Dual Minds: Deep Web

Great Escape​

Lacey opened her eyes to blinding white...

Which was obviously the airbag.

"Dammit." She muttered as she lifted her head, staring through the shattered windshield at the tree in front of her. Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead and she'd most likely be sore in the morning, but her luck hadn't failed her yet.

Feeling for the door handle, she shoved it open and rolled out of the squished Bug. Shards of glass lying on the ground pierced her skin and a scream left her mouth, but surprisingly it wasn't her own. Lacey's brow furrowed as she heard another foreign scream in the distance, followed by a burst of gunshots.

Jumping to her feet, she looked behind her to see dark clouds of smoke lingering above the trees. No...way. Fire? Where did that come from?!

Well, just like she figured, Shep wasn't in the trunk anymore. He had to be the cause and Lacey could only hope that he didn't kill anybody as she broke into a sprint, heading deep into the woods. With every stride, thoughts flitted through her mind...angry thoughts.

Even if she hadn't been in attendance, this was all Harley's fault and she was gonna hear it! There was already enough chaos in the county, they didn't need to start a war with drug dealers.

No, she was going to try her hardest to keep that from happening...somehow.

---

Both Molotov's exploded just as they flew from Primal’s hands, bullets whizzing passed the top of his head.

Trisha sighed as her clip being reloaded sounded. She’d been using the growing smoke as cover and slipped out of the hostile area before anymore of the Spawns could advance upon her.

“T…t..” Dexter coughed as he stirred on her shoulder. “Trish…can you get us out of here?” He whispered, struggling to keep his eyes open. Come on Dex…he repeated mentally to himself, doing his best to defy his pain receptors from forcing him to pass out again.

"Don't worry Dexter, I've got you." Trisha said as she picked up her pace, keeping watch for any threats. "We'll be somewhere else soon just hold on...you ok?"

"Not dying." He responded his voice hoarse. "I think..." Dexter's head bobbed as he drifted in and out. "Thanks."

"It's fine and you'll be fine...I promise." Trisha tightened her grip on his back while she ascended the rest of the hill and finally reached flat land again. With her determined gaze fixed on the horizon, she continued on their escape route to safety.

 

The Pinky and the Brain.
​

"Get off me you dimwit!" She gives him a sharp kick and throws him off, then gets to her feet flushed and muttering curses. "Nows not the time for your stupidity, we need to run while we can, and contact the police ASAP."

“Don’t call me a dimwit!” He snapped as he stood keeping a tight grip on her arm as he walked fast pace towards the visible houses past the trees.

His panting sped up again as more gun shots cracked from behind them. “Oh man…oh man….oh man.”

"Just calm down, it'll be okay Word. um, whats your real name?" She asks trying to divert his attention from the chaos. He didn't respond for several seconds as his head whipped back and forth. "Um...its Miguel." He sniffed. "Do you need a hospital?"

"I need some asprin." She scoffs, "And some good luck."

"Luck doesn't exist." He responded as they finally reached a car that looked like it belonged in a junk yard as ninety percent of it including the body, one door and hood were all rusted. "In." The Word sighed as he opened the driver's side.

She hops in with a tired sigh. "Not sure whats worse, Shep, or the thought of you driving me." She says half joking...emphasis on the half.

"Hey." The Word said starting the car and pulling out into the road. "I'm a perfectly good driver just as long as its not a vehicle with GPS and any tracking devices installed in it." He spat. "Bastard government agents."

Anita rolled her eyes. "just drive, and hurry."

"Why hurry?" He asked. "The situation resolved itself."

"What are you talking about?" She says getting agitated. "Exsplosions, gun shots, and screams. That's all we know, best to asume the worst and hurry."

"Why the hell should I care about a bunch of people who tried to kill us!?" He said his hands tensing on the wheels. "Shep got what was coming to him."

"dimwit... did you actually see Shep die? and did his ally not show up for him? How do you know he deosn't have more of his goons hunting us while we are sitting here bickering? How do you even know he's dead?"

"More of us his goons hunting us?" He shook his head.

That was ridiculous.....or was it? Did Shep have trackers on them? The Word began feeling around his body keeping one hand on the wheel. "Well he was beaten up and mostly naked. He would of beeneasy to kill."

Anita threw her hands in the air. "BUT WE DID NOT SEE HIM DIE! We can't assume safty, there is a reason he is the most feard gang lord around and he had help! Now are you going to drive or sit here displaying your lack of insight?"

"I am driving you bitch!" He snapped. "And lack of insight? I...I'm just not used to situations like this." He turned a corner. "Guns and violence and...." His turned pale. "Blood."

"Nor I, but when in these situations you gotta think on your feet and leave nothing to chance. Now lets alert the police, and quickly while Shep is still running around naked."

The Word hummed nervously as he let up on the gas. "Um...I'm not sure I'm comfortable talking to police officers, they are part of the system ya know?"

head, dash board, because in that moment a face palm was not enough.

"Meguil, please...not now. If it bothers you that much drop me off at the station and I'll talk to em." The Word looked into her eyes for five seconds before giving withing a defeated smile.

How could he argue?

She was right....or at least had at least a better idea of what to do in such a violent situation. "Alright." He said continuing to drive. "But if they are like corrupt or anything you can hide out with me in the War Room." He half teased

---

The two pulled into the police station parking lot and exited the vehicle. “You ready?” He asked as he shut the door. "Bad feeling about this."

Anita pulled off her hijab letting her hair tumble free in a curly mess, matted from fear driven sweat she was clearly over heating. "Okay, don't mention any conspiracy stuff, don't acusse them of anything, don't talk back to them, don't comment on this dead poodle that is my hair...in fact maybe it's better you don't say anthing at all." With that she waltz towards the door swiftly.

The Word followed close behind Anita until both suddenly were halted in their tracks by a voice.

“Going to report all that commotion you two just came from huh?” The man was leaning against red Mustang as he eyed the two with a calm gaze and confident smile. He was older than them at least twenty or thirty…maybe older but his muscles clearly showed through his shirt tight shirt, his light brown hair was cut short and highlighted golden at the edges.

Highlights was something to look at that was certain. A sharp jaw, clear face, tall and despite the arrogance of his smile his white teeth shined as continued his grin. He could have been mistaken for your average male model had he not opened his mouth.

Anita takes a step back, her mind races again three plans appear.

Option 1: act freindly

Option2: scream

Option 3: threaten to do 2 in a freindly manner.

"We have no beef with you, leave us be, or, or I'll scream and every cop will be on you like ugly on Shep."

"Yes." He said ignoring her threat. "Shep, that's who I needed to speak with you two about as you two are the only ones that made it out I could track." He pushed himself off his car and shrugged. "We need to talk."

The Word gulped. "Um...a...um just say back man." He said lowering his voice. "How do we know your not reptile agent working for Shep or some other drugged out killer."

Highlights chuckled. "Nah kid drugs are totally uncool just like this Shep guy."

On our side then? too early to tell, way too early to trust.

"What do you want? And be quick about it."

