" Mason Anderson! How many times do I have to tell you to put your seatbelt on!?"
" But Mom! It's so annoying!"
When she say's your full name, you have no choice but to do as she says. My mother sat in the passenger seat beside my Dad, who was trying to concentrate on the road. I could easily notice his eye twitching in the mirror. Cause this trip has been full of yelling and complaints, and the fact that we've driving all night didn't help. And I was exhausted because someone had to keep dad from falling asleep at the wheel.
" May, listen to your mother. Or so help me I will pull this car over and do it myself." He said sternly with a hint of anger and annoyance.
Sighing in frustration I reached over my shoulder grabbing the strap buckling myself to the seat.
" I thought we'd be there by now." I grumbled crossing my arms.
" New York isn't exactly a hop skip and away. If I had to dance like a ballerina just to be there in two seconds, I would." Dad yawned leaning forward in his seat trying to stretch his back.
" Totou and all?" I raised a brow.
" If means getting some sleep. Definitely."
Mom just laughed to herself at the thought of her husband being in a totou and tights. " Hon, I'd would disown you then and there."
" Hmph, you wouldn't resist me."
" Don't flatter yourself sweetie." Mom scoffed.
Looking out the window seeing the vast flat land pass by. It was strange moving to a new place. In a blink of an eye we're moving to New York from California. Go figure. Dad getting a new job and all was great. But I didn't think moving would be so hard. It's not like I had any friends or anything, but a new school, environment and home. I'm sure that would scare anybody. Not that I'm .Not me.
A white and gray ball of fur hopped on my lap drawing me out of my thoughts.
" You getting tired of feeling cooped up Furball?" I ran my hand across the messy fur of the just yawned stretching across my lap extending claws out. " Yeah, I'd like to get of the car to." I sighed scratching behind her ear.
The sky outside was starting to grow cloudy, as thunder cut through the air. Looks like it's going to rain soon.
We still have a long drive, and it was barely the afternoon. And dad looks like he's going to pass out on the steering wheel. But he was just as stubborn as me, must run in the family. And we're probably not gonna stop anytime soon, cause from the vast flat land. There doesn't appear to be a gas station for miles.
Pulling out a book I got to reading with Furball curled up in my lap fluffing her fur up.
I don't know when I fell asleep, but the sound of my book falling to the floor woke me. The sky looked darker when I last saw it. Furball was still curled up on my lap body rising and falling as she breathed in her sleep. She was so warm,
The sound of rain pattering against the window landed on my ears, as I rubbed my eyes. It didn't look like any normal drizzle...no. Lighting flashed across the dark sky thunder claps following after.
" Dad?"
" Your father is sleeping." Mom looked back at me from the rearview mirror. She was the one know driving while my dad sat snoring in the passenger seat.
Yawning, I sat up straight careful of trying not to wake Furball who stirred with a small huff.
" You doing okay?"
" I'm fine sweetie, just exhausted is all." She smiled tiredly through the mirror.
" I just thought we'd were there already." I leaned my head against the cold window.
" Me too." She sighed. " But I'm sure the new place will work out fine. Besides you get to have a bigger room, just like you wanted. And there's a small school. I'm sure you'll meet new people. You might even make a few friends." She tried to lift the mood a bit with that last part.
" No one wants to be my friend. They'll think I'll fight them or something." I huffed.
" Well, if you actually talk to some people they might not see you that way."
" Might."
Another lightning bolt flashed illuminating the land. A glimmer poked at the corner of my vision. Right in the side mirror of the car a distant car was driving behind us. Squiting to get a closer look-
Something's not right. The two headlights seemed to be growing in the reflection. And fast. " Mom." I called out in warning. The sound of another car revving got closer, " MOM!"
The car jerked forward, Mom screamed as she tried to gain control of the wheel, but the wet asphalt wasn't doing any good. The car was sliding as my mom tried to slam on the brakes. The car behind us revved again as it's tires screeched. Our car had swerved sideways, the headlight of the white van that throttled on the road blinded my vision. The large van collided in the middle of our car, on impact it sent us off the road rolling. The glass broke, but I couldn't shield my eyes as I tried to hold onto Furball.
Glass hit my eyes, as my body was hit on all sides.
