Her World

Chapter Ten "I'm Sorry"

   Six months later, I have been living up my new lifestyle. Sarah constantly nagging me like a big sister, I don't mind it so I listen to her. I also got her a job at the store I work at, so now she can do both of her jobs, and be less stressed out. It's been unexciting recently, the Commander flushed out the man who was starting an uprising underground, we didn't even know anyone tunneled underground and made pockets so people can hide. It wasn't a good result when the commander held the guy by the neck and carried him like that all the way to the center of the city to show him off like a threat, we all stood and watched as the commander addressed anyone who challenged his rule. The Commander then grabbed the guy who was pleading for his life to be spared, one of his hands grabbed the guy by his torso, and the other hand grabbed him by his legs. He began pulling him, then suddenly he ripped him in half like he was nothing. Everyone watched in horror as the commander continued to address the crowd, "This is the execution for rebelling!" The crowd went silent, then gradually dispersed. All of the members that supported that man was transferred to livestock communities. The rest of the citizens were in agreement with the commander's rule, listening to everyone warn each other to be peaceful was reassuring. I don't need the commander worrying about me again, I rarely see him anymore again, but I'm used to his busy life. 

   "Sky, can you restock some of the shelves?"

   "Sure! No problem." Thinking about the last time I saw the commander do that gruesome execution, I miss him, I mean he did find me among the crowd to see me and embraced me to show his affection, and for a moment I thought we were alone until everyone saw us and then from there they gossiped about me, and it got out that I am the commander's pet. I didn't mind it at first because no one bothered me, but soon I began getting unwanted attention by certain people who are overly obsessed with the commander, I guess they called themselves a fan club. After their constant harassment I had to threaten them that if they didn't leave me alone that I would be forced to notify my master of the mistreatment of his pet. Let's just say that I didn't see them after that, I have to be more careful.

   I get done with stocking then I had to the back for my dinner break, at the commanders order, the store provides me with anything i want/need. I told him it would be wrong for me to take advantage, but he wouldn't hear of it. Sitting down and eating my dinner thinking about what to do this weekend since it's still two days away. "Sky......Er, you have a visitor." I look at her with curiosity, "Okay I'll be right out." Sarah looks irritated for some reason. I quickly finish my food then head outside to see who's here, I walk outside the door to see Jason.

   "Jason.......What're you doing here?" I'm utterly shocked to see him now, I have to make him leave before Sarah sees him. 

   "Hey Sky, where have you been all this time?" He comes closer opening up his arms like he's about to hug me.

   "Jason, well I've been really busy lately, so I didn't have much time to go out anymore." I back up away from him, he takes notice.

   "I noticed you were busy, a lot of rumors are going around about you too." 

   "I'm guessing that's why you're here, otherwise you would have come to see me earlier."

   "As sharp as ever Sky Sky, it seems as though you have gotten yourself in a bind."

   "What do you mean?"

   "I mean the crew and I saw the commander chasing you months back, had the whole city on lockdown, seeing the commander in an uproar to have just you captured. Finally succeeding, he took you away for weeks. Suddenly you returned with that." He points at my collar, clearly growing more angrier as he speaks.

   "Jason, like I said a lot went on with me, and I didn't feel the need to tell anyone about my personal problems."

   "Sky! We could've helped you!"

   "How?! You saw too what the commander does to anyone who rebels!"

   "You could've told me when he chose you to be his pet! You could've told me everything! We could've helped you run."

   "What happened between me and the commander is nobodies business but my own, because this goes far back to my childhood!"

   "What do you mean now? Were you always his pet?"

   I hesitate, looking away from him. The trust we had in each other was built on lies I kept from him that I will spill out now, "Yes, ever since I was six years old. I'll always belong to him, whether I want to or not."

   "Why did you fail to tell me this when we first met?"

   "I didn't want to be treated differently here just because of who I belong to, I knew you would react this way, that's why I never told you anything."

   "You betrayed me, and kept it that way all this time."

   "After you told me how you felt about the commander, I couldn't tell you anything after that, because all of my life choices were his to decide!"

   "Sky I-"

   "Stop Jason, I don't want to argue anymore. It's best if you leave and never bother me again." I turn to leave, tears running down my cheeks. 

   "Sky!" He reaches for my hand, forcing me to turn and look at him.

   "Don't! I have to obey the commander!" I pull away from him and run back into the store to the back office, and lock the door. Crouching down, wrapping my arms around my knees, and just cry.

