Entertainment Overload

Chapter 1

Rose McLain

One tear dropped after another as she flooded the world because of her sorrow and its cruelty…

How can someone end a book like that? I thought, coming out of oblivion I looked around me at the various things my friends were doing. Charolette with her long brown hair and chocolate colored eyes was reading like me, her midnight-black haired, bright blue eyed bother Jax was listening to music while playing a video game with Ash, whose curly brown hair framed his electric green eyes, and my Elijah Jay, with his shaggy brown hair and striking blue eyes, was on the computer as usual.

These people meant everything to me. We live in a world where things are totally absurd. We live in a world where entertainment is limited, and if someone is caught with any form of entertainment the Enforcers come and take them away. Nobody knows what happens to them except that they never return.

See our ancestors believed excessive use of entertainment caused corruption and deceit and destruction. Video games were believed to cause mind control and to make people want to kill each other. Music was sadistic and corrupted the mind. Movies and television gave people the wrong ideas.

When our ancestors came up with this idea a rebel group rose up to take over the government. When that happened the Leaders, a group of six people and the people who work for them, came into play and took over everything. They went on a rampage collecting all the entertainment. People didn’t sit with this too well so there were fights, fires, and destruction. Eventually they got everything under control. Entertainment was restricted to one hour intervals a day at a specific location in the towns. Each day had a specific entertainment and they could only do that one thing. Then the Enforcers came; they were there to make sure nobody had any hidden entertainment. They would raid houses once a month.

Now in the year 2089 there are only three Leaders and their workers. The Enforcers are still here, but they don’t raid the houses anymore. Everything is pretty civilized, but we still have to be careful.

“Rose, come here.” I hear Elijah Jay say.

Elijah Jay is a lonely kid; the oldest of the group, eighteen. Nobody else knows much about him, but I do. I know everything there is to know about Elijah Jay. My friends may mean everything to me, but Elijah Jay is my world, my soul mate.

We met two years ago when I was fourteen and he was sixteen. I may have been young, but I knew he was everything I ever wanted.

“What is it, Elijah Jay?” I ask walking towards him.

“Nothing, I just wanted you to be near me. You looked like you were deep in thought.”

“Yeah, just thinking,” I say running my fingers through his hair.

Our relationship is ironic, our personalities are polar opposite. I’m the type of person who has a dry sense of humor and can be cruel, but Elijah Jay is sweet and goofy. Our friends question our relationship sometimes as a joke but it’s not.

Just as I was about to lean down and kiss him a video game controller flew pass my head and slammed against the wall behind Elijah Jay.

“Jax Jones, if you throw one more damn controller I swear I will hurt you!” I screamed.

“Chill, McLain, it ain’t gonna hurt anything.” Jax sneered.

“It’ll hurt us all if someone hears it and we get caught!”

“Guys, don’t you think screaming will get us caught even more than Jax’s temper tantrums,” sweet Charolette calmly said.

“You’re right, Char, but your brother needs to learn how to control himself.” I said feeling the start of a panic attack which occurred whenever I got upset.

“Guys, it’s almost 9 o’clock; we better start putting things up,” said Ash Roberts.

Every day when we weren’t doing anything else we would all get together and head to our warehouse. The warehouse was run down and a mile outside of our town; Jonesboro, Louisiana. We never went without the whole group; it was all or none. As far as we knew nobody knew our secret, but we still didn’t want to take any chances. We always left before 9 o’clock to make it back before town curfew at 11 o’clock.

We started to turn things off and put things away; making sure everything was where it needed to go. We left; locking the warehouse and piled into Elijah Jay’s truck. As we drove back into town we could see Enforcers start to pair up around the city limits. I wondered which one of my parents would be on duty tonight.

Elijah Jay squeezed my hand as we drove to drop Ash off and the Charolette and Jax.

After we left Charolette and Jax’s house we drove in silence until Elijah Jay pulled onto the side of the road.

“What are you doing, Elijah Jay?” I asked confused.

