Through The Looking Glass

by KhymerVulture

For years, Rachel has endured abuse and belittlement at the hands of her parents, it's become the norm in her life. She suffers alone in the apartment she calls home. Child Services is called to investigate, and the secret threats of her parents make things worse. Only with an odd encounter with a gruff young man in the alley, will her life start to change... (AU Fic)

1. Chapter 1

Sometimes, every morning just doesn't seem worth waking up nowadays, but in some cases, there is no choice. Either free will would wake up a person, or in this case, another round of shouting matches.

It was an everyday thing for Rachel, almost becoming like a morning alarm clock for her. It's not right to say, but it's almost become a normal routine for a girl like her. Wake up, tune out the chaos between her bickering parents, endure a slurry of insults, pack her bag, then go to school. She often wonders why were parents even bother staying together, even if they did split, they fight even harder on which parent should Rachel be dumped off too, it was fairly obvious that neither wanted her.

Rachel sighed as she stepped out of the apartment to make her way to the bus stop. For some reason every time she passed by the neighboring apartment, it felt like she had eyes watching her before finally meeting up with other students her age near the stop. She never bothered to investigate it, all she cared about mostly was trying to get through the day yet again.

"Hey Rachel," a boy called out to her. He had fluffed red hair and a cheerful demeanor. "...rough morning again?"

"Hey, Eddie...yeah...the usual…"

Eddie, fully known as Edward Mason, was a boy who lived in in the same building as her, though on the lower floors, thankfully he didn't have to hear how loud her parents would shout. Though, he has heard plenty of stories about it. Proof enough was the look on Rachel's face, so sullen and defeated, like she wanted any sort of escape.

"...Parents again?" Eddie asked, keeping his voice low to have their conversation private.

"...Every day…"

"No one's filed any complaints?" Eddie asked, "I mean, this seems like something people shouldn't ignore."

"Believe me, people have...but my dad is a cop, I don't know what he does to have every single one blown off," Rachel said.

Eddie was sympathetic, "Wanna hang at my place after school?"

Rachel lightly shook her head, "...Got a curfew...I have to come straight home."

Edward was ready to voice protest until someone else came and joined them at the bus stop, it was a girl, younger than Rachel, and with platinum blonde hair. He was familiar with her, but for Rachel, she barely knew her, not even her name.

"Oh hey, looks like the Little Bird left its cage," Eddie said, "glad to have you here, the bus is about to show up."

"H-Hi, Eddie…"

This was why Rachel never knew the girl's name, Edward always had a different pet name for whenever he was hanging around her, on top of that, the girl seemed very shy around Rachel. Probably for the better anyway, she didn't want Eddie wasting his worry over her, why should she drag another person into her problems?

Once the bus came, it was off to school, spend a few hours learning the given subjects, write down the homework assignment, ride the bus back home, and endure yet another moment of screaming again. This time, she can see her father yelling at the neighbors. Since he was a man of the law, he felt like he could throw his weight around if he was threatened in any way, and the complaints sure as hell was one of them.

"You butt out and mind your damn business!" he shouts, "wanna send the law this way? Guess what, I am the law!"

Didn't matter who it was, it seemed her father would have a violent temper at anyone. Threats and intimidation must be one of his methods to warding off complaints. Rachel did her best to avoid eye contact with her father, not wanting to agitate him even further just by existing, all she wanted to do was do her homework, go to bed, and wish she could just disappear.

Even then, sleep wasn't enough to get away, Rachel could hear the fighting escalate enough to wake her, and in rare moments, the fight would barge into her room. She hated when it got like this, both parents would use her as a weapon to guilt trip each other, and herself. Rachel hated being used and abused like this, but she seemed so helpless to do anything. Speaking up and defending oneself always worsened the situation.

Sometimes she wonders why she was born with such a family, was God testing her will or were they punishing her? She would just sigh and lay in bed, hoping the next day would go by quickly.

---

Another day, another decision whether to even bother continue existing.

The shouting matches were just getting ready, her mother and father were already spitting venom at each other - the usual, why did I even bother wasting my life with you, I could've found someone better, both you and that worthless girl are nothing but a burden.

Rachel was bracing for another fight in the kitchen, until she began to hear stern knocks on the door.

"Who in the fuck is it?" her father growled, "must be those nosey god damn neighbors again…"

The father stomped over to the front door and swung it open, ready to give whoever was on the other side an earful. It was an unfamiliar face, a woman dressed in official attire and with a badge clear as day to see.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Mr. Gardner, I've been sent here because I have been receiving complaints of domestic violence by your neighbors," the woman replied. "I'm here on behalf of the Child Protective Services. I've been informed that there is a child within the home, and I will be here to monitor the health and safety of your daughter."

"What goes in my home is my business, I work for the law enforcement, and I will tell you that nothing is going in - just fucking disagreements. So, you can kindly go back to where you came from," the father huffed.

"Mr. Gardner, I believe you do not have the authority to turn me away. You may be a man of the law, but I follow under a different judicial department. I will do my job here," the woman sternly replied. It was clear as day that she refused to back down to the man's blunt demeanor, and it pissed him off.

"Now, let me see your daughter...or I will summon reinforcements."

Mr. Gardner gripped tightly on the doorframe, feeling it get dangerously close to splintering, he grit his teeth in frustration, but he was left with little choice but to move aside.

"Who are you?" the mother asked in annoyance.

"We'll discuss this…" Mr. Gardner replied.

For once in a very long time, he talked to her in a civil manner, it seems him and his wife now have a common enemy.

"CPS? Seriously?" the woman almost yelled her whispers.

"Quiet the fuck down, woman...and yeah...those asshole neighbors stuck their nose where it doesn't belong again, I can't get rid of this bitch!"

"What are we going to do to get rid of her?" Mrs. Gardner asked.

"Play nice is to only thing I can think of...and hope to god that brat doesn't open her fucking mouth. If they take her away, I could lose my god damn job and the both of us will end up rotting in the streets."

The mother grimaced, "...and with that serial killer on the loose...we better make Rachel work with us or we're all screwed."

"For once, I agree."

In Rachel's room, the woman gave the girl a sweet smile as she sat herself at her desk, while Rachel sat on her mattress, she was very confused with who this visitor was or what she wanted.

"Hi there, Rachel...I'm an officer with the Child Protective Services, your neighbors brought me here because they were very concerned for your well being…"

Rachel tightened her lips a little, she wasn't feeling entirely comfortable around the stranger, more or less telling her the truth of what went on in their home. She knew her parents well, they could be listening right now, and they could make her life so much worse if she ever ratted them out. Even with help, nothing would change.

"I understand if you aren't ready to talk yet...I am someone you don't know, after all - but let me inform you, that we are here to help you...and if you ever feel like you're in any trouble, or possibly in danger, we are here to help you. Our job is ensuring the safety of all children, do you understand?"

"Yeah…" Rachel mumbled.

"Good, I'll give you my card if you feel the need to talk or call for help, alright?" the woman said, reaching into her pocket, and handing her a small card. "Tomorrow, I'll be bringing another agent to speak with you. If you're not comfortable in getting to know them, I'll make sure to find the right one to speak to."

"Okay…"

"It was nice meeting you, Rachel...and I hope we'll be able to finally communicate," the woman said as she got up, "I mustn't keep you away from going to school…"

As the woman left Rachel's room, she shot both the parents a stern expression, "Your daughter is reclusive, and that can be a sign of a broken home. We will be back tomorrow and we will start scheduling regular visits. Whatever is going on in this home, we'll be getting to the bottom of it, understand?"

Both Gardner parents didn't say a word, they just nodded as they watched the woman leave their home. Following after was Rachel, slipping her bookbag on, and appearing ready to head to school. She just silently passed her parents to leave the house as well.

"Rachel," her father growled.

"I said nothing...and I'll say nothing…" Rachel quickly replied.

"You better not, do you hear me? You think you got it bad? I'll show you bad," he said, "You better act like this home is just fine."

"...Yeah…"

"Oh, and if you think you're going to be free when they take you away, think again...they never get those brats adopted, they'll just dump worthless kids like you in some Orphanage and then toss your ass on the streets once you're an adult," her father continued, "at least you have a fucking home here and be god damn grateful for that."

"...Yeah."

"Good, now get out. I need to talk with your mother…" Mr. Gardner said, leaving Rachel to head off to the bus stop.

Now more stress was added to Rachel's day, she closed the door behind herself and let out a frustrated, yet defeated sigh. Just more problems to pile on. The girl headed down to the bottom floor and out of the building to reach the bus stop, as usual.

"Hey...you...girl that just got out…" a voice called from nowhere.

Rachel paused in her shuffling and glanced around for who was talking to her.

"In th' alley."

Rachel turned her focus to the space between the buildings, she could see a fairly tall man in a hoodie, but everything else about him was shrouded in the shadows. However, she could see part of the man's glare peer through the darkness.

"Y-Yes?" she asks.

"Y' live in this apartment, right?" the man asked, "every day, I'm hearing a loud fucking racket upstairs, you know what the hell is the deal with that?"

