The Nursery by Christopher Khamo

Author:Christopher Khamo [Khamo, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780996009430
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2014-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 36: Maxine

Scrolling through the headlines on her desktop computer at work, she clicked on one that was titled “Riot breaks out at Los Angeles straight parade.” The associated photo was of a young, grimacing couple flanked by a security detachment.

This Friday marked Los Angeles’s seventeenth annual Straight Parade. The turnout had been large, and aggressive. The parade was divided into two parts, with families and couples leading, and singles and young adults following behind. While the family part of the procession was relatively organized, highly secured, and militant, as usual, the singles’ half was described as “scandalous and obscene.” Maxine kept reading.

Jonathan Knope, 41, a citizen who lives on the annual parade circuit claims, “Every year I’m graced by the presence of families staring daggers at me, and the overt sexual madness that follows. People are entitled to forge any relationships they want. Why force us to witness such distasteful gestures? There was an orgy on one of their floats. No one wants to see that.”

Besides the anticipated debauchery, a small fight escalated into some brick throwing and window breaking. The Ministry of Equalities was on the scene to calm the skirmish of sexual preferences.

She was immediately reminded of Edgar. After Maxine had received his quick email response, they had exchanged messages a few times, each email more personal than the last. She considered calling him a few times but never found the time. She promised herself that she would call him soon.

She stood up and strode around her office, as she often did when she was ahead of the curve at work. What should I say to him? She could see Samantha, her secretary, through the glass partition, probably organizing an upcoming event or meeting. One day you will be standing on this side of the glass, young one, probably pondering the same slew of issues that haunt me. Her secretary was always early, properly dressed, and held to the highest standard of professionalism. I wonder how you act when I’m not around. Are you still an all-star? Outside of work, Maxine didn’t know much about Samantha, and she liked it that way. The girl never asked prying questions, and hardly ever required any off time. She was, in all aspects, a mini-Maxine.

Just then, Samantha stood up and walked toward Maxine’s door. She preened for a split-second, then opened the door and poked her head in. “Sarah Garron is requesting a video call. Shall I tell her you’re busy?”

“No. I’ll take her. Thanks, Samantha.” Maxine returned to her desk and saw that Sarah’s face was already on her monitor. “Hello Sarah. How can I help you?”

“Are you busy?” Sarah looked like she was ready to gush.

“No, I am actually considerably ahead of schedule. What’s going on?”

“I spoke to Julian and Victor today. It felt amazing! I can’t really tell anyone here in Surveillance...but I had to tell someone.”

“How is your boy?”

“He’s good. I guess he’s on the path to becoming a soldier! Isn’t that something?”

“Sure is. Let’s talk about it after work.

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