1am, 11 Hours To Freedom The clicking of overworked fingers on keyboard echoed throughout the entire office. The lights had gone a few hours ago and yet, in one of the office cubicles, a table lamp still shines its light. Beth tried to recall, somewhere in between typing and breathing, if she had ever typed that fast before. She couldn’t seem to remember any. This must be a new record, she thought. “Why am I not surprise that you’re still here?” Beth almost jumps out of her seat. “Damn it Megan, don’t you EVER do that to me again!” Megan Daniels grinned and took the empty seat next to her. “Are you on into something huge that you can’t put it off till tomorrow?” “You’re the one to talk. How come you’re still here?” “Unlike some people, I just came back from another ‘news breaking’ moment caught on video live.” Megan replied, frowning just thinking about it. “Have I told you how irritating Colin Stuart is?” Beth let out a small laugh. Of course she does. Colin was a rival, as far as Beth sees it. “What did he make you do?” “Behind the scene to the election campaign tomorrow. I don’t know what’s so news breaking about that. All I did all night is filming crews setting up the stage and stuff.” Beth smiled as an idea sprung in her head. “You know, I have reliable sources and do you believe me if I say I have THE scandal of the century just waiting to be unleashed?” Megan went silent. Is that the reason why Beth was still there at one in the morning? Is that the reason why she could hear the noise of someone typing a mile away? She was typing THE scandal? She got curious. “Is that why you’re still here?” “Yup.” Megan smiled slyly. “Do you need an expert to tag along with you and record it all down for the world to see? And by expert, I meant, Megan Daniels, one and only yours truly?” “That’s the whole idea.” Beth giggled. “So…this is supposed to be a secret? No one should know about it?” Megan asked, more curious now. Beth nodded and put on her serious face. “Extreme confidentiality. I’m helping someone out to tell the truth and this whole shit is really huge, you have to promise me you won’t tell.” “Cross my heart and hope to die.” Megan replied. Beth rolled her eyes. “Okay first, that was lame-” “I know.” Megan cut in. “Glad you do,” Beth smiled. “Second, if this ever gets out before we manage to release it, we’re dead.” Megan frowned again. Is she for real? “Define dead.” “Dead as in six feet underground, if you’re lucky, out of this town and never to be heard of again. You game enough for this?” “Is this worth it Beth? To risk your life like this, to make a name for yourself?” “I’m doing this for the truth, not for my name. Are you in or not?” 2am, 10 Hours To Freedom It was fair to say that it had been a rough day for her. She had lost two patients under her care and even though she knew it wasn’t her fault, it still feels like a personal failure. All she wants is a good night sleep in the comfort of her own bed; she had been waiting for the shift to end and it had felt like forever. And when forever finally did come, something else held her back and as reluctant as she was, it was her duty to do so. She sauntered her way through the crowd of men and women in identical scrubs and unknown faces that showed either pain or sadness. Being in the hospital, such looks were common to her. And she had learnt not to let her emotions get in the way. Apparently, she can’t save every single one of them. “Johansson, you’re called too aren’t you?” Never slowing her pace, she took a quick glance at the man walking next to her right. He had the same irritated look on his face. “Yeah, you too?” “I just got paged. What’s so important? I was having complications delivering a baby!” She smiled. It sounded funny and wrong in so many ways. “I don’t know, I just got paged myself.” They turned a corner, wondering who was actually trying to catch up with whom as they both fastened their pace. Fortunately, the elevator was opened and inviting. There was a nurse she recognized from the ER department, with a patient on a wheelchair and nobody else. They exchanged quick smiles and she turned to face the door again. “Which floor are we suppose to go?” She asked. “I think it was four.” “You think?” She frowned. “Is it four or is it not?” “Don’t get mad just because you can’t get home! It’s four, just press the button already.” “Then why can’t you just say four, Riley?” She sighed. The door closed and they moved up. “And miss this? We need a little laughter sometimes Kristina.” She rolled her eyes. She hated it when the man is right. “Glad you find my moment of confusion laughable.” The elevator stopped at the fourth floor and they got out and rushed to the meeting room. Her only hope was that it hasn’t got anything to do with the two patients that just died in her care. - 3am, 9 Hours To Freedom “Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!” AJ closed his eyes and took several deep breaths; he felt it necessary unless if he really wants to turn what horrible plans he had been thinking to do to Justin a reality. “Are you falling asleep? Mc Lean, don’t you dare sleep right now!” “Justin, I’m warning you, another word comes out of your mouth and you’re dead.” AJ said finally. “If you sleep, we’re dead.” Justin replied. “I’m NOT sleeping! Shut the hell up, your voice irritates me!” “Look, I just don’t trust that girl okay? She’s been looking at us as if she’s gonna go back on her words and tell everyone about this!” AJ narrowed his eyes in the dark, trying to make out the figure standing not far away from them. Felicia had been doubtful at first, even after AJ had showed her the website that Eric had put up. They managed to convince her finally and she had agreed to help them get to the backstage and be their watcher. Justin wasn’t as trustful, he was afraid Felicia would back out the moment a security officer approached her during one of their rounds. “She’s not gonna spill, now will you please shut up and let me finish this off?” “How can you be so sure?” “Look, I don’t have the time to talk about this, now tell me, which wire ist again? Green or Red?” Justin fished out the handmade map out of his pocket. With trembling hands, he unfolded the yellow piece of paper and studied the instructions carefully. “It says take out the green one and plug in the red one.” “You sure?” “Yes, I’m sure, will you just do it already?” Justin urged. AJ did as instructed and they were out of there in seconds. “If I give a dollar to everyone who thinks you’re cool when you’re not, I’d be a pauper yesterday.” 6am, 6 Hours To Freedom Howie was dreaming, everything there was white, pure and bright. He was no longer running like he had been doing in his previous dreams, now, he was walking and he was happy. But it was short-lived when two over-excited blonde, blue-eyed, wide smiling young men rudely awakened him. “Guys, come on, I wanna sleep!” Howie groaned. He tried turning the other way to avoid their smiley faces but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. “No way! Get up, you gotta do something!” Brian whispered excitedly. Howie wondered why he had to whisper in the first place. “I’m tired okay, shouldn’t have played bball…damn Kevin.” Howie mumbled. “Howie get your lazy ass up right now!” Nick whined. “Or would you rather like me kick it for you?” Howie scoffed and looked up at him. “Like you can actually lift your leg that high and not lose your balance and fall on your butt.” “I don’t see that happening when I kick your butt at bball last night.” Nick retorted. “That was different!” Howie growled. “You cheated!” Brian rolled his eyes. “You’re a pathetic loser, you know that D? Come on get up, we gotta do something!” “Do what?” “Get up and we’ll show you.” Nick said. Howie reluctantly got up and walked out of bed. He saw the window that was always closed, was opened slightly. “Here.” Nick passed him a pocketknife. “The victim doesn’t normally get to chose the weapon you know.” Howie joked. “Ha, ha, funny, see the way I’m laughing now?” Nick retorted. “Nope.” Brian replied. “Exactly, cause it’s not.” Nick exclaimed. Brian shook his head and turned to Howie, “It’s time to kill the claws.” It took Howie a good five seconds to understand what they meant. It was time to kill the claws. He reached out and grabs hold of the claws of branches that often called him to join them. He didn’t use the knife at all, just snap the branch in two and let it fall. “Well, at least we know one of us still can do it by hand.” Nick smirked. “I can never do that.” Brian said and without warning, his legs started to cave in and Nick managed to catch him halfway. “You think?” Nick smiled and helped him back to his bed. “They better get it right, I don’t think I can live long enough for another shot at this.” Brian grumbled as he sunk deeper into his bed. Brian had said it like as if it was nothing to be afraid of. To Nick and Howie, it was anything but that. 7am, 5 Hours To Freedom It was a start of what was supposed to be a busy day. Everyone involved was up early and already running back and forth, doing last minute attempts over something. AJ looked on from a distant as Justin laughed along with his father, assuring the old man that everything will turn out perfect for the Mayor. But AJ knew better, after today, both of them will have to say goodbye to their parents. AJ wondered if Justin ever felt like as if his decision meant he was betraying his own family. AJ sometimes felt that way. The violent cough that attacked him suddenly managed to pull his attention away from them. It was dry and painful, the sore throat had been there for as long as he could remember and never once did he ever bother