Beyond My Choices/Issue 10

Issue 10 - Connect
'''           Bradley eyes awaken as he stairs as the red ceiling. He feels cold, but he expected it considering, he let Jay use it for the night. He rubs his arms up and down smoothly with his right hand as he lays his left hand upon chest. He looks at the table besides him, and sees a drink lying down upon it. He knows he isn’t supposed to but why not? He grabs the drink, and drinks it down despite lying down. “Tough times, tough drinks.” He always liked to think to himself.'''

'''He stands up, and sees no one isn’t walking around, he immediately assumes everyone is awake until he takes a closer look. Tom, and Dante can’t be found, but they probably beat him outside. He looks towards the ground where his black luggage suitcase sits down against the wall of the booth. He bends on the curve of the seat as he unzips the sturdy luggage.'''

'''He moves his hand as if he’s giving himself a bath which reminds him he needs to get clean off soon. He finally rubs his temples, as he slams his suitcase shut. He looks behind his booth where multiple of his shoes lie down. He reaches down for some boots which are coconut brown, with caramel outlining the color brown and the shoelaces. He heads back grumpy as he sighs and gets on his knees as he re-opens his messy suitcase. He picks out some black sweatpants, and some Washington Wizards basketball short to accompany his ball-sack in the cold. He as well pulls out a black sweatshirt with a black cap, as he’s almost prepared to go. '''

'''He heads towards the bathroom, as he proceeds to change his cloths. He washes his teeth, and grinds admiring how handsome he thinks he looks. Within seconds he’s out of the bathroom, and making his way towards the black steel doors. He opens the doors, and is immediately blasted with a cold wind as it quickly passes him, causing the door to fly and slam with it. Ahead of him Dante smokes a cigarette and scraps a stick with his knife, and Tom holds a bag of sunflower seeds as he plops three in his mouth. The slam causes both men to turn their backs, as Tom aims his gun at Bradley.'''

'''Bradley stumbles back as the gun catches him off guard, as Tom sets the pistol back in his holster as he can’t help but chuckle and move his head side to side. Bradley catches himself upon the cold door, as he avoids falling.'''

'''Bradley: Not funny! Bradley says in a “can’t deal with this shit right now” mood. '''

Tom: My bad man, you could have been a biter or something!

'''Bradley: Seriously? A biter from inside there? Bradley says as he points towards the door of the bar.'''

'''Dante: Hey you may never know! Someone could have easily died in their sleep! Dante says as he spits out his cigarette and smashes it with the pointy sharp stick causing the cig to burn out. '''

'''Dante knocks on his stick three times. Tom and Bradley look at him confused.'''

Tom: What was that?

Dante: What was what?

Tom: You know, that tapping the stick three times…

Dante: Knock on wood, you know to like avoid from jinxing yourself!

Tom: Never heard of it!

Bradley: Alright, enough guys we got to start going if we plan to eat anything today!

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Well I have some good news and bad news… What do y’all want?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: I don’t know… Good?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Earlier while being a creep I came upon a car, which I managed to hotwire! And now the bad news… We can’t walk!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: How the hell is that bad news?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Because, exercising is fun, now let’s get moving! Bradley and Dante stair at each other and back to Tom as he walks towards the side of the bar. Everyone except Tom has an odd look on their face.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom opens the front door as he sees Dante and Brad cross the corner. The two copies he, as Brad sits down in the back. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Brad: So, where the hell we getting fish at?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: Have you ever fish?

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Yea, I was actually on my high school bass fishing team back in 9th but after that I haven’t even touched a fishing rod.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: Well if you were on a team, this shouldn’t be a problem!

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Besides, where the hells if there even a lake?

<p class="MsoNormal">It’s an awkward silence until Dante breaks it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: I don’t know, ask Tom.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Yeah?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: He wants to know where this lake is.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Oh, my bad I wasn’t listening… Anyways I found it earlier while I was adventuring out!

<p class="MsoNormal">Brad: Do you always adventure out?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Not really, but I do when I need to! It just became a habit of mine being a part of the secret agency that you should have things planned before you don’t get the chance!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dante: Fair enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Just like that the 3 man ride in a green jeep as it sets its front lights upon the road heading towards the sun. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The three man come to a stop as Bradley is the first to exit and look around. Woods and trees can be seen with large rocks built upon the dirt that could be use a rock to sit on. He looks ahead of the large rocks as he sees the river flow in all sorts of directions. He begins walking towards the back as he sees Tom and Dante open the trunk. Dante hands a black and red fishing rod, as he comes out with a blue fishing rod in his right hand carrying a water-cooler in his left arm. Tom follows being him as he has a yellow fishing rod, while he holds a few cases in his other hand. The three men set forth to the lake.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom sets the cases down as he pops on of the lids open. He sits against the rock as he pulls out a worm which he soon places it among his hook. Dante and Bradley copy him as they sling the fish out into the lake. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''A tug can be felt on Bradley’s pole, as he reels it in quickly. A fish pops out, and a big smile gazes among his damp face!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante: I guess we’re eating something fresh tonight, rather than cold beans! The three man smile, as they get back to fishing immediately.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: We still need more… Tom sighs despite the early catch, but they aren’t going to get this lucky for the rest of the day.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague walks with comfort as he heads towards a brown door. On the front of it reads “Mr. Espinoza”. He passes an open door, but soon turns back as he peeks his head inside. Carrie sits inside, writing upon a notebook. Teague knocks against the wall to signal he’s in her presence. Carrie stares up as she sets her pen.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: What you writing?