Furball cried in distress as she pawed at my face. When the car came to a stop, my body ached all over. Water trickled from above soaking my clothes. I felt gravity tugging at my side and the seat belt buckled around me was constricting as I was hanging sideways.
The sound of a car door slamming shut, made me jerk. Pain flared throughout my head, as the sound of crunching glass filled the air, and it was getting closer.
Furball hissed, growling loudly.
Feeling around for the buckle I clicked the button. Regretting it as I fell across the seat hitting the other door. " ARGGGH!" I screamed in pain as a shard of glass stabbed through my sweater. It felt so much worse than a needle from the doctors.
" Ngh...May?" Dad stirred groaning as he tried to move, but the car had dented from the front and now his legs were trapped. " W-What happened? Are you alright?"
Blindly feeling my surroundings my hand latched onto the seat. "C-Car crashed-..from..behind." I didn't pulling myself would be so hard. And I think my back may or may not be bruised. Cause it felt like it was on fire. " D-Doing great."
Furball hissed louder claws digging into the seat.
A dark figure approached the car wreck, as the other figure got out of the van. " It will be of this place that we must retrieve specimens which is in this place."
My body froze, I couldn't see, but that voice sounded to...unnerving to be human.
" Who's there!?" Dad yelled as he struggled to get his legs free.
" J-John?" Mom's voice sounded hoarse as she stirred awake.
" Darcy, stay calm." Dad's voice shook the panic in his voice was clear.
The door was ripped apart, as the sound of my mother screaming and thrashing made my heart sink. Dad yelled struggling under the weight of the car on his legs. My body locked in on itself, I want to move but it wasn't really listening to my mind. But what am I going to do? Something warm trickled down my cheek, reaching a hand up it felt to thick to be rain water.
" Get your hands off my wife!" Dad rustled around, there was the sound of metal bending under pressure followed by my Dad's cries of pain. " Let go! Damnit!" He clung to the seat and saw his daughter hiding behind the seat. The dark figures pulled at his legs with less effort on their part. " Mason, May." His voice was lower than a whisper. " Whatever happens, don't come out."
" D-Dad?"
The figures dragged him out as he thrashed around in their grip. They left him right next to his wife who was shaking with fear, her eyes flicking between her husband and the car. Giving her a nod John struggled to sit himself up, but puncture wounds on his legs restricted his movements.
" Who are you?' He growled as he glared at the two men. They didn't say anything as one had a gun aimed at them if they tried anything.
" That is none of your business, which is ours." The man spoke in a monotone voice. The one holding the gun nodded to the other. The weaponless one moved grabbing John and Darcy by their arms and throwing them through the open van doors. And slamming them shut.
Thunder claps boomed louder, making Furball retreat back towards me, pawing my lap. Feeling around through the darkness, I could feel her wet matted fur, the feline was shivering as I stroked her back.
My head turned in the direction to the sound of the van's tires skidding across dirt and asphalt.
Curling in on myself I held Furball close, as we both shivered from the cold. For once in my life, I'm actually alone.
And that's what scares me the most.
Beep beep beep beep…
" Any changes?"
" No."
" How long has it been?"
" 1 week sir."
The doctor sighed as he looked over the clipboard. " Mason Anderson, concussion, eye injuries, hypothermia."
" Police said she was found off the side of the road outside Lanecaster." The nurse spoke looking at the patients sleeping form. It took the nurses hours to get every shard of glass from her eyes. And since she had them in so long she may have some seeing problems. And one of where ear drums were ruptured, hearing problems may occur as well. But maybe by dome miracle it'll girl almost looked blue when they first brought her in.
But when putting fluids and kept warm, her tanned skin wasn't as pale, it was actually a perfect shade. Like the sun kissed her. Her long brown hair draped on her sides, and those golden eyes were something rare. Too bad there was glass in them for her to get a closer look.
" Just only 10 years old," the doctor sighed frowning, " what about the parents?"
" Missing, the bodies weren't found. It's like they just disappeared." The nurse shrugged as she walked over adjusting the fluid tube flicking it a few times. " Poor thing. Probably has no family. Or else someone would've visited her by now."
" Yeah." The doctor placed the clipboard back to the bed. " I actually got a call today, some social workers will come by later today."