to have it checked out. He drew his hand away from his mouth once the coughing fit subsided and his palm was stained with blood. Oh yes, how could he forget? He had Darla too. Wiping the stain quickly with the handkerchief he had shoved deep in the pocket of his jeans, he walked away. “Mc Lean?” AJ turned and found Alison, a friend he knew from school. He smiled, wondering if she had seen him long enough to know what he had coughed out. “Hey, wassup?” “Nothing really, I’m just here to do a cover on this election for the school paper.” She replied, hugging a black file. “I heard you’re the PA to the Mayor, I really wish I could interview you but you’re never in school anymore.” AJ smiled and cleared his throat before another cough could take over. “Ah well, I’ve been busy with everything down here, I kinda got distracted.” “I understand that, I’d trade places with you any time. School can be such a bore sometimes.” “I’d love to trade place with you,” AJ stressed. “You have no idea how hard this is for me Alison.” Alison nodded. “I’m sure it is. But don’t you feel great doing this? Helping the mayor out? I’m very much interested in his dedication to the Darla Foundation. He’s a good man.” “Yeah, I know what you mean.” “Of course you do AJ, you lost Nick through Darla, and I lost my sister through Darla too. It’s like losing your other half, you know?” “I’m sorry to hear that.” AJ replied. Alison is going to freak out when the truth comes out. His only regret was that there was nothing he could do to help his sister. “That’s okay, she died two years ago, longer than Nick.” Alison smiled, trying her best to hold back the tears. “I never knew you had a sister, Alison.” AJ said. Alison giggled. “Yeah well, we moved to Ebay about three years ago, and she died soon after, so that kinda explains it.” “Well, I’m sure she’s as nice as you.” AJ smiled. “What’s her name?” “Mare.” “That’s a new one…I’d expect her to be somewhere around Alison too, like say, Alley?” She laughed. “Alley and Alison.” “Yeah, just like if I were to have a sister, we’d be called Alex and Alexia.” AJ laughed. “That’d be too cute,” Alison smiled. AJ nodded and casually hung his hand over her shoulder. “Come on, lets go find a place to sit and you can have that interview with me.” 8am, 4 Hours To Freedom The drive down to the Carters’ had taken longer than expected. Everywhere, traffic was heavy; all heading for the Ebay Open Field, showing their support for either the Mayor or Dawn Seymour. Never mind if the debate will only take place four hours later. Finally, after much frustration, she managed to find herself parked in front of the Carters’ house. She turned to the old woman sitting next to her and forced a smile. “Jackie, can I just say something before we go in?” Jackie found Leighanne’s request rather strange and the unsettled look on the young woman’s face only brought more confusion. Perhaps it was too hard for her to let go of Brian if she’s always around her. “Sure darling, what is it?” Leighanne bit her lips. It was even more difficult than she had thought. Should she tell her? Would it be any good? In her head, last night’s event began to replay. She had received another email from MOG, the same person who had emailed her about the website. It simply read ‘Thank You for believing’. Out of curiosity, she replied to the email, simply asking ‘who are you, messenger of God?’ and to her surprise, she received a reply right after she got out of shower. Messenger of God I am not, just the messenger of Goodness. Your kindness I can’t repay, but nothing is lost when it comes to doing good. I lost Brian. She had replied back. Not bothered to even explain to the stranger who Brian was. But the reply she received after that was the one that had kept her awake all of last night. You haven’t lost him yet. “I just want you to know that with or without Brian, I still want you to be in my life. You’re very important to me Jackie, you’re like my Godmother. I don’t want you to think that I’m doing this because of Brian.” Jackie didn’t hold back her tears this time around. Brian would have an excellent wife if he hadn’t died. Both of them will break the silence of their house once and for all with laughter of her grandchildren. She would die a happy grandmother. “I will do that if you promise me one thing.” Leighanne took her hand in hers and rubbed it gently. “Anything.” “Promise me you’ll find someone who is good to you and will care for you. Promise me that you’ll move on and not hang on to Brian. And promise me when you have a family of your own, you will bring them down to my house and make me a happy grandma.” How could she move on if Brian could possibly be still alive? And they’re going to be reunited with him again today! Should she tell her? What if it wasn’t true? What if MOG had mistaken her Brian with another Brian? “I promise.” 