   "He hasn't shown up today." Sarah says, looking at me for an answer.

   "I hope he's smart and doesn't, I don't want him mixed up in this chaos that I call a life."

   "Right, I don't want to resort to reporting anything since it's been going so well lately." She nods agreeing to everything we're saying.

   "Sarah, have you ever been confused on what your heart wants?"

   "I don't know honestly, I never gave myself permission to fall in love since I was chosen to be a pet."

   "Oh." She looks at me quizzically.

   "Sky, are you trying to say you're falling in love?"

   "No!......Yes....I just don't know who I really love though, or even is what I feel called love?"

   "There is very little who know what love is anymore, like we were all bred to just live for one purpose."

   "I don't want that life, I want to experience what humans felt long ago."

   "I can't be reckless like I used to be, I feel like a lot more will suffer at the cost of just knowing me."

   "What're you trying to say Sky?"

   "Just......How long will it be before......never mind, forget I said anything."

   "Sky wait, if it has to do with a choice that will have a great impact on you, or those around you. Choose what'll make you happy in the end, because we all need to feel something like love before we die right?" I nod then give her a hug before we had back to work since our break is almost up. But she is right when it comes to experiencing those special feelings before we die, whether they're reciprocated or not. I care deeply about the commander, but I also hold feelings about Jason, regardless of what he did in the past. I won't lie to either of them anymore, I will figure these feelings out and sort them out so I can let who I chose know that I will always love them. 

   The next day Sarah and I are at work, arriving when the sun was rising. Standing at the counter processing customers through, while Sarah stocks shelves. A pretty normal day so far, so soon it will pass without a hitch. As I process the last customer, I think about that sunrise being particularly bright. I remember back when I was a little child, sitting alone watching each sunrise, each sunset. Of everyday like clockwork, I remember that routine filling me with gratitude for each day I wake up, and see another day. It was a simple life always wanting more of something, I didn't know what though. When the commander came into my life, I guess he became my sunlight. It gets brighter, and better when he shows up, and when he leaves I feel a sense of comfort knowing I can see him another day.

   Later on me and Sarah switch places so she can get a break from running around the store. As the hours go on we both tease the manager, who isn't really a people person. She keeps to herself, so sometimes we leave her alone but today she involved herself in the conversation me and Sarah had about candy. Tasting candy is a when we get it in the store is the best day ever. We only get a small shipment in once a month, and the moment we put them on the shelves, customers clear them out. The manger buys three small bags of candy for the three of us, now these small bags are just big enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They are made in another city, and comes with every other import. I also remember when I got candy in every box the commander sent me growing up. But when I left, the commander told me mother and others took all of my belongings, even my books. So I was left with a little bit of clothes, but I harbored no ill feeling toward any of them, since we don't take material items when we die. 

   As we were cleaning and getting ready to lock up for the day someone walks in, "Welcome!.....Ja-Jason?" I hear Sarah say in a hushed tone. 

   "What're you doing here?!" I see her pulling him to the exit, but he's saying something to her that I can't catch.

   "No you cannot! Do you realize Sky can get in trouble if she associates with you!"

   "I know that Sarah! I just need to talk to her one more time!"

I set my mop down to see why they're arguing over me, as I get closer to them Sarah is glaring daggers at Jason, while he looks at her pleadingly.

   "Jason!.....Why are you here, I told you I-" I'm cut of by him coming up to me and grabbing my hand.

   "Sky, please come with me so I can talk to you in private."

   "Jason I can't even if I want to, I'll get in trouble." 

   "How will you get in trouble Sky, tell me."

   "I don't know, but I need to follow his rules for your safety."

   "Please Sky, just this one last time, I-I can't leave this thing between unsaid."

   I look at Sarah, who in turn looks at me with concern, "Don't Sky, you can't break the commander's  rule." 

   "Sarah, just this once, please!" With that Jason holds onto my hand and pulls me out of the store, we run to where ever it is he's taking me. Since he has the knack for not telling me where he goes. As we run in and out of buildings, climb up fire escapes, jump window to window. We finally get on to a roof top near the outskirts of the city.

   "Jason, why all the way up here? whew!"

   "Sorry Sky, I just couldn't risk someone following us." He walks over and leans on a rail to look down at the streets. So I walk to join him, trying to catch at the same time.

   "Well I hope Sarah forgives me about bailing on her."