Rachel faintly sighed, yet another person complaining about the noise.

"That would be my parents...they're always shouting…"

"Can't they jus' do the world a favor and shut the fuck up for one day?" the man bluntly asked.

"I wish the same, but there's nothing, I can do...I-I'm sorry, but I really need to go wait for the bus," Rachel mumbled.

Before she backed off to part, the man spoke once again, "That dead look doesn't suit ya', it's boring as fuck…especially when yer sulkin' at the window like that."

Rachel paused for a moment.

"E-Excuse me?"

"Every day, you just sit there and look like the world is ending...it's fucking dreary to see," the man said.

He watched her from her window, and it creeped her out a little, plus who was he to tell her how she should look. Before Rachel could let the stress and frustration get to her, she took a deep breath and backed away, the man only let out an amused chuckled to her annoyed behavior. One solace did come to her mind though, at least she was in an upper floor, so way a peeping tom like him could spy on her completely.

"Hey Rachel, the bus is almost here, what took you so long?" Eddie asked.

"...I really don't want to talk about it," Rachel murmured, as she rubbed at her forehead.

She just wants to get through the day, and figure out how the hell to get around this new obstacle.

Once she went through the passing hours of school, she took the bus back home, and walked back to her apartment. Apparently, the man was still there in the alley, sitting against the wall this time, and it didn't take him long to notice her.

"Yer' place got quiet, fucking finally…" he muttered, "maybe they finally figured out that sound proof walls exist."

Rachel quietly huffed to herself as she prepared to walk past him.

"Gonna sulk again?"

"Why are you spying on me?" Rachel quickly answered.

"Spying? I ain't into that shit, this is my regular hangout...you're just right fucking there."

"You decide to talk to me, because?" Rachel asks.

"Bored..."

The girl was ready to tell him to go find a different hobby, but last thing she felt like dealing with was having an angry stranger to pile with the other stresses she needs to deal with. She just sighed and walked on off, preferring to end their short conversation by no longer engaging him.

Her apartment was indeed quiet, instead, it was replaced by whispered discussions - she knew they were planning. For once her parents were acting civil, but not in the best kind of way.

Not like it mattered anyway, she just wanted to go to her room and shut away reality.

---

The next day, the social worker did bring someone over, Rachel's father really did not want to let them in, but he had no choice. It was either let them in, or they would force their way in. It was a different woman this time, and Mr. Gardner had a suspecting feeling that the other CPS officer from before must've sent another female worker on purpose to strike his nerves. Just seeing another woman with power of his really pissed him off, but all he had to do was simply smile and nod, just so she could fucking leave.

Rachel let out a sigh as she saw another stranger enter her room just to talk again.

"Hi there, Rachel. I've been sent here to talk to you and see if we could schedule regular visits. I know your time and education is important, but so it your health and safety in the home," the woman said, "You can call me, Mrs. Davis."

"Mhh...are you going to be coming here more often...or are you just the secretary?" Rachel mumbled.

"I can visit again, if you prefer, or would you like to see someone else?" Mrs. Davis asked.

Rachel really couldn't answer that, she'd prefer not seeing anyone at all.

"How about this, if the next social worker doesn't make you feel comfortable, you can always ask to have me come back. We prefer to cycle between different officers to make sure they're the best pick for our clients. I know having a new stranger around must be awkward," the woman continued.

"Just do whatever you need to do," Rachel replied, staring out the window. Just below, she can see the man from yesterday enter the alley and lean against the wall.

"Very well, so tell me, how is life within the home?"

Rachel hummed her sighs, "Typical for any teenager...wake up, go to school, do homework."

"What about your parents?"

"They exist," Rachel replied.

"Do they care about you? How would you feel if they weren't here the next day?"

Rachel sensed these were typical bait answers, best keep the answers vague.

"Probably, and I don't think about it," Rachel answered again, keeping her eyes away from the woman, she seemed more transfixed on watching the man stare at the passing crowd. That is, until he glanced upwards, right at her.

Once Rachel quickly turned her head, this got the woman curious, "Something wrong?"

"...Got tired of staring at the building...I need to head out, the bus should be here…"

"I see, well, how about this, I'll schedule a visit on the weekends so we don't tie you up for your busiest days," said Mrs. Davis, "I'll try and see if I can send someone who would be best suited for you. I do believe I know of someone who has had clients such as yourself, I think you'll like him."

"Mh, we'll see...I need to go…" Rachel said, as she picked up her bookbag.

"I'll help see you out then," the woman said, and followed Rachel out of the building.

This was a bit of relief for the girl, last thing she needed to hear was an earful from her father like yesterday. She knows he doesn't want her to spill the beans, it's pretty sure he'll fight tooth and nail to keep his scapegoat around.

Once she stepped out of the building, she and the woman went separate ways.

"Spying on me now?" the voice beckoned from the alley. It was the man again, being sarcastic, he did catch her staring.

"...I just needed to tune out someone...I wasn't spying," Rachel muttered.

"Folks of yers again?"

"Worse...nosy people," Rachel spoke. "...Why do you always hang around here?"

"Free country, plus I live here," the man said, knocking at the brick of the building adjacent from hers.

"You just sit here and stare at people?"

"I go elsewhere too, I'm not a fucking statue or some shit," the man replied. "I should ask you the same, all ya' do is take th' bus and then stare at yer' window when ya' come back."

Rachel didn't have a response to justify why she does what she does, last thing she needed was having yet another stranger butt into her business.

"...I have reasons…"

"Mh, whatever...go do your routine thing, robot," the man retorted.

Rachel huffed again, this man was very blunt with her, sure, her father was too, but he wasn't flat out vicious about it - just sarcastic, and a little real. She left the alley to go to the bus stop and wait for the bus, again, with Eddie and the blonde girl standing in queue.

"Hey, late again...is something going on at home?" Eddie asked.

Rachel sighed, "Just some person who wants to talk to me every week now...looks like the neighbors got someone else to answer the complaints."

"Oh...I think I know what you're talking about...they work with kids right?" the blonde girl asked.

"Yeah...Child Protective Services...how'd you know?"

"...I...I've had them visit too," the girl shyly replied, "...I'm currently under foster care…"

Rachel raised a brow, this was the first time she's heard more about her, then turned to Edward, "Did you know about that?"

Eddie lightly nodded, "Since before you moved here, Shy Girl just takes a while to open up to new people."

Another new nickname. Rachel internally swore that as long as she lives, she'll never know the real name of Eddie's friend.

"...How's it like? Being in a foster home?" Ray quietly asked.

The girl let out a slight chuckle, "Better than my old home, the couple there are very kind and treat me as their own. It all depends on the families they have volunteering that matches best with your needs."

"I see…" Rachel replied. That answer began to make thoughts appear in her head, maybe - just maybe, she'll call her father's bluff. After all, he was a man who loved power over others.

The bus arrived, and another day of school passed, the girl's words still didn't leave her mind for a second. However, during her lunch break, she did receive a text from her mother. The only time her parents even bothered to communicate with her was either to argue, shift blame, or send her out as an errand girl, and right now was the latter.

' We're out of milk, paper towels, and bread. Pick them up .'

Her parents even gave her a spare bank account solely for errand runs, the two either didn't feel like shopping, or were too busy with work or yelling at each other. At least she had some extra time to be away from the house. Once she hopped off the bus, she was ready to head down the street to the nearest mom-and-pop grocery store.

"God fucking dammit…"

That voice again, it was the man from before, but he sounded very agitated. Rachel could ignore it and move on, but curiosity got the best of her. She peeked at the man's usual hangout and saw him wiping his face off. A strong scent came off of him, sweat and iron, and through the darkness, she could spot a bloodied bandaged hand.

"O-oh my god.." she uttered.

This quickly caught the man's attention, and he growled at her once he recognized the face.

"H-Hey...dead eyes...fuck off n' mind yer' own business…"

"But you're hurt...who did this? My dad's an officer, I could tip him off," Rachel said.

The man raised a brow, then grumbled, "It's nothin', don't go narcin' to a pig…"

"I should at least help out in some way, you're bleeding…"

The man glanced at his hands, he was bleeding in some areas, but he did have quite an excess of blood on him, "Eh...don't bother wastin' yer' time with me...but if you're gonna be nagging about it...bandages...that's all I need."

"Just bandages?"

"Yep, a few spools oughta do it." the man replied.

"Got it...please don't push yourself…"

"I ain't gonna die...Christ, I'm just a stranger to you anyway…" the man grunted.

He wasn't wrong, the man was a complete stranger, but at least Rachel was empathetic, unlike most people - especially her parents. Besides, her faith told her to always help those in need, and right now, she wanted to be charitable to a man who was wounded. She hurried over to the pharmacy first, picking up spools of bandages, and then to the grocery store, so her parents wouldn't be angry.

After a quick transaction at the counter, she gathered every purchase and hurried to the alley near her home, the man was still there, and propped against the wall. He still appeared conscious and alert, which gave her relief.

"Thank goodness, here, I got you your items…" Rachel said, as she dug through the bag.

The man turned his gaze to her, and reached a hand out to accept the items, she had gotten him four spools of the body wrappings.

