Words
I'm going to use three words tonight.
Livia's words popped onto the screen.
I stared at Livia, not sure how to respond. No one used their words – especially Livia. She was the most frugal person that I knew. I typed back:
What for?
Love.
I frowned. Many people saved their words for love, but I knew Livia. Her words were worth more.
Why not use them to make a difference?
I was given The Stare – then a response.
Because no one listens to opinionated stuff, Kay. My words are too valuable to be ignored.
Opinionated. That was me all right. But to be labeled... was serious. I didn't expect it from Livia. I bit my lip.
She must have seen my hurt, for she typed again.
Kay, just tone it down a bit. You can get in trouble for talking about Wake like that.
I can't stop. It's all I think about.
The truth was out. I knew I could get in trouble, but the words were my burden. Something that needed to be said.
She met my gaze for a moment, but it was a hollow, distant look.
What about Jock?
I smiled. She's got me there.
Yeah, I've thought about him. Especially since he won't tell me where we're going tonight! Speaking of which, I should go get ready.
Livia gave me a reassuring smile.
Yeah, have fun!
Jock had told me that we were going somewhere special that I should dress up for, but he never could have prepared me for the night. The lights were so dazzling that I had to keep refocusing my attention to the sights and people around me. I nearly ran a server over, for lack of paying attention. When I hopped backward to avoid the collision, he looked up startled, then gave his head a little shake.
“I beg your pardon, Miss.” He said, then disappeared into the crowd.
I was greatly flustered. After a few minutes I realized why. He spoke.
My mind began to swim. Why would a server apologize out loud? Did his words have no value? It made me nervous.
My next realization made me jump.
Voices.
There were so many of them. And as I looked around my revelation was affirmed. They were talking. Everyone was.
My mind seemed to scream warnings at me. This was so wrong! Not a single person that I knew talked freely. Everything in me wanted to tell them: “Save your words!”
“Kay.” A voice interrupted me, and I whirled around to face Jock. He studied my face for a moment. Lines of concern creased his face. “Are you okay?”
He only scared me more, but there was no where to go. I mouthed the words: Why are you talking?
A grin lit his face, and he shook his head. “Kay, you can talk here. It's okay.”
My face went blank. This isn't right. I shook my head. No. I want to leave.
But there was no where to go. The quiet serenade turned into a booming fanfare, and lights focused on a stage that I hadn't noticed before. There before me stood Rollin Wake, the most prominent political leader in Mallowlea.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” He said. “It is my honor to be here before you tonight, and also to award one of you for your words.”
He reached into his pocket and withdrew a card, held it up to the light, then pronounced with a flourish : “The lady who will be joining me up here this evening is...”
I looked up at Jock, but his eyes held an uneasy look and he refused to return my gaze.
“...Kaylaraa Grey.”
It took me a moment before I even recognized my own name. Even then it didn't seem real. I was being called up on stage not only in front of a live audience of renowned people, but onto the light screens of every home where this event was being watched. And I was being called up for my words.
Somehow I got to the stage, where the lights drowned out all the color and faces. Where I was in the spotlight. Rollin was at the edge of the stage waiting for me. He escorted me to the center of the stage.
“This young lady has been selected to speak to you tonight because of the opinions she places in her words.” His voice rang throughout the hall.
I was so scared. Opinions! Livia warned me! My gaze searched for Jock, but I couldn't find him in the silhouettes of bodies. They want me to speak! I didn't know what to say.
“How have you been, Miss Kay?”
I faced Wake, forcing a smile on my face and nodding my head respectfully.
His eyes narrowed, and a grin glided onto his pinched face. “How have you enjoyed your evening, Kaylaraa?”
Again I felt a nod and smile were sufficient.
Rollin Wake did not.
Wake faced the audience. “It seems to me that Kaylaraa is refusing to answer my questions.” He faced me again. “Are you words too precious, dear?”
So that is what they wanted me for. To mock me.
My smile adapted to a line of determination.
Again Wake faced the audience. “I think if Kaylaraa will not grace us with her words, we should not grace her with any either.” He paused, then smiled. “Jock, bring me the key please.”
My mind whirled. “We should not grace her with any...” The words echoed in my mind. What was happening? I only had 147 words left….
“Here it is, Sir.”
It was Jock. My eyes widened. What’s going on?
He refused to meet my gaze.
Wake looked from me to Jock. “Kaylaraa, you didn't know, did you? You didn't know that your dear Jock was out to take your words? Every word that you spoke to Jock was one word less that you used on your opinions.”
I scowled, but Wake didn't notice. Jock! My mind cried out to him. What are you doing?
“Let's see here.” Wake's voice filled the hall again as he fingered the key. “Kay, do you have any idea what this is?” He held up a black, hand sized device that had a few small buttons on it.
I shook my head. I had no idea, but the look of it made me feel sick.
“This, Kay, is the key to your words.”
Part two is coming next week!
~Harper
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