Shannon

I think this scene, with some tweaking and light editing could be a VERY powerful scene in this story.

I really enjoyed this section and can't wait to revisit.


Jeremy had come over to finish their group project immediately after school. Meredith was excited while Fredrick and Eddie seemed less then enthusiastic.

Shannon was too panicked to notice one way or another. She had never come this close to failing an assignment. She was always well prepared for everything, but with all the distractions going on since Cassie's party she had completely forgot to finish reading Nineteen Eighty Four and to prepare for her and Jeremy's group presentation.

Jeremy seemed as nervous as her. He kept saying how he "really needs to pass this class." and would bury himself back in his book.

At first they sat quietly in the living room reading their books with occasional interruptions. Meredith would bring in cookies or sandwiches and try to chat with Jeremy before Shannon would get too embarrassed and ask her to politely leave. Fredrick was much more invasive without saying or doing much. He'd routinely walk into the room stare hard at Jeremy from the door way.

Meredith had made an extra big dinner for them insisting that Jeremy stay and eat. It was exceptionally awkward for Shannon as Meredith and Fredrick tried to make small talk with Jeremy; asking who his parents were, what they did, what he wanted to do with himself. Eddie seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and couldn't stop smiling.

After a long and awkward dinner Shannon and Jeremy retreated to her room to finish their homework. Fredrick insisted the door remain open.

They were alone.

"So what are we going to do about this group presentation part?" Shannon asked looking over her notes nervously.

"What about the written analysis. I'm more worried about that." Jeremy said nervously looking at the rubric.

"The written part isn't due until next week. That can be done over the weekend but the presentations are tomorrow."

"Well, what do you think we should do?"

Shannon sat on her bed and began thinking but she was drawing a blank. Jeremy sat down next to her. "Well, maybe if we talk about our favorite parts we can think of something." Jeremy said.

Shannon looked at him. He'd never been this close to her. She could feel herself starting to blush so she looked away.

"Well," she started, "I thought all the moments where Winston and Julia had to sneak off to meet in secret were neat."

"How so?"

"Well, it's like, they want to meet but society forbids it. They're expected to behave and be rigid when all they want to do is express themselves. They want to love and share that love with the world but can't."

"In Brave New World where they're free to be with anyone. There's no rules saying you need to behave one way or another. You just, enjoy life."

"It sounds so much better than being watched constantly and being forced to follow rules you don't agree with."

"But at what cost? You lose your sense of self. Everyone is the same and you want to stand out but can't. If you just say and do what you want people will think you're not like them and you'll be exiled."

"It's hard to think that in such a scary and depressing world, two people can find some kind of happiness just being together."

"At the same time it gives you hope that, even being oppressed, we can find someone to make us happy. Someone we share ideals, hopes, and dreams with. Someone we can feel connected to."

"Someone you can care about."

The two went silent and stared at each other. Shannon could feel her heart beating heavily in her chest. Jeremy's eyes were focussed on hers. He rested his hand on hers. He was closer to her now than before. She could feel his breath.

"Hey, Jeremy! Phone!" Eddie yelled from downstairs.

Jeremy leaned back and coughed nervously. Shannon blinked and shook her head looking away hiding her blushing face behind her hair.

"Um, it's getting late. I should probably head home." Jeremy said as he gathered his things.

"Yeah. Um. We'll talk before class tomorrow." Shannon nodded and remained fixed to her bed.

"See you tomorrow." Jeremy quickly left her room and soon the house.

For a moment Shannon sat on the bed unmoving. She could still feel her heart beating rapidly.