The nurse only frowned, as she moved a strand of hair back from Mason's face. Her face was covered in cuts, a large bandage covered a large cut on her arm. At such a young age and she already lost her parents.
" Um? Nurse Carol?"
" Yes?"
" Is that a cat?" The doctor pointed to a ball of fur curled up on Mason's chest. He walked over reaching out to pet it. But Fur ball's ear twitched hearing the man's footsteps, it's head perked up from its ball and it hissed at the man.
" Oh, the little thing didn't want to be separated from her and whenever we tried to touch it. It would go full on kamikaze. So we just let it be. I didn't think a cat could be so loyal."
" I can see that." He quickly pulled his hand back before the small feline could scratch his hand with it's claws. " Well I'll come by later to check on any progress. I got appointments today."
" Monday's are always the worst Dr. Harmon." Carol laughed as she waved the doctor off.
" Damn right." He chuckled leaving the room.
" Please I advise you not to stress her out. The girl just woke up." Carol walked down the hospital halls.
" We'll try not to ask to many questions ma'am." The woman spoke, as she adjusted her folder on her arm.
" We know how to handle situations madam. So we'll be brief." The man spoke as walked beside his partner.
" Just keep in mind, she lost her parents and hasn't taken it well so far." Carol frowned, as she came up to the door twisting the doorknob gesturing them inside.
There sat Mason staring at Furball in her lap. The cat perked up eyeing the two people who walked in who sat themselves beside the bed. Furball growled as her fur lifted on end, eyes watching their every movement.
Mason didn't even acknowledged them as she stared aimlessly into her lap. They had removed the bandages from her eyes but didn't exactly have perfect vision.
" Hello there Mason." The man spoke in a hush voice. " You doing alright?"
Nothing.
He cleared his throat. " I'm Joshua and this is my friend Nancy." He gestured to his partner who frowned looking at Mason. " We just came here to ask you a few questions. You don't have to answer some of them if you don't want to."
Finally Mason looked in his direction but her eyes stared at the wall. She just nodded her head meekly.
" Okay, do you know any living family members? Friends of your parents?"
She answered with a shake of her head.
Carol stood off to the side quietly listening. If they did anything to make her uncomfortable it was her job to remove them from the room. Can't have them killing off her patient.
" We're your parent acting out of the ordinary before their disappearance?"
That question made Mason stiffen her shoulders, but she shook her head. Furball noticed her owners distress, the caat got up and rubbed her head against Mason's forearm. It seemed to help her relax.
Nancy spoke before Joshua could ask another question. " Is that your cat?" Mason turned her head towards the woman's direction and nodded as she stroked Furball's head. " I have two back at home. Their both trouble makers, their always opening doors in my house, sneaky little pests. I actually thought my house was haunted till I found one of them trying to open my pantry door with his paws." She laughed lightly.
A small smile grew on Mason's face, but quickly fell.
" Mason, it's okay. We're here to help you." Nancy spoke in a gentle voice scooting her chair closer to the bed. Earning a glare from Furball.
Mason's expression turned grim as she held Furball closer and just shook her head.
Sighing Joshua turned to Nancy placing a hand on her shoulder. " She needs some time to adjust to her situation."
" Right." Nancy frowned sitting back.
" So Mason, we're you and your parent's moving?"
Nod.
" Do you remember what happened that night?"
Shake. Tremble.
" Are you feeling any pain at the moment?"
Nod.
" I know this is hard but, do you have any belongings?"
Clutch Furball. Nod.
" I'm sure you're a smart kid," he sighed leaning forward placing his elbows on his knees. " but you must know why we're here."
...Nod.
" You don't have to be afraid."
Shake. Deep breathes.
The monitor began to beep faster. Carol noticed that Mason's heart rate was picking up.
" Mason, I'm sorry. But you're parents….they're gone."
Tremble. Breathe. Gasp. Cry.
Those last two word must've hit her hard cause the monitor was beeping even louder and Mason's grip on the cat tightened as Furball cried out. Carol moved across the room to Mason's side.
" I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
Joshua and Nancy's faces were full of worry but got up and left. Leaving the nurse to care for the girl.
" Alright. We're here." Nancy announced as she pulled into the driveway. " You'll be staying with me for today till we can get you into the system and find you a home nearby."
I held onto furball as she clung to my new red navy sweater, she seemed to like it too cause she kept messing with the lace.