"Simple." He cracking his neck. "Forget about everything you saw, forget the gunshots, forget about Shep and forget every person involved with his kidnapping. Shep was the least dangerous one there." His smile faded slightly. "And besides you two or the rest of your friends don't need to worry about that ass clown anymore. He won't bother you."

"That sounds...too good to be true. If Shep is no longer an issue, why do you care if we report it?"

"Good question dudet." He winked at her. "My employers prefers to things on a need to know basis, to minimize controversy and as you can tell things have already gotten a bit out of hand here. The last thing they need is a psychotic drug dealer running around." He opened his car door. "I got Shep under control and well....I've already handled him by getting ultra badass on him!" He exclaimed making a martial arts pose.

He calmed himself and went back to speaking. "So I really think its your best interests to back off from this thing.

That was a threat, that was certianly a threat "hear you loud and clear er sir..." She grabs Word by the arm and drags him back to the car before he could say somthing stupid. Once inside she stares strieght ahead takes a deeeeeep breath and...

Screams like she is being murdured slowly on the spot! Afterwards she takes a deep breath "Sorry...was holding that in for a while. It's over now though thank god." She wipes away a single solitary tear, the only thing betraying how frightened she really had been. "So...home now please?" She asks leaning back exshuasted.

"Yeaaaah." The Word sighed as he fell back in his seat, he swallowed hard his mind doing his best to cope with what just happened. His gaze shifted to Anita. "Yeah...home, um ...." Before Anita could react The Word's arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace for several seconds before he let up.

"You.....seemed like you could use that Anita." He said using her name as he started the car.

She replied with a soft snoring, so spent was she from the ordeal she had drifted off almost instantly, barely registerying the hug in the corners of her mind.

 

Jessica had been fast. In the middle of Brown's crazed, ranting, she had managed to grab her camera phone and snapped a picture, then tucked it in her pocket before he could react. Her eyes narrowed.
"Mr. Brown, I hope you do know that I have many many friends in high places in Washington," she said. "Several members of Congress, not to mention your own boss, owe me favors."
She turned and followed Joe, and laid a hand on his back.
"You're coming with me, kid," she said, leading him to her car.

 

I looked at Jessica. "Uh... did I do something?" I asked, I hoped I hadn't gone too far or something... I really had only wanted to get away from her. I didn't want to continue lying to her, I was sure her intentions were good, but they'd only end up with me as a mix of black, blue, and red. I hoped that I didn't do anything that had steeled her resolve... I didn't want her to get involved... I had gotten a lucky streak so far... three days without a beating... that was a rarity... I didn't want her to provoke him.

 

"I," Jessica said. "Owe you an ice cream. And I also want to chat." She opened the passenger side door of the car, and gestured for Joe to get in.
"I won't put the handcuffs on you," she promised. "Don't think I got your name, though."
Jessica also wanted to make sure he got home safe and stayed safe in his home.

 

After a moment of hesitation, I looked at her. "...Joe." I said simply, I wanted to give her a fake name. I didn't want to give her any chance of finding me through my name if I managed to walk home by myself after this little chat... but I just couldn't lie anymore... it was tiring to keep lying over and over... I could at least give her my real first name. After a few moments of hesitation, I got into the passenger seat. I knew that it wasn't a good idea of getting into a stranger's car... but if I did just get my organs chopped out and left in the woods... maybe it would be better than living, maybe a few hours of excruciating pain... or maybe just a few moments of fear as the anesthetic worked its way through my system... and then nothing.

 

WE ARE FAMILY

Trisha wiped sweat from her brow as she escaped the growing inferno that was behind her. Taylor's Swift's voice cut into Trisha's panting.

‘But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts
She's Cheer Captain and I'm on the bleachers.'

Trisha holstered her gun and had it replaced with her cell phone in seconds clicking the answer button to shut Taylor up.

"Hello?" She said cheerfully.

"Hey Mom...how's it going?" Harley replied in a dull tone.

"Oh, good!"

Dexter groaned.

"I'm just spending some time with your father, how are you sweetums?"

"Alright, I guess." Harley muttered. "I was out, but came home a few minutes ago and I found some people here that wanna see you, like...now."

Trisha raised an eyebrow. "People we know?" She asked suspiciously. "Or a friend of Mommy's?"

There was a pause on the line.

"Well...it's Grandma and Aunt Tea." Harley said. "So, exactly how soon can you get here? Cause Grandma keeps asking about you and I...uh, don't really know what to do."

Trisha let out a gasp, taking one last look at the flames as she made her way up the road. "Oh baby, I'm sorry I'm coming right now." She sighed. "Tell them not to worry, okay?"

"Kinda too late for that, Mom." Harley lowered her voice. "But how was I supposed to know that they'd show up or that Grandma hated birds! Oh yeah, have you seen my phone? I looked everywhere and I think I lost it."

Trisha twitched. "I'm sure it will turn up sweetie." She smiled to herself. "I'll be home in a bit."

"Okay, thanks...we'll be waiting for you." Harley said, none too pleased. "Bye, Mom."

---

"Is she coming Harley?" Teanna asked politely as she walked back into the living room carrying a tray of tea.

Harley nodded. "Yeah, Mom said she'd be home in a bit and that you shouldn't worry." she said, eyeing the tray. "Uh...sorry again about the mess in the kitchen, didn't know we'd be having company and all."

"Ugh!" Doreen let out a nasty snort as she leaned back in her scooter. "It can't be helped you were raised in such conditions child."

"Mother that's rude." Teanna sighed. "Trisha does all she can out here by herself and I'm sure Harley is happy, aren't you?"

"Of course!" Harley forced a pained smile. "I love it here; can't imagine living anywhere else."

"Can't even raise a good liar." Doreen pointed out.

Teanna frowned as she studied Harley's expression. She sipped at her tea; it was obviously time of a change of subject. "Sooooo when did you get the parrot?" She asked looking at the cage which sat on the couch next to Harley.

"Today actually." Harley slipped a cracker into the cage and the parrot's beak shot through the bars, snatching it out of her hand. "I named him Patches."

"Get rid of that thing." Doreen said rolling her eyes. "Birds are disgusting...."

Harley bit her lip as she watched her grandmother. The old woman always had something negative to say, but two could play at that game. Only difference was that Harley knew how to win.

"Yeah...you're right, Grandma." She sighed, shaking her head. "Birds are disgusting."

"Well once your mother gets home hopefully she'll find a proper way to dispose of it." Doreen returned Harley's scowl with a smug grin. Teanna cut into their conversation, her smile had faltered a bit. "What was she doing by the way?"

"You know, stuff...that she does. She's always keeping busy." Harley muttered right as she caught a blur of movement out the window. With some squinting, she noticed that it was in fact her mom...and was she, carrying someone? What the heck?

"There she is! See?" Harley pointed, jumping up from her seat. "Like I said, always busy." Teanna followed Harley outside with Doreen maneuvering her slow scooter down the ramp. Teanna's eyes widened at the clearly injured man on her sister's shoulder.

"Trisha!" She exclaimed. "Wha...um....what....is...who....I'll call an ambulance!" She produced her phone and began dialing.

