To Catch a Genius

By Kim Wilkerson

Started: March 19 of 2012 Monday afternoon 5:07 pm.

Chapter 1.

"Kim hurry UP!" I sighed. Just another boring day. Another meaningless day going through the motions. I thought darkly. I quickly looked in the mirror. Sapphire blue eyes greeted me. Filled with loneliness. A white tank top against skin tanned with sunlight. I am 5'4" with dirty blond hair. I hate my hair. It was true I'd rather have any other color hair than the natural dirty blond that I was.

"KIM!" I sighed once more as I put the final changes to my face and donned a native looking necklace. Then I ran downstairs. "Hi mom, dad." I greeted my parents and kissed their cheeks. My mom is shorter than I am. She's 5'1" barely and has pure blond hair and almond brown eyes. She herself thinks she's fat. But I thought she was the most beautiful woman ever. So did my dad. Speaking of my father is 6'6" with dark gray hair speckled with ever-increasing white. I love them! And going to school well it makes me realize how truly blessed I am to have been adopted by them. My biological mother loved me but couldn't keep me and who knows who my father is. They keep telling me that the moment they first laid eyes on me they fell in love and adopted me. I'm glad they did. I think they are, too.

"Have a great day at school, honey." I turn around and grin at my father. "Thanks, Dad, you too." I carefully shut the door and walk into to school. I grin when I see my mates gathered around our usual area: outside the principal's door. "Hey, Kim, what's up?" Amanda my best friend asks. I grin. Amanda Carroll an underclassman. A junior really. But she's super cool. She's taller than I am, I think. Perhaps 5'4 I think. Dirty blond hair like me. But where my hair is wavy hers it a little curly; I told her I was jealous of her curly hair and she told me not to be. In my book, that's the start of a true friendship.

"So, Kim, ready to go to Mrs. Bristol's class?" I grinned. "Yeah let's go, Amanda." We hurried off to our first class of the day: Music Appreciation. Yes Music Appreciation. The new principal converted Bunker Hill into a music school. Most of the students left. But most stayed too. Enough stayed so that the school was able to stay open. It's smaller and quieter. This is exactly how Amanda and I liked it.

We walked into Mrs. Belanger's Music Appreciation class. "Hi, Mrs. Belanger! How are you today?"

Mrs. Belanger looked up and smiled warmly. "Hello, Amanda, Kim. I'm doing well today. Thank you for asking."(We're the class favorites for every class!)

"Attention, every one…Amanda, crowd control, please." Mrs. Belanger begged. Amanda smiled. "No problem, Mrs. Belanger." She turned to the rest of the class, underclassman of course. "Hey, Freshies shut the hell up so Mrs. Belanger can start the role call!" Everyone shut up then. I laughed as I helped Amanda off the chair. "Great job, Chaos." She grinned at our inside joke. "Thanks, Jynx, you quarternapper you!" We laughed while everyone looked lost. Which made us laugh all the harder.

"Ahem. Now that I have your undivided attention—"Suddenly someone's cell phone went off. "Kim! Whose cell phone was that?" I sighed. Welcome to everyday life in Bunker Hill High School Music Academy. Prep School/Public school. I thought amusedly. Minus the prep outfits. Yet. I looked around. And spotted a nervous looking freshman girl. She looked terrified. I'll let her go. Just this once since she's new. Maybe. Yeah. I'll let her go. I thought. Then I thought. Nope. If I let control slip. Even for a second. It'll go to Hell again. Sorry Who-Ever-You-Are. I'm about to throw you to the Alpha-Female. I turned and said, "I don't know. It went off too quickly for me to place anybody. Sorry" I clamped my mouth shut. What the Hell, Jynx? I heard mentally. I shrugged indifferently. I don't know why I just did that, Amanda. I guess I felt sorry for her…Who is she anyway. I've never seen her before. Amanda's gaze widened in mock shock. Oh. My. Gosh. Kim Wilkerson is actually feeling sorry for a freshman. I think I might faint! I laughed aloud and several students looked at me quizzically as did Mrs. Belanger. I gave a sheepish grin. Nice. Amanda mentally complimented me. Shut up! I commanded her. Tell me who that new student is. Now, Amanda. I mentally commanded. Oooh...Queen Kimberly emerges. All right. Sara Masanelli. Age fifteen. Lived here before moved away and now moved back. Anything else, Your Majesty? I frowned... That's it? Nothing else on her? That's…pathetic chaos. Amanda sighed. "Well, what do you expect, Jynx?" I shrugged. Then the bell rang for second hour. I heard Amanda's voice in my head one last time before I left. By the way, Jynx. That Sara Chick? You have her in your class. Next hour. I kept on walking.

