Chapter 2 - Part 1: The Scientist

Graduation day had arrived and Faith couldn't have been more excited to officially begin her new life.

To no one's surprise, she had won the coveted position of class Valedictorian.  She was also voted by her peers as the "Most Likely to Achieve her Lifetime Want", which in this case was to pursue and excel at a career in the science field.

She had already spent the majority of her childhood working with various fish and plants and knew exactly what she was going to focus on at the science lab.  The research she had done on her own had taken her far, but the tools and equipment now at her disposal meant that success was in in reach.

When Faith and Morand returned to the house after the ceremony, Morand followed his daughter up the stairs and stopped her before she could enter her room. 

"I know you've worked really hard at your studies and I couldn't be more proud of you, sweetheart.  I wanted to do something for you to celebrate this new stage of your life, so I took the liberty of having your room redesigned," he said, hoping she wouldn't be upset.  "I even hired a guy from all the way in Branbrook because I wanted it to be perfect," he finished.

"Aww, dad!  You didn't have to do that," Faith responded, a little nervous at the thought of having her bedroom done by a complete stranger she'd never met.  However, it was the thought that counted, though, and if she hated it, she was sure she could find some way to re-do it without hurting her dad's feelings.

Smiling, he stepped aside and let her through the door.

To a room that she absolutely loved.  The color was a perfect shade of lime green, her favorite of all.  The inclusion of a fish tank was brilliant and he'd even brought up Bozo, her prize clown fish she'd caught a few days before.

Her school life was enshrined on the dresser.  From her picture and crown from the prom, to the two after school awards she'd achieved through the Art Club and Shop Class, as well as her Valedictorian and Most Likely To ribbons.  Even her High School diploma and a picture of her from graduation were part of the decor.  That designer sure works quickly!, she thought.

Morand could hear her squeals of approval through the door and knew he'd done a good job.

The next morning Faith made her way to the science lab to begin the job that had been offered to her.  She was thrilled and nervous at the same time.  She certainly didn't want to disappoint anyone, as they had seemed very excited to have her working there

As she made her way inside she reminded herself not to forget her own research in the process.  Gaining access to the labs and the science facilities' private collection of rare flora was her main reason for taking this position and she didn't want to get too sidetracked from her personal work.

What she had forgotten about was that the lab was next door to the cemetery.  After work, she walked over to the mausoleum to visit the mother she'd never known.  Wondering if the woman would be proud of her, of what kind of advice her mother would have given her.

Mostly Faith tried to not feel guilty about being the reason she had died.

"I'm so sorry," she sobbed, "Dad misses you so much and it's all my fault."  She sat in the cold mausoleum until her tears stopped flowing, the stark surroundings bringing her back to the present.  The walls were so cold and the feeling of the room only added to the sadness.  "I know I can't bring you back, but I can make sure that your resting place is a better one than this, I promise you that." she stated.  

Kissing her fingertips, she placed them on the urn, "Goodbye, Mom", she said as she walked out.

Later that night, Faith was catching up on some of the latest gardening tips, staying up far past her bedtime when she heard a sound come from downstairs.  Wondering why her father was still up, she put her book down and started downstairs to see what he was up to.

Only it wasn't her father that had made the noise.  Faith nearly ran face first into the burglar at the bottom of the stairs.  She screamed and ran into the study and called the police.

Luckily the police were already on their way and showed up just as the bandit was making his way towards Faith.  The tussle didn't last long before the crook was thrown the ground.

Morand raced into the room just as the officer was placing handcuffs on the guy, and watched as she escorted him out of his house.  Luckily nothing had been stolen, though he was a little upset that the cop got there so quickly as he would have liked to get in a few punches to this guy himself.

Morand's biggest issue lately, however, was not enacting revenge on burglars, but were people who were void of all thoughts of common sense when it came to emergencies.  More often than not, he was forced into saving people from themselves.

Why were people so willing to stay in danger's way at the risk of their own lives just to try and protect a few meager possessions?  One of these days someone was going to be killed trying to save a chair or a couch that wasn't worth it.  Perhaps the job was finally starting to get to him.

Faith's job, on the other hand, was going extremely well.  She had already started taking clippings from some of the plants at tech and had built herself a little garden on the side of the house.

It had become part of her routine to check on the plants every morning before going to work.  She watched them very close, as this was as important to her than the job they were paying her for.  More so even.  

If this experiment worked, it could effect the lives of many in Harmony.

OUTTAKES

Some randomness throughout the neighborhood

 

 My piddly gnome collection.

Faith gained a celebrity star and constantly had this woman in her face.

Upon going to a party at Cecil's, I found the hosts dressed like this.

Had I known it was a costume party, I would have dressed accordingly!!

Title / Coldplay