The Next Generation: Chapter 12: "Don't Get Too Sure"

I stare at my screen for a while. After Lynna told me I didn't reply. Just clocked off, the screen dark. I'm just looking at it like I can see an explantion in a dark void. I wish I could.It would be so much easier.

I contemplate texting James about it. I wonder if he'd deny it. Or would he tell the truth? That he is a cold hard cheater?

I suppose he is not real cheater. We are not together.

I know now I should not, in any sort of way, want anything to do with him. So why is there a little voice telling me I need to talk to him, forgive him? I don't even know what I am apolgizing for, exatly.

Ugh.

My eyes flicker to my clock. 8:00. I guess I should go to bed, even though I know it will never pass me. I'm being dramatic, I guess. I'm not in a death show, so, in a way, I'm luck. Very Lucky. It seems weird to think that so much drama has happened in the pastime of 1 day. It's both confusing and tiring.

I am clearing my bed of homework and books when my phone dings. I let out a sigh and check it.

James.

My jaw clenches. What does he want? Maybe Lynna told him what an asshole he was.

Neverless, I pick it up and lean back against my pillows. I open up my messages and read it.

**James: Hey..I heard?**

Heard what?

Before I know what my dumb self is doing, I text back: **Heard what, exatly?**

He replies in seconds. "**What you heard from Lynna is a lie."**

A lie?

Bull.

**Me: Don't play dumb**

**James: Who said I was?**

**Me: You**

**James: Yes?**

**James: Oh**

**James: Look I'm sorry, ok? I can explain.**

**Me: that's what they all say**

**James: You've dated before??**

**Me: You were saying?**

**James: Right**

**James: Um**

**James: My uh dad left us and my cat is half dead**

**Me: Oh..**

**Me: I**'m **sorry**

**James: It's not your fault**

**Me: I'm sorry, but that is no explantion for cheating on me!**

**James: Cheating? Madge, we weren't even together!**

Dangit! I'm such an idiot! I wait for a second, not knowing what to say, and finally text back: "**I don't care."**

**James: You wanted to...be my bf?**

**James: I mean gf**

**Me: ...**

**James: Fine, fine**

**Me: What?**

**James: You want a explantion? Fine! I-I was drunk, ok? I don't know what the crap is wrong with me, but I was scared, and I found some of Haymitch's and I took a swig. It was a sip- I don't know how it even made me drunk! And No one noticed. I don't know why I did it. Drinking affects people in different ways. I guess it made me emontional and dumb.**

**James: There. Happy now?**

I stare at the words for a while. What the actuall heck?

**Me: Fine. But the date is off.**

**James: what?**

**Me: I'll see you monday, ok, James? You get over you hangover or whatever.**

**James: Ok...and Madge?**

**Me: What**

**James: I'm sorry. I wish I had a better explantion. But I just wanted something to numb the pain...I'm not going to, ever, ever, ever again. I don't want to loose you.**

**Me: We're 13, James. Don't get too sure.**

I go to sleep then, and somehow I find it almost instantly. It is magic.

**Commander (President) Deaglan**

"Sir, we've found her." My commander tells me

I raise an eyebrow. "My filthy daughter? After 22 years?"

"Yes, Sir. We found her in District 11, aboard the ship *Marissa Tear*. They stopped for supplies yesterday afternoon. Peacekeepers spotted her at a book shop. She has changed her apparance, but her name remains the same. The man and woman she was with called her Celestia, Tia, and T. She wears that of green contacts and dyed violet hair. Her stature, voice, and facial features, including that slightly twisted nose from the incdent, were all the same as from her when she was 12. We beleive it is her."

I grin, and lean forward. "Perfect, perfect," I say

He bows. "Any further information, Sir?"

I think for a momment. Take the girl, it might go unnoticed. But the whole ship could get at me. And I want her to suffer for the face she created for me! She needs to die.

"Yes," I say, and stare Commander David in the face. "The next stop her boat makes, I want you to be there. Take the captain. Tell everyone that he killed the girl's family, and you've been looking for him a while. Her trust will crumble. She will be nothing. And when she reacts...well, everyone will know who she really is."

He gulps, his brown eyes darkning before a slight sneer comes upon his face. "Yes, sir. Excellent plan, sir,"

As he turns to leave, I make one more statement: "Have someone else bring him to me, though. You stay on the ship with her." I grin. "I want to see what she thinks."