"Hi Teanna, nice to see you!" Trisha said while she gently set Dexter on a patch of grass. Harley was by her side in seconds; her mouth open in shock as she stared at the same man from earlier...her father. Clearly he'd been burned there was no doubt about that. His flesh was in one of the worst conditions she'd ever seen in person and she'd done a lot of research on that topic.

"Where was the fire? What happened, Mom?" Harley said quickly.

Trisha beamed a wide smile. "Oh Harley, your father was a hero! He saved a bunch of kids from a burning building!"

---

Dexter's eye opened slowly as he took note of the people surrounding him.

A small smile formed on his face as he noticed Harley's shocked expression. They had to stop meeting in situations like this…..and Trisha really needed to work on her excuses. He’d throw that little shit that burned him into a flaming building before he ever helped anymore kids.

He shifted what attention he could to the two strangers. A chocolate skinned woman with silk black hair, great legs and a facial structure similar to Trisha's into a phone. She was easy to look at what, but the fat troll riding around her was not.

He....she...it had fat on top of fat that reminded him of filled water balloons that had been glued together and put under her shirt.

Dexter blinked as the troll narrowed her eyes.

"Its him...." He heard her groan.

"H...hey....hey." Dexter coughed. "Wh...who are these people?"

"Good, you're awake!" Trisha said, crouching to his level. "You remember my mother." She nodded towards the beast and then at the beauty. "And she's my sister, Teanna." Dexter blinked ten times as ambulance sirens sounded closer and closer to their current location.

Dexter blinked ten times as ambulance sirens sounded closer and closer. His eye brow raised as the pain began to engulf him once again. But despite the intense agony of parts of his body being charred he couldn't help but point out the elephant in the room......well not the elephant on the scooter.

But....

"Your sister's black?" He whispered painfully with hints of curiosity in his voice as he passed out from his injuries again....

 

Jess got in her car, turned on the engine, then drove around the neighborhood for a bit before finding an ice cream shoppe that actually looked good, then parked.
"You wanna come in or stay out here?" she asked Joe. "I mean, it's not Pop's Chocklit Shoppe, but it looks good."

 

"...I'll come in I guess." I said quietly, I wanted to get away... but... getting something like ice cream was a really rare treat, I couldn't ever afford to get it, it was either a few minutes of indulgence and then an empty belly for the night, or some cheap food that would get me through the night. I got out of the car and walked into the ice cream shoppe quietly, hoping that I wasn't making a big mistake.

 

Jessica folded her arms, glancing at the menu, then glanced at Joe.
"Heh, name's Jessica, by the way," she said. "I think you knew that. And, yes, I am an actual private detective from Richmond, Virginia. Annd..." She glanced real quickly at the menu.
"I would like two double cheeseburgers, two large chocolate malts, two small cokes, two sides of fries, and we'll be back later for some actual ice cream."
The fact that the boy was hungry hadn't escaped Jess' notice, and she decided to alter her promise a bit. This boy needed food, and he needed it now. Her heart went out to Joe as she ordered and paid, leaving a nice tip in the tip jar.
"Let's sit near the counter, we can see when our food is ready," she said, sitting at a nearby booth and gesturing for Joe to sit. "Why don't you tell me about yourself?"

 

The smoke begun to fill the hills and in just a few momento there was a big fire on the area, such was the expansion that Lennia and Marie were coughing.

This is bad… The Primal doesn’t contain himself…. Thought Lennia while standing up carrying Marie with her despite her wounded shoulder and said.

“We have to retreat lady…” And then she quickly moved while skillfully hiding from the sight of anyone.

“But.. Shep..” mumbled Marie with her ankle in pain at which Lennia replied.

“Forget about Shep… this game had become too dangerous for the family, I’ll request The Queen to cease the initation rite”

“What??!! Hey you can’t do that.. I’ll be in serious problems if that happens!!” exclaimed Marie

“I think you had already attracted enough attention and with The Primal here it will be difficult to hide our presence.” Replied the blonde woman

And then both argued while running into the distance.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The wild smoke and scorching heat didn’t seem to affect The Primal who still laughed as a madman, only when the smoke cleared a little he realized no one was there.


“Huh?... heeeey what’s up with that poor sportsmanship???!! This sucks, I was having a roll here!!!” exclaimed to nowhere while kicking the hot ground.

In the middle of the smoke he visualized a lying body, the only one who couldn’t escape, out of curiousity he got close to him. It was Mikkish.

The Primal kicked the body a couple of times, checking if the boy was alive or not. It wasn’t as if he cared, he was making sure if that person was of relevance or not.

Sirens pierced the smoke, police and firemen were coming, The Primal clicked his tongue.

No time for thinking right? You'll own me one later Thought while raising the body, then he abandoned the scene as quick as he could while carrying a body over his shoulder.

By the moment police arrived, there was nothing but signs of violence

 

Best Dinner Ever​

My mouth watered a little at the order that she had placed, I hadn't eaten that well in as long as I could remember... maybe when mom was alive...? Or when that drunk bastard didn't drink all of her savings and bought all of that frivolous crap we couldn't afford. I gave her a slight nod when she told us to sit near the counter and took a seat. I knew I had to be careful about what I told her when she asked me to me to tell her more about myself.

I shifted a little in my seat feeling a little uncomfortable. "...There's not much to say, I'm just in highschool. I live with my dad. I'm an only child... I kind of have a cat... I found her, she was half dead, someone beat the poor thing... I nursed her back to health, she's a stray, but she still pops in from time to time for food and water." I said smiling, it was vague but at least it wasn't lying... maybe I could even get to change the topic over to something else.

"A cat?" Jess grinned. "Does she have a name? How is school going for you anyway? You seem like an intelligent young man. I bet you have some friends."
I hope you have some friends, at any rate.

"Mitzy." I said smiling. "School is going alright, I have straight A's as for friends... none, but it's alright, I'm usually the one to try to avoid contact... kids my age tend to be pretty big morons, you know? It's just easier to avoid people until I get to college where people actually are trying to learn and want to be there." I said, it was a half truth, that was one of the reasons I tried to avoid people my age, but it was mainly to just not have people there trying to help...

Jessica eyed Joe for a few seconds, before glancing up as they called for their order. She received their trays, placing Joe's in front of him and sat back down.
"Tell me more about your home life," she said. "And please don't try to hide anything from me... I can tell things aren't that great."
Let me help you....

I knew this question was coming... this is where I'd have to lie my ass off... I could hear my heart screaming 'Tell her the truth! Don't let this continue!'... But I knew that nothing would happen. He had a great mask... they all just look at him and see a faithful christian and single father that's fallen into bad times. He was a charming bastard when he needed to be. I took a silent deep breath and exhaled, preparing mentally for the flood of utter bullshit I was about to tell her.