<p class="MsoNormal">Carrie: Geez, no good morning or anything?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague: Good morning! Teague shrugs his shoulders as he grinds.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Carrie: Good morning! Anyways, I’m writing the paper…'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Oh- about the big dude’s death?

<p class="MsoNormal">Carrie: Yeah… Don’t like it one bit, but it’s required…

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Yeah, sucks really bad… Hopefully Al finds a way to continue where he left off.

<p class="MsoNormal">Carrie: I’m sure he’ll be able to… It might feel like nothing had changed!

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Besides the fact Lionell is gone…

<p class="MsoNormal">Carrie: I guess we all come and go don’t we?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Yeah, of course… Anyways speaking of coming and going, we have to check if there were any bad accidents with the trip.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Carrie: What trip? Carrie furrows her eyes brows.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: The buses trips to New York!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Carrie: Today? '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Unfortunately yes… But this is what we signed up for, so we got to do something right!

<p class="MsoNormal">Carrie: And when are we leaving?

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Two hours, so pack.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Carrie: Two hours?! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague: Yep! Teague quickly exits as Carrie face grows frustrated as she throws down her pen and sets her head upon her forearm as she rests it against the table as if she was an angry kindergartener.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague can’t help but grind at Carrie, but he stares at the open window behind her. He acknowledges it immediately, as he slowly grabs ahold of the cold stealthy handle as he pulls it behind him as he leaves the room. He smoothly but surly closes the door to avoid that many heart attack he gets when the wind pushes force against a door making it slam.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague now all alone, walks the small building’s hall slowly. He scruffs his hands upon his brown leather jacket as walks tiredly down the hall. “One more stop” he thought to himself, as he came face to face with a door that looks like it was used for investigating into crimes. He opens the door without Rocco’s saying, as he doesn’t feel like putting up with his shit. He walks on in, and sees the image he expected. Rocco lies down similar to Carrie, except he is sleeping. He isn’t asleep for long as he raises his head.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Damn, you’re looking paler then Frankenstein…

<p class="MsoNormal">Rocco: Man, you always got some damn jokes don’t you?

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Well I thought you figured that out three years ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Rocco: (sigh). What is it this time?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Man, both of you guys acting like y’all forgot we had a job to do.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rocco: Job and what do you mean both?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague: I was referring to you and Carrie Ann, and yes a job! Everyone wants us to be productive while the Kurios investigate about the death of Lionell, and they’ll need these rooms for their interviews and shit.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rocco: Those fuckers can’t just kick us out of our headquarters!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague: Stop being so damn moody and besides those people you call fuckers are the ones that gave you this job anyways. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rocco:  Besides, who’s the one in charge of all of this?

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Far from what I know, there are only two guys that are actually leading the case since %90 percent of the Kurios went ahead to go to New York; anyways, it’s August Powers, and Adrian Smith.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Rocco: those pests? Please, I could do a better job than they could in a million years! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague: Oh please! If that was the case you would have went to that field instead of here, and you act like their terrible people.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rocco: That’s because they’re terrible people.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Teague: You know, you should record and watch your back before karma bites you in the ass… Meet me down stairs in an hour, so pack your shit. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Rocco: Say whatever you want, I’m a man of my word. Rocco sets his head upon his desk, as Teague sighs and slowly shuts the door.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Back at the bar, things are quiet, a little quiet. Chanel sits down in the bar stool, as she figures out what the hell is going on. She looks towards the door, and amazingly sees Jay and Jackson laugh at each other jokes. She also notices the wood in their hands, with a few hammers and nails. She stands up and walks patiently towards the two man, which they don’t recognize her until she finally speaks.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chanel: Hey. Chanel says in a low boring tone.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jackson: Hey. Jackson mocks Chanel’s tone, just in a deep voice. He stands up as he sets down a bag of nails, as he gives a small hug followed with a quick peck on the lips. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel: Are you trying to make fun of me?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: Oh no, what would make you think I would do something like that?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chanel: Oh, whatever! Chanel does her signature eye roll.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson can’t help but stand and chuckle.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: Anyways, what you been up to?