Third hour: Theater.

Project Phantom of the Opera

I clapped my hands. "Alright, everyone! This year we will be performing Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera". Opposed?" Everyone cheered. "But to make sure it's fair. I've assigned three Master's students from Lewis and Clark to assign roles. Is that fair? If it isn't then say so now and we'll find another way." Again, I waited a moment to see if anyone objected to my plan. But nobody said not a word of protest. "Okay then. Now here they are. Your judges: Mrs. Willhoit. Mrs. T. (groans accompanied this judge.) and Mr. Adams. (Cheers for Mr. Adams)

"Now don't worry. I hogtied them to a chair and forced them to watch "The Phantom of the Opera" So they now the proper notes, what to look for, what not to, and everything they need to know to make the best choice possible." More cheers. "So without further adieu…"Let our opera begin!" A round of laughs after I made this particularly lame joke.

Suddenly Mrs. T ran in and yanked me towards her. She whispered in my ear and my eyes widened in shock. I pulled back and nodded in affirmation.

I looked towards the judges and they nodded. I smiled "everyone…It seems that a monsieur Erik D' Anson from Paris, France will be coming to direct our play. But more importantly is going to be our new theater Director! A modern day Phantom himself" Everyone gasped and applauded. "Truthfully…I've been waiting to tell you for a long time…with the schools help I've been able to invite Monsieur D' Anson and he's obviously accepted. Now I want all of you to behave because he'll expect you to act like college students. Not immature children. Got it?" Everyone nodded. I smiled. "Great now each of you is taking a script and a 2004 Phantom of the Opera movie soundtrack and different versions of Phantom of the Opera home. This is nothing more than a loan. However, I'd understand if you'd want to keep it. Therefore take care of it and it's yours free. But as the phrase goes, 'You break it you buy it' got it?" They laughed and nodded.

Chapter 2

Mr. D' Anson Arrives

The whole school was abuzz with the news that the real Phantom was going to be our new principal. It was madness. It was crazy. It was the most intriguing and sensational thing that had ever and would ever happen to Bunker Hill again.

He would be introduced at the 60's dance tonight and the whole town would be there of course. And everyone was. Amanda was wearing a black pearl dress and I was wearing a black and red-laced corset looking dress that came to my mid thigh and in fact, had a slit up to the top of my thigh. "Go, Kim!" I danced to "Ladies Choice" it was amazing and freeing and fun! I didn't see the judges (or more importantly Erik D' Anson) enter and watch me. I quickly walked back to Amanda. She grinned and tilted her head to the side. "Hmmm…It seems you've attracted Monsieur D' Anson's attention." I laughed at her. "No, really, Jynx, Look." She pointed and I turned ready to prove how silly she was being. But I didn't get to because, for once, she was right. D'Anson was staring straight at me. I held his gaze for what seemed an eternity before Mrs. T caught his attention and he looked away. Truthfully, I was proud of myself for being able to hold his gaze for so long a time. And so was Amanda. "Brava, Mademoiselle Jynx. You held his stony stare for ten minutes. I'm proud as is everyone else." I turned and sure enough, everyone was cat calling me. Especially the boys. "C'mon, let's ditch this dump and go somewhere else." Amanda nodded. "Yeah, lets. The excitement's over so now it's just boring. After you, you're Majesty." Amanda replied sarcastically. I laughed as I left and Amanda followed me out into the warm March air.

