So hey guys and girls. This is my new called A Second Chance - a first shot at M rated fanfiction for me and overall a second shot at fanfiction. This idea was originally a little different but I changed it around. Anyways I am well aware that this chapter may not fit in with the summary or really make much sense currently. It's just an introduction to the story and eventually as the story goes on, you'll will understand it

Disclaimer: Hey I own the Mediator series. NOT. This story though doesn't as such really take on Cabot's series but I have used some of the characters and there are some ideas that were obviously driven by the love of the series - hence it is in the Mediator category.

Also tremendous thanks to Bunnylass who beta read my work despite the fact that she was busy, she still found time for little old me, well technically my story. But anyway, Jesse hugs and chocolates for you, Jax.

Hope you guys like it. And for those who care to know I will get to updating Shadows soon

PROLOGUE

"Gina, seriously Carmel? I mean do you really expect us to fit in a town like that . . . it's for the rich and those with money and power . . . n . . . not us,"

"Oh, c'mon Suze, don't be like that. I'm telling you, you'll love it there. The sun, the beach, the palm trees. Can you imagine it? Just me and you lazing about, none of this living on the brink. You could get some degree and meet a hot guy and . . ." I tuned out to the rest of Gina's speech. I heard it several times before and I knew there was no use intervening when she was lost to her wild fantasies. One in which we would finally acquire that 'happily ever after' that we deserved.

I wanted to believe Gina, I really did. But truth be told, it just was not feasible. Everything was against us, no matter how much we try and fight fate, we wouldn't win. After all, money supposedly makes the world go round and we were severely lacking funds. Nor would we be able to have access to them soon.

I knew that for Gina, this belief of a fairytale ending was one of the few things allowing her to continue through life. She was prone to dreams, believing the unreachable to be within the grasp of our palm. All we have to do is constantly persevere through the obstacles that we were presented. This optimism was probably a necessity in her case to have faith that we would attain a brighter future.

Unlike me, she couldn't face the bleak prospects that we would most likely be dealt. But this could also be due to her circumstances as well. God knows how she constantly endures the torture that she is forced to go through nearly everyday. But as she says, "it pays the rent" to this current rat infested dump we called a home. But we couldn't be picky as we weren't 'blessed' with the normal everyday luxuries that most kids took for granted. Unlike them, we never knew our parents. And most probably wouldn't want to, even if they were alive.

It would seem that among the two of us, I was the stronger party. My cynicism allowing me to seem invincible to most as I stride through life. Usually by the means of violence, cheap education and anger which provides a defense for myself and often Gina. But it also frequently puts me in a rut, which forces Gina to act out and to save me essentially from myself.

In the twenty-one years of my life, Gina has been the only person I let into my heart. We weren't as such related. Gina most probably being African American, and me a Caucasian, undoubtedly Irish blood running in me. But it didn't matter what our ethnic background might be; for in the way that mattered, we were sisters, our bond strong.

This was the core reason I was getting agitated as I realized that Gina had not stopped her speech. ". . . And you could be whatever you want to be. A high fly accountant, a business executive, anything. You're brilliant Suze, just look at you. You were always top ranked in our class, bloody hell you got ninety percent in year twelve, and with all this going on. Can you imagine if you were in a different environment . . . I'm telling you Suze, we will strike gold . . . seriously, we will . . ."

For the first time in many years, I felt tears sting my eyes as I tried but failed to hold them back. Her vision was just that; a vision. A hallucination even. But before I knew it, I turned to Gina, wiping angrily at my tears. I could see her struggling to find something to say and undoubtedly about to question why I was crying. Especially since I was never one to share my emotions, or shed tears. At least not openly.

Embarrassed by the predicament I found myself in, I did what I usually do to retain my self respect, and that was to insult and throw the truth in her face. Before I could let myself calm down, I released a growl. "Fuck Gina!" My voice shrilled and raised. Decibels louder than my usual tone as frustration got the better of me. "Look at us. What are we seriously, besides a couple of immature street kids, who don't know the difference between right and wrong? You realize what you do for a living, what you are forced to do nearly every fucking single day. Fucking degrading yourself. But its not like we have a choice Gina and if you think we can escape this, you're mistaken . . . So damn mistaken." The last part was a whisper, to remind not only her but myself of the situation and the reality we were stuck in.

I knew what I said would hit a nerve and I did it merely for that purpose. But it had to be done. It was the only thing that could make her understand. Gina wasn't the most rational person and my opinion had always been of importance to her. I had never in my life, used our situation to inflict pain upon Gina. Instead, I had allowed her to engage in her fantasies while on the inside, I was shaking my head at her gullible nature. Finally finding the nerve to take a glance at her, for the first time, I saw Gina break down. Her expression, a mixture of anger and misery as she battled the rising emotions.

For the first time in her life, Gina cried out. 'Don't you think I know that Simon! I know all right, I know." Slowly she backed into the wall and sobbed her heart out. Raising her hands to cover her face. A try at masking the tears that were flowing as her body shuddered with her uncontrollable tears. Then I did something I never thought I would do. I agreed with her.

"No Gina, you're right, we'll go. It will be a fresh start," I managed to choke out, as I crossed the distance to hug her. Pulling the last of my strength forward, I helped her shaking form up and over to the mattress we called a bed. Listening and waiting for her exhausted and sniffling body to take her into a restful sleep. Something that I wasn't able to do since I was a kid.

So guys please review. Otherwise I will just sit here and sulk and yeah then I will not updates. So what do you say we avoid that whole drama and you'll review. It will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.