Ah...the beginning of a fresh new fanfic! Isn't it wonderful:)
Anyhow, this is going to be my first story with a case. I'm not sure how it's going to turn out, but I'm hoping for the best.
Other than that, there's nothing new to report. I hope you like it, and please don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: I still don't own them. Darn.
Clutching her bag to her chest, she made her way down the steps quietly. The moonlight shown brightly through the window, and illuminated the pictures hanging on the wall. Jumping lightly past the one creaky step, the young auburn-haired teen pushed her way through the front door silently.
Once outside, she took a deep breath to calm herself. She was out of the house- only a little bit farther to go before she was gone. Smiling happily, she whispered the word aloud to herself, "Gone."
She took a step forward, only to stop when she saw a little boy sitting on the front steps. She went forward again, trying to see which of her foster siblings was out here so late. When she finally saw who it was, she swore under her breath. This was not something she had figured into her plans.
Stuffing her sack behind her back, she crossed the space to where the boy was sitting, and plopped herself down beside him. "Jimmy, what are you doing out here?"
The ten-year old jumped slightly when she spoke, but settled back into his place after he realized it was just her. "Hey, Tempe." He said softly as he smiled at her. Then, answering her question he said, "I'm just watching the stars."
"Ah." She returned his smile with her own, and pulled him against her. Even though he was seven years her junior, Jimmy was the only boy in the household that she got along with- even cared for. If she had ever had a younger brother- or a brother at all, she thought wryly- Jimmy would be ideal. He was interested in all the things she was- especially science and the human body- and was always kind to her. And he was the only one that she allowed to call her "Tempe." That had to count for something. Basically, he was sweet all the time, and - dare she say it- she loved him.
"What are you doing?" Jimmy asked her, breaking the silence.
"Couldn't sleep," was her simple answer. She felt bad lying to him, but he couldn't know what she was about to do. It would break his heart to know that she wasn't coming back, and she wouldn't- she couldn't- be responsible for his sadness.
"Oh." He scooted even closer to her as the wind blew through the trees, and then looked at her. "I'm glad you're here Tempe. You really make this place bearable. I don't know how I'd manage without you."
Tears immediately filled her eyes; that was, she figured, the nicest thing that anyone had told her in a long time. For a response, she squeezed him tightly, and whispered in his ear. "I'm glad to be here too, Jimmy. You don't make this place half bad yourself."
Silence reigned again, until Jimmy yawned and stood up. "I'm think I'm going to turn in, Tempe." He walked to the door, and then turned around to her again. "Are you coming?"
She wheeled around to face him. "Yeah…just give me a few minutes...I like the fresh air." He nodded in understanding, then opened the door. She could hear him walk up the stairs, skillfully avoiding the same step that she had. Temperance laughed quietly to herself- he obviously came out here a lot.
She then realized that this was her chance; if she was going to leave, she had to do it now. Jimmy was gone, and no one would be the wiser; no one would even know she was gone until that later that morning. Jumping up she grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. After taking a few steps, she abruptly halted. Her head told her to go, but her heart wouldn't permit it; her leaving would tear up Jimmy.
Heaving a sigh, she twisted around to look at the house. Just a few more steps, she told herself. A few more steps and I'll be free. It was no good- she couldn't leave now without feeling the guilt of it for the rest of her life.
Before she could change her mind again, Temperance ran to the front steps and opened the door. Slipping inside, she crept back up to her room. After storing her parcel in her closet, she slipped into bed again. She would legally be adult in a little under a year, and could last in the system until then. No matter how much it pained her sometimes, she would stay.
"I did it for you, Jimmy." She whispered softly, right before falling asleep. "Only for you."
Weeeeellllllllllllll:) Did you like it? Huh?
Heehee, just please don't forget to review!
Charlotte
