forum V O T E / Psychological Thriller / Closed

Started June 26, 2018 by @WriteOutofTime

tune

"Good morning," Enzo greeted softly. He spoke carefully, unsure of what to say.

"Morning." Paige fingered her pocket subconsciously, where Odette's letter was. I forgive you. repeated itself over and over in her head.

Xander has not been able to sleep at all, but he could hear the others stirring outside where he slept. He got up, horribly tired, but shockingly awake. Xander was self-conscious about the fact that no one was taking the situation as hard as he was, at least not outwardly.

Paige didn't eat anything. Her mouth was dry and her lips were cracked. How long had it been since she last had water?

John's eyes slowly started to close again but then a thought crossed his mind and he jerked awake, "How long until the next vote?" John blinked. How long had it been since the last vote? He pinched his forehead.

"2 days," Paige replied. I have two days to live.

John shook his head at himself, "I don’t like not having a clock," He muttered.

"I thought there was only one day left before the vote," Enzo said softly, glancing at the blank, cracked TV screen. "There's no way to tell."

"It said approximately two days and that was last night," Paige said softly. Less. I have less than two days to live.

(Let's go with that)

As Enzo was in the kitchen, gathering bowls of cereal for him and Lixi, he heard a few gasps. He turned and headed back into the lounge, his teeth clenching at what he saw. The screen had lit up again. "NEXT VOTE," it read, "ONE HOUR." His head immediately began to spin. Had it somehow been two days since the last vote? It couldn't have been, right? There hadn't even been enough time to grieve Odette. "No," he whispered.

John paused from eating a handful of cereal when he saw the screen. The food became ash in his mouth. Was he just supposed to drone on like this, waiting to be voted? They only had an hour. Gosh, he prayed his name wouldn’t show up when that time came. He couldn’t help but glance at Paige, remembering she wanted after Odette died.

Paige kept her face placid. She wouldn't vote, and the couldn't make her. It was that simple. She wanted to die.

Xander walked into the kitchen and saw Enzo. “Can we talk? In private?” He whispered. He glanced at the cereal box sitting on the counter hungrily, but then snapped his gaze away.

(is this still open?)

(nope, sorry)

Enzo shakily set the two cereal bowls in his hands down on the counter. "Yeah," he said softly.

Xander glanced around to make sure no one was watching or listening in. "I know you need to make it out alive. They said only a select few would make it, which means… which means… we could probably have it so that you, me, and Lixi would all get out alive. We just have to form an alliance. You may not trust me. After all, first time we met, I was hostile, but then again, I was convinced I was about to come face-to-face with my kidnapper. I just… I want to get this over with before I form any sort of emotional attachment to anyone else, and forming a small alliance may do just that. We can get out and make it quick- no ties, no more drama than necessary. We just get out of here."

Enzo calmly regarded him, considering for a long moment. Although Xander made a good point, it went against his morals. But, he had a duty, to protect Lixi, and more importantly to make it back safe for his nephew. His duty was more important than his feelings. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense to me." He paused. "But I think we need to agree that Lixi's life is more important than either of ours. And, if it comes down to it and I've gotta choose between you or me, I'm choosing myself. As long as that's clear, we have a deal."

Paige watched the clock. 30 minutes of breathing…

"Yeah, of course… I don't think I have anyone who needs me back home. Sure, they'll be sad, and sure, I want to live, but they'll get over it," Xander replied weakly, "A-and I want to protect Lixi, for sure. She's just so young to be put through this." He gave a quick glance around the room again. "Well, that means we also have to decide who to vote. Who poses a threat?"

John tapped his fingers lightly, anxiety growing. Would they vote for Paige, or did the people have a different agenda? He supposed it didn’t matter, Paige could make the decision herself. John sighed and walked up to Paige, “This is probably a stupid question, but how are you feeling?”