   "She's a good friend so I doubt she'll turn you in." 

   "I hope so, anyway what is it that you need to talk about?"

   "I want to get passed the lies, I want to get rid of this void between us, I want......you."

   "Jason...I don't know what to say."

   "Then just wait, atleast until you know for sure how you feel about me. Like I said, I'll wait for you."

   "You're too nice you know that." I nudge his shoulder playfully, he then leans closer to me.

   "I'll fight tooth and nail to have you next to me, always."

   "The Commander will find out one way or another Jason."

   "I don't care about that giant asshole, guarded by his soldiers while he sits on a pedestal placing himself high above everyone else."

   "Jason...."

   "No, you know how I feel about him, I've never kept quiet about it, he doesn't deserve you!"

   "And I don't deserve him, there is more to him then what you describe him to be."

   "Try me, because so far all I've seen is him treating us all like farm animals, we sit in waiting for s*******r, picked out of a litter to be a pet for their enjoyment, killed once we no longer please them, killed for just trying to gain some kind of freedom in his cruel made up hierarchy." he clears his throat, but I hear his pain.

   "You think I don't know how it feels to be treated as such? My fellow humans treated me like a disease as a child, no one showed me affection. I saw how cruel they are, but I also saw how cruel people are too."

   "I'm sorry Sky, but books tell us that our history shows we've always been cruel to each other, but we had freedom."

   "Not everyone."

   "I can't sit back and let you defend his actions, he even controls you, like he's got you scared of him so you'll listen to his made up rules."

   "It's not like that Jason, I deeply care about him!"

   "What?"

   "He is a part of my life, an important part."

   "That's a lie! He's brainwashing you into thinking you have everything if you listen to him!"

   "You don't understand Jason.''

   "If I'm not going to win against stubbornness, the least we can do right now is tell each other what is long overdue."

   "Yeah, Jason....I do care a lot about you too, I have been trying to figure these feelings out since we got to know each other."

   "Well you certainly jumped the gun there." He jokes trying to lighten the mood, it's good though I need to relax a little.

   "Well I do! So deal with it!" I giggle seeing him smirk.

   "Well then miss Sky, I find myself wanting to show you how much I care about you too!"

   "Oh yeah? well show m-" He doesn't let me finish, he just presses his lips to mine, quick but gentle. I have no clue how to kiss, but he gently grabs a hold of my jaw with his hand, moving his lips along mine so I follow his direction. I move away after a bit, looking at him as he looks back at me with gentle eyes.

   "I don't ever want to let you go." He places both hands on my cheeks, moving down around my neck, messaging the back of my neck. A perfect moment.

   "Jason." I tip toe to reach him for another kiss when we're interrupted by the sound of a lot of feet running up the stairs in the roof's stairway. 

   David bursts through the door, along with Kana, and Sarah, and well Jason's crew also. "Sky! This is bad, the Commander's looking for you!"

   "What?! Why?!" 

   "We don't know, the Captain came by the apartment and questioned Sarah." Kana stated.

   "Sky, the Commander knows, and I swear I didn't say anything." Sarah holding back tears as she says this coming close to me, and grabbing my hands.

   "Sky, you have to go to the Commander now!" David says anxiously.

   I'm standing there in shock, and fear suddenly rising in me, "Okay, I'll go find and get this figured out."

   "Jason we have to get out of here right now!" One of his crew members says, pulling at his arm to get him to leave.

   "Sky, wait are you seriously going to go to him?"

   "Jason I have to, the commander said there would be consequences if I broke any rules. I need to go and see him."

   "No! I won't let you go back to that control freak!" Jason says while holding onto my shoulders.

   "The Captain said that the Commander's coming with thousands of soldiers, but he didn't say what they were for."

   "Sky, the Captain is also pleading with us to get you to the Commander as soon as possible!"

   "Why? Is he that angry?"

   "If the Captain's scared then by all means we should be too!" David says without hesitation.

   "Jason run and hide! I can't risk the commander finding you."

   "Why?"

   "There's a reason why he made a rule for me to never see you."

   "And that is?"

   "He doesn't like you, or the views you have about him."

   "So he knows I don't like him, good."

   "No not good Jason! What if he takes his anger out on you?"

   "Like I said Sky, I'll fight tooth and nail for you." He wraps me in a hug after he says this, I wrap my arms around him too, but soon we break apart when we hear a loud hum.

   "Those are their ship engines!" David yells as the noise gets louder.