"It's fine... times are tough you know? So... we don't have a lot of money, my father's disabled so he only gets some money from the government... not a lot, but it's enough to get by. I wish my mom was around but... it's alright... my dad does his best." I said... I could hear both my heart and my head screaming in unison 'BULLSHIT! He's perfectly fine! He sits around drinking beer and hanging with his buddies, judging others like his shit's made out of gold and beats you around whenever you don't do as he says, or he's drunk, or he's just plain bored! He doesn't give a damn, you're just his whipping boy!' I balled my hands into fists under the table, I felt my nails digging into my palms... it was the only thing that was grounding me from going off on the bastard, or just breaking down into tears.

Jessica looked at him for a few moments, and then put her burger down.
"I was part of a very troubling investigation once," she said. "This girl's mother was convinced that her ex-husband was up to no good, and possibly harming her little girl. No one believed her, of course. The father was an upstanding member of the community, lead the local Boy Scout troop." Jessica tapped the table, thinking.
"The man was a two-bit bastard, of course," she said, her voice gaining an edge. "I saw his true colors... I managed to gather evidence about him..." she shuddered. "He was doing... terrible terrible things to his own daughter. I managed to get him convicted... but not before he crippled his own daughter's legs. She was lucky. She can use the bathroom by herself, and feed herself, and she is thankful for every new day she lives. And she wishes she had spoken up sooner."
Jessica looked at Joe.
"Please... don't be like this girl who stayed quiet the entire time. I can help."

I stopped eating and focused my eyes anywhere except her... I hated telling this lie... "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about, I'm perfectly fine, I'm sorry to hear what happened to that girl, but I'm glad that she got out of her situation alright." I said, once again my heart and my mind just wouldn't shut up... 'Tell her, that story, you're the girl, and you'll have a different end... he'll kill you, he will, tell her dammit!' but I knew I couldn't... Every time that I tried to get the nerve to tell anyone, my mouth got dry and my mind just got blank, panic began to rise in me, my heart felt like it would explode, several hundred scenarios of what would happen if I told them would run through my mind, none of them pleasant... I needed to change the subject. "...So do you have any family?" I asked.

Jessica ignored the question.
"Joe, the other day you were threatened with a knife. Today, a man nearly choked you and you walked away as though it were a walk in the park. You have bruises up and down your arms, and makeup around your eyes. I'm sure you have bruises and scars on your torso," her voice as to the point, firm, but also pleading. "I can help you. I can make sure whoever is doing this is getting tossed in prison and I can get you a good home. Please... I can't be too late this time... I can't let you get killed or worse. And there is worse, out there, Joe. You could be paralyzed for everything, but aware of everything around you. Would you like that to happen? Would you like to lie in a hospital bed, unable to use the bathroom or eat for yourself, but constantly aware of the world around you? Unable to live a full life? Unable to find love or friends or even graduate? Unable to help others like you?"

I swallowed back a lump in my throat, I knew that all of that could happen, I was certain that it was going to... but... I just couldn't... I couldn't tell... he'd kill me... he'd find a way...! "...I-I didn't want to tell you this... but I actually get into a lot of fights... that's all... it's gotten really rough at some points, I'm no stranger to being strangled or being threatened with knives, that's all." I said smiling nervously, I wanted to break down at this point... I always did when someone confronted me, but I knew I couldn't...

In her mind's eye, a set of locks and chains that had been surrounding Joe had begun to shake a bit, one of them bursting into tiny pieces. Jessica was getting closer.
"Oh, really?" Jess said, an eyebrow raised. "So, explain to me this: if you truly are one to get into a fight, why is it that you simply took Agent Brown's abuse? You saw it coming, but, instead, you took it, much like a hedgehog curls into a ball when danger is coming."
She glanced at Joe.
"Joe, you have very little to no fighting skills, but you have a knack for drifting off into your own world when things get tough. It's a survival mechanic that several people who have gone through abuse are able to do."
She thought for a few seconds.
"You don't have to be afraid of your father," she said, reaching out and patting Joe's trembling shoulder. "I can tell that's what this is. Right now, your father should be scared of me, because I am personally gonna nail him good for what he's done to you."

I smiled at her and tilted my head. "It's simple no? What would have happened if I had fought back against Brown? Whose story would you think that they would have listened to, the underprivileged kid without a single wound that was inflicted by Brown, or the famous FBI agent who had a broken nose that was given to him by the snot nosed punk who is oh so jealous of him and in his rage attacked the decorated agent?" I asked, I couldn't just tell her... she thought she could do something... she wanted to help... but my dad was so damn slippery... he'd be free and then he'd come home, maybe to me sleeping in his bed... and then he'd grab one of the knives and lumber over to my bed and begin to stab me over and over...

"What would have happened, what IS going to happen, is that I personally would have testified against Brown, had his title stripped from him and he himself is going to jail," Jessica said. "I have friends in the government who owe me favors. And believe me, if your father tries anything funny, I will personally make sure he doesn't do anything to harm you or anyone else."
There was a veiled promise in that statement that Jessica wouldn't hesitate to go through with. She liked Joe, thought he was a great kid, and thought he deserved better. And she would make sure he gets it.

I sighed quietly. "Why won't she just let up already...?" I wondered. "I'm sorry, but I still have no idea what you're talking about... and also no matter what evidence you have on him, it wouldn't have mattered. You'd be pit up against the jury ultimately, he'd have a great attorney to call into question about your evidence, tear into your credibility, and then tear me to shreds, turning me from a victim into a criminal, and the jury would eat it up since he's a celebrity and a man that stands on the side of justice, if you were to take him down, you'd need more than just a single case of violence against an underprivileged minor that just wanted his ten minutes in the spotlight, you'd go to court, stand at the witness stand and be made into a laughingstock that no one would take seriously." I said, I needed to pull away from the conversation... c'mon... just let up already... I can't tell you... I just can't...!

"Are you talking about Brown or your father?" Jessica asked. "Talk to me, Joe, don't let this fear consume you. You're stronger than he is. You're a better man than he is. You are full of love and life. Think about your cat. If you wind up hurt, who's going to take care of her? And if you're gone, you'll be missed. I know it. And what about your mother? Would she want you to live in fear over a man who is so much of a coward he has to pull himself up by beating up a bright boy like you?"

That was the straw that finally broke the camel's back, a few tears slid down my cheeks. I gave her a cold glare. "...Mitzi would be just fine without me. There isn't a single person in this world that would miss me, if I died tomorrow, not a single person would notice, my legacy would be a god damn name on a piece of paper that no one reads, a tiny article that says 'Boy Found Dead'. Another thing, don't drag my mother into this! She's dead, what she wanted, what she dreamed of, it doesn't matter anymore. She died because of me, I doubt she gives a damn whether I live or die either, I was and am still a burden, if I was dead she'd still be alive." I said, my voice was cracking. "Stop acting like you give a damn." I hissed, I got up. "Thanks for the meal." I said, I walked to the door briskly.

Jessica grabbed Joe by the shoulder, firm.
"I would miss you," she said, softly. "I would mourn the fact that a young, beautiful young man's life was snuffed out before he could do what he wanted. I would cry over him being gone, and I would cry that he just became another statistic in this damn world. You have a brilliant brilliant mind. You're the kind of young man I would love to see be a detective some day. And you deserve so much better than this. Don't let your father control you. Don't let an evil man go free."

