Author: Kate Leslie
Category: Other
Go to read content：https://onlinereadfreenovel.com/kate-leslie/page,20,561377-the_project_project_2080_book_1.html
“We were only having some fun. Is that so bad? We are young. We have a right to live. We can’t just be locked up,” Phil said.
“Phil, there is a right time for everything. Now was not the right one.” Markus was glaring angrily at Phil.
“And when would the right time be? When we are old?” Phil grumbled, upset.
Markus huffed. “You lack a sense of responsibility. But that’s nothing new.”
Vi came closer. “Daddy...” she began.
“Vi, I don’t want to hear anything from you.” His daughter disappeared back into one of the rooms.
Mia was shivering in her wet clothes. She glanced back at Max. When their eyes met, he immediately averted his. She believed she saw something like satisfaction in Becka’s expression.
“Phil,” his father began again, “life is not only about having fun. It is time to grow up.”
“I’m a grown-up,” Phil insisted.
“You certainly don’t behave like one,” Markus countered.
Vi came back out of the room. She handed Phil a towel and draped a blanket over Mia’s shoulders. Her father turned away. At the moment, he was obviously too angry to say more.
Erik had been waiting and spoke up now. “Earlier at lunchtime, I expressly pointed out that we needed to be extra careful from now on. You know the entire area is being scanned by drones. If they had spotted you, you would have led them right here. Maybe you did after all. You endangered the lives of everyone who lives here.”
“More like exist,” Mia said softly, “certainly not live.”
“What did you say?” Erik asked, who seemingly did not trust his ears.
“It’s an existence, not a life,” Mia repeated louder. “You can’t always just accept everything. You have to fight back. If you want life to be worth living, you can’t hide away from it, you have to do something to help it come about.”
Phil grinned, which earned him a reprimanding glance from his father.
Erik stared at her dumbfounded, then turned to Max, hoping Max would realize that Mia was a bad influence. Max studied her thoughtfully. Becka’s gaze expressed outrage. She whispered something to him that did not seem to register. He continued looking at Mia.
Markus spoke again. “I think enough has been said. I hope they didn’t cause any harm. We did not see any drones when we were outside and those two haven’t been outside for that long, isn’t that so, Becka?” There was an underlying tone of disapproval attached to Becka’s name.
“Becka did the right thing. She had to inform us.” Erik immediately came to her defense.
“Whatever,” Markus continued. “I believe we made ourselves clear. Now we should let them go so they can put on dry clothes.” He gestured that they were dismissed. Mia, Phil, and Vi left immediately, relieved the ordeal was over. The others stayed behind.
Phil let Mia take the lead. She showered and put on dry clothes. When she came out of the bathroom, Markus was also back. Apart from being told to go to bed, he said nothing. His anger seemed to have vanished.
Once in their beds, Vi complained about Becka. She was such a tattletale, really. If she was so concerned about the safety of the group, she could have gone directly to Mia and Phil. Vi thought Becka did all that because she was jealous of Mia, which Mia was inclined to believe. Becka seemed to have succeeded. Max might not want to have anything more to do with her.
52
Mia
In the morning, as usual, they were roused by Phil, who again burst in without knocking. “Get up. You don’t want to miss breakfast again.”
That was just what Mia wanted. She did not want to face Max. She had seen his expression. Seen his disappointment. Could he ever forgive her? The man who recognized her when they were busy with their nocturnal spray paint action believed she was brave, but she was not. She was afraid. Afraid of what she might feel if Max rejected her, the way she felt when he avoided her gaze. It seemed to have caused a break. It started with a small crack that could turn into an insurmountable abyss.
“I’ll skip breakfast.” She pulled her blanket up higher.
“Don’t hide away from those squares. We didn’t do anything wrong.” Phil tried to cheer her up.
But she had done something wrong. She hurt Max. “I’m tired.”
Phil sat on the edge of her bed and looked at her seriously. “Becka wins if you don’t show up for breakfast. Is that what you want? Give up without a fight? She tattled on us for personal reasons, all of which have nothing to do with the safety of anyone. Show her you are better than her.”
Phil was right. They didn’t do anything wrong. She should not leave the field to Becka without a fight. At least she could try to explain everything to Max. Mia sat up. “I’ll see you at breakfast soon.”
Phil stood. “That’s the right attitude. I’ll reserve a table.”
Mia had showered, dressed, and was now waiting for Vi, who was still in the bathroom. Once she was done, they went to the upper sub-level, where they were met in the hallway by Phil.
“Why are you hanging around out here?” Vi asked. “Did you get kicked out of the dining room?” She laughed.
Phil did not join her laughter. He appeared serious. “They want to talk to us first.” He pointed to a door on his left.
The room was full of stacked tables and chairs. There were also a few folding beds. It seemed to be a storage room. Markus was sitting on a chair while Max and Erik stood. When they entered, Markus rose.
“I believe you have an idea why you’re here?” Erik asked, glancing around.
Mia, Vi, and Phil exchanged looks. “If it is about yesterday...” Phil started.
“No, this is not about yesterday,” Erik interrupted, with a certain sharpness.
