I'm sitting on a roof top the cold wind tossing my long blonde hair and whispering in my ears. The cold bites at my fingers and nose but I don't move I'm waiting. For her.
"Hello Alice." Her voice, silky smooth and razor sharp, makes me turn.
"Jade." I said, my voice cold, a warning.
"Having fun in wonderland, little sister?" She asked, while the wide grin on her mask taunted me. She's referring to my new team; she doesn't understand it's not a joke to me.
"What it's to you?" I ask trying to keep my voice harsh, uncaring. I hear it though and I know she does too, the abandonment, the blame, the need. It's been a long time since she left but the pain is still raw.
"Only that it's almost time to wake up." Her voice softens slightly. "You can't pretend forever Alice. The Red Queen is demanding your head her soldiers are out to get you." I know what this means, what Jade is saying, the Shadows want me dead. I'm not surprised. I've been expecting this for some time. They don't take kindly to deserters.
"Why are you telling me this?" I try to sound angry, hardhearted. She's trying to throw me off. That's why she's giving me information. It can't possibly be because she cares about me. Jade like all cats is selfish, ruthless, she doesn't feel the need to protect anyone.
"You're my little sister; I thought I'd give you a heads up." Her voice remains calm, condescending and I know under that mask her eyes are glinting. "Why are you so angry Artemis?" For the first time tonight I hear sincerity in her voice.
"Because you left, you left me alone with our father. What did you think would happen Jade?" She doesn't say anything so I continue, the words pouring out. "Oh wait you didn't think! You never think of anyone but yourself!" Her mask is off now and her eyes are boring into mine. She still doesn't say anything, I'm not sure she knows what to say.
"I'm angry because you're here. When I'm with you or with him, it sucks. I shut down, I can't fight, can't act, can't think." I take a shuddering breath and continue. "Suddenly it's like I'm that eight year old girl again weak, vulnerable I won't be that girl Jade, I can't."
I turn away; I've already said too much, she's the enemy now. Her voice stops me again.
"Aren't you going to try to take me in?" She asks. It's like she doesn't want me to leave.
"How many cats do you know that live past the age of twenty?" I ask without turning around. "I figure you won't be a problem for much longer."
I walk away without looking back but hear it faintly as the wind carries it away:
"Goodbye Alice."