"...Please... just stop." I said, I turned to her, there was nothing but pain in my eyes, years of suffering and guilt hiding behind them. "I'm fine... really... just... stop, no more... there's nothing wrong..." I said, I was up against a corner... I needed to get out of there... it felt like there was a hand around my throat, just squeezing and squeezing... not wanting to stop until either my neck snapped or I stopped breathing...

Jess surprised herself with what she did next. She knelt down and hugged Joe, holding him close.
"I'm here," she said. "I can help you. You can talk to me. Everything is going to be fine. I promise. I won't let anyone harm you ever again." Her tone was soft and motherly, and full of strength and promise.

I surprised myself with what I did next... I knew I should have pushed her away, I knew I should have just turned and ran... but I hugged her back... it was probably the first human interaction that I had ever had in years that didn't result in pain, I just began to sob softly. "...It's hell... I'm in hell... and I can't ever escape... he'll get me... he'll kill me... he'll make me suffer if I talk...!" I said my voice cracking, it was hard to keep lying to people that wanted to help me... I hated it... I couldn't keep doing it...

"I know," Jessica said, pain in her own voice, tears in her eyes. "I know that's how it feels. I've seen it time and again." She leaned back, and looked at him in the face. "But you're wrong. You can escape, and he won't kill you. And if he tries, he will be six feet under. I promise you that." Her voice was stronger, full of conviction. "You're staying with me tonight, and I will get a restraining order out on your father. We'll get everything out, and I can promise your father will be in prison for a looong time." Her eyes were both steel and chocolate, a mix of conviction, sympathy, and emotional. "You okay?"

I looked at her with something that I hadn't felt in a long time... Hope... it didn't feel like tonight would be another filled with cold, fear, and hopelessness... even if this wasn't permanent... even if it ended horribly... at least I'd be happy... even if the illusion of security only lasted but an hour. "...Yeah... I'm okay." I said with a shaky smile.

Jessica smiled, and nodded.
"Good," she said. "Now, let's finish dinner, then we can get back to my hotel, alright?" She nodded at the booth where they're half eaten food had laid undisturbed, and was, surprisingly, still warm. "And then, we'll talk about getting your dad convicted and try to find you a good permanent place to stay."
Jessica thought, briefly, that her own office could use a more permanent worker, but pushed it out of her mind.

"Alright." I said smiling, I went back and began to eat once more, no longer feeling dread and feeling like I could actually just sit and enjoy my meal... then I'd look forward to at worst, a couch to sleep on... which was ten times better than a cold dirty metal floor with a makeshift pillow. This were beginning to look up... the future seemed brighter.

 

B Side: Great Barrington, Massachusetts​

It was two in the morning; the streets were dead silent and the summer air so thick with humidity even the moon was overshadowed. If anyone were to peek out their window, they would never notice a man dressed in black prowling about with his long hair hovering in front of his face.

Silas continued towards a small beaten up house in the middle of a cul-de-sac. It wasn't anything special, but enough for a drunk he supposed. The wooden porch creaked beneath him as he moved close to the door. Lifting a gloved hand, he punched in the doorbell and reached into his coat to pull out a revolver, loaded and ready. Then the wait began.

The door clicked open and soon an all too familiar man stood before him. Gary Garrison wore an AC/DC shirt and loose sweat pants which barely hung around his waist, Mickey Mouse underwear visible.

He'd ditched his mullet in favor for a casual messy haircut with gray just starting to form at his temples. Garrison had also put on some weight since Silas had last seen him in the church sixteen years ago. He wasn't overweight exactly but simply sported the beer belly that many men his age tended to have.

Garrison's tired eyes widened for a moment at the gun. "Oh, I don't have any money man." He said lazily.

Silas jabbed the revolver at Garrison's chest; his expression lacking his old friendliness. "Let me in Amigo, I need to talk to you."

Garrison's mouth opened slightly as their eyes met. The color drained from his face as he backed away from the gun and gave Silas room to enter.

"Oh....wow how long you been out dude?"

"Not long enough." Silas grumbled and cast a glance around the room. Beer cans and pizza boxes covered the floor, the coffee table, the couch, the dead potted plant; there wasn't a clean spot in sight. He wouldn't be surprised if this stuff was in the bathroom too...the place sure smelled like one.

Silas kicked cans aside before turning to his former co-worker. "I've got a new job for you."

"Oh, I don't work." Garrison replied, giving a nervous smile. "I get a check every month." He said happily.

"Must be nice." Silas said with no emotion as he kicked another can at the wall. "But this isn't your typical job...hell, consider it a vacation."

Garrison raised an eyebrow. "Awwww, is this one of those things that require a lot of moving and shooting cause Silas my amigo that was never my thing. I'm more of a torture for information kinda guy and even that's a dead end in life."

"Only dead end in life is behind bars." Silas muttered bitterly as he tossed the revolver between his hands. "I'm taking a trip down south looking for a man...you remember Dexter Craftian?"

"You mean the guy that our bosses were making a big fuss about?" Garrison nodded. "Last I heard he took a bullet to the face by one of them creepy sisters."

"Yeah the girl was a good shot, but he's still alive." Silas said with a dark scowl. "He's in Graves County, Kentucky right now to see his daughter."

Garrison's teeth showed in a genuine smile. "Awww that's sweet. So he settled down and had a kid huh?"

Silas cleared off a place to sit on the couch and put his feet up on the table. "Nah, she's the mistake he had with Sparkles sixteen years ago."

"Well mistakes can be miracles too, Silas." Garrison pointed out. "Anyway is it like her birthday or something? ....Oh hey! We should have have a big cookout and get together with everyone from Vector like a BBQ get together."

Silas stared at Garrison for a full ten seconds. "Nope, he's finally gotten around to meeting her but it's too late now. Not much time left."

Silas suddenly found Garrison's hand on his shoulder. "Its never to late for love." His eyes met the deep brown ones before him. "You can be my wingman anytime Silas."

"Get off me!" His boots hit the floor as he shoved Garrison away. "We're going to kill Dexter Craftian!"

Silas' booming voice echoed through the house. "We're gonna send that bastard to hell and put a bullet in every one of those damn kids that helped him."

"No." Garrison said flatly, shaking his head.

Silas aimed his gun at him. "Yes, we are."

"Okay."

------

Later That Day....​

"Soooo are you just getting there?"

"Yep, I'm in the school parking lot right now." Stella said into her phone. While searching for an empty spot, she caught a glimpse of poorly obvious paparazzi peeking from the bushes and breathed a frustrated sigh. "I wish you could be here with me."

"I wish I was there too, Stell Bell." Her husband replied in a similar tone. "I'll try and make it when I can, just be careful, okay?"

"When am I not careful?" She smiled to herself as she turned into a parking space and shut off the ignition. "I just hope everyone else is doing well. Things sure have changed a lot around here...makes me wonder what else has changed."

"Hey don't worry about it beautiful, I'm sure that everyone is as chill as an ice berg." He said cheerfully. "Its a party, have fun!"

