I hope you enjoy...I just watched the Children of the Corn and I loved it. I had to write something...and I had a story ready. So here it is!

"It's not because of the cruelty, is it?"

George looked up, glaring at Clara. Why must she be so difficult?

"What isn't?"

"The reason you want him dead. It's not just because he's horrible."

George groaned. The obvious hint in her voice said that she knew.

"So what, it's none of your business why."

"Yes it is, George. I'm doing this with you, I have I right to know our reasons."

"And what are yours?" George shot back, snapping his head up to look at her. "Why are you here?"

Clara cocked an eyebrow. "You know that. I'm here because of my brother. He's in that mess and I want him out. They've brainwashed him and stolen him from me. Plus, I hate corn." She offered George a grin. He rolled his eyes.

"Maybe I don't want to talk about it to you." He got up and strode across the barn, running his hand through his hair.

"Well, you've got no one else to talk to about it. And I already know. So go ahead and talk."

"Well. Dang it, Clara, you're so annoying. Fine. FINE. That's not it. Okay?"

Clara smiled in triumph. "It's because of Ruth."

George's exasperation turned into a scowl. "Yes, it is."

"Well, what's the deal? Tell me."

George spun on his heel and walked briskly toward her. He got up in her face and said, "Can't you see it? How she fawns over him? How much she loves to be around that sociopath?"

"Mmm. That's exactly what I see. So you love her, then, and it kills you that she could fall in love with a sociopath instead of you, or at least someone reasonable."

George backed off and sat beside Clara, and gave a small nod as he hung his head. Clara took a good long look at him and then nodded as well.

"Pick your head up, soldier. He'll never go down without a good fight. And I'm sure that's what you intend to give him."

George looked up and gave Clara the slightest ghost of a smile. "Thanks for being so caringly annoying."

"You're welcome." She smiled. "Anything else you want to share?"

George nodded again, this time more vigorously. "I'd like to tell you the whole story, actually. Since you just got here, you'll need more information to get your brother back, and talking will make me feel better, evidently."

"Well, shoot." Clara said.

"Alright. Well…I guess it really all started when my best friend fell in love with Malachai."