BEATRIX
Are you all packed Junior? We have to leave soon!
Junior's mother and sister were about to drive him to the airport. Once again he was going to New York, this time as the official U.S. candidate to the Global Selection.
Some men from the Secret Service had shown up the day the National Selection results were announced. They instructed Junior on what he could expect in the upcoming selection process, but they didn't actually tell him a lot, since they didn't know much themselves. The only things they knew for sure were that some clones of Konos' would be the ones running the show.
They congratulated him for his perfect score and said how much faith the president had in him, how the entire country would be behind him, but Junior wasn't listening. The hypocrisy had made him sick to his stomach.
JUNIOR
Yeah! I'm ready to go whenever!
Bellowed Junior back from his room.
BEATRIX
Then put your bag in the car!
Junior took one good look at his room before leaving. To be honest, he wasn't sure if he would be coming back...
As he was putting his bag in the car, he suddenly remembered. He got on his bike and sprinted off, just as his sister was getting into the car.
AMANDA
Where the hell are you going?!
JUNIOR
I'll be right back!
Junior rode his bike furiously, hoping that his best friend would be home, thankful that he didn't live too far away. As soon as Junior arrived in front of his house, he started calling out to him.
JUNIOR
Riiiiiick!! Riiiiiiiiick!!!
Richard looked out of one of the upstairs windows.
RICK
YO! What's up Junior?!
JUNIOR
You were right!
RICK
I'm always right! About what?
JUNIOR
The selection... It was all a scam!
RICK
Yeah... That's another synonym!
JUNIOR
It is! Anyway... I'm leaving for New York, for the Global Selection!
RICK
When?!
JUNIOR
Now!
RICK
Now?! About time you told me!
JUNIOR
Isn't it?!
For a little while they remained silent, both unsure about what to say next.
RICK
Am I gonna see you again?!
JUNIOR
I hope so!
Without another word, Junior turned around and rode his bike home.
RICK
Good luck!!!
Rick bellowed after him.
BEATRIX
Why does he always have to make us wait?
Said Beatrix as he saw his son coming back.
JUNIOR
I'm sorry!
BEATRIX
Just get in the car...
Junior had expected the ride to the airport to be sad and tense. It was the exact opposite. His mother displayed intense energy, talked and sang with Amanda and him all the way there. He hadn't felt that carefree in a long time...
Unfortunately, the ride in the car didn't last for long. Before Junior could fully enjoy the moment he was in, he was at the airport, standing in front of his family, speechless.
AMANDA
Do your best, okay? And when you see him, give my best to Konos!
Junior barely registered those words. All his attention was focused on his mother...
JUNIOR
Mom, I...
BEATRIX
I know sweetie.
JUNIOR
No, you don't...
He felt tears welling up in his eyes, and he instinctually hugged her tight.
JUNIOR
Thank you! Thank you so much for letting me do this!
Junior was now openly sobbing.
JUNIOR
You're the best mom in the world!
She didn't respond to these words, but hugged him even tighter.
BEATRIX
Are you happy?
JUNIOR
I don't know...
Mumbled Junior.
BEATRIX
Haha! Well you should be!
Said Beatrix with a smile. Tears were running down her cheeks, but happiness was the only emotion she was willing to show Junior. Everything else she kept bottled inside, not to spoil this moment with her son.
