Revolution: The New World

6 Years Ago

February 20, 2069

0800 CST

Central Olympia, Kansas

Inside Drew Howard's Bedroom

Drew Howard's Point of View

“What’s the move?” Jaliyah asks as she bursts through my bedroom door.

“Reading. And knock next time!” I say.

“Why is it so dark in this small bedroom filled with books, maps, and a giant globe?”

“Your precise over-imagery of my room is comedic.”

“Well, I do enjoy entertaining audiences,” she informs in confidence. “Anyway, whatcha readin’?” She asks in an innocent tone as she approaches.

“A book.”

“Wow, I never would’ve guessed,” she says with a look of disbelief on her face as she rolls her eyes and sits on the bed. “So big brother…” she says as her innocent face switches to a devilish one. “When are you and Ruby gonna become official? It’s ok if and when you do. As your little sister, I approve of her and her very large head.”

“You’re like ten years old, so your approval means nothing.”

“Well, I am a firm believer in love at first. You two are destined to be together forever.”

“I’m a firm believer that little ten-year-old girls don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to something as silly as love.”

“Whatever. Just let me know when you confess your love to Ruby so I can start the wedding arrangements.”

*

Later That Day

Central Olympia, Kansas

1345 CST

*

“So how was school today, you two?” Mom asks with too much optimism as we begin our walk home.

Imani Howard. The best mom and nurse in the world! Black, long curly hair, and is wearing her usual purple scrubs.

“Fantastic!” Jaliyah exclaims in glee.

“Terrible.”

“Terribly fantastic is what he means,” Jaliyah says with a chuckle.

“Olympia needs more books, Mom. I’ve read every book in all of the libraries twice already.”

“Good things come to those who wait, Drew,” Mom says with a smile.

“Imani,” a man says in a strange tone from behind us. “A woman walking the streets by herself is just asking for trouble.”

“Gary, I’m fine. I’ll be meeting up with your brother any minute now,” Mom replies in a kind tone.

Uncle Gary, an odd man with a flattop and white medical scrubs.

“You two have very nice teeth,” Uncle Gary says in haste as he rapidly approaches. “A trait you all get from me.”

O…k? And?

“Uncle Gary,” Jaliyah says in excitement, followed by Mom stepping in front of her.

“Is it alright if I accompany you three?” Gary says with a smile. “Family is the only thing that matters after all.”

I don’t care if you’re family or not. I don’t trust anyone who goes to bed with shoes on.

“How’s everything at the dentist’s office?” Mom asks in a kind tone.

“Sparkling,” Gary replies with a deep sigh. “I don’t mind taking you in for a free personal appointment, whenever you’re available. I assure you that my adroit hands are capable of multitasking. I promise that you’ll feel right at home,” Gary says as he quickly rubs his hands.

Weird.

“No, thanks, Gary. I should get going. It’s getting late,” Mom says in a hurry.

“Wait, Imani!” Gary yells as he blocks our path. “Please take this gift!” He says as he hands Mom a small package of dental floss. “Make sure… you get between the teeth.”

“Gary?” Dad asks in concern as he approaches us with haste.

*

The Next Day, After School

1415 CST

*

“Drew! We’ve been waiting for approximately thirty minutes. Where’s Mom?” Jaliyah asks in fear.

“I don’t know, but it’s weird. She’s never been late before.”

“Drew, Jaliyah?” Dad says as he approaches the open front gate of the school. “Nobody came home, so I got worried and decided to look for you,” Dad notifies us in worry.

Sebastian Howard, the coolest man, and best carpenter in the world. Black, black afro, tall, and is wearing a red t-shirt and blue jeans today.” Come on. I’ll take you two home,” Dad says in an uneasy tone.

*

10 Minutes Later

Outside the Howard’s House

*

Oh no. Someone broke in…

“Drew, take your sister and get help!” Dad screams as he barges into the house to deal with the intruder.

“Jaliyah, we gotta go!”

“NO! I’m not going anywhere without Mom,” she rebelliously screams in anger as she follows Dad.

Fuck! How can someone so little be so fast?!

“Jaliyah, stop!” I yell.

“YOU PIECE OF SHIT!!!” Dad roars out in fury as we reach the main bedroom.

Gasp! Mom?! Jaliyah!

“What?” Jaliyah asks in utter confusion.

Gotta avert her gaze from the trauma. Damn it. I’m gonna be sick…

“Drew?” Jaliyah asks in an innocent tone as I lead her outside.

“We need to leave, Jaliyah. We don’t need… to see that.”

Gary, how the fuck could you do that? I hope Dad fucking crushes your throat, you piece of shit, fucking monster.

“Mom was beaten, mutilated, and raped by Gary,” Jaliyah says in too calm of a tone. “He tied her bruised, naked body to the bed and stuck all kinds of tools in places where they don’t belong,” she says as she continues to vividly describe what she saw. “This is what I saw before Dad started strangling Uncle Gary. Gary impregnated Mom, and that means that we’re going to have a new brother or sister within nine months, depending on Mom’s decision about his seed. It’s not our fault, but if we didn’t wait for Mom after school, then Dad wouldn’t have left the house, and Gary never would’ve been able to sneak Mom inside after he kidnapped her. Now, Dad is going to kill Uncle Gary, and I think he deserves it…” she says in a nonchalant tone.

What the fuck?!

“Jaliyah! Drew!” Dad yells in tears as he approaches us. “Always… protect each other,” he cries out as he gives us a tight hug. “No matter what.”