Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Chapter 24: Phone

NOTE: MUSIC TRACK - PLAY IT WHEN IT SHOWS UP IF YOU WANT TO LISTEN - LATE`KNIGHT`SIMMER



Did The Leader allow you to listen to music?

Yes, although only music that had been pre-approved by him was acceptable. Working at the bookstore allowed me to hear different kinds of music that I actually liked better.



Mother and I are driving home from the country club. We played tennis for about an hour and a half, and then refreshed ourselves at the smoothie bar. At some point, I saw her talking to one of her uppity friends. I miss Camo, but I don't have his phone number. Why didn't we exchange numbers? The strangeness of that question sticks with me. Come to think of it, I've never seen him pull out a phone, not even to check the time. Is it because he doesn't have a phone? I guess I wouldn't put it past that place he lives to prohibit him from having a phone. I make a point to ask him about it the next time I see him, which luckily is tomorrow since it's Monday. I may be the only person in the world who likes to go to work, but it's only because Camo is there.


"Verona? Darling, did you hear what I asked you?"

Crap, I was so lost in my thoughts I had no idea Mother had even been talking.

"No, sorry Mother, I didn't. What did you say?"

"I asked if you wanted to give Marcus another chance. His mother was talking to me today, and she said Marcus has been moping around the house because he really wanted to go to dinner with you, but that you two never scheduled anything."

No, no, no, Mother! It figures that now when I'm actually thinking about a boy seriously, Mother would try to screw it up. She's so good at it, I don't know why I expected her to stop meddling. I'd hoped she had gotten some sense into her head since she's been treating Absolon so well. I try to be as polite as I can without telling Mother about Camo because I really want to tell Daddy first.

"I'm not sure, Mother. Marcus was nice enough, but I didn't feel any passion or chemistry between us. I don't really see it going anywhere with him."

"Can't you just go on one date with him? Your first meeting was rather abrupt, I think a dinner date alone with him will be what you need to get to know him better."


"Mother, you are not getting the point. I don't want to get to know Marcus better."

"Why not, Verona?"

I can feel Mother getting as exasperated with me as I am with her. Maybe I should just tell her I'm dating someone. No, that will go very badly because she'll start asking me about his place in society and what he does. There's no way I can tell her that I'm dating a boy who lives in a shelter. She'll freak out. Damn it. What do I tell her?

"It doesn't matter, Verona. Marcus' mother has already made reservations at Avec des Glacons, upon Marcus' request. You'll see Marcus at 7pm Tuesday night for dinner."

I swear under my breath and tense every muscle in my body so I don't reach up and punch her.



Camo and Titanium are doing their weekly checking of the reproduction schedule to see if they're on it, and Camo notices his number is up again. He glares at the paper and storms away to their room. Titanium finishes checking the paper and doesn't see his number, so he follows Camo. He finds Camo sitting on his bed in their room, sulking.

"I don't want to do it, Titanium...I don't want to do it."

"I know. It seems wrong, doesn't it? What are you going to do? If you don't do it, The Leader will know something is up and you'll have to tell him about Verona."


"Well, what I'm going to do is tell Verona about it, and then I have to do it. I can't let The Leader know that I feel this place is wrong, or he'll punish me. I just have to keep going like everything is fine."

"Do you think Verona will be mad at you?"

"No, she won't be mad at me, she'll be mad at the situation."


It's my last song before the store closes. I decide to play Payphone by Maroon 5.


I'm at a pay phone trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone, baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?

Yeah, I know it's hard to remember

The people we used to be
It's even harder to picture
That you're not here next to me

You say it's too late to make it

But is it too late to try
And in our time that you wasted
All of our bridges burned down



I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights, now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

If "Happy ever after" did exist

I would still be holding you like this
All those fairy tales are full of shit
One more fucking love song I'll be sick

Oh you turned your back on tomorrow

Cause you forgot yesterday
I gave you my love to borrow
But you just gave it away



You can't expect me to be fine
I don't expect you to care
I know I've said it before
But all of our bridges burned down

Man, fuck that shit

I'll be out spending all this money while you're sitting round wondering
Why it wasn't you who came up from nothing
Made it up from the bottom, now when you see me, I'm stunning
And all of my cars start with a push of a button
Telling me the chances I blew up or whatever you call it
Switch the number to my phone so you never could call it
Don't need my name on my shirt you can tell it I'm ballin'
Swish what a shame could have got picked
Had a really good game but you missed your last shot
So you talk about who you see at the top
Or what you could have saw but sad to say it's over for
Phantom pulled up valet open doors
Wiz like go away, got what you was looking for
Now it's me who they want, so you can go and take
That little piece of shit with you


