The Human Zoo

CHAPTER FOUR JAX

CHAPTER FOUR

JAXThe sound of pounding rain against the glass distracts me from the news bulletin. The tiny droplets trickle down the window as if clinging by the last bits of their strength. My feet are up on my polished white desk with my hands behind my head. A stranger would think I’m relaxed; I’m not.

Today marks my first full year at The Globe, the leading journalistic organization for the world. Since I started writing columns and articles a year ago, my reputation, as well as The Globe’s, has grown drastically. My inclination to stir ideas and test the limits is what landed me this job; now, my reputation is being tested. Year one reviews are the most important here. Without a solid first annual review, future promotions are ten times harder to receive. The intercom on my desk lights up a vivid blue to signal a call. My thumb jams a black button before I press the glowing blue to stop the incoming hologram, forcing a voice conversation instead.

“Jax speaking,” my voice quivers. So much for keeping calm, Jax.

“Oh, so you are alive.” It’s a statement without question. “Interesting, considering three days have passed, and you have yet to send any details to me on this assignment,” a sharp voice gripes.

“I . . . uh . . . ” f**k. “Syl, look I’m sorry.”

“Don’t use nicknames on me, Jax,” I can hear an audible sigh and imagine the harsh rubbing of fingers on her forehead. “I know a lot is riding on this annual review and you’re more than capable of succeeding, but please don’t make me regret this opportunity I’m giving you. A lot is riding on this, on you and me,” I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Sylvia, I promise you won’t regret this, but giving me only three days to come up with a world-changing story right before my annual review? It’s not like I have a list of absurd ideas waiting to use when The Globe needs a fresh idea. Give me an extension―another week or so—and I’ll have something by then. Please? I’ll buy you coffee every day next week.”

Silence. I know full well I don’t have the standing to ask such a thing, especially given my lack of seniority, but I refuse to let pressure ruin the prospects of something great.

“One day is the best I can give you and make it TWO weeks of coffee. I’ll talk to the board and convince them you are finalizing the project so that you can present it on Friday. I can’t give you any more time than that. I’m sorry, Jax.” My boss, Sylvia, is a force not to be reckoned with. Her figure is slim and petite, but her bold eyes and stern look could make anyone wither.

“Thank you,” I say finally, ending the conversation. Clicking off the screen, I slump back in my chair.

A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts. “Come in,” I say and in strides my best friend, Deice. At six-four, he stands about one inch taller than me. He has bright blue eyes and dark brown skin, and on top of being brilliant, he’s charismatic and charming; he also happens to work with me, a couple of floors up.

I stand and hug him, slapping his back. “Perfect timing. Sasha was just in here looking for you. Something about rescheduling a date?”

Deice stops and crouches down as he looks all around him. “You’re joking.”

“Nope.”

“Jax,” Deice says sternly.

“Yeah, I’m lying. Sasha’s not here. You should have seen your face though. Worth it to make you think your ex was looking for you. Not sure that joke will ever get old.”

“Very funny. Remind me why you didn’t pursue a career in comedy again?”

“My jokes were too funny.”

“Ah, yes. Jax Cooper, a man too funny for the common person.”

“I am a man of the people.”

“Tell me, can one be matched with their ego during the matching ceremony? I sure hope the computer program leaves that as an option for you.”

My eyes roll. When a person turns twenty-five a computer program chooses the future mate based on a myriad of traits, mainly genetics. It’s flawless to most, except for Deice and I. We’d prefer for a program not to tell us our lifelong partner.

“We still have three more years to wait and see. I’ll get back to you on what it decides then.”

“Can’t wait!”

“Oh, I’m sure,” I say laughing.

“So, you want to head to Oculus?” Deice asks, changing the subject. “I need a break.”

Almost every day after work, Deice and I go to Oculus—a dream world for anyone who appreciates video game—a tradition that started back in grade school. It’s a place for us to let go, drink, and relax.

“I can’t go tonight. Dinner plans with my family at the Zoo. My father wants to “discuss” an expansion,” disdain drips into my voice. “Want to come with?”

Deice nonchalantly looks everywhere but me, feigning hearing loss.

“Fine, fine. You don’t have to come this time.”

“At some point, you’re going to have to get dinner with your parents consecutively without me. I know puberty is scary, but you’ll survive.”

“Who is the comedian now?”

A deep roar escapes Deice. “Tell your mom her favorite son says ‘hi,’ will ya?”

