Test Scene

gavin.downing@gmail.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:47:24 GMT

Emily has to calm herself as she dials the number. At least these people in Department H gave her privacy to make this call.

The four rings seem to last for an eternity before someone picks up.

"Hello?"

"Kevin? ...it's Emily."

There's a long, pregnant pause.

"Are you okay?" her brother finally asks.

"Yeah. I'm okay. Is... is dad home?"

"No. He's... out looking for you."

"Oh."

Another pause.

"Mom's home, though."

"I... maybe I can try back later, and..."

Her mother's voice can be heard over the line. "Is that Emily? Give me the phone, Kevin!" There's a pause, and Elizabeth can be heard clearly. "Emily?"

"...yeah, Mom. It's me."

"Oh god. Thank god you're okay. You're okay, right?"

"Yeah, Mom. I'm okay."

"Look, baby, just come home, okay? We can talk about this, and we can see if we can get that... that thing off your arm, and..."

"Mom?" Emily interrupts. "I wanted to tell you something. While I was out here... I saved a couple people with this... bracelet. I stopped a couple of carjackers and saved somebody's life."

There's a long pause. "Did... did anyone see you, honey?"

"Yes, Mom. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. See, the police took me in after I helped that guy, and... these men from the government came to talk to me..."

"Is that where you are now? Are you with Department H?!"

"Yeah. They offered me a job, Mom, and..."

"I'm hanging up now. Come home right now, and we'll figure something out. But don't trust Department H."

"Mom, I'm doing it! I've already chosen a superhero name and everything."

"Come home, and we'll talk about it." Her mother's voice sounds on the verge of breaking, but with anger or grief, Emily can't tell. "Just... come home, baby."

"No, Mom. Look, I've gotta go. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Come home!" Elizabeth McAndrews calls out one last time, her voice on the verge of panic. But Emily hangs up quickly, and spends a long time staring at the phone.

Emily McAndrews

Test Scene