Nancy got out of the car gesturing me to follow. I lugged my backpack with new clothes over my shoulder. Leaving the hospital was a relief, but not having 20/20 vision wasn't as good. I couldn't really see two feet in front of me. I might as well be legally blind.
I tripped over the edge of the sidewalk, but caught myself cause I really don't want to land my cat. Furball meowed with worry as she clutched onto my clothes. I patted her head righting myself. All I could do was follow Nancy's blurry figure. The sound of creaking door steps landed on my ears. Blindly reaching for the wooden railing, I used it to keep myself from tripping again and made it onto well, what I think is a porch.
" Ah ha! Here we go." Her keys jingled as she unlocked the door swinging it open. " Just make yourself comfortable. I'll make us something to eat." She said as we walked through the door.
Furball sniffed the air hopping out of my hold. I really couldn't see where I was going but I know it was a living space cause I felt the cushions of a couch. And it was a fluffy one at that. Maneuvering myself around I stiffly sat myself down.
The pain on my back was now just a dull ache, and my arm was just sore every time I moved it. The sound of a distant meow from across the room made me jump. It sounded to deep to be Furball.
" Scruff! What did I tell you about- EW!" Nancy cried out in the same direction of the cat. " You're covered in syrup!" A small jingle moved beside me followed by rushing footsteps. " Scruff!" Nancy yelled out in anger, but stopped with a loud gasped.
Something sticky made it's way under my hand but it was fluffy at the same time.
" Wow, um." Nancy moved across the room to remove her syrup drenched cat. " I'm sorry bout that." The cat meowed in distress in return. " He got into the pantry again," she chuckled lightly.
" I-It's fine." I whispered moving my sticky fingers.
" Scruff doesn't really approach people like that….actually….he hates everybody."
Furball rolled around on the floor, ears perking up at the sound of the other cat. Rushing over she sat herself on my lap and glared at Scruff. Fur standing on end as she growled.
" Furball doesn't like to share." I smiled at my cat who began to lick my sticky hand.
" How unfortunate, cause Sal over there want's to join in on the fun." Nancy nodded her head to an orange cat who crept into the room, peeking its head from behind a lamp.
Furball hissed at the orange cat standing on all fours.
" Nancy?"
" Yes?"
" U-um, I can't really see. M-My eyes…"
" I know, I know. I already set an appointment today for the eye clinic. We'll go straight after dinner. How does pizza sound?"
Nodding I sunk into the couch pulling Furball close.
" Good, cause I was going to cook us something nice, but a certain cat mauled all my food." She glared at the Scruffy in her arms. Who just rubbed it's head against her shoulder.
Just as she said we went to the clinic after had to guide me around the clinic, it was embarrassing. I felt like an elderly woman who needed help crossing the street. The doctor showed me a variety of lenses to see which one worked better. And there was a lot I had to go through just to be able to see my own hands.
But in the end I got a prescription and Nancy paid the lady at the desk, as I got fitted for some glasses of my choice. But I really couldn't see them. Like how am I supposed to pick a frame if I can't see it!?
" I think these one's suit you." Nancy placed a large frame over my face.
Reaching up I felt the frame. Metal, semi-rimless, square frame.
" What color is it?"
" They're good ol' classic gold! They match your eyes."
Well if Nancy approved and I really don't have much of a choice , I blind as of now. I nodded which seemed to make her happy cause she gave a small squeal of excitement.
I know weird. I'm 10 and she's literally an adult. But I didn't want to say anything to ruin her mood.
" Alright, we'll take these frames." She gently removed the frames from my face and handed them back to the lady.
" Great, I'll place an order right now."
" How long will it take for them to get here?"
" Well judging from the lens she was prescribed. It might take 2 weeks."
Nancy sighed looking at me then to the lady. " Alright, thank you for your help."
The lady bid us goodbye as we left the clinic, Nancy made me wrap an arm around hers. " Well, Mason. It seems like you won't be able to see for awhile. Sorry."
" May. You can call me May." I gripped her arm tighter.
" Let me guess. Dad wanted a boy." She chuckled.
"Y-Yeah, something like that."
" My Dad almost named me Stewart. Till my Mom told the nurses not to name me Stewart behind his back. She didn't let him see me for 2 days." She laughed.
