Yes, thats right this is newly updated and fresh! In the midst of my college angst I am posting my story fresh just for all of my loyal readers. (Really though this is just a pleasant distraction my harsh reality)

Special thanks to my editor-in-chief Loki. Hands him shiny Sheriff Badge and mace Just watch where you point that can.

"When they took the second amendment, I was quiet because I didn't own a gun!

Now they've taken the first amendment, and I can say nothing at all. What luck for rulers, that men do not think."

-Adolph Hitler

Enjoy!;p

Standard Disclaimer applies for all.

Chapter 1

"I bring in enough money to feed the entire block and you always seem to squander it on some new pair of shoes that you 'just had to buy'." Her father's voice rose a little at the end to mimic that of her mother. She could see in his face that this was one of those fights where the parental units were going to get physical.

"And what about you, mister 'holier than thou'. You take at least half of this family's income just so you can lose it playing poker. Get over it; you suck at the game." The slap sent her scrambling from her hiding spot to go find Grandpa. Upon seeing her, the ancient man lifted her up onto his knee and she responded by snuggling into his chest. He was very comfortable. Grandma called him fat, but little Serenity liked it -- the big rolls of flabby flesh provided her with very comfortable pillows and he was never cold. She loved that about him. He was her -- safe spot -- much more reliable than her hiding place under the table.

He stroked her back; already knowing what was troubling the seven-year-old, and in response, sat up straighter. "Now look at this little bumblebee. Its psychic time." She could feel his deep voice reverberating throughout his body and a smile appeared on her face. She loved Grandpa.

Psychic time was, in all actuality, just the lottery game, but it was fun. It was her sworn duty and honor to say the numbers before the lady on the TV. If she didn't say them, Grandpa would get bad luck the next time he played.

Suddenly, a crash was heard in the kitchen and little Serenity snuggled deeper into Grandpa. She didn't want to be cold. It was always cold when Grandpa left. The first ball came up. Serenity obediently said the number six, then seven, then three. Those numbers sounded oddly familiar to the young girl, but she unfortunately, did not have much time to think about it, for her body had involuntarily jumped. The voices in the kitchen were getting louder and little Serenity could not get the number out before the lady. A tear slid down her cheek, she had failed her Grandpa. Her failure was short-lived, however, when Grandpa suddenly jumped out of the chair with her in his arms shouting for everyone to get into the basement.

There were loud noises coming from outside that reminded her of one of her favorite shows, "Jay-Jay -- The Jet Plane." She remembered Grandpa telling her about his time in World War something and making noises like those outside. She caught a glimpse through the window as her Grandpa hurried her toward the stairs. Her crystal-blue eyes reflected the red fire outside as something she would later come to know as a bomb was dropped on the house next door.

Grandpa yelled once again as her father came out of the kitchen calling him a crazy old man. She was scared by the tone in his voice, but comforted by her Grandfather's warmth -- always his warmth. He set her down upon the basement steps and told her to go all the way down and not come back until he called her. She had to obey.

She heard her parents yelling, trying to explain the fact the planes were simply doing one of their regular test flights, but Grandpa was adamant in his decision to send Serenity down into the basement.

Her parents called her Grandpa a paranoid old man and gave him his medicine -- he hated his medicine. It made him sleepy, but she could do nothing to help. Grandpa had told her to stay where she was and she had to obey. Then she heard the sound of Desperate scratches at the door followed by the sound of desperate pounding that rattled Serenity's frightened little body the same way it shook the reinforced door. She couldn't leave. She had promised Grandpa.

She waited and heard the shouting grow much louder. Then she listened frozen to the spot as the -- great big booms rocked the house to its foundations. She felt as if she were inside a drum while someone played very loudly. She cried out for Grandpa. He didn't answer and she was scared. After the terrible booms had stopped, she waited. She didn't know how long she waited, but after a very long time, she realized Grandpa might need her and began to climb the steps. She knew she shouldn't, but Grandpa was upstairs and she needed to take care of him the way he took care of her.

It was hard to climb the steps, and she couldn't breathe. She knew she had to get up there no matter what. On her journey, she realized the lotto numbers on the TV had been on the paper in Grandpa's hand. He had won. She smiled. He had played little Serenity's address: 6739.

Light poured into the silent basement. Serenity ran towards it and found Grandpa's hand. She grabbed it and called his name -- nothing. Shock hit her as she realized there was no sound and lots of smoke. It was always cold when Grandpa left. She crawled over Grandpa's body and looked outside. This was not altogether a hard task as her entire house had been decimated and lay in ruins around her. The only thing that looked remotely familiar was the now damaged address plate.

Her azure orbs widened in horror as she took in something a seven-year-old should never see -- the entire block was on fire. She looked behind her at what remained of her house. Charred and burning bodies lay about her; their mouths open in a silent scream. A hand grabbed at her ankle and she looked into the eyes of what had once been her mother.

She jerked her foot away in fear and allowed herself the thought that this woman could not possibly be her mother. There was just no way. It didn't matter anyway, as the strange lady was already in heaven. She wanted Grandpa. She crawled over to his giant frame and willed her tears to stop. Grandpa was fine. It didn't matter that only the top half of his body remained in tact, or that his face was barely recognizable. He wouldn't go to heaven. He was just cold. Serenity hated the cold. She wanted to be warm. Grandpa would not leave her. She looked at her mailbox. 6739.

She was cold.

It was always cold when Grandpa left.

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