melodies coming from near and far of people’s mobile devices. Jared stopped at the end of the washroom corridor just before the main part of the store came into view. A new set of small noises joined the chorus of phones and hushed conversation from inside the store on the other side of the corridor wall. The mechanical crackle of human voices over two-way radio indicated an increased security presence to Jared. Before he had a chance to peek, Darlene continued speaking.

 

“None of the employees or our teachers is laughing. And I saw a couple of managers slinging orders to some other guys to phone so’n’so and do this and do that, and they didn’t look or sound happy about it. If they’re in on it, they belong on Broadway!”

 

“I don’t think it’s a joke Darlene,” answered Jared gravely. “The same thing is happening here " I’m just coming out of the washroom and I hear everybody’s phones going crazy.”

 

“No this whole thing is crazy!” she blurted, “If this isn’t supposed to be happening " if all these dressed-up people aren’t supposed to be in here, the teachers and chaperones should be getting everyone the hell out of the building " there’s at least a hundred of them in here with us! If something bad is going on " shouldn’t they be trying to get us out, like if it was a bunch of robbers or terrorists or something?”

 

She had a good point " why were they not leaving immediately?

 

She continued, her voice wavering, “No one will let us leave, and these funny tall people aren’t doing anything now " they just lined themselves against the walls and are standing…almost like at attention.”

 

“Who won’t let you leave?” Jared demanded to know. “These strange people, or the group you are with?”

 

“No " not the strange people” she answered without hesitation, “Our teachers and chaperones " and the employees don’t seem to want to go outside either . It doesn’t make any sense!”

 

 Joey didn’t know what to tell her.

 

“You hang tight” he soothed, “I’m just coming out of the washroom at the grocery store in the mall. I’ll have a look around and tell you what I see " talk to you shortly.”

 

“Ok…” she whimpered as he pocketed his phone. He could hear a few scattered, frightened sobs, along with more crackling radios as he rounded the corner. Faint background sounds of sirens were also audible.

 

Jared exited the back hallway that led to the washrooms. Instantly he felt his adrenal glands squeeze a shot of wake-me-up inside his body beneath the pit of his stomach as his heart rate spiked. No wonder people went from partying, to no longer laughing, to scared with some tears. Just like Darlene described at the recycling plant, all these tall people were now still and silent, standing back-to against the mall corridor walls seemingly at attention. People were no longer standing still watching " they were making their way here and there, switching direction, as if not sure where to go. Peoples’ phones were still quite busy, probably getting the same news from people in other places as Jared had.

 

It was as if people were trying to communicate with each other, yet be quiet at the same time. Kind of like a set of parents who talk to each other about a concern out of necessity in front of their sleeping baby. People moved, and the tall costumes didn’t seem to notice. Jared picked up his pace slowly, watching for any response from the tall ones " none. The mall was huge, yet they lined every solid wall on both sides of the mall halls. As he passed beneath the promenade he could see they lined all three levels of it as well. He broke out into a trot towards Papa Bowl’s. Others were doing the same. Through the food court where the tall marchers originally came through, tables were empty. A few establishments still had staff behind the counter, acting like they weren’t sure what to do. Most were unattended. Jared was now in a fast sprint. Down the escalator " but with a difference this time.

 

Although being somewhat short at only 5’8” tall, Jared was always quite strong and athletic. Even in his mid thirties, he hadn’t completely outgrown the “little child” bundle of energy we all start out with in life. Typically he would run instead of walk up and down escalators in malls. It was annoying when they were crowded and he had to wait and ride them like everyone else. Although he was in a moving crowd at this moment, he did not have to wait. Even the man in front of him with a baby in a stroller was carrying it and stepping down the moving stairs two at a time, as were several other people. A few were teenagers, and even an elderly couple. If the old lady or gentleman had mobility issues, they certainly weren’t apparent now " they were almost able to keep up with the rest of the crowd.