I could feel her body vibrate under my grip.
I really couldn't remember anything from that night. Only that it was cold and dark. When I had woken up in the hospital the nurse, Carol, took care of me for a while. She was kind, but when she told me my parents were gone, I just shut down. I didn't know how to react-I still don't- ,but it hit me like a rock. Now it's just me and Furball. Alone.
Don't get me wrong Nancy is a nice person and all. But I don't think I'll trust her, she is the one sending me off into a home after all. But I can't blame her, it's her job to just slap kids into orphanages.
Do I deserve this?
" You can't take her with you."
" No." I growled.
" May please, don't make this hard." Nancy pleaded.
" Where I go she goes." I held Furball close, the cat swiped at Nancy as she tried to reach for her.
The car outside honked and there Joshua was waiting. " My sister agreed to adopt her. Furball will be in safe hands. You can trust he-"
" NO! I can't trust anyone I don't know! You're trying to take Furball away from me!" I snapped backing away from her. She blocked the door to keep me from running out with my only companion. Obviously I wouldn't make it far but I could at least try.
" Mason, the family doesn't accept pets. They're good people if you just-"
" Shut up!" I backed away from her. " I'm not going anywhere with anyone!"
Nancy frowned as she looked at me, clutching onto the cat for dear life.
I'd never let her go, Furball is all I have left. " Furball is my family."
Nancy sighed stepping aside from the door. " You can't hold onto her forever. So please May, let Furball go."
" I can't do that."
Footsteps rushed up the door steps. " What's taking so long- oh." His eyes landed on Mason holding onto the cat, keeping her distance. " Mason, you can't take her with you. So would you-"
" I won't!" I backed up another step, but felt something hit by foot making me fall backwards.
Furball fell out of my arms, but she didn't leave me.
" Quickly before it gets away!" Nancy yelled.
" C'mere Furball. That's a good kitty." Joshua cautiously approached the spotted cat. Furball hissed her fur standing on end from the tip of her tail, she bared her teeth and hissed loudly.
Nancy rushed over grabbing me by the arm pulling me away from the cat. " No!" I thrashed in her grip but she kept her body at a distance.
" I'm sorry May."
I was dragged out to the car as Joshua tried to grab my Furball. I felt tears prick at the corner of my eyes. But I was to angry to care. I was placed in the back seat, as I heard Joshua off in the distance crying out in pain. Furball was my cat for a reason.
" This is the only way they'll let you stay." Nancy crouched down beside the door. But I didn't look in her direction. " If you'd understand that we're trying to help you-"
" Help me? HELP ME?!" I whipped my head to where- I thought- she was. " I don't need anyone's help! I never asked for any of this or for you!"
She seemed taken back cause I heard her make a small choke.Good. She should feel sad, hurt, she deserved every ounce of pain I'm feeling.
" I-I'm sorry May, but this is for the best." She stood up and closed the door.
I don't need her or anyone. A sinking feeling began to seep into my heart. As the tears finally fell.
I really am alone. . . .
- 1 year later-
Again and again, I was moved. Family to family. And every one of them had a bad time. Now the care system had relocated me in New York. Damn was it crowded, all the kids were always crying for their non existent parents. It was pathetic, they should've figured out by now that no one was coming for them. Just a bunch of strangers that come in for an appointment, dreaming of having a big happy family. Give me a break.
I lugged my backpack over my back, as the kids in the room I shared fell asleep. Pulling my hood over my head I snuck across to the door, the floorboard creaking under my weight. I didn't even look back as I exited out into the hall, looking both ways to see if anyone was up. But was only greeted with silence.
Slipping through the door gently closing it. I quickly but lightly ran down the narrow hallway and skipped a few steps down the stairs. The sound of a clock softly ticking filled the still air.
Soft paws skidded across the polished wood floor. I froze in my tracks as I saw the resident dog. It was a small brown dachshund, the little had adhd and literally never sleeps. It stared at me wagging it's tail in the air.
BARK!
" Shh!" I hissed at it making the dog back away, " shut up boy! Go play with that tennis boy you love so much."
The dog only whimpered but barked again. Facepalming I adjusted my glasses and glared at the noodle of a dog. " Just this last time."
