KEEP UP
1240 Words
"I knew there was something about you I couldn't quite place a finger on but was there. "Peter says quietly.
Looks like he just got smart. I internally roll my eyes. Of course I was easy target for bullies. Always have been, it's like I'm a magnet attracting them from a far.
"I don't believe you, there is no way in hell I'd be a camera man in this life. I'm looking to study IT so don't worry I won't be in your way. "Drew says trying to mask the anger in his voice.
Peter and I look at each other.
"Maybe something changed when I came here. Anyway, I didn't know much about your personal life. You were not such an open book but you got by. " I try to console him even when I don't see a reason to now that it's a future happening and there is nothing wrong with being a camera crew.
"Yeah right! And how come he gets to invent cool stuff like that? "
So that's the problem, huh!
"Honestly, he's different now. The Peter I know is a nerdy goody two shoes who mostly cares about getting good grades. "I look at him with a small smile reminiscing, "You told me you will one day build a time machine. I laughed at you and told you off sarcastically about the dreamer you were. Science projects in school you were always the top student with trophy year after year. Inventions more creative and impressive than the last. "
Drew is looking at Peter weirdly and Peter is there looking pissed. I wonder if it's something I said. I know for sure that he must be a smart kid still, so what could be a miss? Why are teenagers so difficult to figure out. I thought I was an easy one.
We are quiet many seconds too long.
"Well, that Peter is not here. I couldn't open the thing you claim I built. I can't do anything. The future is changed sweetie. Go home and sleep this off. " Peter says then gets up.
"Where are you going to? "Drew questions.
"Home obviously. " Peter answers rudely.
Oh!
"But she hasn't told us everything. "Drew tries to bargain.
I haven't.
"She said it's dangerous and burdening to know about the future. The lesser we know the better for us, was it? " He looks at me bitterly.
I can't just easily accept that I'm the bearer of bad news when I don't even know what part it was. I knew the truth doesn't always set you free but I chose the path none the less. I mean they are no longer restraining me down or strangling me but look what I walked right into. s**t!
"Hey, what's going on? I mean it's still you. You can still make it happen now that you know. You have a stepping stone here. And you can start now with the real McCoy right in front of you. I wish I knew the accomplishments I would have by thirty early enough because I would push myself and make it happen. Some of us wait for rude awakening in the meantime have life stringing us along. You can't not seize the moment. "I pep talk him.
But he's a teenager with anger management issues so he had the following to say to me.
"You don't get it do you? That Peter is gone and never coming back. He was nerdy, boring, unpopular, a weak loser and bullied ." He abruptly shuts it realizing his slip up. "Drew you coming? I'll go without you. "
Drew just looks between us with his mouth slightly open.
"Peter, it's just high school and it'll pass. Don't let that small hiccup rob you of your bright future. Cause I've seen it and it's really bright. "I say with an encouraging smile.
"No, princess. Life is not your wishing well. " He dismisses me.
"Stop, take a minute and think straight. Is your ego worth much more than your passion, your drive and smartness? I have seen you first hand do amazing things with that brain of yours. You are so talented. You... " He cuts me off by a raise of hand.
"Like I said, you don't get it. You were never in my life. My smart brain landed me on the bottom of the ladder. People made fun of me, bullied... "That one is still sore I see, "I moved out here to live a different life. I'm cool now. That's not changing. "
We just breathe in then out for a while each one rearranging their bargains.
"Peter you see, if you stop thinking in that way, in the inventive, creative type of way I won't be here. This TM 2.0 won't exist. I'm here for a mission and I can't leave without completing it. " I try to reason.
"Good then reality will rewrite itself. Don't try bending it to suit your needs. " Peter snaps.
"No, this is not good. " I yell in frustration.
How does he not see?
"It is for me because you will be there and high school wouldn't be as terrible. "Peter says quietly like he actually believes that is what's best.
I want to scream so bad. Why doesn't he get it?
"Peter you sent me here, it was an accident but an emergency because you were trying to protect me. You saved my life. "
He blinks away his tears.
"What kind of emergency? "Drew asks.
"The kind where there was an ambush at his lab. So much gun fire. Forgetting not the robot apocalypse that was brewing. "
At that both boys look horrified.
"Robots apocalypse? " They both question.
"AI. "
I say and their eyes spark with recognition. At least they've heard a thing or two about it.
"That company that makes them, we somehow have to stop them. "
"Uh... Excuse me Anne or Annie but Pete and I are not yet the people you've worked with before. We are still teenagers and grown ups hate teenagers. Feeling is mutual they should know by the way. "
Are we in a war? Feels like it. But he has a point, grown ups hate teenagers and vice versa is true.
"You guys have to help me please. I can't do it on my own. " I beg.
Drew gives me a look of, 'have you lost it? I just used my biggest bargaining chip. '
Peter doesn't even look at me. I failed to convince them. My mission is as good as failed with me piloting this ship.
"People are killed and others enslaved. It's a real issue you know. Imagine robots controlling people. Wiping out entire human civilization. Everything as we know it changes and there will no longer be anything that great personalities before us worked so hard to build. Can't we at least try to prevent it then? " I say sadly.
"We are no vigilante but we'll try to help you. So you know how to open this thing? "Peter says walking towards the TM 2.0.
"Nope. And it's probably sealed shut from the snow. " I discourage like a responsible adult.
"Then I'll find a way. "Peter says with confidence.
Atta boy!
"We are setting the thing on fire, right? " Drew enquires providing a lighter, "To melt the ice away! "
Yeah!
- Writer