 

A few people shrieked as they reach the bottom level " even these walls were lined with yet more tall people dressed in those amazing looking spandex-like suits. They were stationed back-to the wall and perfectly still and silent, just like the others upstairs.

 

The red, blue, and green neon-lit sign for Papa Bowl’s greeted Jared as he and the others stepped off the bottom of the escalator. He ran towards the entrance, but stopped short in his tracks. He was the only one going in " the others were hastily making their way out of the restaurant into the mall. The tall ones standing on either side of the entrance caused exiting patrons to be startled as they passed through. The now statue-like visitors didn’t react to any of the scurrying people in any way " not even a flinch or a noise as people inadvertently walked within a metre of where they were standing. Jared hesitated…they might react if he were to approach them towards the entrance of Papa Bowl’s where his friends were.

 

“Here goes” he readied himself as he blinked, and took a deep breath. Still trying to look as casual as possible while hurrying, he blanked out his mind and let himself semi-consciously walk straight to the entrance. Another churning of adrenaline in the pit of his stomach convinced him they would reach out as he walked by. His heart skipped a beat as he silently braced to be assaulted at the door. Next thing he knew, he was inside, and automatically making a beeline for their favourite spot where they always sat for Friday lunches.

 

A wave of relief swept over him as he recognized the familiar faces at their usual table.

 

“You found Mattie!” Jared exclaimed as Joey sighed heavily with relief.

 

Theresa and Mattie got up and hugged Jared as if they hadn’t seen him in years. Even John, a typical non-warm-and-fuzzy computer professional patted his arm around Jared’s shoulder as Joey joined the hug.

 

“We should go!” Jared urged.

 

John and Theresa immediately shook their heads “No”, and Mattie answered in a much more animated fashion.

 

“No!!” she blurted, “Have you been outside yet?”

 

Jared slowly shook his head “No” with the same confused look he must have shown when his sister Darlene told him she and her group were not allowed to leave he recycling plant. That reminded him " he told her he would get back to her earlier. It’s a wonder why she hadn’t texted him back.

 

With a quick finger motion, Mattie beckoned everyone seated at the table. They all leaned forward as if not only to listen but also to note Jared’s reaction when Mattie spoke, since he didn’t seem to realize yet.

 

“The reason I left a few minutes ago was to look outside” she said, her voice shaky and nervous. “You haven’t been out yet?”

 

Joey, John, and Theresa studied Jared’s silent reaction and facial expression that was giving away his increasing concern.

 

“I went out the doors on Romans to see if it had something to do with the parade” she said, her left eye starting to well slightly, barely enough to form a tiny teardrop.

 

Jared wanted to prompt her to just “spit-it-out” but stayed silent instead, afraid of what he might hear.

 

“They’re not just in the malls and stores…” Her voice and calm demeanour cracked for a second as she lifted her hand to her face and then used it to take Jared’s hand. “They were marching down both sides of Mumford, as far as I could see. Traffic was stopping, and I saw several patrol cars " the officer was on his radio having an intense conversation with someone " I don’t think they know what’s going on either.”

 

Jared finally broke his silence. “I thought I heard sirens” he said softly, to none of his friends in particular as he stared at Mattie’s hand. He then lifted his gaze to the others.

 

“That’s why the cops aren’t here at the mall yet " they don’t know which place in town to respond to first.” John said.

 

“That’s right” Joey added, “These things are EVERYWHERE! The news has now broken on the Hfx-Times website in Halifax, CMN, and everything in between!”

 

Theresa just sat there, listening like she couldn’t ignore the conversation, yet agitated like she didn’t want to hear any more. “This can’t be happening,” she lamented, staring off into space. “I want to go where there is a TV " I want to see what is happening in other places, and how authorities are responding.”

 

“That’s a good idea” seconded John.