“I know something’s wrong with you. What is it, baby?” he asked squeezing my hand.

“To be honest I’m scared out of my mind. What do you think will happen if we ever get caught?” I chocked out with a tear sliding down my face.

“Don’t worry about it, baby; we haven’t gotten caught yet, what makes you think we’ll get caught now?” he asked drawing lazy circles on my hand.

I shrugged then climbed and straddled his lap. When our lips met it was like kissing him for the first time again; soft and slow at first, but then it grew more passionate and deep and heart stopping.

When we pulled apart he kissed the tip of my nose and said, “We need to get going, baby, don’t want to get you in trouble.”

I slid off his lap and he pulled back onto the road. When we got to my house it was 9:35 and the front of the house was ablaze with lights. When we got closer I could see a curvy silhouette standing on the porch meaning my dad was on duty tonight.

Elijah Jay turned the car off and walked me to the porch.

“Hello, Mrs. McLain,” Elijah Jay said politely. He never had been too fond of my mom.

“Hi, Elijah Jay, you’re late, Rose.” My mom didn’t tolerate disobedience especially with her being an Enforcer; my dad is more lenient.

“Sorry, Mom, we lost track of time.”

“Mmm, well you better not make a habit of it,” she said turning around to go back inside.

I sighed and turned to Elijah Jay giving him the biggest hug in the world. He picked me up and spun me around. When he stopped I gave him a huge kiss.

“Soon, my baby, we’ll just have each other, right?” I asked with hope.

“Yes, my love, soon. I love you so much.”

“I love you so much too. You better go before we get into any more trouble.” I gave him another hug and kiss, and walked through the threshold to see what was in store for me.

“Tell me exactly why you’re late, again.” I heard as soon as I walked through the door.

“We were at Belmont’s, and you know today’s entertainment is music, we danced and listened to the music; stayed for the hour, and then we drove around for a while. By the time we dropped Ash, Charolette, and Jax off we were late. I only missed curfew by five minutes, Mom.” I said aggravated.

“You were still late. Go get cleaned up for supper. And Rose, don’t be late again,” she said in the coldest of tones.

I walked upstairs without saying a word. When I got to my bathroom I ran the faucet water until it was ice cold and splashed it on my face.

What were we thinking, I thought, we’re all going to get caught and taken away, and nobody knows what happens when someone is caught because they are never seen again. They’re probably killed…

Mom’s voice sliced through my thoughts,” Rose, supper’s ready.”

I dried my face, plastered on a smile, and walked downstairs.

“So, I guess Dad had to patrol tonight?” I asked as we ate.

“Yeah, Enforcer’s Headquarters got word that there was suspicious activity at a warehouse just outside of town, and since I patrolled yesterday it is his turn.”

My heart raced in panic, but I managed to say, “Right.”

“Know anything about that, Rose?” she asked looking me over.

Pretty much any Enforcer could tell when someone was lying. Would an Enforcer know a person was lying if that person was their own daughter?

“No, why would I? I’ve always followed the law, Mom. Why have you been questioning me since I got home like I’m some kind of criminal?”

I wanted to yell at her and tell her it was none of her business what I was doing. That it was my life that our supposedly great, wonderful way of life was insane; that nobody should have to live without entertainment and if you get caught with it you’ll get in trouble. These things didn’t cause corruption; the people stopping it caused corruption. Our way of life needed to be brought to an end. We needed to start over again.

Mom just stared at me then went back to eating.

“I’m done,” I said picking my plate up and putting in the sink; probably meaning “I’m done” in more ways than one.

I walked out of the kitchen, but before I got up the stairs Mom called from the kitchen, “Church tomorrow, don’t forget.”

Right! I thought church.

Church was on Sundays of course and it was mandatory for everyone to go; even if you didn’t believe, like me for example. The government believed that if everybody was forced to go to church everybody would be saved and wouldn’t get corrupted and wouldn’t go against the government. So for people like me who didn’t believe in God or the government we had to sit there for four hours and listen to bullshit.