   "They found us Sky." Sarah saying as she stands next to me.

   Soon we all see ships surround the city, ships landing near the center of the city. Then a ship stops above us, hovering there as it lowers to the edge of the building. we scatter to the other side of the buildings edge watching what this ship is doing. It settles, then the doorway begins opening up, I see a group walking to exit the ship. I notice his large frame, instantly my blood runs cold. I don't know what he has in store for punishments, I look around to see everyone just as scared as me. He's very intimidating making this roof top look small, making us look, and feel like ants at his mercy. The Captain follows after him, along with a small squad of soldiers. They stand there looking at us, we do the same back, and no one saying anything. Finally the Captain breaks the silence, "Everyone divide into two groups, and come forward to be detained." The guys and Jason's crew start filing in two lines, but Jason stays beside me.

   "Jason go." I nudge him, but he stays put.

   "No Sky, I won't let you be taken away by him." He shoots a glare at the Commander.

   "We don't really have a choice here Jason!"

   "Yes we do." I look at him puzzled by his answer. Just what is he thinking about?

   "Sky!" I jump at the Commander's shout, I look at him, he then gestures for me to go to him. I take a breath in to regain my composure, then I take a few steps forward when I feel a hand grab mine. Pulling me back with some force, I turn to look at who is doing this, and see Jason. He pulls me to him, "Let's get out of here." But he didn't give me time to respond before he wraps an around around my waist, and reaches for the ledge of the building. I look back at the Commander who is taking big strides to stop us, before he can reach for us, Jason leaps off the roof's ledge onto another rooftop. He keeps his hold onto me as he takes another leap to another rooftop, until we're out of sight he sets me down. By this time I'm furious at him, "What did you do Jason?!" I push him away from me, "I did this for us Sky, I won't let him split us up." Does he realize that this can get really bad?

   "Jason I have to go back." Suddenly A loud roar resonates the walls of each building.

   "Is that the Commander?"

   "Y-Yes it was.....I have to get you out of here Jason!"

   "Let's go, I know of an underground room that the commander hasn't found yet, but it's across the city."

   "Then let's get going now, we need to stay ahead." I just realized my collar is still on my neck, how can I be so stupid!"

   "Jason! My collar!" I point at it and he looks.

   "It's okay, we'll break it so they won't be able to track us."

   "But how, I never heard of anyone able to break these!"

   "I'll figure it out, hold on." He rummages through some boxes and finds an old knife.

   "Okay, let's see if this'll do something." He's doing something with the collar, while I'm trying to stand still hoping he doesn't slip the knife, we hear a hiss from the collar then the light goes dim. "I think that did something."

   "Alright, let's get going."

   We both run, and run, sticking to the alleys, and unlit streets. Not stopping for a second even when my feet start hurting. Late into the night we keep going, opening doors to go through buildings. Looking at my watch to see the time, "Four o' clock!" 

   "Sky don't stop now, come on." He takes my hand and pulls me along.

   "I forgot how big the city is."

   "Yeah, what're we at now? Half a million?" 

   "Oh my!"

   "So many pets abandoned." He gives me a look, but I don't say anything.

   We keep going well into the morning, I notice the sun beginning to rise. A good thing but also bad, we'll be easily spotted outside. He tells me that we'll be staying low for now to rest a little bit, and I agree. As we break into an unused building's window, I start climbing in when there is a noise echoing in the air. I quickly climb in, and he follows after me. We then climb up to the tower of the old building to see what that noise was. "Maybe something was posted on the notice board." Jason says looking for it.

   "Maybe."

   Sure enough, We both spot the notice board and see our faces posted on it. "Oh no." Above our pictures boldly written, "Reward Captured Or Dead." And below our pictures read, "Person, Or Group To Bring Fourth These Individuals Will Receive Allowances, Or Freedom." I collapse on the floor after seeing the post, I feel sick to my stomach that the commander would initiate my capture, or worse, my death for others' rewards. 

   "Sky, let's go rest up. before we're spotted up here."

   "The Commander basically put out a reward for my head." I collapse again, crying and I can't stop.

   "Shhh.....We'll get through this Sky, come one let's go." He picks me up and we head back downstairs, into a small space to get some sleep. But sleep never comes when we hear people yelling, and shouting, I'm guessing they started to look for us. This will only end in one way, thinking how the commander tried to grab for me breaks my heart, and all I can say is, "I'm sorry."