"Yeah, you're right. Still would be more fun with you though." Stella said, grabbing her purse. "I should go but I love you, babe."

"Love you too Stell Bell!" He said using her pet name once again. "Have fun."

"I will. Talk to you later!"

After she hung up, Stella took a deep breath and walked out into the warm evening. Several camera flashes came from the bushes as she made her way to the entrance of Stickler High. The photos probably would end up on the front page of The Boston Globe, every celebrity gossip website, and her agent may even get a proposal for a story with People magazine.

Oh well, at least she'd look good this time unlike that embarrassing photo of her jogging in LA. She'd put careful thought into her outfit for the occasion; a fitted blue sleeveless dress which showed off her small four months pregnant belly perfectly. But according to the fashion bloggers, Stella's style was never complete without her winning smile. With that in mind, she turned around to give a big one to the paparazzi before she disappeared inside the school doors.

Everywhere she looked made her feel seventeen again and when she walked inside the gymnasium, the nostalgia grew even more. A huge banner welcomed the class of 1998 along with an abundance of orange and white decorations. A dozen tables dotted the floor and loud voices mixed with music echoed around the room. Not exactly the Oscars after party, but it looked nice enough.

Stella kept up her smile as she moved through the crowds, searching for a familiar friendly face.

 

"So, how is this entire thing coming along?"
The red haired young man was leaning against the wall, talking to the one of the teachers, a notepad and pencil in his hand.
"It's fine," the teacher said. "Just some old students in a reunion. This is a fluff piece for the school paper, right?"
"Yeah," the red head said, adjusting his nametag. "Tam Andrews," shined black briefly, before fading. "Any way I can help? There's not much I can take notes on until people get here."
The teacher pointed towards a table cloth. "Can you be a dear and help set the tables?" Tam nodded, and set out to help.

 

A place filled with colours, light and music, a nice decoration yet it still felt as something vulgar to him.

Despite the environment the man who sat on a cheap chair never took of his burgundy fedora, he had a glass with a clear liquid waving slowly and lazily looked at the people.

What a waste, I don't even know their names... thought on his observation and then he checked his clock, there was still a bit of time before that person he was waiting for arrived.

Noise increased and it became a pain once Stella entered, now that's someone he could call for her name, it was repeated on tv and magazines the 24 hours so it was technically burned on his mind.

Yet the man ignored her, he had no reason to greet her, after all he didn't recalled having ever meeting her.

He stood up to take a walk far away from the noise, a black pant he wore and a burgundy coat that matched with the fedora hanging on the entrance. Small bangs of blonde hair covered his forehead yet not his blue eyes. He fixed the position of his glasses with one hand while producing an expensive looking cigar with the other.

He wasn't the most sociable kind of person yet he still knew how to handle with people when it was needed, still he had a dislike for the disordered and non elegant conjuction of noises produced by commoners in social gatherings. If he was here it was because of a meeting he was supposed to have with a certain someone, a secret meeting disguised as just random talk on a party.

A teacher stopped him asking

"Are you coming back anytime soon?"
The man replied. "Yes, just gonna smoke a bit..."
He was about to cross the door when the teacher stopped him again.
"I have a nice eye for old students, but can't seem to remember you, pardon me, but who were you again?"
The man looked at him, a deep menacing glance, yet it lost any menacing power when he sighed and replied to the teacher.
"Dietrich, Wilhelm Dietrich, I barely had time to appear in school, so it's no surprise.."
And then he left through the door.

 

Leon had arrived to the school reunion. A part of him had looked forward to it... though a part of him was dreading it... he didn't want to see those people from sixteen years ago... he knew that they hadn't been responsible for Joe's death... or even his decision to send that stupid letter... the thing that forced him to leave this place and can't even take credit for the wonderful work he did with animals, hardly anyone could do the work that he did, they still looked alive, couldn't see the stitching at all or even where they struck the killing blow. But the other side held resentment toward them... if they did something... maybe he'd still be alive... maybe Joe would still be breathing... maybe he wouldn't have just been some nasty mess on the sidewalk.

He sighed, he didn't even know why the hell he came. He doubted that anyone would even remember him... well besides the fact that they'd likely want to punch him for mistaken identity. After all his brother supposedly blew up the school and a large majority of these people are lucky to be alive. He sighed deeply and just waited in the corner of the school in silence.

 

Jason Hart
Cloak and Dagger (with an emphasis on the dagger)​

As he saw it, every operation had two distinct methods of approach. These could be categorized as a) guns blazing, or b) cloak and dagger. Since this operation had yet to reveal a clear and present target, much less an objective that even needed to be achieved, beyond the faintest hint of an idea, Jason opted to approach things wearing a cloak and with a very sharp dagger in hand.

It was early morning in this tiny town, as different from Jason's normal haunts as possible, and he was looking for any clue that might lead to anything. There were few people, and fewer cars. The small grey rental car rolled through the quiet, early morning streets, its well maintained engine making nary a noise as he drove.

His course may have seemed random, but Jason was driving a precise, and inscrutable pattern. In his hand was a list of addresses and names, and each and every one received a drive by. Some where empty, others were under new ownership, one was a completely different building, as the original had burned down, but still he drove past it.

In his mind, Jason was building a map, laying plans, seeing what he had to work with, an Architect starting his blueprint.

 

After Tam helped with the decorations a bit, he pulled out a digital camera and started taking photographs of the area and some of the returning students.
Let me see, he thought. There's that famous woman, Stella. I could get an interview from her, and that would look nice in the paper. And that Leon guy, he's got some skeletons in the closet, but I don't think I'll drag them out. This is supposed to be a fun event, and dragging a guy over coals isn't very cheerful...
He thought about it for a brief moment, before walking up to Stella.
"Hi, I'm Tam Andrews, I write for the school paper. Do you mind if I get your story of what school was like back in your high school days?"

 

Sargent house wife!
​

“Here let me help you with that miss.” A young man about mid twenties hurries over to a somewhat short lady about 5ft6 and hauling a large hand woven basket and currently struggling to pull open the large laboratory doors.


She turns to face him and he is momentarily stunned by her bright brown eye’s and raven hair, so full of youth and life even though she was clearly older than he. She smiles and does a light bow, then promptly facepalms. “Iy ya...you would think after 16 years I would remember huh?” they share a laugh and both go in together. As they walk down the clean swept halls the young man blushing slightly manages to ask


“Are you the bosses wife?”


“yes I am.”


“I see you around here often, man he must be real lucky to have such a devoted wife.”


“Not lucky!” She stops and waves a finger at him, remnants of her vietnamese accent still shine through, dullened yes, but not at all gone.


“Listen here young man, Max has such a wife, because he treats me good and right. No luck, it’s skill!” She grins, then winks at him giving him a hard pat on the back. “You keep that in mind, you’ll find a pretty young lady you’re self one day. Am I clear?”


“Yes MAAM!” He responds promptly, saluting her.


“Good! Now where is my husband?”


He points her in the right direction, and she’s off briskly walking down the hall. The young man stands back and shakes his head chuckling. “She...definitely wears the pants.”