Mia had a bad feeling. She was afraid she knew where this was going. She looked at Vi and Phil.
“The last time I reprimanded you, my son told me it would be more appropriate to do it in a smaller circle. I’ve asked him here so he can see that I value his opinion.” Erik glanced at Max.
He certainly was not here for that. He was here to hear about their transgressions. Did his father already inform him or was it supposed to be a surprise for him? Mia’s gaze shifted to Max, who stood there with his arms crossed in front of his chest, staring at the ground at his feet. What was going through in his head? Had he already judged her?
Erik looked at the group. “We have a young lady in our presence that seems to be adventurous. She likes to go on trips of all kinds and whenever there’s something going on, she’s usually involved.”
All eyes were on Mia. Only Max looked at his father.
“Dad,” Max started to protest, but Erik did not give him a chance to speak.
“I’m not referring to the excursion you were involved in or even yesterday’s bathing fun. I’m referring to the trip she took in between those.” Erik seemed to want to make it exciting.
For the first time that morning, Max looked at Mia. His gaze expressed incomprehension. It was obvious his father had not informed him yet.
“Get to the point.” Markus now spoke up.
“I will,” Erik said. “That,” Erik took a tablet from the table behind him and showed it to everyone, “was sent to me.” A short video was playing, showing three people spray painting images on a wall. “A stranger might not recognize them, but I think we all know who this is.”
The perpetrators could only be seen from behind. They all wore dark clothes. Two had blonde hair, one dark. Mia had her hair tucked into the collar. It was pretty obvious. Mia eyed a spot on the wall. She did not want to look at anyone. Everyone was silent. They probably expected one of them to say something.
“I’m sorry,” Mia offered.
“We’ve already heard you say that the last time. Unfortunately, your actions do not convey these words,” Erik snapped.
Phil, who was standing next to Mia, moved in front of her and Vi. “That was my idea. I planne
d to do it alone, but those two insisted they come along to make sure no harm came to me.”
It was obvious Erik did not believe his story. “They could have told someone.”
A joyless grin crept to Phil’s face. “They aren’t tattletales. Not like other people.”
Mia wanted to protest and make things right. Phil should not shoulder the blame. But she remained silent when she saw appreciation and pride in Markus’ gaze.
“I see,” Markus said, “my son has finally decided to grow up.”
“Their actions must have consequences,” Erik demanded.
Markus looked at him for a long time. He sighed. “Yes, that’s how it has to be.” He turned his gaze to the three accused. “To avoid future solo excursions, all of you will be under house arrest from now on. You will spend the days with your mother and me. And we will eat our meals as a family from now on.” He turned back to Erik. “So, I can keep an eye on everyone, I ask them to be relieved of all duties. I suppose you want to inform everyone else about this?” Erik nodded affirmatively. Markus turned back to the perpetrators. “You will have breakfast in our quarters, which you will not leave unless you have permission from your mother or me. You can go there now. I’ll have food brought for you.” Addressing Erik again, he said, “I believe they’re familiar with our point of view. As nothing new will be brought up at the meeting, they don’t need to attend.” He glanced back at the three wrongdoers. “You are hereby dismissed.”
Mia, Vi, and Phil sat at the family van Berg’s table eating breakfast.
“What bleak prospects. Now we have to spend the whole day with our parents,” Phil complained.
“It will only be temporary. It’ll be over in no time. It could have been worse. They could have started again with...” Vi glanced at Mia and fell silent.
“It’s okay, you can say it, wanting me to leave,” Mia finished her sentence. “I’ve already thought about it. I won’t be able to stay. I cannot give up on Ben. Meaning, I cannot sit idly by.”
“None of us can sit idly by,” Phil said. “So, what’s on your mind?”
“I thought about joining the rebels. I simply don’t know how to get to them. I can’t use public transportation. That requires checking my identity card.”
“That would be a problem,” Phil confirmed. “We have to think of something.”
“Hopefully nothing that will get you into even more trouble,” his dad said, who just walked in the door. “Really, one cannot leave you alone, not even for a second.”
Phil made eye contact with Mia and Vi and said nothing.
Now their mother arrived. “No more secrets. You might as well discuss everything right in front of us. So, don’t be shy.”
The three young people exchanged looks again.
The parents also took their seats and peered at them expectantly. After a while, Mia broke the silence. “I can’t abandon my brother. I’ve been wondering about a way to join the rebels. But I don’t know even how to get to them. Traveling without showing my ID card is difficult.”
Markus studied her. “You are right. Don’t think I cannot sympathize with your predicament, but at the moment, all I can advise you to do is to wait. Please don’t do anything rash. By the way, that applies to all of you.”
53
Mia
The following days they spent in the van Berg family’s quarters. After an initial period of silence, they got involved in discussions. They talked about everyday things as well as the actions of the young people.
Phil repeatedly pointed out that he could not be expected to just sit around. His father’s stance was that Phil must learn discipline first. He was far too impulsive.
Vi remarked it could not be a solution. You could not hide forever. Even she could not do nothing. Then they received support from their mother. Markus admitted that he agreed with them, but that he condemned their lone wolf actions. After all, they were a family.