There was just one little problem: Amanda's car was at one end of the parking lot. So tonight, I was going to walk to my car alone (when I say my car I mean the car my parent's let me borrow for the night…). "Kim is you going to be alright walking home alone? Like this? In the dark? Where some perv creeper could rape and or strangle you?" Amanda asked worriedly. "Gee, thanks, Amanda, for giving me peace of mind..." I said with exaggerated relief. We both laughed (secretly uneasily). "Yes I'll be fine. Now, go, before we both get cold." She nodded tersely and left quickly. I started my way home keeping my mind on that and not the fact that it was pitch-black, I was walking alone at night, and I was defenseless. Then I felt…something. Not someone something. Following me home. Watching my every move and me. It was creepy.I hurried up. A lot. I looked back. Nothing. Then I ran into something. "Hey, you okay?" A deep familiar voice asked. Wait a minute…that voice…I know him…I looked up and a very concerned Jarrick stood there. "Jarrick!" I exclaimed. He was still the same. 6'6" with dark hair and green eyes. He extended his hand and I took it gratefully. After he helped me up, he glared at me. "Now that's over…What the HELL was you doing walking home alone? And in the dark no less! Yeesh Kim, you're so brainless sometimes!" Then I was pissed. "Look, Jarrick, I'm glad it was you and not some weirdo. But, lay. The Hell. Off. I'm fine okay?" He glared but then relaxed. "Look, my car's over there. I'll drive you home. Okay?" My instinct was telling me to run the hell away. But the prospect of walking home alone. In the dark. "Okay. Straight home though, o.k." He nods. "Of course." So I got in the dang car. He got in the other side and we started down North Union. "So…Why were you alone? Amanda being stingy?" The jibe given to Amanda had my hackles rising up. One of many things I couldn't stand was when a total stranger who knew nothing about Amanda said some stupid thing about her. "No I chose to walk home alone, thank-you-very-much, Mr. Stingy." Then he laughed at my pitiful defense of my bestie. That's when he looked over and saw my hurt expression. He stopped laughing immediately. "Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you or your friend." He said apologetically. I smiled ruefully. "It's ok. Really. I know I need to learn to take a joke when it's presented. That's one of my many innumerable flaws." I explained moronically. Jarrick smiled mischievously. "Really? Cuz' from where I'm sitting you're looking pretty damn perfect right now." He watched as I blushed at his flirty compliment. "Thanks." He smiled warmly at me and for some reason unexpected warmth enveloped my whole body. Because of Jarrick. Because of what he said. How he treated me. As if, I was some seductive, mysterious riddle that he couldn't figure out. But couldn't wait to figure out, nonetheless. It's ridiculous. I thought bitterly. Since Zak, no boy has asked to go out with me at all. It's unfair. "…So, um…will you?" He asked. I blinked. "Excuse me?" He smiled easily. "Well, Ms. Daydreamer, I asked if you would go to the Annual Prom with me. It's supposed to be a Masquerade Ball this year. I remember that you were practically dying to go to one….oh, no!" He exclaimed suddenly. I was instantly alert. "What? What's wrong, Jarrick?" I asked worriedly. That's just the way we both ran. Jarrick+worried=worried Kim. "You probably already have a date, don't you?" He asked sullenly. I'd thought he'd say something else so I laughed out of sheer relief. "No, no boyfriends, no dates. I'm all yours, Jarrick." His eyes went darker when I'd said I was all his. "Okay…then I'll see you at school. It's my first day, so you'll have to guide me around. I haven't picked my classes, yet. Hey, what classes are you taking, Kim?" I blushed happily. "W-Well, I have Resource, Spanish II, Current Events, Desktop Publishing, then Language Study Skills, followed by P.E. and Business Math is 7th hour and finally Web Page design is last." He grinned. "My favorite classes! Great we have all the same classes!" I grinned at him, happily surprised. "Really? That's awesome! So when do you start at Hell's Hideout?" I asked teasingly. He chuckled. "Well…tomorrow, actually. Want me to pick you up?" My heart rate picked up. Pick me up, marry me. It has the same meaning. I thought girlishly. "Yes, please, we can actually car pool with Amanda if you want..." He smiled, extremely pleased. "O.k. Carpool it is, then." Then I realized that we were parked. In my driveway. In front of my house. "I'm sorry! I didn't…" He leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. I froze. Then I was suddenly very hot. Like I'd had a temperature of about 105. He pulled back so suddenly that I'd leaned forward. I blushed and pulled back. While he'd just sat there staring at me, mesmerized. "Thank you for the...Umm...Ride…I'll go. Inside. Now." I quickly scrambled out of the car but strangely Jarrick was already there opening the door for me. "Thank you..." I whispered. "You're welcome. Anytime, Darling." I blushed and turned away but he tilted my face so that our eyes stared at each other. Suddenly I saw the most serious kind of love in them. Or at least, I thought I saw it there. "Hey, I'll see you tomorrow. I'd kiss you some more. But then your father would come at me with a shotgun. And that wouldn't be pretty." He then got into his car and vanished. I couldn't tell you how I'd gotten up to my front door, got inside avoided my parents completely, undressed, and went to sleep.