"Holy shit, was expecting less than that, but damn…"

"I wanted to make sure this was enough to stop the bleeding," Rachel replied.

"Fuck, more than enough, this could last me a good week," the man said, pocketing the extra spools, "Why are ya' helpin' me out anyway? I thought you said I was spying on you."

"I shouldn't ignore anyone in need of help, God frowns on that, and besides...I'm running errands anyway. So, spying or not, you're injured and need assistance," Rachel replied, "are you sure you don't need authorities to track down who hurt you?"

"I said I'm fine. Me n' cops don't exactly get along…" the man grumbled, "...errands, huh? Well...thanks anyway. I got this handled now. So, see ya, Errand Girl."

Rachel did have groceries to take back home, last thing she wanted to do was keep her parents waiting. She hoped she did the right thing, and parted ways with the man, returning to the place she called home to put away the groceries.

"Took you long enough," her mother scoffed.

"Got held up...someone was paying in change…"

Despite the lie, her mother believed it, since it was a common annoyance when shopping.

"Why do they even bother…" the woman muttered to herself, "once your done, go do your homework...I'm not in the mood to look at you."

Despite the usual hurtful comments, Rachel seemed to be in an awfully lighter mood, she helped someone today, and it made her feel good inside. She headed to her room to unpack and do her homework as usual. Rachel often pondered how that man got hurt, there was so much blood on his clothing, a normal person would probably need to go to the hospital - then one thought came to mind, her father often complained of random killings in the alleys, a serial killer. No, it's day time for a killer to roam the streets and attack the man, especially near crowded apartments. There were gangs, so that could be highly likely.

She finished her work for the day, and readied herself for bed. After a small prayer, she crawled into the covers and let sleep take over. For once, no shouting matches filled the night, her father must be away for the night due to work.

Once morning came, Rachel chose to pack and leave early. She needed to see if the man was alright, the girl rushed down the stairs and out the door. Then, she quietly approached the alleyway, just to see the familiar stranger leaning against the wall like nothing happened.

"Hello?" she beckons.

The man turned to Rachel, "...Errand Girl."

"Y-Yeah, how are you holding up? Did the bandages help?"

The man glanced at himself for a second, "Still in one piece, yeah…yer' awfully peppy today."

"I-I suppose so, first time I've ever got to help anyone, and I'm glad you're alright," Rachel replied shyly.

"You're pretty damn weird, ya' know? First, you seemed annoyed, now you're happy to see me around?"

"I know we're just strangers but...when I saw all that blood, I got worried," Rachel replied, "with gangs prowling the streets...even a serial killer...I was worried either one got a hold of you."

The man cocked a brow, then let out an amused chuckle, "Eh...it was a gang member, little shit tried t' cut me with his knife. Gonna take more than that to bring me down."

The girl seemed intrigued by the man's fearlessness, which he caught on by seeing the new glimpse in her eyes.

"What's with the ga-ga look?"

"S-Sorry...I'm just surprised with how brave you are...especially with how roughed up he left you...yet, you shrug it off like it was nothing," Rachel replied, "...I could never be like that."

"Hmph, that's cuz it was nothin', treat all threats like it's nothin'."

Rachel was ready to talk more with the man, but she glanced at the time on her phone, she almost panicked for a second, "Ah, the bus is almost here...I-I need to go!"

"Better start high-tailing it, Errand Girl."

"I'll see you after school," Rachel replied, then bolted off.

The man raised a brow, this was a first time he's really bothered to talk to anyone. More or less tolerate someone asking them questions or giving him looks of naive admiration. Yet, he found it oddly amusing.

As she boarded the bus and attended her classes, Eddie seemed to notice the energetic vibe coming from Rachel, along with a slightly happier look. It got him curious.

"Hey Rachel, did something good happen today?"

"Kind of, my parents weren't yelling today...but I guess I'm happy because I helped somebody out," Rachel replied.

"Oh yeah? What happened?"

"Someone got hurt yesterday, and I helped him out by getting him the supplies he needed to treat his wounds...he's doing alot better today," Rachel said, having a slight grin on her face.

"Oh wow, looks like you were his guardian angel for the day," Eddie teased.

Rachel faintly blushed, "Y-Yeah...I guess I was. I'm going to see if he's still doing alright after school...just before my parents' curfew."

"Yeah…" Eddie said with a slight sullen tone, "at least they're not fighting today. Any reason?"

"Mh…" Rachel hummed, "...I'm worried they're planning something about the social worker...but today, my dad's busy with work...I've been hearing him rant and rave about a serial killer downtown."

Eddie's blood ran slightly cold, "Wait, seriously?"

Rachel lightly nodded, "I worried that was the reason why the person from before got hurt...he told me he got attacked by a gang member though...this city is so dangerous…"

"Yeah...but we do live in the nicer side of it, so it's safer," Eddie said, "if anything shady does happen, I'll make sure that you'll be the first to know."

"Thanks."

---

Rachel was eager to hop off the bus once it parked at one of its stops, Eddie and the other girl went in one direction, while Rachel rushed off to another. She held onto the straps of her backpack tightly with each quick step, and made her way to the familiar alley section near her home. The man was still there, though, he seemed to be enjoying a soda for a short moment. Once his eyes locked onto Rachel, he set the drink down.

"...Back already?"

"Yeah, just got out of school…" Rachel replied, "how are your injuries? Need me to get anything for them?"

"They're just a few cuts n' scrapes, you don't need to run errands for me, Errand Girl," the man said. Then picked up his bottle of soda to shake it a little at her direction, "Unless ya' wanna pick up a couple drinks."

Rachel did have her own money to spend, aside from the grocery funds, and a cold drink did seem good right about now after her short burst of running. She lightly nodded to let him know that she was going to fetch them both a drink, grabbing a couple bottles from the convenience store, and buying them without hesitation. She returned to the little alleyway, and handed the man his drink, to which he eagerly accepted. Rachel could see the man's hand emerge from the shadows, heavily bandaged, which worried her.

"Oh my, did the gangster scrape your hands up that bad?"

The man glanced at his wrist, "Nah...been that way...long story I'mma keep t' myself."

The two opened their bottled drinks and took their swigs, while the man huffed out a satisfied sigh.

"Fuck that hit the spot, helpin' me again, Errand Girl," the man chuckled.

Rachel quietly chuckled, but at the same time, she felt a little shy to say a little bit more about herself. She took a deep breath and mustered the courage to say a little more.

"Rachel."

"Mh?" the man grunted.

"My name...i-it's Rachel."

"Rachel, huh?" the man asked, "...Ray's quicker to say."

Rachel raised a brow, already he's referring to her by a nickname.

"Isaac," the man said, "that's my name...just call me, Zack...it's easier...and less lame."

"Zack?" Ray asks.

"Yeah."

Rachel faintly smiled, "It's nice to meet you, Zack."

"...Nice to see a less boring expression on yer' face, Ray" Zack teased.

That immediately coaxed a pout from her, but she still reached out to shake his hand, with him doing the same in return.

---

She made a new friend today, at least, she thinks she did. Zack was blunt, but was civil around her in some ways. It was also obvious in his tone of voice that he had little to no interest in engaging anything nefarious towards her - he appeared more laid back.

Rachel kind of wanted to talk some more with him, but she still had that curfew she had to adhere, otherwise, it's rounds of belittling from her parents. She sighed as she closed her textbook, and sat on her bed to glance out of the window. Rachel wrapped her arms around her knees to make herself comfortable, then stared out to glance at the area where Zack often hung out in. Her thoughts of isolation seemed to go away as their interaction replayed in her mind.

She's spoken to Eddie and his friend every day, but not once has it made her feel less alone. It was weird.

Tomorrow was a weekend, she knows she has to put up with yet another social worker, but at least she has more time to get to know her friend a little more.

Rachel's father came back home, exhausted from both work and drinking, and crashed on the couch. It was a partially quiet night, but Ray knew her father was going to have one hell of a hangover in the following morning, and that was not going to make any good impressions on the social worker. She couldn't be anymore right, the following morning, Mr. Gardner was laying on the sofa, achy and miserable, with light and sounds causing his head to painfully throb. Already, he was flinching to the sound of the door knocking.

"Ugh...for fuck's sake…" he grumbled, "Rachel! Get up and answer the door!"

The girl quietly left her room, and made sure not to thud too hard against the floor as she went to answer. She opened the door and glanced at who was on the other side, it was indeed another social worker, judging by the badge they wore. The worker was a man this time, adorned in a white coat with a well dressed outfit underneath - a blue dress shirt and khaki pants. He had a warm and gentle grin on his face, appearing rather pleased to see Rachel, but what caught her off guard most, was his eyes. One of them obviously was off-colored.

"Hello, you must be Rachel...are your parents home?" the man asked.

"They are...I-I'm just trying to be quiet...my dad's under the weather," Rachel quietly replied.

The man picked his head up and took a couple whiffs of the environment of the apartment, he could definitely pick up the faint scent of alcohol, which would explain the man's "illness".