"No, no, NO! Why won't the formula come out right!?" A medical researcher in a worn white lab coat exclaimed at vial of yellowish fluid in his hand. The researchers around him gave him a brief look, before shrugging and returning to their own research. They had gotten used to his ramblings and short patience, both which had increased rapidly within the past few months.


Max tossed the fouled formula in a disposal container on his way out the door to his office to rework the formula on the computer. He ran a hand through his thinning brown hair, staring at his hand in worry at the clump that he'd removed. He tossed it quickly into a nearby trashcan and opened the door to his office, stopping short at the gorgeous sight before him.


"Kubi...what...is it lunch already?" He looked down at his watch disbelievingly.


“Past lunch, bus was late how are you?” Kubi gives him the brightest of smiles and a warm hug. But as she looks him up and down her smiles morphs into a disapproving frown. She crosses her arms and stomps her foot drawing everyone's attention.


“Have you been working all night again?” She demands, with a look that one could deem scary if it wasn’t for her short stature and funny accent, that grew more noticeable with every passing word. “You have, haven't you? Max what did I tell you about overworking yourself? One day you’re going to fall over and die and I won’t be coming to your funeral, I will sit back and say I told you so, IIIIIII told you so.”


Her scolding was broken only by the snickers of Max’s underlings. They had a name for Kubi, Seargent house Wife. At least once a week she would come in her and give Max a sound scolding. It was humorous and admittedly cute to see her wring him out so fearlessly and some even stayed behind late just to see it.


Max glared harshly at the people standing around watching. They avoided his gaze and continued on their way, still snickering. Max sighed as he looked at his little asian princess and closed the door behind him. "Really, do you have to reprimand me so loudly. Its hard enough keeping the respect of my employees as it is." He pulled out a seat for Kubi to sit in and pulled off his coat as he sat in the opposite chair. Despite the way Kubi fed him, it wasn't difficult to see he was still losing weight, by his sharp chin lines and lack of curves. "So, what did you bring for food today?" He asked peeking into the basket.


“I do it loudly so they can help keep you healthy while I’m away. isn’t that right boys?”


“Yes sir!” They all salute, then go back to their work grateful for the way she lightened the mood.


She sits down and suddenly she’s all smiles again eagerly pulling out all manner of native foods. cooked and smelling good enough to sleep in.


“Hot buns! cake, spring rolls, oh try this one. new recipe I was trying.”


Max pops the spring roll in his mouth while, his cheeks bulging like squirrel's as he chews. Part way through, his expression changes from enjoyment to curiosity to a look akin to pain. He chews quickly and swallows, immediately afterwards grabbing his bottle of water and downing half of it. "Good." He finally gasps. "Spicy. Really, spicy. Egh! I think my tongue is on fire."


Kubi claps happily. “Glad you like it! Oh! Tina’s coming over to visit the kids tonight before we head to the class reunion. So I can’t stay, gotta prepare you know?” her cheeriness ebbs a little, and she twiddles her thumbs. “So...I was wondering...maybe, could you leave worker a bit earlier today? It’s been a long time since we’ve eaten together, you, me, the kids.”


"Tina?" Max asked, setting the bottle down. His tone was colder than a moment ago. "Is she joining us for dinner as well or will she be gone before then?


Kubi shrugs. “You know Tina, here one moment, gone the next. Oh come now Max, it’s just going to be for one night? Please? For me?”


"Kubi, I have so much that needs to be done and in such a short amount of..." He stops his excuse when he sees the look in her eyes. He was rarely able to resist that look. She wanted, no needed him home tonight. Max sighed in defeat and smiled at her. "Alright, alright. I'll be home by five."


That bright smile is back, she hops up leans over gives him a tender kiss. “I’ll see you at five, thankyou Max. and...take it easy okay? I mean it.” her voice is soft and creased with worry, Max understands. She thinks his worsening health was do to overworking, no wonder she chided him for it, even after 16 years, she was still looking out for him.

 

Aunt Tina vs the Kiddos​

Tina knelt in the grass behind a short brick wall, her weapon in hand. She could hear her pursuers closing in, but with her expertise it was unlikely they would get her before she got them. Her trained ears picked up quiet whispering and the footsteps separated. One set going left, the other going right.

Tina moved along the wall and stopped short just of its edge. The first pursuer came into her sights. She jumped up, clamped a hand around the fourteen-year old boy’s mouth and popped the water-balloon over his head. "You're dead." She whispered in his ear before lowering him to the ground. She chuckled quietly at his look of annoyance and moved to the other side of the wall where his partner had just been. "Colton?" A girl cried out. "I don't see her over here. Maybe...AHHH!!!!" She screeched as water balloon exploded on her back.

"YEAH! Aunt Tina, 3. Kiddos, 0!" Tina cheered.

"Stop calling us, kiddos. I'm 14 already." Colton grumbled getting up from his position on the grass.

"Hey. Winner gets to choose the name of the teams." Tina laughed before looking at her niece. "You're not going to be a spoiled sport too, are you?"

“I don’t want to play anymore.” Anna states with a frown but can’t hide her mischevious grin, suddenly hose! from behind her back and she hurls streams of water at her targett.

“Surprise attack! get her Colty!”

“Surprise attack!” he yells revealing extra water balloons shoved down his pants. he hurls them at her.

"Ahh!" Tina yells, "What's this!? Cheating! I've taught you better!" She growls teasingly and dodges one of the water balloons, while the other two splash against her body. She jumps for Anna and wrestles her, albeit half-heartedly, for the hose turning the nozzle so it sprayed her niece in the face.

“never trust your enemies!” Anna shouts, Colten tackles Tina and they begin to tumble about in hoops and hollers, hose thrashing everywhere.

“Iy-ya! I come home to feed two children, how is it I find three?”

“Moms back!” Anna runs towards Kubi who is standing with arms crossed tapping her foot. “Look at this yard.”

Anna goes shifty eyed. “Sorry mom.”

“And look at how messy we are!” Coltan grins nervously.

Lastly Tina, Kubi gives her a good hard look. “And I don’t even remember having you, goodness! do I really have a third child?”

Anna giggles suddenly getting the joke.

“T-thats not your kid mommy! that’s aunty Tina!” Coltan exclaimed jumping up and down.

“ really? Iy-ya! it is!” Kubi exclaims and embraces Tina in a tight hug.

“It is...ahhh, it’s so good to see you again sister. I’ve really missed you.” she says softly.

"You too." Tina replies with a smile, returning the hug. "Alright, Kiddos! Off to the shower with you! Or I'll eat all your dinner. You know I can."

"Bah, whatever! Boy's don't need showers." Coltan replies crossing his arms and sticking his nose in the air.

“No, but boys need sweets, no shower, no sweets.” Kubi waves her finger. Colten stands for a moment, before bolting for the bathroom, Anna hot on his tail. Kubi grins watching them go, then turns to Tina.

“So Tina, tell me how is life?” Kubi asks taking her by the hand and leading her to the house. “Keeping out of trouble? I sure hope. You found a husband yet? When do I meet him? You like turkey or beef? you hungry now? thirty? you must be very tired from your trip, oh...I’m rambling.” In the hallways of their sunlit home kubi whirls around truly giddy. “I’m just so excited to see you again.”