Chapter 3. The Day after the Rescue.

I woke up to light flooding my room and realized it was 6:40 a.m. The problem: my alarm clock was set to go off at 6:00 a.m. I'd forgotten to set it! "SHOOT!" I exclaimed. My dad was already up and he tutted. "I forgot, o.k.?" I defended feebly. I quickly got in the shower and got out in twenty minutes. For me that was like a speeding bullet. After that, I quickly ate and dried my hair, got dressed with ten minutes to spare for my personal preferences.

Then I looked at the kitchen clock that was on the built-in oven. It read: 7:55 a.m. I was running late. But then I froze causing protest from my mother. There was Amanda, Zak, and Jarrick. All waiting for me. I rushed out as my mom (albeit happily) went back inside. "You guys didn't have to wait for me!" As I got in the car. We floored it to get to school. "Oh, yes, yes we did. Because Jarrick insisted that we wait for you." I looked over at Jarrick and he winked at me. I mouthed a thank you and in return he mouthed a 'you're welcome' and winked at me again. I blushed and Amanda watched the two of us with interest out of her rearview mirror. It was somewhat hard to miss how interested we were in one another (Jarrick and I). We arrived in school with more than ample time to eat and drink and laugh. Then the bell rang signaling the start of Hell High. I went to leave but Jarrick grabbed my hips. I looked at him sharply. "Sorry, I have no freakin' clue how to navigate this Hell hole so you'll have to lead me around" I smiled. "Happy to oblige." So I did. I showed him where our classes were and where we had to go, what we had to do. He'd nod and smile and ask some questions. But beside that he'd be respectful no flirty compliments or comments. To my increasing chagrin and disappointment. "So what else is new?" he asked suddenly. "Nothing much…why?" I asked suspiciously. He started to fidget. "Well I was wondering if after school, if you'd want to go to the Village Drive In with me?" He asked hopefully. Oh…so that's what he wants…yes! I thought with a pounding heart. "Yes I would love to go to VDI with you." I emphasized. Right where Erik could hear. He glared at me. "Aren't you a little old for her, Gray?" He asked coldly. Jarrick turned and smirked. "Nope. I'm nineteen and she's eighteen. Just one year older. No reason to call the cops. Right, Monsieur D'Anson?" Jarrick asked lightly. I looked up at Jarrick sharply. Was it just me or did it seem like these two shared a history together? I looked around and everybody looked suspicious as well. So it's not just me. Everybody is wondering how these two know each other. I'm going to do what I do best. Snoop. I thought grimly. Hey, Kim, remember your second boyfriend, Zak? Well stay out of it! My mind screamed at me. But I had to know. "Come on, Kim. Let's go to the Village Drive In." Jarrick stated tersely. We walked out to his car (A rusted red fifty-three Ford truck. He'd told me earlier with pride.) And he held open the door for me. Then he got in on his side. He didn't start the truck automatically. He just sat there. "Look, Kim—"