We all didn’t have to go to the same church, but we still had to go. Unfortunately for me Elijah Jay went to a different church with his grandparents. As did Ash, Charolette, and Jax go to different churches.

So I was stuck sitting with my mom and dad at church since the other kids were too young and I didn’t know any of them.

I pushed church out of my mind and went to take a shower. I climbed into bed without bothering to dry my hair. On nights like this I wish I had a way to talk to Elijah Jay late into the night.

Somehow I eventually fell asleep, but it didn’t seem like very long before my mom was calling my name to get up and ready for church. I crawled out of bed, put my hair into a bun, and put on a black floral print dress with combat boots. Mom didn’t allow me to wear makeup on Sundays. By the time I got downstairs Mom and Dad were already in the car so I grabbed a bagel and went to the car.

Church didn’t start until 8 o’clock and it was only 6 o’clock. It takes us an hour to get there, but my parents like to be early to help the preacher.

Finally, church begins with the children and me; the only teen, going to Sunday school for an hour. After that it’s a long three hours of sermons, music, and pure lies. At last the final prayer is said and offerings are taken up. I walk out of the church and while my parents are talking to friends; I see Elijah Jay pull up. I’m so glad to see him that I don’t even care that I interrupt my parent’s conversation to tell them Elijah Jay is here.

“Be home by eight.” I hear my dad call behind me.

I wave at him to indicate I heard then rush to get into Elijah Jay’s truck.

He greets me with a kiss and a hey and then we drive off.

“Where to, my love?” he asked taking my hand.

“Your place, obviously,” I answered.

We drove to his place in silence. When we got there I knew I had to tell him about the suspicion on the warehouse.

Elijah Jay lives with his grandparents. His parents and two sisters were said to have died in a car crash. Elijah Jay wasn’t with them because he was at home sick. Now that he is older he doesn’t believe the story. The funerals were closed casket so he believes Enforcers or the Leaders themselves did something to his family.

We walk into the house to find that his grandparents are not home. We walk upstairs to his room; once inside the room Elijah Jay tackles me onto the bed and kisses me hard. I kiss him back just as hard and passionately; putting my hands under his shirt. His hands roam all over my body; every touch searing my skin with hot desire. I wrap my legs around him and flip so that I’m on top of him. We’re still kissing; exploring every inch of each other. I pull back because I know that if I don’t tell him now about the warehouse I won’t have another chance.

“Who said I was done with you?” he asked leaning up to try to kiss me

I put my hand on his chest, “We can continue in a minute, baby, but I have something extremely important to tell you.”

“What is it, Love?” concern building in his voice.

I got off and sat beside him.

“Last night after you left my mom and I were talking over supper, and she mentioned that Enforcers were looking into the warehouse; our warehouse,” I studied him; waiting to see what he would say; if he would say anything at all.

It took him a while, but eventually he said, “We have to tell the others and then we can not go back to the warehouse for a very long time. Come on, let’s go.”

We leave to go find Charolette, Jax, and Ash. After we tell them about the warehouse we go back to Elijah Jay’s house.

Once we get back in his room; we make-out some more and then watch a movie. About half way through the movie I felt myself nodding off in Elijah Jay’s arms.

Chapter 2

Elijah Jay

I looked down at my sleeping Rose with her purple hair fanned out around her face; I realized how truly innocent and beautiful she looked, and as much as I hated to wake her up I knew I had to get her home before 8 o’clock or her mom was going to have my head.

“Wake up, my love,” I said poking her side. She stirred and her lively green eyes went wide with shock.

“What time is it!?” She looked around frantically.

“It is okay, Rose. It’s not eight yet, but we need to go no. Come on, Love.” I said getting off the bed and putting on my Converses.

When we got downstairs I saw my grandparents were in the living room talking.

“Hey, Elijah; hey, Rose.” My grandpa said politely.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jay,” Rose said back.

“Hello, Lovely.” My grandma said in her sweet voice. “Are you going home so soon?”

“Yes, ma’am, I have to be home before eight.”

“Okay, Lovely. Be careful, Elijah.” She indicated to me.