9am, 3 Hours To Freedom Dr. Kristina Johansson sunk deeper into her seat even when the meeting had ended five minutes ago. She decided to take back her words. She’d rather have the meeting about the death of the two patients under her care than what she had been told instead. It seemed too huge to be true. All these while and none of them had any idea? Perhaps some of them did and she swear when she finds out who these people are, she would personally skin them alive. “Come on Kris, we have to get going.” Riley said, breaking her thoughts away. He looked disturbed too but he was much more collected than her, she assumed. “Where are we going?” “They’re teaming us up with some police officers and we’re supposed to get our further instructions right now.” Riley replied. She nodded and stood up to stretch herself. The meeting had started at 1.30am and in between numerous breaks, it had ended at nine. It might have been the longest meeting she had ever to sit through, but she never found herself dozing off. None of them in that room actually had. It was too shocking. She could still feel the hairs standing at the back of her neck. - She was met with a group of police officers and later introduced to two officers whom she learnt was her team, together with Riley. She felt relieved that one of them is a woman, at least she won’t feel that odd. “Okay, can we just rerun our plan again? I’d like to be fully prepared about this.” Riley asked the officers and threw an irritated glance over at her. She needs to focus, she can’t afford to mess things up. “We will charge as a unit, all of us. But once we gain access inside, the four of us are to take the second floor by this staircase,” Officer Heskey explained, constantly pointing his fingers to different areas of the map spread in front of them. “Our mission is to get to this room and secure the place. Your job is to handle any of the patients whom we might find in there.” Officer Paulien replied. “Also, we have to-” Her pager beeped, interrupting the officer in the process. Blushing, she whispered her apology and fished out the pager. “I have to make an urgent call, excuse me for a sec.” Riley smiled at the officers awkwardly. Kristina owed me big time. “Funny how when you know something will take more than a second and you still insist it will take just that.” 10am, 2 Hours To Freedom Jane smiled as she poured the empty cups with another round of hot tea. The kitchen might be empty, but out there in the living room, chatters of the people she loves and adore were alive. It was nice to hear Bob laughing again. And the twins were running around the house, happy like they should. The phone rang and she quickly announced that she would get it. “Hello?” “Jane?” “AJ, is that you sweetie?” Chuckles. “It’s me. How are you?” “I’m good. Bob and the twins are great. How about you?” “I’m great…hey, are you guys coming down here for the election debate?” “No hun, we’re watching it live on TV though,” Jane replied as she filled another cup. “Leighanne and Mrs. Littrell are here.” “Oh? That’s cool…promise to watch okay? You might just see me on TV.” Giggles. “I’m sure the camera can’t resist your charm AJ. Send our good luck wishes to the Mayor.” “Um…are you voting for him?” “Isn’t it suppose to be confidential?” Jane laughed. She heard AJ coughed and five seconds later, it still hasn’t subsided. “AJ, are you okay hun? AJ?” “I’m okay…just a little scratchy today, sorry about that.” “Take care of yourself AJ, did you have it checked out?” Jane frowned. “I have an appointment this afternoon, don’t sweat about it.” “If you say so. Come by when you’re free, we miss having you around here.” “I will, I promise. Send my love to the twins.” “Will do, take care AJ.” “Bye Jane, I love you.” Jane almost dropped the cup in her hand. AJ never said I love you to any of them before. She felt uneasy about it but decided to let it go for now. “I love you too AJ, you know that.” - 11am, 1 Hour To Freedom The atmosphere in the room was tensed. Nick had been cradling his bestfriend’s head on his lap for as long as he could remember. Often, his hand would wipe away the beads of perspiration formed on Brian’s forehead and making sure that he was as comfortable as he could be. His entire body was covered in layers of blankets as Brian kept shivering. “I’ll change the water.” Howie said as he got up and took the basin with him. Not much words were spoken between them. Brian’s sudden alarming condition had frightened them both. “Come on buddy, just one more hour and we’re free, hang in there please.” Nick whispered as he watched Brian’s peaceful face. He wished Brian would wake up and say something. “He’s just asleep Nick, don’t stress yourself too much okay?” Mark said as he approached the bed. Nick nodded, although he knew nothing could stop him doing