「Ding!」
As we returned back to Barb's pub, my phone went off with another text from my mom.
"You guys go ahead. I'll be in shortly."
As the guys walked in with Sven - who was still staring at Ryan in a silent awe - Jan stayed behind to check on me.
"Everything alright, babe?"
"Yeah, I'm good, Piney," I reassured her, while caressing her hand (which was in black, fingerless-gloves), "just my mom. I should be able to handle it."
"Alright, if you're sure. Just don't forget, I'm here if you want me."
"Thanks, babe," I whispered, as she strutted away in her chunky red boots.
2 months. It'd been 2 months since she forgot about me. 2 months since they banned me from the house and threatened to disown me. But she was still my mom, right? I still had hope.
Hesitantly, I opened my messages to see what she wanted. But as I scrolled past her last text - August 3rd - my anger broke free. I couldn't ignore it any longer.
All my life I did what they wanted; I was the perfect student, the quiet child. I knew how much they "sacrified for me", why they never had time for me, and I tried to do my part when I could, just to help out. But even at 18, even after all I did to prove myself, my life wasn't mine to control. The entire world turned upside down, and I saw a way to help it, but it wasn't part of their plan. It wasn't the path for their child.
"Calm down Naomi. Keep an open mind," I told myself - while taking a deep breath and adjusting my round, white glasses.
"Whooooh, just read the texts."
October 3rd.
7am: "London? That's fun. Care to purchase a fridge magnet for us?"
8:03 am: "Sorry. I've been keeping an eye on you, making sure you're safe. Saw your friend post that image online and wanted to reach out. Is that your girlfriend? She looks nice, we'd love to meet her."
"Keeping an eye on me? More like stalking. Argh!"
I leant against the wall, sighing in frustration. I knew I shouldn't have done it, at least not during a mission. Idiot. Stroking my white braids back in defeat, I caught a glimpse of my gold bracelets. Ornate, shiny presents from Janet - given to me last week for our one month anniversary - that perfectly contrasted my dark skin.
"That's right, I'm not alone. I'll talk to Jan once we're done. Hope we finish this mission soon," I reassured myself, heading back in to join my friends.
「Ding」
"No. Not worth it right now, Naomi. You've got a job to do. Focus."
Entering the pub, a happy air swallowed me. The joyful atmosphere was so intoxicating that I couldn't help but give in to it.
"Nay, over here!" Alix's smooth, deep voice called, as Janet manifested cute arrows to guide me over. Regaining my smile, I weaved past the other patrons towards my team - blushing proudly at the citizens toasting their drinks to us for: "bringing back our boy". As I approached the table, my heart warmed to see little Sven with his round, blonde head on his aunt's shoulder. Barb hugged him tightly, almost crushing the boy's thin, lanky body.
"Everything go alright, angel?"
"Not really, but I'll tell you about it later," I replied, while kissing the top of my girl's hazel-covered head.
"Miss Naomi?" The boy then called out with itchy, red eyes - clearly on the verge of sobbing again.
"I wanted to say thank you so much for helping me, and I'm really sorry for even getting involved with them in the first place. I should've known they were bad news, but I- No. I shouldn't make excuses. I should've known. I-"
"It's fine kid. Just do better from now on, set a good example for others, yeah?"
"Yes ma'am," he replied, as a wave of relief overcame him. "But, are you guys going to go after the rest of the gang?"
"I wish," Ryan replied, cracking his knuckles, "but we're not allowed to, for some reason."
"If we did, then what stops them from returning when we leave? What stops another group from coming in and poisoning your minds? We're not part of this community, but you are, Sven," Alix explained wisely, as I finished his thought.
"You, Barb, all the people in this city. The only way to stop them for good is to remove their influence, remove their control, and support each other. It's scary, but you're not alone, and you've done it before."
"Strength in numbers," wrote Janet, while the room suddenly turned eerily silent.
"Oh yeah," snorted a harsh, scratchy voice, "you think some empty words can inspire these cowards?"
Turning around, my eyes met an unshaven, built man. His dark, hair and eyes matching his stained, black hoodie and sweatpants. His large frame almost hid the reluctantly following possie of boys (similar in age and vibe to Sven) behind him.
"Luke, John, everyone," the reformed one called out to his silent, sheepish friends (as they desperately refused to make eye contact with anyone, clutching their hands infront of their shaking bodies), "it's alright to leave him, we'll be safe together. Just come home. Craig can't stop all of us. "
Whispers rose to cheers as the rest of the building called the boys over, tempting their feet back to their families. Unfortunately, they froze again as pillars of flames roared out of Craig's calloused hands.
"Disapointing Sven. You really think these lot are better than me, when will you learn. Where was everyone when you were alone? They didn't come looking for you, they didn't help you. That was all me! But now they want to call us villains, racists, for just telling you the truth? No. They're just selfish, lazy polxers, think fixing the city means building "community centres" not cleaning up the streets, kicking out the filth.
Can't blame you for leaving though, kid. Clearly you've been lead astray by these dirty britzes," he chuckled, pointing at us, "Especially her, that noisy n-"
"Noisy what?" Janet questioned the man pointing his finger at me, as she pulled a sword out - grasping its handle threateningly.
"Finish your beer, babe," I said determinedly, placing my hand on her shoulder, "he's mine."