“I most certainly will not,” I say, laughing as we head out together.

❦

In the center of the Zoo sits a looming tower full of shops and restaurants. I stand at the bottom, waiting for the elevator. Tiny children scream and run around with excitement.

Ping. “Ground floor,” a soothing voice says.

The elevator doors slide open and I step inside. The entire machine is transparent, allowing for optimal viewing as it makes its way up the silver pole. My father dislikes when I take public transportation, especially at the Zoo. He would rather me use the private elevator to avoid mingling with the public.

Without hesitation, I press my ID card against the pad and say out loud to the elevator, “Top floor, please.”

As the doors glide open at its destination, I step out into the lavishly dressed restaurant. My mother, Lucille, and my sister, Corinne, idly chat as I make my way to the booth. Most people mistake them for twins with their pressed blonde hair and willowy figures; however, Corinne’s blue eyes lay cold as warmth radiates from mother’s.

“Darling, how wonderful you could join us,” my mother says, standing to kiss me on both cheeks.

“I apologize for running late. I’m working on a rather difficult assignment.” My sister rises after my mother, flipping her blonde hair behind her. “Corinne,” I say without emotion, giving her a quick one second cheek kiss.

“Brother,” she says back sweetly, but I hear the malice in her voice. My sister is a “perfect” child, graceful and beautiful, quick-witted and sharp. Only I see the evil that lurks right beneath the surface. Corinne is cold-hearted and hateful, in equal measure. She seizes any opportunity to ruin someone’s life for the pleasure of it. She is a b***h.

“So, my dear, tell me about this assignment,” my mother says taking a sip from the glass in front of her.

“I’ve been assigned to write a groundbreaking article, one that will raise our ratings and bring in new readers. We’re continually fighting against our adversary, The Net, when it comes to ratings and contemporary topics. There isn’t anything that hasn’t already been covered by either one of us,” I say, shrugging my shoulders. “I have no idea what to do.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” my mother says, squeezing my hand in assurance.

“Yes, Jax, I’m sure you’ll save the day once again,” said Corinne. I glare at her and chug my wine as the waiter’s place food in front of us.

Dinner is roasted corn soup paired with an arugula salad. Dessert is chocolate soufflé with a truffle center. My father eventually joins us; his lateness accepted because his clock is the only clock anyone follows. As he sits, his meal is instantly placed before him, as if the staff had it ready, waiting for his arrival. He digs in and asks a few questions regarding everyone’s day before diving right into the details of the new expansion being finished up at the Zoo.

“We’ve received a lot of good feedback from last year’s statistics, but the people want something that allows them to engage more with the animals. I’ve come up with an idea, the Petting Zoo. It’s a place where people can pay a little extra to brush, play with, and hand feed the animals. There are a few small details we’re still working out, but it should be opening by the end of the year.”

“Father, that is a fantastic idea!” Corinne chimes.

“Darling, I’m so proud of you,” My mother adds.

Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh and rub my forehead with my fingers. I zone out for a while, not caring for the details, but my ears perk up when my father mentions safety.

“To ensure the safety of our customers,” my father continues, “each animal will have an electric collar. The customer will pick up the controller when they enter. They may use it at their discretion.”

A slow, devilish smile creeps across Corinne’s face. “Father, do you think you can show us? You know, to test the safeness of it all. Then maybe Jax can do an article on it, helping to promote it. I’m sure a visual aid would be useful!” She keeps her voice light and sweet.

“What an excellent idea. Corinne, you never cease to amaze me, such a bright young woman you’ve become.”

“Why do you need a visual aid?”

“I’m trying to be helpful, Jax. You should try it.”

Snorting, I shove the plate of food away, too sick to finish.

“Enough you two. Corinne, you can meet me at the new Petting Zoo location tomorrow. If you can fit it into your schedule.”

“I’ll be there, father.” Her voice is giddy with excitement.

“Why can’t you use a lab instead? Also, can you just put an internal chip in them for shocking purposes?” I interject.

“Well yes, we could, but I want a patron to visually see the collar for peace of mind because safety is the utmost concern, Jax. Besides, there are too many unaccounted-for variables in a controlled lab setting. It’s imperative we make sure there is no interference between collars, that they will work long range, and are durable enough to handle all weathers conditions. Testing outside allows us to do this. These collars are supposed to last permanently, and the testing will reflect such an ideology. Do you understand this, Jax?”

“Yes, I understand.” I grit.

“Good.”