The dog's head perked up rushing out of the living area moving behind and disappearing behind a wall before reappearing with a bright green ball in it's mouth. It dropped it at my feet, looking at me expectantly.
Grabbing the ball I rolled it across the room, the bright ball rolled under the couch. And as fast as it's stubby legs could carry it, the dog ran sliding against the floor.
Taking this as my chance, I made my way towards the door but the second I pulled the knob an alarm went off.
" Damnit."
I ran down the steps and onto the sidewalk. The cool night air slapped me in the face like water. I didn't know it would get this cold in New York.
**** fast forward****
I found myself running inside a McDonald's. Since I saw the sign Open 24 hrs I slipped inside through the entrance to keep myself from getting spotted by the cashier. A few people eyed me as I made my into the play place, since it was so late in the night. The play area was empty, dragging myself up the bright colored slide. I set my backpack against the plastic wall and laid my head against the stiff bag. I wish I could escape, where there weren't any people. Just me myself and I.
The Foster mother was on the phone as I sat by the window reading a book. But the damn little weiner dog kept coming back to me so I could throw that stupid ball. I glanced at the woman who had a smile growing on her face.
I knew that smile. It was the she's- finally-going-to-be-gone smile. It happens all the time. I saw her look at me but when she saw that I noticed she quickly turned away.
" That's great news. I'll make sure she has everything ready by tomorrow."
Great another one.
She placed the phone back in it's holster on the wall, she smiled as she looked at me making her way over.
" Mason, you better pack things. Tomorrow they're moving you out of here."
Why does she sound so damn, happy?
I guess I did cause her a lot of trouble. I did switch out her shampoo with the dogs. And put dog food in the spaghetti sauce. And I practically shun all the other kids in this damn home. They're so annoying, always asking for help, haven't they learned that no will ever come for them. It's so stupid.
" Yipee." I added fake excitement as I kept reading.
" Now Mason, can't you just be happy about this."
Is she serious?
" I am, can't you see I'm bouncing with joy." I flipped a page.
" Now Ms. Anderson," She put her hands on her hips. Wow so intimidating. " You'll have no more complaints once you're out of here. Now go upstairs and pack your things." She huffed watching me expectantly.
Sighing I got up closing my book not breaking eye contact. " Hope you're happy." I scoffed brushing past her.
" Oh I will be, once you're gone."
Something heavy collided into my sleeping form jerking me awake. Ending up sprawled at the bottom of the slide. My backpack landed beside me along with a strange kid.
" Ow!" The small child whined rubbing his head.
Shoving him off, I saw that there was more than one now. The play place was now full of small human beings. The morning sun shined through the large glass window, as some parents looked at me strangely. Probably because a kid too large for the slide just popped out of nowhere.
I snatched my bag shoving pass some toddlers. I bursted through the door to the dining area.
Well crud.
I dove behind a booth peeking my head over the seat. There were two cops holding a paper to the cashier, lips moved but I couldn't really hear from this distance. The cashier looked at the paper staring at it for a moment and shook their head.
The cops nodded and stepped aside for the worker to start taking the customer's orders. The cops whispered to each other before making their way to the door. Just before my prayers could be answered I felt a hand on my shoulder.
" Hey! You need to apologize!" A woman with long blonde hair glared at me. And she did not look happy. Behind her stood a child whose face was covered in snot and tears. " You can't just go around hurting young children.
Glancing behind me the two cops heard the commotion. Their eyes widened when they saw me and looked back at the paper then to me again. One spoke and pointed. The partner nodded reaching his hand for his radio saying something into it.
Before the lady could start ranting out more of her anger. I held my bag close and dove between her legs. Again in the play place, kids ran around yelling and biting each other. Adorable angels aren't they?
Frantically looking around I spotted a black framed door with the words EMERGENCY ESCAPE in bold red letters.
" Stop right there!" A cop burst through the door moving to grab me.
Evading his hand I grabbed some fries from a kids hand and threw it in his face. He cried out in pain as salt flakes burned his eyes.
" My fwies!" The kid cried out in anger pouting.
The cop rubbed his eyes he reached for his radio, " she's going for the emergency exit."
Slamming my body on the door the restaurant's alarm blared making everyone scream and panic. Cold air washed over me as I looked both ways, the coast was clear.