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel: I don’t know, I’ve been trying to figure out to… You know I really wanted to go back to New York!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: Yea… But you know what; good things come to those who wait!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chanel: I hope! So, I see you two are having some fun.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jackson: Oh yeah! I and Jay have been working on sealing these windows! Jackson leaves Chanel and heads back to the nails where begins to pick through them.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chanel: Why? Is there someone out there or something? Jay turns around, still working with the nails.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Of course there’s something out there, the things that been trying to eat our brains out for the past three years!

<p class="MsoNormal">Chanel: I meant as in people, walking people who still have a conscience.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: I don’t know, Dante said he seen some weird shit yesterday, like an army with fucking massive tanks and shit.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chanel: Oh my gosh! There not bad are they?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: We don’t know, but we can’t make that choice right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chanel: Choice? I don’t see how this is a choice! It’s cold outside, and half of the food stock we found here are bad, and not to mention we’re fucking stuck in the middle of nowhere!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson quickly stands up and rushes to Chanel as he grabs ahold of her arms.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: Calm down baby, just relax he was just saying about how it’s too early to tell if they’re good or not…

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay grabs ahold of the bag of nails and slams them upon the ground. He stands up with multiple veins popping out upon his arms, as he grabs ahold of the hammer. He bites both his teeth together, as his cheeks swallow inside of his mouth with his lips puckered out.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Jay: Yo! I tried to be civilized with you Chanel but I just can’t fuck deal with this shit! You think I’m not aware of how we’re low on a lot of shit, but I’ve been through so much that I’ve had thoughts of fucking suicide! Don’t try to act I don’t know anything--'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jackson: its Al- Jackson is cut off by Jay, who puts his finger up in a number one position.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Anyways, I’m not going to go through whelping about my terrible experiences through all of this, but you need to understand that sometimes the choices we make aren’t even enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Just like that Jay is walking away to the bathroom as he drops the hammer upon the floor. Jackson stairs at the ground disconcert and back to Chanel, as he makes it clear it’s a less serious place.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Back in the bathroom Jay’s alone, which he’s been needing some alone time to himself. He stares at the man in the mirror, as he tries the figure out what the hell is wrong with him. Below him is water, which he splashes upon his face acknowledging he’s wasting the well needed supplies. He shows concern on his face as he thinks about the gun in his back pocket. One click and all of this could be over. He’ll be back with his Father, his Mother, and his sister; they’ll be a family again!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''But then his Father comes back to haunt him. He remembers specific words which he told him a while back. “Don’t never ever commit suicide, because when you’re thinking you’re doing the good, you’re really doing the bad for those around you weather they hate you or not, and I guarantee you that won’t make you material for heaven”. These words ran through his head despite his Father being a preacher, but he grew up around the church life. He reaches in his back pocket where he pulls at the gun; he looks around it as if he’s trying to learn how it works. He tosses it towards the wall, and takes one lass glance at the window. He sits down under the sink, and closes his eyes as he relaxes them. The silence was like music to his ears.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:153.5pt">Wish me luck on first attempt of POV.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''I sit upon the rock as the chilly wind blows through my face. Although it doesn’t seem like wind as it grows more aggressive like a wild fire, yet it’s still a wind I breathe. Dante and Tom defiantly look like they’ve been enjoying this way more than me; beer bottles lie beneath them. I guess they assumed I’ll be the selfless one that doesn’t drink, as I’ll have the honor of taking them home. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''I don’t hardly remember my 9th grade year, but amazingly I been enjoying the nature. I’ll accept my selflessness any day for views like this. I look beside me, as I notice only about five fish have been caught within a span of six hours. I honestly don’t know if that’s bad or good.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''My bass fishing coach was an old chubby white guy; I think his name was Griggs or something. Anyways, he was much more than a bass fishing coach to my teammates and I, and I regret I even forgot his names. We often went out camping even though our school disapproved over it. I still chuckle at the fact I snuck out of my house just so I could go to the trip. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''“Bradley!” Dante screams. I’m surprise I don’t stutter at such the random response, but before I can open mouth to respond I notice something. The bobble attached to my rod has been pulled down under water. I look bad and forth as everything just comes quickly until I finally come back to Earth. “Pull.” Exclaims Tom, and within seconds I’ve caught my second face. I see it lie upon the ground and this is unusual of me but I feel guilt. I haven’t felt guilt in weeks, but It I don’t mind it because it reminds me I’m human. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''It takes a few more moments for the fish to finally stop squirming, as I wonder. This is life now; the biters are no different than a pack of wild lions. Only difference is they look extremely similar to us. The only choice I’ll make, is worry about the humans then the biters. Much similar to fish life, you constantly have humans wanting to make a meal out of you, yet you’ll need to be aware of the predators which hunt you down. Either way, I just hope it’s enough to get through this winter.'''