Page 72 of The Pacifist
“We managed to gather a couple of random people and it’ll be interesting to hear what the opinion on the street is.” The journalist had a red nose from the cold and his jacket was closed all the way up to his beard.
The camera showed a group of five men and one woman.
“How do you feel about the prospect of Jonah Cervici losing his seat on the Council?”
The man who answered was in his sixties and wore a leather hat. “It’s stupid. Momsies are fucking crazy.”
“Do you think it’s fair that Jonah is punished for his family’s organizing illegal races and serving beer and alcohol?”
“Hell no. And they shouldn’t punish his family either. Doing those things should be fundamental human rights.”
“If you could say one thing to the Council members what would it be?” The journalist nodded to a man with four beads in his beard.
“I’m not much of a talker. I’d rather pull out the sticks they have up their asses. They need to get over themselves.”
The camera swung to the woman, who was in her late thirties and stood close against a man her own age. “You told me before we began that you’re from the Motherlands and have lived here for almost six years. What are your thoughts on what’s happening with Jonah?”
“Well…” Her lips disappeared and she gave a sideways glance to all the men in the group. “I’m a big fan of Jonah Cervici’s work and I think Nmen in general respect him. I mean they like to make fun of Motlander men, but Jonah is different somehow.”
“Only because he doesn’t wear make-up and shit,” her husband interjected.
The woman nodded. “Yes, and he has visited the North several times and shown a willingness to listen and understand the culture here. I just hope the Council understands that expelling the only man on it would be a major setback for the integration.”
A younger man with his hands in his pockets threw a nod in her direction. “Yeah, what she said.”
Khan was sitting on the soft armrest on the couch. “Why are they interviewing people on the street? Why aren’t they asking me what I think? I’m the one who knows Jonah the best.”
Magni snorted. “We should have that guy from the street come pick out the stick you have up your ass. If anyone knows Jonah best it’s Mila, and we all know Jonah likes Pearl way more than he likes you.”
Khan glanced back over his shoulder and threw a hand up in the air. “I just meant that I know Jonah better than those random people.”
“But you made it sound like you were best friends with him.” Magni grinned and rolled his eyes at Khan. It was amazing to feel how amused and happy he seemed.
“Don’t be stupid. I’m more like a mentor to Jonah.”
My dad winked at me. “Good to know that Khan isn’t challenging you for your best friend, huh?”
“Jonah isn’t Mila’s best friend. I am,” Raven corrected Magni.
I smiled at her. “You’re more than a friend, Raven. You’re my soul sister.”
“Ooh, I like that.” Raven elbowed Leo and spoke in a singsong voice. “I have a sister. I have a sister.”
Leo smiled. “Yeah, the resemblance between you two is stunning.”
I smiled since Raven was my opposite with her caramel-colored complexion and large brown eyes.
“It’s starting… Jonah’s speech is starting.” Pearl was closest to the interactive wall and waved a finger, shushing us to silence. “Shhhh…”
Raven giggled but received a raised eyebrow from Laura, who moved to the edge of the couch.
Seeing Jonah made my stomach do a somersault. I loved how he looked like a Roman emperor from a lost time with his chiseled jawline, straight nose, and full lips. I even loved his big ears that his short hair did nothing to hide. But the best part about Jonah was the kindness radiating from him.
“He has such nice eyes.”
“Laura, shhh…” Pearl shushed again.
My dad squeezed my mom’s thigh and the two of them gave silent grins to each other with heated looks before turning their attention back to Jonah, who began to speak.