~ Payphone, by Maroon 5 ~

After locking the front doors of the bookstore, I turn around and nearly collide into Camo's sexy body. Apparently he had been quickly making his way over to me. I'm so irritated about what Mother did to me yesterday, just telling me that I had to have dinner with Marcus. I feel like she ordered me around, like she's my commanding officer whom I can't disobey, instead of a loving mother looking out for her daughter. I don't understand her at all. I don't want to give Marcus false hope that we might have a future together because I don't want to be with him, but I don't know how to avoid the date without seeming rude. I'm not mad at Marcus for liking me, but I don't want to go out with him. It seems like his mother is just as meddlesome as mine is, considering she made reservations for us on his behalf. I can't call and cancel because then his mother will tell mine and I'll have to tell her about Camo before I've figured out how.


"Camo, I'm having a really bad day."

"Really? So am I."

"I need to tell you something," we both say in unison.

Then we laugh because we said the same thing at the same time. I love how just being around Camo makes me all giddy inside. I know talking to him will make me feel better even though it's not going to be a very pleasant topic. I wonder why he's having a bad day.


Camo takes my hand and leads me over to the couch by the wall. He puts me on his lap and holds my hand, while he uses his other hand to rub my thigh. I can't even describe how good he's making me feel right now just by sitting with me. I really needed this.


How does he do that? He's making my heart beat a million times a minute, and all he's doing is being in my presence. It's like he's looking deep into my soul or something. Maybe I just feel that way because I love him. I'm so distracted by Camo's eyes that I feel like everything around me has stopped, like we're frozen in time together. I notice his lips moving, so my eyes read his words even though I didn't hear them.

"What did you want to tell me?"

I take a deep breath to calm myself before I speak because I don't want to make him jealous, even though I know he understands that I love him and I'd never hurt him on purpose.

"My mother set me up on a date with a boy named Marcus. Before I met you, my mother brought Marcus over to our house and wanted me to go out with him. I said no and then I met you. My mother went to the country club yesterday and she talked to Marcus' mother, who had made reservations for me and Marcus to have dinner together. I don't want to go out with him, I already told him that, but I guess he's persistent. I also told my mother that I don't want to date him, but she's persistent as well."

I look into Camo's eyes to try to get a glimpse of what he might be feeling at the moment. He doesn't look upset, which is good. He's still holding my hand and hasn't made any sudden movements to throw me off him or anything.


"Does your mother know about me?"

"No, but that's only because I'm afraid she'll make me stop seeing you."

"Why would she do that?"

"She is obsessed with social status, you know, rich people and poor people? My family is rich, so she wants me to date a rich person. I want to date someone I love, and I love you. It's just a date, but I don't want to go because there's no point. I'm not going to give Marcus false hope or lead him on because I don't want him. I don't know what to do."

I hang my head and look down at my legs, hating that I've been put in such a stupid situation. I don't know why I'm freaking out so much about a date. It's not like I'd been planning to do anything with Marcus. Camo squeezes my hand, comforting me.


"You should go on the date, and tell Marcus that you don't like him. You can tell him about me and then maybe he'll leave you alone."

Camo's words surprise me, but they make sense. If I go on the date, and tell Marcus directly that I don't like him, then I'll have satisfied my mother's wish. Of course she won't be pleased that I just told him no straight away instead of getting to know him better, but she can't argue with me as much if I do go on the date.

"Are you sure about that, Camo?"

"Yeah. I don't know if he will leave you alone, but you can at least try. Plus I know you aren't going to kiss him or anything like that. Ah crap, this makes what I have to tell you even worse. I got assigned to that stupid sex schedule again. I really don't want to do it, but I can't see a way out of it without the shelter finding out about you."

It's my turn to squeeze Camo's hand as he hangs his head and stares into his lap. No wonder he was having a crappy day. The news makes me wish even harder that I could get him out of that wretched place. He looks so upset that I pull him towards me and hold him close to let him know I'm not upset with him in the slightest. I run my fingers through his hair and hug him.


"When do you have to do that?"

"Wednesday at 2 o'clock."

"Why don't you come over to my house after you do what you have to and spend some time with me?"

"You don't hate me because I'm not trying to get out of it?"

