Chapter 4: Fairview, Mississippi

3 days later

Max had just crossed the border from Louisiana to Mississippi and was now heading east, down the highway to Jackson.

‘Two more hours and I’ll be in Fairview. It’s only a few miles away from Jackson. Damn, I really don’t know what I should say to my aunt, showing up there like this. It’s weird enough to think of any woman as my aunt but if I stand in front of her, am I supposed to say “Hey, You’re my aunt Gabbie, right? Well, I’m your dead sister’s daughter! Nah, not exactly her daughter, she only gave birth tome. I got put together in a test tube, you know. Human DNA mixed with feline; they were trying to make the perfect super soldier, a human weapon. And how are you today?” I can’t say that. Maybe I should just turn around. But I won’t do that, I’ve come so far. And anyway, I don’t have money for gas, food or a motel room. I have no other choice but to go to Fairview and meet this woman. God, I really hope she won’t kick my ass out the door right away…’ Max thought while getting closer and closer to her destination.

It was very unlike Max to be scared of a woman rejecting her. First of all because she was straight but this wasn’t a romantic thing, and secondly because that would never happen to Max anyway. But this was different. Gabrielle Solis was the closest thing to family Max had. She had been searching for her siblings for years but hadn’t found out anything yet. Just this tiny thing about Zack having stolen a car years ago, right after the escape from Manticore. And the lead to her mother had been a dead end, literally.

So Max kept on driving, hoping that she could at least talk to Gabrielle, only meet one of her true relatives. She didn’t want anything more. No money, although she would have needed it, considering how much gas cost these days, and the Solis’ had loads of it. But that wasn’t her reason for driving so far.

And with these thoughts in mind Max sped up a little more. She should reach Fairview at about 3 pm.

2.43 pm

The environment had changed a lot since Max had reached the South. The houses became bigger, the front yards neater and the roads better. Probably because the west had been affected most by the Pulse in 09. But here it all became even more luxurious.

About five minutes later Max reached a barrier with a plate next to it, saying

“Welcome to Fairview, perfect all American Town of the South.”

Max felt like throwing up when she saw that.

‘God, Manticore would have loved this. “Perfect all American”!’

“Good afternoon Miss. How can I help you?” a man in his later forties who sat in a yellow cabin next to the check point asked.

“Um, I want to visit someone here in Fairview.”

“Oh, really?” the man replied, taking a closer look at Max.

Her black Ninja was dirty from the long drive, so were her black jeans. Her Dark curly hair was all messed up by the driving wind and her big backpack looked pretty shady.

“I’m sorry, but what the heck are you staring at?” Max asked rather harshly when she saw the disgusted look on the man’s face.

“I’m sorry, but not every random person is allowed to enter this part of town. Only friends or relatives f the inhabitants. I think you should leave now, Miss.” He explained, faking a sorry expression.

“You think only cos I don’t look all nice and cleaned up that I don’t belong here! Oh, come on, you can’t be serious!” Max replied very irritated.

“Like I said, I’m sorry but…”

“You will be sorry when I tell my aunt Gabrielle Solis and her husband what you allowed yourself to do! I’m sure they will take care of a new guy to take over your position here and get your ass fired!” Max threatened, flashing her passport so he could read her name.

“You… You are Gabrielle Solis’ nice?” he asked unbelieving but already a lot politer.

“Yes, I am. My name is Maxine Solis and I swear I’ll get your ass fired if you won’t let me pass!”

“Of course. I’m very sorry Miss Solis. It will never happen again, I promise. Have a nice stay here in Fairview, the perfect all…”

“Cut the crap and let me through!” Max complained now, having full control of the guy in front of her.

‘Damn, I didn’t know that you could manipulate people so easily with a stupid name!’ she thought and smiled at the guard who opened the barrier in a hurry.

“Thank you very much!” Max show him a mocking grin. “And enjoy your job as long as you have it!” and with that Max sped off, letting him stare after her incredulously.

‘Now I only have to find Wisteria Lane…’ she thought while cruising through the town.

All houses and yards there looked perfect. Way too perfect. There were one or two very expansive cars in every drive in.

Max felt like entering another world by entering Fairview, Mississippi.

‘Damn, this looks like this town Stepford where all women are robots, controlled by this freaky guy… Wouldn’t be much of a surprise if this city was like that.’

After a few ,minutes Max finally found Wisteria Lane. It looked even more polished than the other streets.

‘First I gotta find out where the Solis’ live…’ so Max slowed down next to a woman working in her garden.

“Excuse me? I think I need help. I got lost searching for the house of… someone.” Max told the red haired woman.

She was about 40, maybe one or two years older, dressed in very expensive clothes. Her hair sat perfectly in place and a friendly smile was on her face, although Max sensed that she was surprised to see a girl like her there.

“Of course I can help you. Whose house are you searching for if I may ask?” she asked politely.

“Um, I’m searching for the house of Carlos and Gabrielle Solis.” Max replied just as polite.

Seconds ago she hadn’t told this woman that she was searching for her aunt for a good reason. Maybe Gabrielle didn’t want anybody to know about her. Of course Max hoped that wasn’t the case but you never knew.

“Of course darling. She lives right down the street A gardener should be working there right now. Its number six, the pink house. By the way, where do you know her from? Are you one of the young models searching for advice?”

“Uh, no, I’m not. Bt that you very much for the help.” Max replied, getting a bit uncomfortable.

She was really nervous right now. Her aunt was only a few feet away from her.

“Oh, okay. Ah, I’m sorry, I forgot about my manners. My name is Bree VanDeKamp. It’s really nice to meet you…?” the older woman said, offering her perfectly manicured hand to Max after freeing it from the pink gardener glove she had been wearing.

“Max, my name is Max.” Max answered, shaking Bree’s hand. “I’m sorry, but I really need to go now. I was nice meeting you too. Bye.” with those words Max hopped on her bike again and left in a hurry…

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