"I see, well, you're familiar with the visits, right? Is there a place where we can discuss in private?" the man asked.

There really was no other place to go besides her room, she stood back and let the social worker follow right behind her. The man seemed unimpressed to see Rachel's father appear so pathetic, just slumped on the couch from a hangover. Once inside, Ray made herself comfortable, sitting on the mattress, while the man grabbed a chair and situated his clipboard.

"Alright, now that we have a quiet place to talk, let's start with introductions. My name is Daniel Dickens...but you can call me Danny, if that makes you comfortable!"

This man was a little cheerier than the female workers, they appeared much more serious.

"...Rachel."

"Nice to meet you, so, I'm going to be your regular worker for the next upcoming visits...I'm sure Mrs. Davis informed you about changing workers if they don't sit right with you," Danny spoke.

"She did…"

"Good, good. Now, let's have this visit be a casual one...I'm sure talking about home life must be stressful. I can understand, not everyone has the luxury of growing up in a normal home, I've been there too," Danny said, writing some notes down.

Rachel sighed to herself, quickly assuming his words were something scripted to gain sympathy from her, but Danny was quick to read her body language.

"Ah, don't believe me?"

Rachel froze for a second, which caused Danny to chuckle in amusement.

"Heh, gotcha. You don't have to believe me if you don't want to...alot of the kids I've spoken to reacted the same way...but yes, I too grew up in a broken home," Daniel continued, "I'll keep the summary short, since we're both in the stage of getting to know each other...but when I was born, my father decided to leave because he hated exactly the way I was born...I was defective in his eyes. Which left my mother emotionally broken and alone to care for me."

Rachel raised a brow, she studied his expression to find any sort of deceit, but she couldn't. There was genuine grief in the man's eyes, either he was telling the truth, or he really was a damn good actor.

"Th-that's all I can share for now...how about you? Do you have any friends at school, are you getting good grades?"

He's quickly avoiding the topic of her wrecked home life, something the last two workers didn't do - they were more straight to the point, which caused her to close up immediately.

"I guess I have a couple of friends...we meet at the bus stop every morning...and my grades are good as well. I always make sure to do my homework," Ray replied.

"That's good, education is very important," Danny said, writing his notes down, then he turned his attention to Rachel's eyes. There was something about them that different from all the other patients he's visited.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes? Sorry if I'm out of line for complimenting," Danny said with a smile.

Red creeped across Rachel's face for a moment, and glanced away, "No...no one really says much of anything about me...th-thank you...I suppose…"

Danny quietly chuckled, "It's nothing, but it feels good to have something nice said to you, yeah?"

Ray faintly smiled and nodded.

Danny glanced at his wrist watch and stood up, "Well, I believe that my visitation time is up. I think this was a good start in getting to know one another. I would like to see you again next week, if that's alright with you."

"Sure…"

"I'm glad to hear it - same day, same time?" Danny said, extending a hand to shake hers.

"Okay," she mumbled, shaking his hand to be polite.

"Good, it was very nice to meet you, Rachel. You seem to be quite a bright girl."

"Thank you, see you later, Danny," Ray replied.

She waited for Daniel to leave, hearing him tell her father that he would be returning at the same time tomorrow, but he did follow on with a clever sentence.

"Hopefully, you'll be in better health, next time?"

These social workers really didn't hold back on her father's poor behavior.

Now, it was Rachel's turn to leave, she had another person she wanted to get acquainted with. She slipped on her boots and tried her best to make her way out of the door.

"Hey, where the hell are you going?" her father growled.

"Outside, I'm sure you want some peace and quiet...so I'll be out of your hair to let you sleep off your headache…" Rachel calmly replied.

Her father grumbled, then gestured for her to take her leave. It wasn't a bad idea to just have her gone for the day, especially since he's plagued with a hangover.

Rachel stepped out of her apartment, and out of the building. For once, she took a breath of fresh air out of eagerness, instead of a sense of dread of another bleak day to survive. She headed towards the alley, and was surprised the man wasn't there yet, and decided to sit herself down to wait for him to arrive. A few crowds passed the small space, without giving so much as a second glance, it was a little interesting to see so many different faces.

Soon, she could hear the door open from the other apartment, followed by a loud yawn. It came from the exit of the building instead of the entrance, she turned her gaze to see the familiar shape of the man she met before. She never could see what he really looked like, but she can see clear as day that piercing gold eye staring right at her. He was surprised that she was there to greet him first.

"Errand Girl?"

"Rachel," she corrected.

"Ray...right, my bad," Zack mumbled. "I'm still waking up, so get off my back."

"It's the weekend, I understand," Rachel quietly giggled.

"Yeah…" Zack mumbled as he sat himself down, "comin' to check up on me? Want me to start callin' you Nurse Girl from now on?"

Ray huffed for a moment, "No...I actually just wanted to stop by and talk."

"...Talk?...Why?" Zack asks, "...one sec, how old are ya' anyway?

"...F-fifteen," Ray muttered.

"Uh huh...yer' a brat and interested in hangin' around with a grown-ass man? Ya' know peeps get pissy about that kind of shit, right?" Zack mumbled.

"How old are you, then?"

"...Twenty...I think?"

Rachel raised a brow, "...You think?"

"Fuck off."

Ray lightly rolled her eyes, "I know you're an adult, but all I'm doing is talking to you...nothing wrong with that, right? Besides, I don't really have much people I'm interested in talking to…"

"What about that red-headed brat? You talk to him every morning."

"I know...but not much. Besides, he already has a friend to hang out with," Rachel spoke.

Isaac grumbled for a moment, then leaned against the building, "Whatever, do what you like...I'm not really an interesting - or good person to be around, y' know?"

"I'll have to find that out by myself, then," Ray quickly replied.

"God, you're fucking weird…"

Hanging out with him turned out not to be so bad as Zack played it out to be, it was clear that neither one of them were used to holding a conversation for so long, but after adjusting to each other's presence, was when the words really began to fly. They talked about interests mostly, not really needing to poke into one's personal lives, since they barely even knew each other. Rachel talked of her love for animals, while Zack talked about his interests in sleeping or roaming the city. When it came to food, the two agreed that the both of them really enjoyed sweets. In regards to music, Zack was a little lost, he never really listened to much music aside from the occasional street performer.

"I could play some songs on my phone if you want," Rachel said.

"Nah, not here...somewhere else and some other time."

"Oh, okay," Ray murmured, "...sorry if this seems a little nosy to ask, but...what do you look like? I only see you in this dark alley."

Zack raised a brow, "It's best ya' don't know...you'll just run off all scared like everyone else."

"You've heard my parents, right? I'm pretty much used to scary people...I won't run," Rachel replied.

Isaac stood up, then gestured for her to follow him, "C'mere...there's light this way. Oh, and you better not be fucking lying...I hate liars, got it?"

Ray stood up to her feet and followed the man down the alley, sure, this wasn't a good idea to most people's thoughts, but she sensed no ill intentions from Zack. Just ahead, was a small area where the sun peeked between the buildings, glimmering a small ray of light on the concrete. Zack pointed at the ground for Ray to stand, while he headed towards the source of light. He was wearing an ashen rust hoodie, covered with dark and faded stains, and with various patterns lining it. Following that, were crimson pants and large, black boots. The man turned around, then pulled the hoodie down from covering his face. Aside from his hands being bandaged, so was the man's face. The spaces she can see of his natural appearance was skin slightly darker in tone than her own. He also had black and messy hair that seemed to get in his face. Then there was the eyes, the familiar gold one and the other slightly dimmed in color, possibly dilated from some sort of damage.

"Here I am, in all my freakish glory," Zack said, "Gonna run now?"

Ray was surprised to finally see him, but not a single sliver of fear showed, only more curiosity.

"No, not at all. You're not freakish, Zack," she says.

"...Pardon? I think I need to clean my ears or somethin'…"

"You're not freakish. So what if you're covered in bandages? I'm sure you have a reason, but to me...you're perfectly normal," Rachel continued.

Zack paused for a moment, then sheepishly scratched the back of his head, "...Huh...yer' the first to say that shit then."

Today wasn't too eventful, but it was rather fun, she spent a good deal talking with Zack, and getting to know him. From what she's learned, he's a man that knew how to get around the back alleys of the city, with little to no care of the dangers. She oddly found his daring attitude admirable, like she too wanted a bold courage like that. Midday, Rachel did grab the both of them a quick snack and a drink from the convenience store, while she tried her best to hold a topic without it sounding too grim or boring. Isaac already knew her folks bickered and fought like crazy, he could hear them every damn day, and he often wondered how the girl manages to stay sane from it all.

Even Ray ponders the same.

The two hung out without realizing how much time passed by for them. When the evening sun glared down, it was when they knew the day was pretty much over. Rachel got up to bid her friend farewell, since she had a curfew to comply to. Zack simply stayed behind to hang in the alley a little more.

As the sun continued to set, and the crowd thinned, Zack stood back up, and pulled out a knife he had tucked in his boot. He glanced at it for a short while, then paid attention to his reflection on the blade.

For once, someone called him normal...but...he knew he was not normal at all, he was beyond that - he was a monster .