When we get to her house her mom is once again standing on the porch.

“Hello, Elijah Jay. You have two minutes to say goodbye, Rose.” She ordered as we walked up. Once she was inside Rose flung her arms around me.

“I don’t ever want to let go!” She mumbled into my neck.

“I know, Love. But soon we won’t ever have to.” I replied stroking her hair.

“Soon.”

We stood that way for a while; embracing each other like we were each others life saver, but eventually I pulled away

“I gotta go, Love. We’ll see each other tomorrow and I don’t want you to get into trouble. I love you.”

“I know. I love you, too, Elijah Jay.”

I didn’t drive off until I knew she was safely in her house. As I drove home the ride made me think of the day my parents and two sisters died. They were going to Belmont, but I stayed with my grandparents because I was sick. Enforcers said they were hit by an eighteen wheeler but I was never taken to the scene. The funeral was also closed casket so I never got to see my family’s faces again. I was six then; my sisters four and two.

When I got home my grandparents were still in the living room so I went and sat with them for a while listening to their conversation.

Their conversation stalled so I asked, “Grandma, was I asleep the day the Enforcer came to talk to ya’ll about the accident.”

“I don’t think you were asleep, sweetie, but you weren’t in the room. Why?” she replied sweetly.

“Because I don’t believe they’re really dead. What if they’re out there somewhere and can’t get back to me!?”

“Damn it, Elijah!” my grandpa said angrily. “They’re dead! Have been for twelve years. Why can’t you just let it go and move on? I love you because you’re my grandson, but you need to leave your parents’ and sisters’ death alone!”

“I can’t just leave it alone, Grandpa! I got no answers that day; still have no answers ‘til this day. I never got to go to the crash scene. Don’t even know where it is really. The caskets were closed so they might not have been really in there. They could be somewhere and I not know it. I’ve missed my sisters growing up and I’ve missed my parents warm embraces and encourages. I’ve missed everything! And if they really are dead, I wish I was too! And if the Enforcers have anything to do with it because I will find out one day I will make them pay!”

“Enough, Elijah! Don’t you ever talk like that again!” Grandpa said his face turning red.

I turned on my heel and flew upstairs locking myself in my room.

Five a.m. came fast. I rolled out of bed, pulled on some jeans, a plaid shirt, and Converses. When I walked downstairs Grandpa was at the table and I didn’t say a word to him; just grabbed an apple and left to get Rose.

I got to Rose’s at 5:30 and at 6:00 she came bounding out of the doors. Her purple hair was curly today and she had on black skinny jeans with Converses and a blue frilly shirt.

She paused on the steps confused as to why I was already there. When she got in the truck she asked, “How long have you been here?”

“Thirty minutes.”

“Why?”

“Didn’t want to stay at home any longer than I had to.”

Again she asked, “Why?”

“Grandpa and I got into an argument last night and there’s turbulence right now.”

“What happened?” she asked with concern.

“Nothing really. Let’s just go, okay.” I said kissing her, and then I put the truck in drive and drove toward school.

When we got to school neither of us made a move to get out.

“Hey, can you get a ride with Char this afternoon. I have some things I need to do.”

Rose had a look of confusion then said, “Yeah, uh, sure.”

I left it at that then got out of the truck and walked toward the school with Rose following.

Ash arrived shortly after we did then Charolette and Jax. In hushed voices we discussed the situation with our warehouse.

“I don’t think we should go back at least for three weeks.” I said.

“I just can’t believe they noticed it.” Ash said shocked. “Are you sure that your mom was talking about our warehouse, Rose?”

“Yes, there’s only one a few miles out of town, and she kept asking me questions like she knew I was apart of it.” Rose replied.

“What are we going to do if they raid it?” Charolette asked.

“Nothing. If they do and they go around asking about it we pretend like we know nothing.” I said.

Everybody agreed to silence and then the bell rang.

“Are you okay?” I asked Rose.

“Yeah, you?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

We walked in silence until we got to Rose’s class.