He promised to help Mia. He would find a way for her to join the rebels. Supposedly, he already contacted Isa. At least she was someone who could take care of her. That caused the family to protest. Phil said he was tired of being buried alive. He would definitely go with Mia. Vi stated the same. Edith said the family must stay together. In the end, it was decided that the whole family would leave.
Since the family’s resolve to leave together was settled, Markus planned to do the same with their affairs. He had already contacted Isa in regard to Mia, so now he told her to expect the whole family. Proper accommodations should be prepared. Markus appropriated a car for them to use for the journey. It was decided they’d travel during the night.
On the evening before their departure, Markus said they should have dinner in the dining room so as to shock everyone one last time with the presence of his children. He laughed and Phil joined in. Mia noticed again how closely those two resembled each other. He added that besides it would give them an opportunity to say goodbye to everyone.
They entered the dining room together as a family. The teenagers received a few unfriendly stares and some whispering, all of which stopped as soon as Markus returned their stares. Mia searched for Max, but neither he nor his parents were present yet. When the Berger family entered the dining room, Markus stood up and said he had an announcement to make. But to relax, it was nothing bad. Quite the opposite. He was convinced many would be happy about it. Phil laughed and Edith immediately reprimanded her husband.
Mia caught Max’s gaze, who looked at her surprised, though not unkind. What would he think about what he was about to hear? Would he understand her decision? She had decided in favor of her brother and, ultimately, against him.
“My family and I have decided it’s time for us to start a new life. I already contacted Isa. We will join her group.” Markus paused.
Some voiced remarks of regret, but by no means the majority. Some even seemed relieved to get rid of the troublemakers. Mia’s gaze again sought Max’s, who glanced down now. He seemed serious.
Erik informed them that his brother-in-law and his family would take over their quarters. And they already had someone to occupy the extra room.
“What about the girl?” the brother-in-law wanted to know. “Where will she be housed?”
Max looked at her again. She recalled the remark he had made on their trip about them sharing a room. Mia lowered her eyes. She had to smile when she imagined his parent’s reaction if he would suggest it. She peered at Max again. His expression said as much as what will become of us? Mia indicated with a shake of her head that she couldn’t help it, at least she tried. His face betrayed his disappointment and the pain he felt at losing her. She knew too well how that felt because she was experiencing the same. She lowered her eyes again. She could not look at him any longer.
“You mean Mia?” Edith asked. “She comes with us, of course, by now she’s a member of the family.” She put an arm around Mia’s shoulders.
When Mia glanced up again, Max was no longer there. She searched the dining room, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Markus told everyone they would leave tonight.
After the meal, many stayed behind to say goodbye to the van Berg family. They had a nice evening with good company and then retreated to their quarters for at least a couple hours of sleep. They were supposed to depart at three in the morning.
Mia and Vi went to their room. They had already packed their belongings during the afternoon and had nothing to do now but rest and wait. They were lying on their beds speaking softly.
“You seem depressed,” Vi stated. “You regret the decision?”
Mia took a deep breath. “No. I simply feel bad about... Max. We didn’t even say goodbye to each other. Maybe he's still upset with me.” Mia told Vi that she actually had a date with Max the night she was caught with Phil.
“Then go see him. You’ll regret it if you don’t say goodbye.”
Naturally, Mia had already thought of that herself. “His fam
ily won’t be happy. They don’t like me.”
“So, what do you care?” Vi wanted to know. “You’re saying goodbye to him, not them. Go talk to him.”
Actually, Vi was right. She needed to see Max. Mia stood and walked over to the Bergers’ quarters. She took a deep breath. Maybe she’d be lucky and Max would answer the door. She knocked timidly. Voices were heard inside. They were speaking quite loudly. Most likely they had not heard her knock. She knocked again harder.
Shortly afterward, Alma, Max’s mother, opened the door. Surprised, she stared at Mia. “Do you need something?”
“No,” Mia said. “I’m here to... say goodbye to Max.”
Alma turned and glanced back into the apartment. “Max is in the bathroom right now.”
“Can you tell him I was here? He can come over still if he likes.”
“I’ll tell him.” And Alma closed the door on her.
Mia was disappointed that she did not speak to Max. She remained standing across from the quarters of the van Berg family. She preferred to wait for him outside here. She wanted to talk to him in private.
She leaned against the wall and watched the Berger’s door. Should she knock again? But she had felt unwanted and did not dare to knock again. Instead, she went down the hallway, sat on the stairs, and watched the door from there. Time passed. Her eyes welled up with tears, which she hastily wiped away. She did not want anyone to see her like that.
Finally, she gave up and went back to her room. She made sure to be quiet. She could hear Vi’s steady breathing. Mia lay on her bed. Again, her eyes welled up with tears. Now she let them run freely.
Finally, Phil came into the room and turned on the light. “Get up.” He did not sound his usual good-humored self. He yawned. Grumbling, Vi rose and went into the bathroom. Phil, Markus, and a few friends loaded the car while the girls were getting ready for the trip.
“Did you talk to Max?” Vi asked.