---

"God fucking dammit!" Mr. Gardner yelled, "don't god damn serial killers take the weekends off too?"

"Having no cops around is their weekend, why do you think they just killed someone?" Mrs. Gardner sharply replied.

"Shut your fucking mouth, woman…"

If time wasn't of the essence the two would've had at it with their trademark shouting matches. Rachel's father grabbed his badge and hurried out the door, it seems like he was going to do another overnight shift for the next few days. At least Rachel, and possibly her new friend could get some restful sleep.

The following day, Isaac was nowhere to be seen, then again it was a Sunday, and most people within her area of town preferred to go to church. It seemed like a plan to spend her day, hear a few sermons, and try her best to stay in favor within the eyes of God - it was how she was taught, after all. Rachel did feel a little lonely to not have Zack show up at all today, but she knew he must have a reason. Then again, their friendship was still new, and she didn't want to be pushy when it came to company.

Once night fell, her and her mother actually had a civil moment together, maybe her father's absence was part of it. They both made a meal together for dinner, though they chose not to share much words, except complimenting on the food they just made. They both made pan roasted chicken with wild rice and steamed vegetables, her mother handled cooking the meat, while Ray took care of the sides.

"It's good…" Mrs. Gardner muttered.

They both quietly ate, but Rachel was glad to get some sort of compliment, "Th-thanks...I've learned a couple new things in home-ec class…"

Her mother was silent for a moment, shuffling the food about with a sullen expression on her face, "Sometimes, I wish I could undo history...I would've never met your father…"

Rachel stayed silent, she didn't like her father either, but it was not her business to place her opinion in her parents' marital problems.

"When you eventually live on your own, Rachel...and you find a guy...you better find one that treats you, right? Got it?" Mrs. Gardner said, glancing up at the girl.

Rachel knew her mother was simply prattling about her woes and regrets. After growing up in the kind of home she is in now, the thought of even being in a relationship seemed very unlikely. Ray was used to being alone, she was fine that way, and being with another person romantically didn't appeal to her at all, she felt like she would end up repeating her parents' mistakes.

"I understand, Mom…"

"Good, thanks for helping with dinner...I'm going to go lay down," her mother said.

Ray cleared the table and set the appropriate foods in their own separate containers to have as leftovers. Then, she took the task of cleaning the dishes and setting them on a dish rack to dry, she could put them all away in the morning.

Rachel may as well call it a night as well, she can meet Zack before the bus arrived. The girl closed the door behind herself, and sat on her bed to stare out of the window. The light to the apartment across from her was lit, normally it was often pitch black, and assumed it wasn't occupied. She could see a shadowed figure shuffling about the place until something bumped the curtains. The rod supporting the curtains quickly toppled on one side, and the shadowed figured grabbed at it in a panic to put it back up.

Already, Rachel could imagine the onslaught of swears from a frantic gesture like that, it was a little amusing, really.

Soon, the other side fell off and slipped from the figure's hands, revealing who was on the other side. To her surprise, it was Isaac. He quickly mouthed out the word - fuck , in annoyance, then raised his head up to see someone had been watching him. Even his expression showed that of surprise, to ease the awkwardness of their new meeting, Ray smiled a little, then waved to Zack. He exchanged a sheepish wave right back to her, then dropped the curtains to the ground, fuck it, he'll deal with it later.

It's just the both of them at the window, now with the knowledge that the two of them were actually close neighbors. Sure, Isaac's seen her time and again from her window, but he never really paid attention to what floor she was on - hell, he never really bothered to look out his own window, this was just a happy accident. Rachel wanted to do more than just wave to him, just a simple hello would do. She scanned her room for a moment, then picked up her spiral notebook to write in it. Zack raised a brow to see Rachel scribbling something down really quick, then hold it up against the window, he was even more confused with what was in front of him.

His expression was saying his thoughts clear as day - ' What the hell is this? '

Maybe she didn't write it thick enough? She darkened the letters a little, hoping it would be more legible, but again, she saw the same confused expression. Ray set her notebook down and opened her window, with him doing the same.

"What are you trying to show me?" Zack asks.

"I wrote down Hello...maybe my room isn't bright enough to see?"

"I can see it just fine," Zack replied. "...I just didn't know what it said."

"...Is my handwriting that bad?" Ray asks, then another thought occurred to her, "...hey, Zack...are you able to read?"

Isaac quickly turned his gaze away with a frustrated huff, Ray was surprised, but from Zack's gesture, illiteracy is a sore spot for him.

"H-Hey...don't get mad, it's okay," Rachel assured him, "I didn't know. I was trying to talk to you."

"Well, we're doing it now, how come ya' gotta talk to me like that?"

"...It's quieter...and I don't want my parents coming in if they hear us…" Ray mumbled.

"...Makes sense...but I can't read for shit…"

"I know, but it doesn't have to stay that way, I'd be more than happy to teach you," Rachel said.

Zack grumbled under his breath, "Yeah...I dunno…"

"This could be your best chance given to you," Rachel said, "has there been anything you've wanted to know, but couldn't read?"

Isaac growled again at the thought, there's been tons, and it frustrated the hell out of him.

"Fine, fuck...go ahead n' teach me tomorrow...had a rough day today," Zack grunted.

That could explain why Zack wasn't around, it was understandable, since she herself has to go through rough patches more than the average person.

"Going to call it a night?" Ray asked.

"Yeah, sore as hell...see ya' in th' morning," Zack said.

"I can imagine, those curtains put up quite a fight," Ray giggled.

"Man, fuck off!"

---

The following morning, Rachel peeked out her widow to see the curtains half-assedly placed back up. The thought amused her over how he even hassled with it last night.

Still, she should pack up and get ready for school, and give Isaac a ' good morning ' to start the day.

Her father still hasn't come back yet, this serial killer must've really caused some commotion to get his attention for this long. Secretly, she did prefer when he was gone, sure, he was the breadwinner of the family, but he also brought the headaches and misery - especially when he drinks his frustrations away.

Rachel stepped out from her apartment and glanced into the alley to find her friend, as usual, he sat himself against the wall of his home.

"Good morning, Zack," she beckons.

"Hey…"

"You still want me to teach you to read?" Ray asked.

"I guess, I feel like I'm gonna waste yer' time…" Zack grumbled.

"I'll try my best to make it as simple as possible...um...you think you know of a spot where it'll be easier to read? The alley seems a bit dark."

"I'll scope around...you should go n' hurry to your stop," Zack replied. After all, she wasn't wrong, reading in the dark was going to be a bigger bitch than not being able to read at all.

Rachel lightly nodded, then ran off to meet her two usual acquaintances at the bus stop.

"Hey Rachel, you seem a little peppy today," Eddie said.

"I guess I am feeling a little good, the house has been quiet for a couple days," Rachel spoke, "finally gives me some space to think and breathe."

"Oh, has that social worker been making improvements?" the blonde girl asked.

Right, Ray almost forgot about Danny, he did visit, but it was only small talk between the two of them.

"Mh, not yet...my dad's just been busy with work," Rachel replied, "Enjoying it while it lasts, I suppose."

There was more than that, there was her new friend too, but she chose to keep that to herself - it would be awkward to say that she befriended someone 5 years older than her. As soon as the bus came, Ray glanced back in the direction of the alley, she hoped the school day would go by so quickly. Then again, this could be to her advantage, she could check out some books from her school library to help Zack out in combatting his illiteracy. She even got a spare notebook to use from the school supply store, along with already sharpened pencils. Rachel was ready to teach Zack as best as she could.

Time ticked by, and it almost seemed like forever. She daydreamed about possible teaching approaches while Eddie and his female friend chattered away. Once the final bell rang, Ray was quick to get up from her seat and head towards the bus ramp. She got inside the large vehicle and claimed her seat so she could head home. As soon as it drove away from her school and approached the familiar stop, Rachel hurried her way out to meet up with Zack again.

"Hey Zack, I'm back from school."

Isaac was napping as soon as she showed up, and he jolted from hearing her voice out of nowhere.

"Oh, sorry...I wasn't aware you were sleeping," Ray said shyly.

"I was just closin' my eyes…" Zack replied with a yawn, then got up to his feet. "...I found a spot this morning, needed a place to see better, right?"

"Yeah...what place did you have in mind?"

"There's this small spot further down, I guess kinda like a park? Peeps just go there to sit," Zack replied.

The city did have a few pocket parks here and there, and they could be quiet enough for her and Zack to focus on his reading education. She did wonder about him though, he did seem self-conscious about his appearance the last time they hung out together.

"C'mon, let's go while it's still daytime," Zack muttered.

If Zack had scouted while she was in school, then maybe Zack did have a way to mask his appearance, that, or he simply blocks out stares. The man sifted through his pocket and pulled out a face mask, often used to filter airborne germs, but in Zack's case, it's just to hide his bandaged appearance. She'll have to admit though, with it, Zack appeared like another downtown thug with it and his hoodie together.

"Hey...I remembered...yer' folks got like this thing where ya' gotta be home, right?"

"Oh, the curfew?" Ray asks.