"Of course not, baby. I don't want you to get punished. I love you, and I mean it."

"I love you too."

Sadly, it's time for him to go home now, so he gets up and smiles at me. I jump off the couch, throw my arms around his neck, and attack his mouth with mine.


While we're kissing, I suddenly remember that I was going to ask him about his cell phone.

"Camo, do you have a cell phone?"

"I do not."

Well, I guess that explains why he didn't ask for my phone number.


Later that night, Camo and Titanium were playing pool in the common area, when The Leader calls them over to the Announcement Desk. They don't really know why The Leader wants to see them, and they can't quite read the expression on his face.



Credits: Zhippidy's Custom Poses for Sims 3

20 comments:

  1. Camo and Verona make wanna squee. So I'm squeeing for Camo and Verona.
    Seriously, it is so sweet that they love each other so much, and understand the crappy situation they are each in and instead of getting angry or jealous, they want to help each other through it so they can be together.
    I love them.
    Verona's mom, and Marcus mom, such meddling bitches! I can't believe they arranged a date. I'll LOL if Marcus was forced into this by his mom, too. I wouldn't put it past these women to lie to their kids about who likes who just to force them into a date together.

    Uh Oh, called into the Leader's office...This could be trouble! Can't wait to find out.

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    1. I often feel that talking about things in a relationship is always the best option, even if it's unpleasant crap that's not fun to talk about. Camo and Verona both missed each other something fierce when they were fighting, so they aren't turning to anger or jealousy because they don't want to fight with each other. I'm glad you enjoy their relationship as much as I do. :)
      LOL, the moms are crazy bitches, aren't they? They do seem like the kind who would just tell their kids stuff to get their way. I haven't figured out which angle to take with Marcus, whether he'll be in the same place as Verona, or if he actually does like her and tries to sabotage things. I think either way would be fun to explore, as both scenarios have crossed my mind.
      Heehee, I loved the paranoia that got drummed up in a previous chapter when Titanium and Camo were both on their dates, so I thought the ending to this one should be sort of a... dot, dot dot. :)

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  2. Hm, someone here is developing a taste for cliffhangers, eh? *lol*

    I am really looking forward to seeing Marcus again. So many nice options how this date might go... not exactly pleaseant ones for the people involved, sure, but still *ggg*

    And of course I am curious what the creep, eh leader might want them to do this time... you know what, I am glad that you are such a productive writer- it means that I won´t have to wait to long to find out ;D

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    1. LMAO yeah, I like suspense, and I feel like I haven't been doing that as much in this story as I wanted. I think it adds to the paranoia of the cult environment.
      Heehee, Marcus. I haven't yet decided which angle I want to go with Marcus, obviously the one that will cause the most drama would be best. *evil grin*
      LOL, The Creep, that's a great name for The Leader, he's such a jerk-face. :D Thanks, I'm glad I can keep your interest in the story. *hugs*

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  3. Ahhh cliff hangers! The leader is scary, I hope they aren't in any trouble. I wish Verona's mom would let her be happy and quit interfering in her daughters life and happiness. I like Camo and Verona together, they are a cute couple. :)

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    1. Hi! :) I like them cliff hangers. LMAO, that's such a wrong accent for this story. I feel it adds to the paranoid atmosphere of this story, like oh no what's going on? Am I in trouble? Again? What? No! AH! LMAO.
      Verona's mom is stupid, she needs to find her own life instead of trying to live through Verona. She's been doing better as far as not judging Absolon, but she's nowhere near ready to let go of her control when it comes to Verona. Charles won't be happy with her nonsense when he finds out. He hates when she pulls this crap on Verona.
      Yay, I'm loving all the Camo and Verona fans! :) I hoped people would see the way they handle their relationship as productive.

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  4. Verona's mom needs to back off. Camo and Verona 4-ever :)

    The leader is a bit....\(°_°)/

    Let's see what he wants this time

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    1. Hi Kristen! Thanks for reading and commenting! :)
      Yay another Camo and Verona fan! :) I'm glad that people see the way they handle their relationship as a good thing.
      The Leader is definitely a crazy jerk. We never know what he wants... is he going to say they did something? Is he going to give them a reward? Is he going to say he wants them to help him? Who knows? :)
      Verona's mom should live her own life instead of messing with her child's life all the time.

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  5. UGH! Verona's mom pisses me off. I knew she was going to go back to her roots and push Verona towards something she doesn't want.. LE SIGH.

