WHO: Number One & OPEN WHAT: She didn't really think she could escape from them, did she? At least she gets a little something out of it. WHERE: Resurrection Cemetery WHEN: Dec 1st/evening RATING: PG-13 at most
Time was a tricky, surprising thing. It was said that it sped by when fun was taking place while, seemingly counter-intuitively, it dragged on forever when dread was on the menu. Sun up and sundown were some indication of the passing days, but without clocks and calendars to keep track, days could easily shift into weeks and then months and even years if a person was not careful. As things stood, One had been in Red Oaks for just over a month now but she was already falling into the trap of a false sense of security. Like many of her fellow transplants, One still didn't understand the scope of what brought her to this place or why, but for the first time in her life, she felt content to stay put. That wasn't entirely accurate because she wanted to stay put in every place she and Nicholas settled, but there was always a dark cloud of dread hanging over her. She knew the peace would not last as long as the Mogadorians were out there chasing her and her brethren. What remained of her people, the Loric, were responsible for stopping the more aggressive species from destroying the natural resources of planet Earth. That wasn't the kind of job she could take a break from.
Yet since she arrived in Red Oaks, the feeling imminent danger wasn't looming for once, in spite of reports of various things happening around town. None of it seemed to touch One, so for her, it wasn't a real threat. She stayed at the Manor with other transplants. She interacted with other unique individuals. She felt a little more normal. If not for the lack of Nicholas, One would happily stay here forever. She still couldn't get in touch with the world as she knew it, but for the last month, after the initial panic wore off somewhat, she stopped actively seeking out answers.
Tonight, she decided to take a stroll by herself. She wanted to enjoy the crisp fresh air as the weather was cooling. She may not grasp the true meaning behind the end-of-the-year holidays that were just around the corner, but she always enjoyed them. It was a feeling in the air that One liked to bask in. Nicholas didn't bother to celebrate Christmas or any of the other human holidays in December outside of stringing up a single measly box of colored lights, only because it might look strange if they didn't showcase anything at all, but One longed to be part of the festivities. It was part of her human experience, she argued, and she wanted to learn every aspect possible. Her walk around town took her to the cemetery without much consideration in any particular destination. Through the gates, she looked at the statues of the angels scattered among the gravestones. Seeing them reminded her of the man the other night who had claimed he was one of the Christian God's messengers. Like he said, he didn't really have a reason to lie, but it was strange to hear nonetheless. Her hands wrapped around the iron posts, One continued to peer into the cemetery.
Not expecting any company, and not having spotted anyone else nearby a mere moment ago, when she heard footfalls behind her, One whirled around, momentarily taken aback.