"Yeah, yeah...yer' not gonna get in trouble for being gone too long, are ya'?"

Rachel sighed, "When am I not in trouble? Just existing gets me in trouble…"

"Your folks sound like literal pieces of shit," Zack grunted.

"Nothing, I can do about it...enough about them, I'll figure out an excuse later," Ray said.

"A lie."

"With some truth in it," Ray said. She could see the small park just ahead, with a few joggers passing every now and then to stop for a quick drink from a water fountain before heading off again.

It was a nice bit of peaceful scenery, there was an abundance of plants, flowers, and a couple shade trees to top it all. It was perfect to keep their focus in their moment of education.

Zack and Rachel sat themselves down at a stone table, the girl opened up her bookbag and pulled out the extra supplies she got today for Zack to work with. The man cocked a brow at first, as Ray continued to pull out a few books.

"Do we really need all this shit to read?"

"Yes, if you don't know how to read, then you certainly don't know how to write. Learning to do both will help alot," Rachel said, as she opened up one of the library books. "I'll try to make this seem as easy and understandable as possible...this is my first time teaching anyone, really."

Isaac was starting to have his doubts, but Rachel was feeling a little confident. If she helped him when she found him scuffed up from some gang thug, then she can certainly help him to read. Ray first had to show Zack how to properly hold a pencil...after the first two easily snapped in his grip.

"Don't hold it so tightly, be gentle with it."

"Gentle ain't my thing...they shouldn't make this shit so flimsy," Zack grunted.

Now Rachel wondered if she should've gotten the novelty giant pencils to combat the man's unrestricted strength, but then again, that thought coaxed a quiet giggle from her.

"What's so funny?"

"N-Nothing...just a stupid thought...let's begin," Ray said.

To first start in learning to read, one must be acquainted with the letters first, Rachel slowly demonstrated to Zack how to write each one in both upper and lowercase. Then had Zack read out each one out loud. Then she decided to randomly pick each one out, hoping he could memorize them.

"Okay, so I know what they are, does that mean I can read now?"

"No, we've only just started, because now the letters will clump together to form a word, that's when you know for sure that you can read," Ray replied.

"Christ, why does this shit have to be so complicated?"

"That's life for you…" Ray said, "it doesn't like easy."

"Hmph...ain't that the fuckin' truth…"

Rachel started Zack off with learning basic two lettered words, then three, then four, anything beyond that was when frustration was kicking in. Rachel was patient enough to wait for Zack to cool his head down a little, and even got up to fetch them both some sodas to have while she was educating him. The soft drink seemed to help fuel his train of thought, and picked up reading the words again. It was then Rachel could hear a bell chime the new hour in.

"Hmm, we should call it a day...I think we made some really good progress. Tomorrow we can start on reading actual sentences," Ray said, "take the notebook with you...practice never hurts."

"...Ugh...now you really are sounding like a teacher, givin' me homework n' shit…" Zack groaned, "Errand Girl, nurse, now a teacher...jeez, pick something you want to be!"

Ray stuck her tongue out at Zack, only to see him give her an amused expression through the face mask. The two got up from their seats, and headed back to their places of residence, giving each other a faint wave as they parted.

Rachel's mother wasn't too pleased that she exceeded her curfew.

"Where the hell were you?" she shouted.

"I-I know I'm late. I just went somewhere close by to study...that little park just around the corner," Rachel stuttered.

"I don't need to hear any fucking excuses…" Mrs. Gardner hissed, "when I say to be home within a certain time, I mean it. I don't care what your reason was. You think this home is no good to study in?"

"N-No, Mom...I thought about...trying something different to focus…"

"You better hope it was worth it," Mrs. Gardner growled, "because I'm changing your weekend curfew time."

"...I'm sorry…"

---

"Hey, what's up? Ya' look like shit today," Zack asked.

"My mom was pretty mad about showing up past curfew...she shortened my weekend days," Ray sighed.

"Christ, what a bitch…"

Rachel sighed again, as if agreeing with him in a sullen way. Isaac got up to his feet, and tugged at Ray's wrist to join him.

"Forget teachin' me to read today, yer' in a shit mood and need to have a little fun," Zack said, tugging the girl to her feet, "now, follow me."

Rachel shuffled right behind the man, Isaac huffed with impatience and placed a hand at her back, pushing her to walk his pace. He knew his way around the alleys like the back of his hand, and he knew of one specific spot he thought was perfect for the girl's situation. Just offset at one of the buildings, was an alcove of sorts, but all around were so many bottles. A majority were from alcoholic beverages, and some were from soft drinks. Rachel raised a brow as to the purpose of this area, until Zack picked up one of the bottles.

"This is my second go-to place when I'm havin' a shitty day. This area is near a bar, so they toss alot of bottles away...well, I like to put them into better use," Zack said, grasping Ray's hand and placing the bottle in her grip, "now take this and throw this little bastard as hard as you can...show me a good smashing!"

Ray glanced at the glass bottle, and it didn't take her long to figure out Isaac's motives, he wanted her to vent out her frustration in a destructively way - an idea of fun in his opinion. Rachel gripped at the bottle, then threw it as hard as she could against the concrete ground. The sounds of glass shattering echoed through the alley, and shards of glass showered the ground.

Zack let out an entertained laugh, then grabbed his own bottle to chuck at the ground, "There we fuckin' go! I knew ya' had it in you! C'mon, break the fuck out of 'em!"

Rachel was feeling liberated by Zack's elated coaching, she grabbed another bottle and quickly swung it against the ground again. The area was filled with the sounds of breaking glass and laughter, the two were having a blast with their moment of chaotic fun.

"What the hell is going on?" a voice yelled out.

"Oh shit, c'mere, Ray!"

Zack scooped the girl up in his arms and tossed her over his shoulder, whoever came to investigate, only saw the aftermath of Zack and Rachel's destructive play. Isaac was unnaturally fast, and Rachel clung onto Zack's hoodie for dear life as he bolted from anyone's field of vision.

"Heh, that's a close one," Zack said, slowing his pace down to a jog.

"Who was that?"

"Mh, prolly one of the bouncers from the bar, psh, we already had our fun anyway," Zack replied, then knelt down to shrug the girl off his shoulder.

Rachel's heart was still racing, yet, it wasn't from being scared of almost being caught, but rather, from excitement. She suddenly began to bust out into laughter, Zack's never seen such an expression before, but her entertained laugh was certainly contagious. The two were sitting there in the alley, laughing off their moment of mischief together.

"I really needed that today, thanks, Zack," Ray said, as she caught her breath.

"Shit, yeah, me too...wish we could've smashed some more," Zack replied, "so...finally out of your funk?"

"Yeah, definitely," Ray said with a smile, "I wouldn't mind doing that again. Actually, I think I know what we can do this weekend...i-if you're available that is."

"Psh, I'm always free...what do ya' got in mind?"

"Can't say yet, it's a surprise," Rachel said.

"Oh come the fuck on!"

Rachel let out a giggle, and Zack found himself staring at that innocent smile of hers. It really showed an entirely different person in Rachel, something much more pure hidden under the dark and sullen expression blanketing her personality - it certainly wasn't boring, he'll have to admit.

"Hey...that smile of yours...you should do it more often...I mean, it kinda sucks..but I like it better than that mopey look," Zack said.

Rachel paused for a moment, then huffed a little, "H-How can something like a smile suck?"

"Ya' still got that dead look in yer' eyes...everything else ain't too bad though," Zack replied. "...I think I stole your attention enough, you should hurry home before that bitch changes your free time again."

"Right, I should hurry...thanks again, Zack."

Rachel was hesitant to show gratefulness, and Zack seemed to sense her body language. Should be obvious a shy girl like her wanted to physically get her word across.

"I don't do hugs...but here.." he said, balling his hand to a fist for her to bump against.

Ray faintly smiled and brought her hand up to bump their knuckles together, Zack smirked in return, then let the girl run off back home. He was still trying to wrap his head around why he's letting her get more involved with his life, yet, he was doing nothing to oppose it. Today was the most fun he's had in a long time - well, doing something semi-innocent to say at the least. Sucks that Rachel was stuck with such parents, he wouldn't have minded to show her other spots he finds entertainment in.

There was his other source of enjoyment though, his first go-to, and that was murder. Isaac pulled his knife out again to look at the blade. Sure, it did it's job nicely, but now he was in the mood for something...much more fun.

"Time to break out the bad boy…" he muttered to himself, "been a while since I've swung that baby around…"

---

"Three more bodies have been found today, all of them have been viciously sliced by a large blade. Officials claim that they've been slain with either a type of curved sword, or possibly a scythe - given the pattern of blood splatters."

The sound of the news filled the living room and kitchen, Rachel's father had come back after spending days at the office. The man grumbled at the possibility that he was on call to be summoned again, so he watched the news to get as much info as he can before going back in. He had no time to drink, nor was he in any mood to start yelling at Rachel or his wife, the man was too fucking exhausted to do anything.

"Christ...how in the fuck is this guy still eluding the cops…" Mr. Gardner thought aloud, "...fucking dogs keep losing his scent too…"

A knock came to the front door, the man let out a swear and stomped over to see who it was - it was Danny, from last week.