Slinging my backpack strap over my shoulder I pulled my hood up. Sneaking against the wall of the building. There the other cop stood waiting.
" I got you now." I felt arms grab me from behind. The cop's eyes were red and puffy from the salt burn, a few fries were stuck in his hair along with salt flecks. " You just had to make it the hard way huh?"
I struggled in his grip as the other cop made his way over. " She sure got you Wilson." He laughed.
" Shut up rookie." He grumbled flicking the fries from his hair. " Let's just get her back to the home. I can't believe I got my ass handed by an eleven year old." He grumbled that last part to himself.
" What were you thinking!?" The foster mother yelled, her face looked tired and exhausted. Someone forgot to put their makeup on this morning. " Where were you gonna go huh!?"
The cops stood beside the couch as I sat there hood pulled over my head.
" Oh my gosh! She'll be here any minute and if she finds out about this she'll never adopt you." She paced back and forth around the living room.
Uh, am I missing something her?
There was the sound of the doorbell, and everything went silent. Even the dog for once actually stopped moving around.
Ms. Perfect stiffly walked over to the door trying-horribly- to fix her hair. She opened the door with a smile. " Ms. Grey you're here very early!"
" Really? I believe I'm here on time as we discussed." A woman walked through the door holding a large bag in her hands.
" Of course! Please take a seat."
walked into the room and her eyes instantly landed on me. Dark black hair cascaded down her shoulders in contrast to her pale skin. Her eyes were a piercing gray, as she looked into my gold ones. She smiled softly as she set the large bag down. Oddly the bag rustles and moved.
" And you must be Mason." Her voice was like silk. Can someone even sound like silk?
I just glared at her as she made her way over to me, her heels tapping with each step. She held her hand out for me. " I'm Grey. But you can call me Diane."
Staring at her hand then to her face, I really couldn't bring myself to shake it. " Here to take me another home." I didn't think I could sound so cold. But it was more of a statement than a question.
She pulled her hand back, "something like that. Except you'll be staying with me." My eyes widened like saucers, oh dios. I'm getting adopted? " Unless you'd prefer to stay her-"
" No!" I word came out all too quickly before I could even think about it.
Ms. Grey blinked at my small outburst and looked to Ms. Wanna Be Mother. " She's just eager to leave." She laughed nervously, clearing her throat.
" Well then, let's say we get outta here?" She moved to grab the bag from the floor. " Good bye gentlemen." She nodded to the cops who only nodded back.
A car was parked outside on the street. I swung my backpack over my shoulder, while Ms. Grey walked down the steps. I flipped the cops the bird before slamming the door shut.
" You're probably hungry. And I'm not much of a cook." Ms. Grey started to speak as we got up in her black car. " My sister is more of a cook than me." She laughed at her jab.
I just sat in the front seat pulling my seatbelt on. She didn't seem to complain about where I sat, cause usually people would want me in the back. I noticed the bag in her lap as it rustled again.
" What's in that thing?" I raised a brow pointing to the bag.
" Oh! It's just my cat. I couldn't leave her alone or else she'd start tearing up my furniture. She's never really liked me every since I got her."
" How long have you had her?"
" A year. My sister told me she had a stray cat and she was offering, so how could I say no. Would you like to see her?" She moved the bag in the middle so I could see.
" Can I hold her?" I asked not keeping my eyes off the bag.
" Sure, but if she cuts you up. I warned you, she never really likes anyone, not even me. But I believe she'll let up soon." She smiled as she unzipped the bag.
My heart almost stopped in my chest. As tears threatened to spill from the corners of my eyes.
" Furball?"
The white spotted cat lunged at me meowing and rubbing her head under my chin.
" How'd you know her name was Furball?" Ms. Grey furrowed her brows in confusion as she watched the scene unfold.
" Is your sister's name Nancy by any chance?"
- 3 years later -
" May! Get up! Time for school!"
I groaned tossing and turning in bed. My alarm blared as the numbers 7:00 o'clock blinked with each beep. Sluggishly I slammed my hand on the snooze button. Furball meowed stretching across the blanket. She looked a lot bigger as her belly was swollen. Damn was this cat snappy when and Diane almost freaked out when we found out our cat got knocked up by a stray. But then again, there'll be new additions to the small family of ours. I reached over and rubbed her round belly.