just that. He watched as Brad rushed to help Howie with the basin and together, they had managed to bring the basin filled with water without any problems at all. Howie immediately soaked the towel and wrung them out and placed it back on Brian’s forehead. “He’ll be okay.” Howie said. All of them nodded and the room stood silent. Everyone was busy entertaining to their own thoughts. Anxious to know if their plan would work and worried, over their friend who seemed to be giving up the fight when victory was just around the corner. “So, have you guys fantasize what your reunion would be like?” Howie asked. “Hmm…that’s something we need to work on.” Mark said thoughtfully. “What the hell am I going to say? I’m gonna be like a dead man walking.” “I think the best way is to just say it out.” Nick replied. “Like how?” Brad asked. “Hey everyone, guess what? I’m alive!” Nick said, exaggerating his excitement. Everyone laughed. Everyone except Brian. “I’d go straight to my mom, and then my dad and then my sister.” Mark announced. “And make sure Brad is nowhere near or he’d take your sister first.” Howie joked. Brad shook his head and chuckled. “Nah, I’d be going after my son first. He should be four by now.” Everyone gasped. Brad has a son? “You have a four year old kid?” Mark cried. “How come you never tell us?” Brad shrugged. “No reasons.” “Here’s a question, when the hell did you get married?” Nick asked. “We were seventeen, young and in love.” Brad smiled. None of them get it. How could you be seventeen and in love? Their question was never answered as Kevin barged in the door, pushing a cart with a TV on it. “Should we even ask?” Howie said as he got up to help him. “Very cool Kevin, the last day we’re here and we’re allowed to watch TV?” Brad joked. “Nielson must be very confident about the win.” Mark replied. Nick glanced over towards the door and saw Nurse Lisa entering together with a girl. She had the same pale, sunken look on her face and Nick immediately identified her as one of the patients in that home too. He realized, it was his first encounter with a female patient and wondered why she would be here with them. “Hi Nick, how are you?” Lisa asked as she approached the bed. “I’m okay, but Brian’s not feeling too good.” “Why don’t you let me check up on him? You look like you need some stretching.” Nick nodded and got out of bed, carefully placing Brian’s head on the pillow. The girl sat quietly at a corner and when her gaze met his, she smiled and Nick returned the gesture. “You must be Marianne Nicosia.” Mark said suddenly as he approached her. “That’d be me.” The girl replied as they shook hands. “Wow, we heard so much about you.” Brad added. Howie sauntered over and greeted her too. “Nice to finally meet you.” “Like wise.” She replied. Nick tried to remember her name. Should it sound familiar to him too? Marianne Nicosia. “Mare, you’re hogging the limelight! They’re supposed to help me with this thing.” Kevin teased. “Ain’t my fault if I’m a crowd pleaser Kevin.” She joked. Kevin shook his head. The guys slowly moved away and helped Kevin to set the TV up. Mare. Now that’s a name he remembered. Feeling stupid, he walked over and took the seat next to her. “I’m sorry, I kinda forgot where I’ve heard your name before.” Nick apologized. “I’m Nick.” “Nice to meet you too Nick,” She smiled. “and that’s okay, everything’s forgiven.” “I have to say I’m amazed by you. I mean, you worked so hard for this cause. Kevin speaks a lot about you, about your effort to get this plan to work.” “I’ve heard the same about you too. I don’t think we’ll ever get anywhere if you hadn’t plan this further for us. It’s ingenious.” “I’m sure we all did our parts.” Nick replied. “I hope everyone at the girls’ wing are doing okay.” “They’re holding on. Any minute now right?” Mare asked. “Yeah, should be. Why is Kevin here with that TV anyway? I’m surprised no one saw him.” “Everyone’s out for the debate and Phil took care of security while Kyle took care of all the ordelies. No one can bother us right now.” Nick nodded. Kyle, the man who had helped him with his begs when he first stepped in to this Home. And Phil, the security guy who had helped them that night when they decided to play detectives. He realized now, his entire stay in this Home was surrounded by people who cares when it mattered. He wasn’t alone on this battle. Not anymore. “Nick?” Nick turned and found Lisa next to a fully awaken Brian. He got up and took his place again, cradling his head on his lap. “Glad you can join us buddy.” “Me too.” “Just hang in there okay? We’re getting out of this place real soon.” Brian nodded tiredly and whispered ‘scout’s honour’. Nick smirked, Brian was never in scouts. Kevin clapped his hand suddenly, gaining everyone’s attention instantly. “Okay guys, gather around, the show is about to begin.”