"Hello, Mr. Gardner...in better health this week?"

The man growled under his breath, and stepped aside, "Go hurry and do your thing...I need to watch the news…"

"Ah yes, the serial killer still on the loose. Quite the enigma, aren't they?"

"Yeah, whatever...don't tell me how to do my job...more or less, parenting…" Mr. Gardner grumbled as he sat himself down to watch the news screen.

Daniel began to jot down a couple notes onto his clipboard, then lightly knocked on Rachel's door to be let in.

"Hello? It's me, Danny. I'm here for my weekly visit," he said in a cheery tone.

It took about a minute, but Rachel finally got around to answering the door. She appeared already dressed and ready to head out any moment now, which caught the man off guard for a moment.

"Oh, got plans today?"

"Y-Yeah...I didn't forget the appointment though...I was just getting ready," Ray replied, sitting herself on the bed, while Danny sat near the desk again.

"Going with friends?"

"W-well, a friend," Ray spoke.

"Better than none, right?" Danny chuckled, then readied his clipboard. "Alright, so we did take some time to get to know each other a little before we get into serious business...so, how are you feeling around my company right now?"

"Mh...fine, I guess…"

"Still a bit of a stranger, huh?" Danny asked, "I understand. So...is there anything fun you like to do? Any hobbies on the side, I'm sure a bright girl like you has something you enjoy doing."

"I do like to read...and I guess sew as well..I do try to make my own dolls from time to time," Ray shyly replied.

"Interesting, you're crafty," Danny said, writing in his clipboard, "anything new happen at home or at school?"

Rachel didn't want to answer anything related to home, she didn't want to be a liar either, since anything that happens in the home was never anything good.

"...Just...something that was my fault…"

"Oh? What do you mean by that?" Danny asks.

"...I missed curfew, so...shorter weekends now," Ray muttered. "...again, it was all entirely my fault."

Danny raised a brow, "Hmm, and why are you shifting blame towards yourself? Any particular reason as to why you missed your curfew?"

"...I was teaching a friend how to read and lost track of time."

"Well that doesn't sound like something to be punished for, you were doing something charitable," Danny said, writing down Ray's words, "Is this the friend you're about to hang out with today?"

Rachel lightly nodded with a faint smile, "Y-Yeah."

"Well, that's good...sounds to me like you need some time to unwind…"

Soon, the two could hear the home phone ring loudly, it was Ray's father that answered it, then proceeded to shout out swears.

"Again? How fucking understaffed is the office? Christ, I just got back home!"

Rachel lightly rubbed her forehead, she felt a sense of dread and embarrassment for someone to be hearing all of this, something she hears day in and day out.

"He yells an awful lot, doesn't he?" Danny asks.

Rachel nodded in reply, and let out a sigh, "He gets the most agitated when crime numbers exceed usual police traffic...this serial killer is one of them."

"Are you scared of this killer?"

"Not really," Rachel said, "...my dad is a cop...and this area of town is safer…"

"...What about being at home...are you scared here?" Danny calmly asked.

Rachel tightened her lips again, she was ready for an answer, but a sixth sense of some sort told her to make something up - she knew her father was at the door, listening. She glanced at Danny and gestured to him to remain quiet.

"No...I'm fine at home. I get good grades, and I'm making a new friend...so there's really nothing wrong," Ray said.

Danny glanced at the door from the corner of his eye, it seemed his client was a very perceptive girl for her age. He stayed quiet, like Ray was silently instructing, then heard faint footsteps leave the room, and head out of the front door. The two of them breathed out a faint sigh of relief, leaving them unmonitored.

"...A little, I'm used to the noise between my parents...but...I get scared when it drags me in," Ray said under a quiet tone.

"Has there been any moment of peace at home?"

Rachel sighed, "...Very, very rarely...and it's often them voicing their regrets."

"Regrets? As in meeting each other or having a family?"

"Both...and they pin the biggest blame on me," Rachel replied, "I don't know what I did to make them hate each other...but I wish there could be some way to try and patch things up…try to be happy and normal."

"I see, yes...I understand, it must be very frustrating," Danny said, "do you think you'd be happier if your parents tried counseling?"

"It's not just a matter of me, it's them too...I want to stay as a family...but...I want us all to work together," Rachel replied.

Danny softly smiled, "You're very mature for your age. I like that about you, aside from those unique peepers for yours…"

"Peepers?"

Danny quietly laughed, "S-Sorry, habit, I meant your eyes."

He glanced at his wristwatch and saw he exceeded his visitation, "Oh, looks like I overstayed...awfully sorry. Thanks for being a little more open with me. I'll be back at my usual time."

"...Could you keep our conversation on the down-low? They'll get very upset with me…"

"I'll keep matters just between us," Danny replied, then lightly waved her farewell.

As soon as he left the apartment, he quickly wrote down every word Rachel said. There was something about Rachel's eyes that drew him in, so dead and hollow, yet very alive - he wanted them. He needed a reason to keep Ray around, a reason to do his regular visits - even if her parents hated it, hated him, and want to drive him away. Danny wanted to keep looking at those eyes.

---

"Finally made it out of that shithole of a home?" Zack said.

"Yeah, my dad got called into work again...it's those murders that's all over the news," Ray said.

Zack kept quiet about it, he knew damn well what murders she was talking about.

"At least you're safe, Zack," Rachel said, "I'm sure you wouldn't want me to be playing nurse again."

Isaac let out an amused snort, "Nah, I can handle myself. It's gangs you need to worry about most, Ray. Killers like to stalk in the dark...so stick to crowds, got it? Gangsters don't give a shit about anyone or anything."

"Were you in a gang or something?"

"Oh fuck no, gangs are filled with a bunch of pussies that can't fight their own battle alone," Zack scoffed, "I just grew up on the streets 's all."

He got up to stretch his legs a little, "Alright...so ya' said you had somethin' in mind for today...lead the way."

The girl was very excited to spend the day with her friend, though Isaac seemed much more curious what she had in store for exactly how the day was going to be spent. Like before, he donned the usual face mask to hide his bandaged appearance and draw away at least a good chunk of stares. During their walk though, Rachel did spot some agitation from the man with every crowd they pass by, and she didn't think twice that his growls wouldn't go unnoticed.

"What's wrong, Zack?"

"...I don't like seein' the dumbass grins on people's faces...makes me wanna punch the nearest person near me…" Zack grumbled.

Ray scanned the area around them, the city did have huge crowds, and judging from Isaac's behavior, he must be introverted in some way - it was understandable, even she doesn't like being in heavy crowds either.

"Well, I'm trying to lead us to the East side of this area...think you know of a shortcut there?"

Without a second thought, Zack picked Ray up, as if she was completely weightless to him, then tossed her over his shoulder. This is the second time he's done this, and twice she clutched his hoodie for fear of falling over. Zack was a very tall man, sure she can tell when he sometimes had to bend to be in better eye contact with her, but still, she didn't imagine just how tall - over six feet perhaps?

Isaac headed over into the back alley section of the city, passing by different buildings and crowds, even those who were incredibly shady. Rachel wouldn't have the guts to go this route, but Zack was familiar and confident to where he was going. When he said he grew up on the streets, it was definitely showing. Though, being carried like this, it was kind of embarrassing - yet it seemed to Isaac that he didn't care, or just wasn't paying attention to how odd they were looking right now.

"Okay, this is the East part of town...where to now?"

"There should be a park around here, are you familiar with it?" Ray asks.

"...Uhh...I think so? I barely go to that shit in the daytime," Zack said as he tried to think.

A park nearby in this territory. Pictures started to fill his mind to help jog his memory, until a couple flashed by - droves of birds, a large pavilion leading to a fountain, and tons of trees lining multiple pathways - but what jogged his memory most was the bigger section of the park.

"This is the one with the lake," Zack prattled. "Yeah...lots of folks sneak in here at night...wait, ya' weren't planning on a date or something were you?"

"What? No! Oh gosh, no!" Ray stuttered, almost squirming in Zack's grip. She quickly covered her face in embarrassment. "No, no no!"

"Jeez, relax, I was just pullin' yer' leg."

"That wasn't a very funny joke," Ray whimpered.

"Start getting a sense of humor then" Zack retorted, then knelt down to set Ray onto the ground.

Ray huffed as she gave the man a small shove, which coaxed a small laugh out of him, he did find her frustrated behavior a little amusing anyway - hence why he enjoyed to tease her so much.

"Th' park's just around the corner...dunno why you wanna haul me over there...I mean unless…"

"Zack, no. It's not," Rachel quickly interrupted.

"Suuuuure."

Rachel rolled her eyes as the two made their way inside of the park. Like the place they went before to study for Zack's illiteracy, it was filled with occasional passerbys, and joggers. The scenery wasn't totally why Rachel wanted to bring Zack here, since he showed Ray his source of secret enjoyment, she may as well show Isaac hers. The girl tugged at Zack's sleeve to guide him around to spots that helped bring her some calm and solace. A couple were a few flower gardens, where she could just stare at the many colorful arrangements, and watch butterflies flutter about them.

"You like flowers? That's awfully girly of you," Zack said with a smirk.

"It's not just because they're flowers...I like the vibrant colors and the scents…" Ray muttered, "they make me feel calm, even after the worst kind of days…"

Zack raised a brow, then leaned down to pluck one of the flowers, "...Hmm, this one smells alright…"

Rachel smiled a little, then gestured him to follow her further in the park, where she wanted to take him, was the lake area. She knew the place had plenty of ducks of all sizes, shapes, and colors. The lake was littered with them, along with other different waterfowl, Rachel was ready to head to the shore to look at them all, but Zack stayed behind.

"What's wrong? Not interested in seeing the ducks?"

"Ehh...ducks are okay...it's the ones with longer necks that are assholes," Zack said with a groan.

"You mean geese?"

"Nah, the fancier ones," Zack replied.

"Ohhh, swans...yeah...appearances are deceiving," Ray said, then let out a giggle, "bad run-in with them?"

"...That's putting it lightly…" Zack said, "...tried sleepin' in a park once when I was a brat, was nice n' all...til' those fuckers came out of nowhere and started bitin' at me."

"Is Zack scared of swans?"

"Fuck no! I hate 'em!" Zack growled. "Next long-necked chicken decides to charge at me, I'mma tie a knot in their neck!

"I don't think you need to worry about that, I don't see any swans here, otherwise, people wouldn't be crowding the lake," Ray said with a chuckle, "now, come here."

Isaac grumbled as he approached the small body of water, many visitors were feeding the ducks pellets of food that was supplied by the park itself, even turtles were swimming to shore to snag the food the ducks were too slow to get. Rachel was smiling to see all sorts of animals approach her and Zack, soon, she could see small puffs following behind another duck as it wanted some free food as well.

"Oh hey, one of them has babies."

Zack glanced in the direction Ray was pointing at, "...Those small things?"

"Yeah, aren't they cute?"

"Wanna pet 'em or something?" Zack asked, "don't look too hard to catch."

"A-ah! Don't, you don't have to...I'm sure the mother duck wouldn't be too happy about it," Ray said.

Isaac just grumbled, "...She's got plenty more kids to spare..."

His tone was unusually bitter, just from saying those words, and Rachel could sense some sort of tension from the man - she had to ease it somehow.

"I think she might summon her inner swan if you do, and I'm sure you wouldn't be able to hold your word if you got attacked again," Ray said.

Isaac let out another groan, she wasn't wrong about that, and last thing he wanted was to be made a fool of by fucking birds. Rachel felt the man ease up, and decided to lead him to the pavilion near the water fountain. There was one more thing she liked to do, and she even brought a little something for it. Rachel had a small bag with some toasted bread, crumbled up into little bites. She gestured the tall man over to her and had him sit with her on one of the stone seats, little pigeons were congregating everywhere, looking for an easy meal. Ray gathered some of the bread crumbs and scattered some nearby. Zack watched the birds flutter around the food and eagerly pick at it to eat, he almost tucked his feet under the stone bench as they gathered closer. It was clear that Zack had no trust in any sort of animal.

"Here, Zack...hold out your hands…"

"Why?" he asks.

"You'll see, just hold them up," Ray said.

Zack nibbled at his bottom lip, then brought his hands out, Rachel motioned them to cup together, and she began to fill them with the bread crumbs.

"Oh, hell no...yer' not gonna have them swarm me," Zack growled.

"Just one," Ray said, then tried to coach one of the pigeons closer.

One particular bird was a little wary, but didn't ignore the trails of food. Ray placed a small amount of crumbs in one hand to entice the chubby little bird. It cooed in curiosity, glancing at its surroundings for a moment, then fluttered on top of Ray's palm, focusing on the small pile of bread to gobble down. Rachel tried her best not to move so suddenly, her aim was to get the bird to perch in Zack's hands. Isaac just watched, unsure how one - or many birds will react when they do see the pile of food in his hands. Soon, Ray's fingers touched Zack's bridging their hands for the bird to notice the food nearby. It didn't take long for it to hop onto Zack's hand and begin eating at the bread in his hand. The man froze, it felt so fucking weird to have something so small just sit there so casually in his hand. This creature was not aware what this man was capable of, so blissfully unaware as it ate safely in his palms.

"H-Holy shit…" he muttered.

After finishing the last pecks of food, the pigeon fluttered its feathers for a moment, letting out relaxed coos as it nestled in the man's hand. This was the first time Isaac's really held anything living in his grasp without the intention of harm. It was weird, it was incredibly fucking weird...but also interesting.

Soon, the small bird glanced at the rest of the flock, and fluttered back over to them. Rachel saw Zack staring at his hands for a while, then back to the birds.

"Never held an animal before?"

"Nah...never…" Zack muttered, "...I've only been attacked by 'em...or they'd just run away from me."

"Really? How's it feel to finally hold one then?"

"...I dunno...it's weird...but...kinda good? Fuck, if I know," Zack said, dusting his hands off of any remaining crumbs. "...It seemed perfectly fine just being in these hands of mine...like it didn't know what I could do to it."

"It's called trust, Zack. The bird would have flown away if it remotely sensed danger, yet, it didn't. It trusted you as it's perch," Ray spoke.

Isaac reflected on her words for a moment, it trusted him. Even now, there was something else that was trusting him - this girl, only five years younger than him trusted a man like him for companionship. Like she also said, if any danger was remotely sensed, she too could run away, she was a clever girl after all.

Would he want her to though? Rachel's been oddly entertaining to hang around with for the past couple of weeks, and he really didn't have anyone else to accompany him in such a manner, he would've just hung around in or near his home until it was time to look for trouble.

"Huh...that makes another weirdo to be around a guy like me," Zack said with a smirk.

"I'm weird?" Ray huffed.

"Yup."

Teasing aside, the two decided to finish their visit by stopping at a nearby vendor to grab some snacks. A little something to eat on the go as they walked back home - just in time too before Ray's new curfew.

"I've had fun today, how about you?"

"It was...different, than what I'm used to doing," Zack answered, "but I didn't hate it. First time any critter got close all calm-like."

"I don't know if you're free tomorrow or not. If not, I'll just head on to church, since it's a Sunday."

"Told ya' before, I'm always free," Zack mumbled, "...church, huh? Mh, don't really fancy going to those places, I get enough lectures from this one guy already…"

"Really, from who?"

"Eh, I'll tell ya' someday...not really interested in talkin' about him...anyways, go hurry to your place before yer' mom has an aneurysm," Zack said, "...you still want to try that sign thing?"

"You haven't finished learning to read yet…"

Zack cleared his throat shyly, "...Been practicing a little while you were at school, ya' know...before ya' showed up all mopey."

Before their time of recklessly smashing up bottles, but hearing him saying that he practiced made her feel good inside, Zack had took her advice.

"We'll see how we'll you've been practicing then," Ray said with a giggle.

"Yeah...well, don't fuckin' laugh if my handwriting looks like shit."

---

Rachel's mother wasn't home that night, she must be taking liberty of her husband being away, and Ray did not care to pry what she may be doing while she was out. All she cared was she had privacy to herself, room to breathe, time to think, and plenty of quiet to talk to Zack through their windows.

She made dinner for herself that night, nothing too fancy, just some pasta and vegetables - simple, but tasty.

After dinner, she took a quick shower, then headed to her room to get ready for their attempt at silent communication. Ray picked up a spare notebook and got a marker to start writing her words down on the sheet. The girl hopped onto her bed and opened up the blinds as she waited for Zack to meet up with her at his window.

About 5 minutes pass, and Zack finally pulls back the curtain at his window, Ray decided to make her message an easy one for the man.

' Hi .'

Zack glanced at the words, and instead of the look of confusion, it was an expression of understanding. The man smirked, and began to try and jot his own message down. His handwriting was really terrible, but Ray was able to read it...sort of. Zack will need alot more practice to smooth the lines.

' Hi to you too… '

Ray had a slight smile on her face as she wrote on another page, ' Looks like you were right. '

' Duh, I don't lie. '

It's clear Zack is trying his best to keep his sentences brief, there's still words he had difficulty understanding and writing, but at least he was giving it a shot. This way of communication was interesting, though, Ray may need to pick up something better for both of them to write with, otherwise they'll run out of paper quickly. Dry erase boards should do, she could pick them up tomorrow.

'Going to bed, you? ' Ray asks.

' Same. Tired.'

Rachel gave Zack a light wave, with him returning the same friendly gesture to her, and they both did their part in covering their windows back up. Tomorrow was another day, and Rachel was eager to see how it would end up.

She thought about other things too, she had been saying more things around Danny, and she knew that the possibility of being relocated in another home was high. There was no telling where she would end up, what if it was really far away from her friend? Such a thought made her feel a little down. Sure, Ray wants a better life, but there's just one sacrifice she doesn't want to make for it.

Maybe with how things turn out, she'll figure out what to do from there, but for now, she just wants to enjoy this one moment of happiness. If change was coming, it would be on her own terms.