 

“Do you suppose it’s safe out there?” queried Theresa anxiously. She always liked to look before leaping. Being the most timid of her group, she made up for it with her ability to read other people with almost paranormal intuition. This quality is likely a strong driving force in her blossoming career as a psychological profiler and behavioural analyst with the federal RCMP. Not to mention her cover-girl looks, complete with natural blond locklettes and toned physique would never let one guess what she did for a living. Long exasperated by being lumped into the “Barbie” stereotype by people who don’t know her " even by other women, she found refuge with her friends sitting at the table with her. They appreciate her insights and see past her looks, as they have always been close since elementary school.

 

“It may not be safe to stay here much longer” John proposed, “I agree with Theresa " we need to find out what’s going on, and where, so we know the best places to go.”

 

Theresa nodded her head vigorously in agreement. No one in Jared’s group voiced any objections, but there were sighs of anxiety at the prospect of leaving. Papa Bowl’s was their safe haven, where all of them felt most comfortable.

 

“I suggest we head down Mumford” offered Mattie, “I don’t know exactly what to expect when we go out, but there are lots of residential side streets off that route we can duck into if things get too hot”

 

“Sounds good to me” endorsed Jared. Everyone in the group nodded their head in agreement. Jared watched as they all continued to sit at the table. He glanced at everyone as he stood up and turned facing towards the way out of the restaurant where he came in.

 

“They’re standing right outside the doors on either side of the entrance” warned Jared, “Try not to act too startled.”

 

Theresa turned and gave a panicked glance at Mattie and Joey who were the last two following behind.

 

Mattie patted her shoulder reassuringly, “We’re right behind you Terry.” Theresa smiled at the feeling of closeness of being called by her nickname used since they were kids.

 

“Yeah,” said Joey softly, then called out so everyone could hear, “We should stay as close together as we can!”

 

The rest of the group ahead confirmed their agreement as they approached the main opening into the mall foyer. As Jared had said, the strange tall visitors were standing at attention not only outside the doorway, but they lined both sides of the foyer, interrupted only at doorways and openings to the shops. At this point in time, the open areas had  mostly cleared " people had either left the mall or were at the back of individual stores and eateries.

 

They dashed to the main mall exit, with Jared going through the inside door. He shut his eyes as he walked the ten feet across the main entrance between the two sets of doors. The others followed, and Jared burst the outer door open where he stepped outside onto the small drive separating the main mall from the multi-story outdoor parkade directly ahead. The only place he looked was behind him with a quick glance to see that the others were coming. Mattie had her usual emotionless facial expression, but this time it was somewhat spiked with a noticeable look of seriousness and concern. Joey’s eyes were saucers, John’s lips were pursed as they usually are when his is trying to contain his discontent, and Theresa ran behind, eyes down with a face that looked ready to break out into an audible sob. Yet they were all silent. They simply ran behind Jared as he entered the semi darkness of the underground parkade trotting briskly towards Mumford Road. Heavy traffic was evident despite the heads-down dash they made. Loud sounds of sudden vehicle braking, engines revving, and horns " all echoed between buildings and throughout the parkade, seemingly from all directions. As Jared ran, the underground dimness turned bright as he approached the pedestrian exit on the south corner onto  Mumford Road. He sprinted about three meters into the sunlight on the sidewalk and stopped short as he lifted his head and scanned his surroundings amid the hub-bub. He quickly turned to face the rest of his group as they exited into the sunlight with him. Jared’s look of disbelief and shock would have been enough to make anyone freeze on the spot, except no one noticed for the same reason they didn’t see him stop so quickly. They didn’t react much or even look at each other when they collided with Jared. His gaze then turned back to what the rest were still looking at instead of seeing him…

 



© 2014 GHW


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Added on March 16, 2014
Last Updated on March 16, 2014


Author

GHW
GHW

Canada



About
Inherently creative, yet a critical thinker. I work as a systems analyst, yet creative writing was always my favorite non-science subject in school as a young boy. more..

Writing
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A Chapter by GHW