Prologue

The television screen blurred as my eyes grew heavy. I lay against the hard old couch in the apartment. I could hear the music fading in the background as the landlord put an end to the party by my neighbor. I never did like parties or people so much. I slid in my bed and pulled the covers over my head.

"Red, you okay?"

His voice was filled with sadness. He slipped in the bed next to me and played with my hair. It was 5 in the morning and I felt so awake yet so tired. Tears ran ever so slowly down my cheeks. He fell asleep leaving me in my darkest times. I got up and stood by the window watching all those normal people have the so called 'fun'. I felt anger rush through me. They never understood me or my problems, they claim to but they don't. The street was dark and as the strangers left I watched them each drive off one by one. I felt the cold chills I always felt at dawn. The sunrise brought a new day and the end of the darkness, the end of me. My mind was confused and reckless.

"I need help" I whispered to myself.

Why can't it be like before, when our kind didn't have to hide in fright of the humans and the white ones. I needed to leave and get out but where was I to go?

"Are You coming?"

His voice was stern even though he had just awakened. The troop needed to leave and I was keeping them back. I was the weak link.

"No" I said unconsciously.

"Well we're still waiting for you so….. I guess I try to let them stay a little longer. About a week I guess."

With those words he enclosed the space between our lips –

"Ethan! We have a problem!"

The streets were empty at first but then I saw them and those white coats and red flames that seemed so familiar. The creatures had come uniting with the mortals and grown stronger.

"Come on Red, we have to go, now!"

The end was drawing nearer and nearer and I wasn't prepared for it. He saw my fear and a smile curled up his face. It was Richard

"Don't be scared, Bones. You won't remember a thing until you're ready"

"Bones? Who is that my dear?"- No answer. Then I was engulfed in darkness…

Chapter One

"I wanted to shrink, to disappear. Sometimes I thought I would gladly live under the back steps rather than cross their paths all day long. I felt that the sight of me was a nuisance to everyone. I wished that my body would shrivel up and fall away that I could step out new and acceptable. But then I think, who am I really?"

To write a story there must be characters, a problem and a solution. And the author, Me- Bones. Friends- Jay, Karina, Mystie and Jade and Tee. Problem- Life. Solution- _. None.

We had planted ourselves in Jay's wagon. It was the weekend and we were going to Lake Merle. Jean Paul was the adult who was supervising us. He was 6'4, extremely handsome and 34. Old, but still good looking and he was Karina's uncle.

Although Jay was 18 and had her permit, somehow she wasn't really "road material". She had probably bounced more light posts than a blind man driving but still, she had her own car, number 6. She was brown-skinned and the partygoer, the crazy in our group.

However, Karina was the risk taker. She had dyed her hair red, got purple highlights and drank her first beer before she turned 15, and since she was 15 at the time I guess she ran out of ways to rebel. She and Mystie were really more alike compared to us. Mystie had gotten two tattoos, smoked her first cigarette and dyed her hair golden brown, which totally complimented her blue eyes. She wasn't really much of a talker but when she did she was very wise-ish.

Jade and Tee were the twins. They had Indian skin (reddish), abs and had totally different personalities. Jade was gay, had pink streaks and an outstanding musician. Tee was thankfully straight but mire of a nerd. He had kept his naturally grey eyes behind dark shades since he discovered them (probably since kindergarten).

And I last of all. I'm Bones, I think. Had my hair dyed jet black with white tips, and was also the most responsible one. Not to mention the fact that I was also the youngest. In all, I was 16, Mystie and Karina 17, and Jay, Jade and Tee 18 (the boys don't have a permit because they failed their driver's test ).

"We're here. I'm going to the strip – pharmacy. Be back around 12. Later"

And with that Jean sped off. Everyone knew he was going to the strip club but I guess he never figured us out.

"Bring back my car you asshole!"

Jay said pelting a rock at the long gone car. She grunted and stormed towards the bridge by the water. We all loved coming to the Lake. Laying on the soft grass, which thankfully was insect free and watching the sky.

"I love it here. It reminds me of home."

"Yeah. It does."

We had all suffered at Hodge High & University (which was more like a boarding school). There was no vacation on their compound but still every year on the 14th we'd sneak away and bribe Jean to take us down to the Lake. Being there made us feel at peace and nothing could ruin that. Our safe place.

"Well look who's here."

That scrawny voice could only be one person. Leslie Simmons. Her father owned practically half of the school's property and for them using it she was admitted in the school.

"I thought you guys knew better than coming on my turf."

"Who's turf? Last I checked the Lake belongs to no one!"

"Shut your gay ass Jade! I wasn't talking to you."

A curled, evil smile crept up her face.

"I don't like you guys so I guess you're going to have to leave my school PERMANENTLY."

We stood there confused, and then it hit us. Last semester we had spread a rumor about Leslie being a prostitute since she had slept with the whole football team. It was pretty funny and kit lasted for the whole term. We totally ruined her "University Reputation" like if that was true.

"I think it's best if I warn you now that you won't ever be attending Hodge High and University. But don't worry, I'll make this painless."

The cracking of knuckles caused us to step back in semi-panic. The TS's (Total Sexiness's) came off their motorcycles and came up behind us. Adam, the leader kissed Leslie, like tongue and all making him seem gentle but fierce.

"I want them to disappear. No traces."

They all watched us then Leslie and Adam. Some words were whispered in his ears then he said it.

"Okay".

Then everything blacked out.