"Look, Jarrick—"We began at once. Then I smiled. "You first." I offered. He smiled. "Okay, just don't tell anybody, alright?" He asked. I nodded quizzically. He relaxed visibly. "Ok. So, Erik and I do have a shared personal history. Don't interrupt—we do have a personal history. Now don't confront him about this because he'd kill me. Literally. He's my older half-brother." I gasped. "WHAT?How?" I half-yelled. Or I would have if Jarrick hadn't covered my mouth with his hand. "SHHHHH! Quiet! Nobody is supposed to know!" He uncovered my mouth. I looked around to make sure we were very alone. "How is he your half-brother? Is it like the phantom and raoul?" I asked intrigued. Jarrick shook his head. "Something like that. Except our mothers are different women. Our father is the same man. I went to Paris to escape Erik. Likewise, he came here to escape me. But my-our father was tired of our constant rift and decided to plunk me here. To reconcile our differences!" he finishes bitterly. I place my left hand on his arm. "Well, don't you think it's about time to?" I asked Jarrick softly. Jarrick turned his head and looked at me tiredly. "I suppose so. I am tired of our constant war with each other. I bet he's more tired than I am." Jarrick states. Suddenly Jarrick looks younger. With more freedom. Happier. "You're right, Kim. I should have. This has gone on long enough. I'm sorry, but can I take you home? I have to talk to my older brother." He says. I grin at him. "Of course not! Go on! I don't mind. Actually, Amanda could take me home. Go on I'll be fine." I encouraged him happily. He grinned at me and suddenly I was out of the truck and was being spun around in the circle of his arms and being kissed repetulously. "Thank you, thank you, and thank you!" He said in between kisses. "I'm getting dizzy!" I half exclaimed-half-complained. He finally put me down and kissed me one more time before handing me the keys. I tried to force him to take it back but he wouldn't hear of it. "Go on. Take my truck. It's alright." He encouraged. "I'll pick it up tomorrow at school." I smiled got into the driver's side and drove off. When I looked in the rearview mirror, Jarrick was there waving at me. I smiled and drove the clanker all the way home.

The next morning Amanda, Zak, and a new kid were waiting for me. Amanda smiled. "Kim this is Jeremiah. Jeremiah, Kim." She introduced us.

Jeremiah was tall, with subtle muscles. About 6'2" with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes. Typical. I shook his hand, smiling. "Hi, I'm Kim, obviously." Jeremiah smiled back at me. "Hi." He said quickly with a blush. Oh Boy. Here we go…I thought tiredly. "Hey you two, I'd actually like to go to school thank you very much." Amanda yelled. So we piled into her car and sped to school.

When we were all settled in, I looked around. "Where is Jarrick?" I asked worriedly. Amanda shrugged nonchalantly. "Don't know…why? Did something happen between you two? Did he hurt you? Because if he did—"Amanda started threateningly. "NO!" I shouted. Several people stopped and stared. "No." I lowered my voice. "Amanda he told me about his connection to Erik." I confided. Amanda sighed. "Kim, you should have learned from going out with zack. Butt out of other people's problems!" She scolded. "I know! Ok, Chaos! I know! I'm sorry!" I shouted back. We had an audience now. "Look, he told me okay?" Amanda blushed, ashamed. "You should have told me." She said after a few minutes. I look towards the door again. "That's it; I'm going to the Monsieur D'Anson's Mansion. I have to see what he's done to my boyfriend. And if he has..." I muttered aloud. I jumped up. "Kim!" Amanda called. I whirled around."What?" I asked cautiously. Amanda didn't smile. "Go wish he was never born, Jinx." I grin and hug my best friend in the whole world. "If they ask your head was bothering you. Got it, Kim? But on your way home you decided to check up on boyfriends One and Two." I gasped. "Boyfriend One and Two? What are you talking about, Amanda?" I asked guiltily. Amanda winked and grinned at me half-knowingly, half-mischievously. Her look said "I know you, Kim." then she walked a few feet, walked back and hugged me again. "My keys. Front left jean pocket. Pickpocket me. Now." Amanda whispered in my ear. I did as she said and pickpocketed her. "Good luck." Amanda whispered. And walked away. "Thanks, Mandy." I whispered. She truly was my best friend.

I quickly stole my way out of the school used Amanda's keys to open her car and start it up. I backed out and the car spat gravel. I quickly turned down my street, went past my house, down a long winding road, and kept going. After a little while, I wondered if I was even in the country anymore. Then, the house came into view. I remember he (Jarrick) described the house vaguely in one of our discussions.

"So where do you live?" I asked curious. He shrugged avoiding my gaze. "On your street." He shrugged as though it was no big deal. But to me it was. This time I had a boyfriend I was going to be a good girlfriend and learn as much about him as I could. "Thanks for that in depth description." I replied sarcastically. The words flying out of my mouth without a thought. I gasped and clapped my hand over my mouth. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to pry. It's just that I never took the time to get to know my ex Zak and because of that. I don't know why we ever dated in the first place other than the fact that I really really liked him. I didn't want to do the same to you...Sorry." I mumbled. Finishing my pathetic excuse for an apology. Suddenly I found myself being held in his arms. "Shhh...It's ok. I'm sorry. It must have not been easy for you to admit that." He rubbed my back soothingly. "I live in the mansion on your street. By the time you find the house you'll wonder whether or not you're still in America." I half-laughed-half sobbed. Then it hit me. He lived in the Mansion. My mansion. I gasped. "Wait, what does the mansion look like? I'm sorry it's just I didn't want to sneak back there and be arrested for trespassing. I've dreamed of that house every time I pass it." He laughed. "Well, imagine Beast's Castle Pre-Curse and you've got my-I mean my Uncle's Mansion." I stopped. "Wait a minute! Uncle…" I trailed off. I didn't want it to be true but I had a sinking feeling…"Uncle D'Anson'." He mumbled miserably. I gasped.

I jumped out of my reverie. Now's not the time to go off into la la land Kim. I mentally berated myself. I turned of the ignition, put the car in park, and prepared to face the man I'd invited to Bunker Hill High school.

Chapter 4. A Man is Unmasked.

Erik pov

I pounded away at my organ. Trying to erase all memories of that woman-child from my mind. My woman child. A small voice whispers inside of me. Suddenly I hear a doorbell ring. I tense up. I fly up the stairs determined to tell the maid no. But it's too late and I froze. Because the very thing that was mercilessly tormenting my every waking (and sleeping) moment was in front of me. I couldn't move. Maybe if she didn't see me…"Er—I mean Monsieur D'Anson?" I hear her timid little voice ask. I curse God and in the same breath bless Him. For telling her to look at me. For not making her ignore me completely. I turn unwillingly when every fiber of my being is screaming at me to run. To hide. This shocks and irritates me. The descendant of the Phantom of the Opera did not run. Especially from little lying Delilah'slike her. I turned quickly. "Kim." I greeted her breathlessly. Then cursed myself mentally. Until I noted that when I said her name like this she shivered. What was wrong with her? Was she cold? I frowned. "Are you cold?" I asked suddenly.

I didn't understand it. How can you be cold, Mon Ange? I thought confusedly. Wait a minute…Unless…Unless…she—she…My thoughts trailed off as I tried not to get my hopes up. Last night I had sworn to the Boy that there was nothing between us. At that time. I had chosen my words carefully, our relations to one another being what it was: Barely holding on by a thread. The only thing, or I should I say, one who could break that thread would be Kim herself. I mentally shook myself. "And what, pray tell, may I have the pleasure of your company?" I asked lightly. If she says that she came here to me…I thought tensely. "I-uh…came to see Jarrick? Is he sick?" She asked timidly. I relaxed. "Oh. Yes. Of course, you can see him. Right this way Mademoiselle Kim." I gestured to the winding stairwell that led up to my chambers and that damned Boys' as well. I had not taken a step when I heard her say something. I stopped, aggravated. I hatedmumbling. "What did you say, mademoiselle?" I asked tersely. "I-I said it's alright for you to call me Kim, sir. I hate when people call me Kimberly or Wilkerson, or even Ma'am. It is Kim. That is it. End of story. Done. Fin. Ok?" She snapped. I turned. "Ah, so I see our little flower of the hour does have backbone after all!" I exclaimed in mock shock. I watched as she turned a scarlett red. Noting how lovely it complimented her and not knowing why. She glared up at me. My brave woman-child. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—to offend you, Kim." I told her sincerely. She looked up surprised. "That's ok. It is really my fault. I should have spoken up. My parents say that I need to speak up. They're one hundred percent right." She said disgustedly. Then grinned suddenly. As if it was a personal inside joke, I was not a part of. However, I wanted to be. Oh so badly. "Don't tell them that though." She whispered jokingly. I grinned back at her and dropped my voice. "Don't worry, Kim. Your secret admission is safe with me. I swear it, Mon Ange." I whispered. Then froze. And stepped away. Quickly. I cleared my throat. "You're here to see Jarrick I presume?" I asked nonchalantly. "Um…Yes! I am. Here to see Jarrick. Tell me Erik…Did he get sick?" She asked me with what sounded like nervousness. I turned with a mask of indifference on. "Yes, the Boy got sick so I've got Corrine taking good care of him." I shrugged indifferently. "How can you talk like…like that?" She shrieked at me. I turned and was greeted with a slap across the face. I turned to face her very, very angrily.

Kim pov

I slapped him. He turned back towards me, with deadly calm. And I was very afraid. I had preferred it if he would look mad. But the deadly calm of his was ten times worse. "I'm sorry. I don't know why…I shouldn't have done that." I whispered. "It's fine." Erik hissed vehemently. "Let me talk to the Boy first." Erik said. "Wait here. I mean it. No snooping." he warned me.

Then went upstairs.

Came down a second later and showed me to the room, and left us alone.

"Jarrick?" i whispered. Jarrick looked up. "Hey, Kim, you're not supposed to see me like this." He whispered. I knelt by him. "Jarrick…shhh…I'm here now. That's all that matters…" I whispered soothingly. Then i hesitated. "…Jarrick?" i whispered hesitantly. "Yes?" He asked weakly. "…how did your talk with Erik go?" I asked quietly.

Jarrick sighed. "Sorry. My mother always tells me to stay out of other people's business." I apologized instantly.

"No don't apologize—it went…amazing. He listened to me. Actually listened. For once in his life he listened, Kim and it was amazing!" Jarrick coughed again. I reached for a glass of water and tilted the glass while he drank from it. After I put it away I turned back pleased. "So he really did listen to you?" I asked happily. Jarrick nodded pleased. "Yeah. It was so cool." I ducked my head in embarrassment. "Well I feel terrible." I stated miserably. Jarrick patted my back. "Why do you feel terrible?" he asked surprised. "I'm the invalid here!" he glared at me mock-insulted. I laughed then sighed. "I feel terrible because I slapped Erik when he told me he left you alone. With Corrine. If he really cared about you he'd take better care of you." I whispered angrily. Jarrick laughed. "Slapped him? I'd have paid Bukoo bucks to see that!" Jarrick laughed and I did too. "But Kim, he's busy. He has things he has to do. He is not retired like your dad is he is still working. To provide for me. That's just the way things are." Jarrick stated and I sighed. "I suppose I should apologize…again!" I hissed. And that made Jarrick laugh even more. I sighed and got up. A look of disappointment shot across Jarrick's face. "Going already?" He asked playfully. But underneath I could sense underlying hurt. "Yeah. I have to go to get your homework. Just cuz' you're sick doesn't mean you're excluded from homework, buster." I scolded playfully. He fake groaned. "Do I have to do homework? Ughh…5 more minutes, ma!" He protested laughing and yanked me down on top of him. "IYEEEEEE! Jarrick I. AM. NOT. YOU'RE. MOTHER. LET. ME. GO. AHHHHH!" I protested happily. Suddenly the music that had been playing stopped abruptly. Then a pounding on the door. "DO YOU MIND? I AM TRYING TO WORK! I CARE NOT WHAT YOU ARE DOING JUST KEEP IT DOWN!" Erik roared angrily. "Sorry, Erik it won't happen again." I called to him breathlessly.

I got up smiling. "I was serious about the homework, though." I told Jarrick a second later.

"Really because I wasn't." Jarrick replied happily.

I smiled down at him happily. "I know."

Chapter 5. All Hallows Eve Masquerade Ball/which one are you taking, Kim?

Fall October 29 Monday. 2013

I stretched across the bed happily. Not my bed. Jarrick's. He laughed at my lax expression. I glared at him playfully. "Are you making fun of me? No candy for you!" I scolded. He laughed and took a Reese's peanut butter cup from me. I gasped and then lunged for my Reese's. "Don't. Touch. My. Peanut. Butter. Cups." I hissed warningly. He dropped it instantly. "It was just a joke. Yeesh, Kim. Take it easy." I frowned. "Sorry." I apologized instantly.