Tina laughs. "Nope. No guy in the picture, I like turkey but don't feel like you need to make anything special for me right now. Three hours really isn't that far to drive." She helps herself to a glass of juice from the fridge and leans against the counter. "Sorry it's been over a month since my last visit. Things have been...hectic. Criminals are rising faster than we can process them." She shrugs like its no big deal and nods at Kubi. "What about you? How are things?"

“Max makes more than enough for the both of us, so I mainly just care for the kids. Anna really admires you Tina, she’s always going on about wanting to be a spy kid and fighting crime like Tina. It’s cute. As for me, I am...content. Life is good, honestly there isn’t much more I want. Accept maybe a few more visits from miss robo cop.” Kubi waves her hand dismissively, “Everything else you wouldn’t care for, just silly hobbies I am embarrassed to admit to.”

"Oh?" Tina bumps Kubi's shoulder with an amused smile on her face. "What hobbies?"

“It’s silly… but, well I took up juggling again. I got up the three knives yesterday. And I’ve been doing lots of Tai-chi, although that one I have been practicing for some time now.”

"Good for you!" Tina nods. "Its good to keep busy. Being bored is the worst enemy, though I'm sure you're rarely bored with two teens in the house." She takes a sip of her juice then stares at it intently. "How's Max? He been slowing down at all?"

Kubi shakes her head, “No in fact I think it’s getting worse, he’s consumed by his research. I’m worried maybe, that I’m…” She sighs, and forces a smile.“I’m sure it will be fine, you know how many people wish they could complain about their Spouses working too hard? In fact, I’m lucky, heh. Didn’t stop me from totally chewing him out at work in front of his co workers though.”

Tina laughs. "That's the Kubi I know. How'd he respond?"

“Flushed, he likes to think he’s the top ape of the lab so he dislikes having his pride totally nuked. But I don’t care, I figure one of these days I’ll get through to him. His co-workers get a kick out of it though.”

"Way to go, Sis." Tina chuckles. "Listen, if there is one thing I know about my brother, is that he can be overly passionate. Especially when it comes to research or creating things. I'm sure that the moment this particular project is over, he's going to realize how much he misses you guys and make up for it. He always does, right?"

“Of course! until then I’ll bring the family to him. Hey you can relax ya? I’m going to get dinner going, oh and max agreed to join us!” Kubi heads towards the kitchen and begins busying herself.

"I'm not sure that's the best idea, Kubi. You know how Max gets around me and I really don't want the kids to see that."

Kubi frowns she glares at the onions as if she hated them and cuts them more rigorously. “You are my sister, and if I want to spend the evening eating dinner with my sister, in my own house then tough!” She huffs moving on to the tomatoes.

“It’s not right that we have to plan around his petty grudges, we are family.”

“Um...am I in trouble? mom sounds angry.” A voice calls from upstairs hesitantly.

“Not you sweety, supper in an hour!” She calls back.

"Well, I guess that's that." Tina shrugs and grabs a knife next to Kubi, spinning it expertly in her hand. "Where are the potatoes?"

----

Supper that night had been the most pleasant Tina and Max had shared since Kubi’s accident. He said little to her but it was better than him glaring at her the entire time. She knew he still blamed her for what had happened. Heck, she still blamed herself. But after 16 years one would have thought he'd get past it. Maybe one day, he still would. For the time being though, Tina was just glad it had gone well, for Kubi’s sake.

The moment dinner was done, Kubi jumped in Tina’s car and they drove to the school. It was a quiet drive with both reminiscing about the not so pleasant memories from the year or so before they graduated. There were good memories there too, but they were few. Tina hoped that this class reunion would help them both finally be able to bury the hatchet in the past.

Tina parked in the school parking lot, which was already filling up quickly. She sighed lightly and looked over at Kubi. “You ready?”

Kubi swallows. “I, I’m...not sure. It’s been so long, honestly, I think I’d rather forget about all...that.” She clutches Tina’s hand, and her palms can be felt growing tense.

"I know." Tina squeezed Kubi's hand comfortingly. "But that’s why we're here. So that you can finally put this all behind you and see that the past can't hurt you any more. I'm going to be here the entire time. K?"

“hehehe, 16 years and you’re still looking out for me huh Tina?” Kubi smiles, then taking a breath gets out of the car.

"Always." Tina replied with a chuckle. Together, the two walked inside, ready to bury the hatchet in the past.

 

"Hi, I'm Tam Andrews, I write for the school paper. Do you mind if I get your story of what school was like back in your high school days?"

“Hello, Mr. Andrews.” Stella gave a shining smile and nod to the young man. Pestering paparazzi was one thing, but for a teen journalist she could spare a few.

“What high school was like for me? Well, it was the same except we didn’t have any fancy laptops or iPads.” She said, flicking a curl out of her eyes. “I still had lots of homework and difficult teachers, watched football games and went to prom. Though I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without my education and all those school plays of course. It’s what sparked my career! But when I was a teenager, I didn’t care about being popular to get attention, I was popular because I made other people feel like they were more important than I was. In my opinion, high school, no…the whole world is in desperate need of a little more happiness and--”

Stella stopped short as she caught sight of two familiar faces walking through the doorway. Years later and she’d still recognize them anywhere.

“I’m so sorry Mr. Andrews but please excuse me, I’ll be right back. Promise! ” She said quickly before she turned on her heel to glide through the crowds.

“Tina! Kubi! Oh, it’s so great see you again!” Stella shouted with outstretched arms as she moved in front of them. “How are you both doing?”

 

"Stella? Wow, you look, well like Stella." Kubi wipes her head in dismay, "16 years, 16 years since we last spoke, and so much has changed. As for how I'm doing? well I'm married now which is nice. How about you, how has life been treating you?"

 

Tam wrote down what Stella said, nodding as she left. He'd try and get her to finish the interview some other time. In the mean time, there were even more people coming in. Grabbing his iPod from his jacket pocket, he walked through the crowd, gauging interest and other behaviors before encountering someone who looked a bit bored.
"Hello, sir," he began. "I'm Tam Andrews, I write for the school paper..."

 

He watched the entrance for a while... and finally he saw her. Stella. He scowled, out of all of them... he couldn't help but resent her the most... if she just hadn't stuck her nose into any of their business... then Joe would still be here. Worst of all... her dreams came true, she became a big star while his brother became a demon that threatened hundreds of lives who's rotting in a horribly vandalized grave. He sighed deeply, he didn't even know why he was putting himself through all of this... he didn't go there... he just snuck in... none of this was going to give him closure, seeing them just put more salt into a wound that just wouldn't close.

 

"Excuse me," Tam said to Leon. "Errr, forgive me, I'm Tam Andrews, a journalist for the school paper. Would you like to put in a quote for an article I'm writing on this event?"
Tam figured he might as well try to get as many quotes and experiences as he could, but he dreaded talking to this man. Several rumors surrounded Leon and Tam had a knack for attracting weird things.