" How you doing girl?" I yawned sitting up.
Furball just curled back up as I moved the blanket around like a nest. The cat liked it when she was being pampered. " I wish I could sleep in to." I grumbled rubbing the sleepiness out of my eyes.
" May! C'mon!"
" I'm up!" I yelled loud enough for her to hear. But that didn't seem to work cause I could hear her running up the stairs.
The door to my room swung open hitting into the wall. She's done it so many times that there was a hole created by the door knob. We gave up on fixing it because she'd only break it again.
" I don't care if today's the last day of school! You're going."
" Diane. I'm up! Jeez." I hopped out of bed pulling on a black t-shirt and slipped on my black sweater sweater just where I left them last night. The floor. " W-Where are my glasses?" I felt around my nightstand, for my eyewear.
" To your left. No, your other left." Diane spoke traces of sleep still in her voice.
Finally I found them and slipping them on. The world turned from blurry to crystal clear in just a second. " Whoa." I cringed.
Diane's hair was sticking out in all directions, bags-more like luggage- hung under her eyes. She looked like the walking dead. Hell she was still wearing just a tank top and shorts.
" You look like you're faring well yourself." I snickered, pointing with a finger to all of her.
She looked down examining herself. " Please this my morning radiance." She flipped her black tangled hair over her shoulder.
" Oh yeah, you're practically glowing." I deadpanned. Damn she looked like she just fell out of bed. Which she probably did cause I could see the red mark on the side of her cheek from the fall.
" Just get ready for school. You don't have to take your backpack if you don't want to."
" Ugh!" I sighed in frustration. " Can't I just skip? It's only one day!"
" Nope! If I have to work, then you have to go to school. Besides don't you wanna say goodbye to some of your friends?"
" I don't have friends. I got Furball." I pointed to the currently pregnant cat that snoozed on my blankets.
" Furball is a cat. I mean an actual human being."
" Well I don't have any alright. I don't need them." I crossed my arms, eyes narrow.
She just rolled her eyes. " That don't work on me sweetie. I know how big of a softie you are." She pointed a finger with a smirk.
" I'm not soft!" I stomped a foot on the ground like a child.
" Sure, you keep telling yourself that." She turned closing the door. " If you're not ready in 30 minutes, I'm gonna attempt to make you some cereal." Her voice faded as she left.
My face paled, Diane and food don't mix and that was just cereal. The most simple thing to make on the planet. Don't even ask how she could screw that up. It's like a curse, if she picks up a spatula or a spoon you better say your prayers. If you want to live to see the next day.
" May, please don't get into anymore fights. It's the last day." Diane furrowed her brow in worry as I got out of the car slamming the door shut.
" Can't make any promises." I fixed the straps of my fingerless gloves. I never leave without my babies.
" Mason Anderson Grey."
Damn she used my full name. I hate it when she does that…just like my mom.
" Ugh fine. I'll try." I hooked my backpack over my shoulder backing away from the car.
" Alright, I'll be home late today so order some take out!" she yelled out the car window as I walked up the steps to the school.
I was knocked against the locker as a boy hit me in the stomach. There was no one around...and that was a good thing.
I was on my way to the ladies room till four of my favorite schoolmates decided to show up to surprise me.
" Yeah get her Tom!" One cheered Tom on as he had landed a blow to my stomach, almost knocking the air out of. Almost." Show her we ain't no pushovers." Damn this kid didn't even know how to throw a proper punch.
Clenching my hand I blindly swung a right hook into Tom's jaw, sending the boy crumpling to the floor. " Wow, ganging up on a girl with no one around. Very smart of you." I grinned pulling my hand back, but my glove did most of the impact, as I saw Tom's cheek turn red. He cried out in pain holding his face.
" We won't take your bullying anymore. Not next year either!" The smaller one yelled.
" You did this to yourself when you losers thought you could make a pass at me. And you think I'm going to just let that go?" I stepped over Tom who bawled up on the floor.
I grabbed the boy by the collar of his shirt and rammed him into the lockers. " But that was almost a year ago!" He cried out.
" Doesn't matter." I growled, raising an arm to punch him.
But the large one of the group, Roy, bull rammed be from the side trying to drive me into the ground. I raised my arms and slammed my hands on his neck maneuvering his head towards the floor. