Revolution: The New World

March 17, 2067

0645 CDT

Inside the Garage of the Redheart Family, Central Olympia

Ruby Redheart's Point of View

“No way! No fucking way!!!” I say.

“I’ll let that swear pass, only because it’s your birthday. But no more swearing Ruby,” Mom says as she nods her head in disapproval.

No freaking way!

“It’s so epic,” Scarlett states the obvious in awe.

I can’t believe it! Mom’s the best!

“Mom, you’re the best!” I say. “I can’t believe it! I can’t wait to tune it! Oh my gosh! This is the best day ever!”

“Hurry up and tune it so we can start the day, Ruby,” Mom says with a heartwarming smile. “You two still have to go to school today, and I still have work,” she says as she gives me my gift. “Also, don’t forget that Saturday is take your child to work day.”

Holy shit! A brand-new guitar! The craftsmanship is so flawless, the strings are perfect. It feels and smells brand new, and it’s blue, my favorite color! I wanna kiss it! I wanna marry it! I love it!

I strummed it! This is the only thing in the world that’s equivalent to my amazingness.

“I love you, Mom!” I say as I hug her.

You’re the best mom in the world, and I’ll kick anyone’s butt who disagrees.

“I love you too, Ruby,” Mom says with a chuckle as she hugs me.

“We’re on the clock slowpokes!” I say. “We’ll have to work hard if we want people to take us seriously! Evil on Tour will be known by everybody in the world one day, but we have to put in the work for that to happen!”

“Ok, ok, Ruby. I’ll get my drumsticks,” Mom chuckles as she lets go. “By the way, your father wanted me to tell you that he loves you as well. He apologizes for being so busy, and he cherishes every moment he gets to spend with you and your sister,” she reassures me.

“It’s ok,” I say. “Dad is amazing, I mean-”

“Not as amazing as me, of course, but he is pretty amazing,” we say in unison.

Ha-ha, jinx.

“I love Dad,” I say. “He’s very good at his job and risks his life every day to protect us. Now enough chit-chat. Time to practice!”

“Ruby, I still don’t understand how I ended up on the bass even though I’m the one who taught you how to play the guitar,” silly Scarlett complains.

“First of all, I’m the one who started the band, remember?” I say. “Secondly, my vocal cords have been blessed, which also makes me the lead singer. And finally, I’m just simply wayyyy more amazing than you, Scarlett.”

“Oh my god. You are so full of yourself, Ruby. I can’t wait until it’s my birthday, because I’m totally going to act like you for a day so you can see how annoying you are,” Scarlett flaps her gums.

“Huh? What was that?” I ask. “Did you say something? Sorry, I don’t speak second-place bass player.”

“That’s funny, considering you’re the little sister,” Scarlett reminds me like a jerk.

“Oh yeah?!” I say. “Well…”

*

2 Days Later

March 19, 2067

0930 CDT

Inside Ink-Again, Central Olympia

*

I haven’t been in here since forever! A small building with two exits, three open chairs on the right side, three closed chairs on the left, and the pathway in the middle leads into the backroom if I recall correctly. She must get zero complaints and highly satisfied customers, simply because of the amazingness I’ve passed on to her.

“It looks like it’s going to be a slow day, girls,” Mom notifies as she inspects her shop.

“Mom, is it true that you threw someone out of the front window for being a drunken slob?” Scarlett blurts out.

So unbelievably badass.

“I’m such a terrible role model,” Mom says in embarrassment and a facepalm.

Wha?

“Um, if by terrible, you mean cool, then yes, you’re terrible,” I say.

“She means we admire how you don’t take crap from anyone,” Scarlett kindly clarifies.

“Damn right! We Redhearts and disrespect are like oil and water; they don’t mix,” Mom reminds us in full confidence. “Now, you two go sit in the guest area,” she orders as she points near the newly repaired window.

“What? That’s so boring, Mom. What are we supposed to do all daaaaay?” I ask.

“I dunno, use your imagination,” Mom says with a shrug. “Hello, how are you doing?” Mom greets a customer as she walks away.

Ugh!

“Scarlett! I’m boooooored!” I say.

“We just sat down” she scoffs.

“But I’m bored! What if I die of boredom?”

“You can’t die of boredom, dummy,” she chuckles with a head nod.

“Oh yeah? And how do you know?”

“Oh shoot. Well, when you put it that way,” she ponders with a look of worry on her face. “Wait, look!” She says as she scoots over to a coffee table at the end of the couch. “Magazines. These will keep us occupied.”

“Ugh! Reading sucks! It’s the complete opposite of amazing.”

“Ruby, you should be grateful that you can read. Many kids our age can’t even read, because they don’t care, and their parents don’t either. And don’t forget that school is completely optional,” Scarlett annoyingly points out.

Zzzzzz. You’re so lame.

“Huh? Did you say something, Scarlett? I was too busy imagining how awesome our band will be in our first performance.”

Don’t roll your four-eyes at me, jerk! Scoff! I can roll my eyes too!

“You’re such a brat. People will only dislike you if you keep acting this way,” Scarlett explains as she flips through the magazines.

“Sucks to be them because they’ll never get to see how amazing I am. So, anything interesting?”

“Umm,” she mutters as her big eyes widen.

Um?

“Scarlett, what do you mean, umm?”

“Well, I found something, but ahem,” she flusters in worry.

“But what?! Oh my God. You’re just like Dad. So freaking vague and mysterious for no reason.”

“If I’m just like Dad, then you’re just like Mom,” she scowls. “Anyway, check this out,” she says as she tosses me the magazine.

“What the?”

“It’s filled with swimsuit models from The Old World. I think it’s to appeal to male customers. Guys can be, how should I say this? Um, they can be easily entertained,” Scarlett slowly reveals.

You act just like Teresa.

“You mean the male erection. Yeah, I know how it works. You show a guy your boobs, and then their mind just fucking explodes. (What is this crap?) This is what was considered sexy in The Old World? This is whack! (What is that old lady looking at?) “Um, can I help you, grandma? D-do you need assistance? Aren’t you too old to be getting a tattoo?”

“Aren’t you too young to be getting a tattoo?” Smart-ass grandma remarks.

Touché grandma.

“Excuse my irritating sister. She’s been having girl problems recently,” Scarlett butts in.

“Don’t even trip dear,” the old lady replies with a smile.

“Scarlett I totally had that under co-” I say.

“Shush!” Red-faced Scarlett rudely shushes! “Look,” she says as she tosses another magazine.

Oh!

“I think someone snuck in a dirty magazine,” she whispers. “It’s filled with a bunch of muscular men!” She says hurriedly.

“Holy crap!”

“We shouldn’t look,” she quickly nods her head as she continues to look.

“Don’t be a scaredy-cat. (Oooh.) Woah! Look at this dude! He has eight abs! How is that even possible?!”

“Oh my god. I-is this one glowing?? Hold up. Look at this one. I honestly thought that these were only for women,” she inspects as she points at a thong.

“His balls must’ve been ready to burst! This magazine is so, so much more appealing than the other one. Wait, go back to this one! Wow! I can’t believe that there are some that big!”

“Oh, you’d be surprised,” a voice chuckles in my ear. “Best believe this bad back did not come from old age.”

Ah! The old lady!

“You two didn’t hear this from me, but--” the perverted old lady cont-

“Ahem!” Mom interrupts!

*

1 Hour Later

*

Mom’s playlist rocks! It’s too bad I have to share an earbud with idiot Scarlett though. Sigh, Mom is so mad at us. Now we have to sit near her chair. Tattoos look so painful. I can’t wait to get one!

“Wow, Rosine. You’re just as beautiful as I remember,” a man greets as he walks through the front entrance.

“Hello, Tony,” Mom replies in obligation, utterly focused on her work.

Wait, this is Tony Soleus. A former kickboxing champion of The Old World! He still looks like a douche! Greased spiky hair, clean shaved beard, white unzipped hoodie with no undershirt, olive green jean shorts, and admittedly stylish blue sandals.

“Rosine, baby, I know you’re busy, so I’ll make this quick. I am completely free and available for drinks whenever you’re done working,” Tony blurts out.

You jerk. You know she’s married, but ya don’t care! Ya best keep walking because you will never be my stepdad!

“A tempting offer…” Mom teases with a smirk. “If I wasn’t married,” she continues as she flexes her wedding ring. “I know we have history, but that was a long time ago. Also, you’re not my husband, so don’t call me baby. Take a good look at that window,” she calmly threatens. “Tony, I don’t give a shit how many championship belts you’ve won, and I’ll say this as professional as possible. If you disrespect me again, I’ll send your ass flying through that window just like the last person who called me baby.”

“I was right, Ruby,” Scarlett whispers.

Mom is so cool!

“I’ll just see my way out then,” Tony quickly leaves.

“Sigh, girls,” Mom says in a somber tone. “Violence isn’t always the answer, but sometimes you just have to send someone flying through a window so they can learn their lesson. I know I have a temper, but please don’t end up like me. Be better than me.”

“You’re the best mom in the entire world, though!” I say.

“We couldn’t ask for a better mom,” Scarlett supports with a smile.

I’m curious.

“How in the world did you end up with Dad? He’s so calm and blah, but you’re so much cooler!”

“Umm,” Mom says in uncertainty. “You two are old enough to know now,” she says in a slightly sad tone. “I did a lot of stupid crap before I met your dad. I hung out with the wrong crowd and… indirectly got my best friend killed because of my irresponsible and selfish actions. It… it took her death and being framed for a crime for me to get my life together. I was in so much grief, but the thing about pain is that it can motivate you for better or worse. I had to learn humility and discipline before I became skilled and responsible enough to open this shop. Your dad was my first customer, and I was a bit of a flirt because I had no idea what the heck professionalism was at the time,” Mom reveals in a harmonious tone. “He became my best friend, and eventually the love of my life,” she inappropriately daydreams about fornication. “Mmmm. One night we-”

“We get it. You and Dad love each other,” Scarlett quickly interrupts.

“Yeah, Mom! T-M-I!” I say.

“Oh, sorry, girls. I just, he makes me happy,” she blushes with a sheepish smile. “This family completes me,” she yet again reminds us with a happy smile.

“Huh?!! What the hell do you mean you can’t pay?!” One of Mom’s employees yells out in disbelief.