“I love you. I’ll stop by tonight to visit, okay?” I said seeing the worry in her eyes.

“I love you, too. And what ever you’re up to, Elijah Jay, be careful.” she said squeezing my hand.

I didn’t say anything back, but just walked to my class instead. Three o’clock couldn’t get here fast enough.

At lunch I met with Rose and took her out to eat at the dairy maid restaurant.

While we waited for our food Rose said, “Tell me what you’re up to, Elijah Jay. I’m not stupid.”

“It’s nothing, Rose, I just need to do something important after school.”

“Something so important that I can’t come? I’ve always come with you after school even if you had something to do.” She throws back in my face.

“Drop it, Rose. Let’s please don’t argue.” I say calmly.

“We wouldn’t have to argue if you would just tell me what you are going to do.”

Luckily the food came at that moment so I didn’t have to say anything. We ate with a storm hanging over our heads. If I didn’t tell Rose what I was up to she’d be mad at me; she doesn’t understand I’m just trying to keep her safe.

We finished eating, paid for the food, and then left for school. I bid her goodbye and then went to suffer during the rest of my classes. The final bell rang, and I didn’t even wait around to see Rose; I just walked straight to my truck.

I jumped in and drove away from school and through town. When I got at the edge of town I took a right and drove towards the warehouse.

Since I assume talk has already spread about it I needed to see if Enforcers were already starting to look into it. I parked in a convenience store parking lot a few blocks away, but still in good view of the warehouse. Sure enough a few Enforcer cars were circling the warehouse. It didn’t look as if anybody had been inside yet. I left not needing to see anymore. I would go back later tonight to have a look around.

I drove to Rose’s house to make up with her, but she wasn’t home so I left and went home. When I got home I went straight to my room and took a nap.

I woke around seven and noticed it was dark enough so I took off for the warehouse. I parked in the same parking lot, turned my lights off, and sneaked towards the warehouse. When I got inside I started to knock things over; basically making it look like nobody had been in there in forever. I tore pages and book covers off of books; knowing Rose would hate me for that. I broke CD’s and T.V. screens.

When I went outside to disconnect the electricity I heard noises around front and could see beams from flashlights. I stood still as a statue.

“So do you think it’s someone breaking the law or just a place the Enforcers skipped over?” asked a voice.

“They said there was activity so it’s obviously someone breaking the law,” said a different voice.

“How long do they think it’s been going on?” asked voice one.

“Haven’t you been paying attention during the meetings? For a while now,” voice two said annoyed.

“Sorry, I forget things sometimes,” said voice one.

I blocked everything else they said out. With my heart racing I stole to my truck and snuck inside. After I calmed down I noticed it was only a little bit before nine so I drove back to Rose’s house to see if I could talk to her.

I knocked on the door and thankfully her dad answered.

“Hello, Mr. McLain, can I talk to Rose for a second?”

“Yeah, sure, Elijah. Let me go get her.”

A second later the door opened and it was Rose.

“Elijah Jay, what is it?” she said crossing her arms.

“I went to the warehouse…”

“You what!?” she said raising her voice.

“Shhh. I went to the warehouse after school and there were Enforcers patrolling around. Then I went just a couple of hours ago to destroy some things to make it look like nobody had been there. When I was leaving I heard Enforcers talking, and from what I could understand they’ve known about the warehouse for a long time.” I whispered.

“Oh my gosh are you an idiot. You could have gotten caught, and I can’t believe you didn’t take me with you.” she whispered back angrily.

“It was better for only one person to go. If more had it would have raised our chances of getting caught. You can’t possibly be mad at me.” I said not taking my eyes off her.

“If you had gotten caught I would never forgive you because we don’t know what happens to those who get caught.”

“Look I could’ve gotten caught, but I didn’t so don’t be mad at me. Besides now that we know Enforcers are definitely looking at the warehouse we can’t go back.”

She looked at me for a while then gave me a huge hug.

“Don’t ever do that again.” she said kissing me.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She walked into the house then and I walked to my truck.