    I always like to listen to the music and see what Abs likes to play. He's so cute. ^_^

    Verona is so adorable around Camo, I like how she gets all flustered and how her heart quickens whenever she sees him. They seem like they have a wonderful relationship, when are things that they're forced to go through going to be over?! Hahaha

    Uh oh.. The Leader... O_O

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    1. Verona's mother... --> *punch* That's what Verona wanted to do. I'm sure she'd appreciate the support. LOL. Verona's mother hasn't quite gotten it through her head that Verona's not going to burst into flames if she dates a 'common' guy. Verona's mother is so medieval. Haha, Absolon likes random music, just like me. Hmm... well, if they stop having stuff to go through... would the story be over? Cause it would go back to present day when they're married? Hmm... I don't know. It'll get better someday though, since we know Camo gets out of the cult somehow.
      The Leader... creepy jackass... haha.

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  6. How in the hell did I miss this update? I got to the beginning of the next one and was all like wtf? lol.

    They. Need. To. Get. The. Hell. Out. Of. There!
    I'm glad at least that I know they get out eventually. That's very reassuring.

    on to the next...

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    1. LOL. I don't know. Maybe there is a thing that makes some updates fall through the cracks. :) But you found it! :)

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  7. Ooooh. *n*

    I dislike the leader guy! Go have a stroke or something. D:<

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    1. You should despise The Leader. He's a giant douche with a god complex.

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  8. Too much bad to process... ugh.

    I wish Verona had said flatly "No" to her mother. I wish Camo would grab Titanium's hand and say, "Let's go" and leave the shelter. I wish I didn't see Mr Leader calling them to him for some reason. :(

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    1. Yeah, she could have, but her mother doesn't take no for an answer. She'd have still argued with Verona and caused more drama, then perhaps set up another date since she's just that persistent. XD True, Camo and Titanium should run away, but then the story would be over... haha. Maybe you can revel in the fact that they are happy and healthy in present day. This is just a series of memories after all. LOL.

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  9. Shit. This chapter is indescribably horrible. Starting with Verona's "date" and ending with that creepy ass Leader... ahhh!

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    1. LOL. I enjoyed this cliffhanger... and you're right the things in this chapter were all pretty unpleasant.

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  10. Oh shit! Looks like things are about to get crazy, the leader is always confusing...I wonder what he has to tell them. O.O

    But what's wrong with the leader? If he's that worried about the music they listen to why doesn't he just get instrumentals? Lol.

    And gheez, Verona's mother got all pushy again when she started talking about Marcus. And who does Marcus' mother think she is, making reservations without even asking first? That's rude lol. Ugh, maybe Verona will not show up on Tuesday but either way she will be miserable until she comes out and says it like it is.

    Verona and Camo both are being controlled by someone else, and I never really realized that until now. It's good that neither one of them is jealous about what's going to happen to the both of them, their trust for each other is clear :)

    I still don't understand the cellphone situation...If the leader allows them to go out and get jobs, they should be able to have a cellphone.

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    1. Haha, yeah I left that at a cliffhanger because I had just written about them breaking curfew, so I wanted to make some paranoia happen. LOL.

      What's wrong with The Leader? Umm... everything. ROFL, just kidding. Well, if you think about that person you told me about in a previous comment and how they thought certain music was devilish or a bad influence, it's like that. Again, it all boils down to control. The Leader just wants to be anal about the music they listen to. Some music has lyrics that can be construed as getting people to follow and obey, so that's why he didn't just go with straight instrumental.

      Yup, Verona's mother won't let it go. *sigh* Well, the attitudes of Marcus' mother and Verona's mother are identical, they want to mess with their kids lives. It is definitely rude, and honestly Marcus' mother didn't give a shit about what Verona wanted, which is why she didn't ask first. Marcus' mother only takes Marcus' interests to heart, so when Marcus wanted to date Verona, his mother was going to try her best to make it happen. :/

      Aww haha, I'm glad you realized that parallel I put in the story. LOL. They are both in terrible situations and so they both empathize with each other and know that all intentions are not bad.

      The cell phone thing is about control. Cell phones can be lifelines to outside influences, which can lead to members questioning The Compound's ways and rules. Walkies can be controlled by The Leader because he can just put it on a frequency he wants, but for him to control cell phones, he'd have to check everyone's contact lists and messages all the time to see if they were trying to take down The Compound, and that's just too complicated of a thing for The Leader to deal with. Control, control, control, that is the bottom line of the cell phone situation.

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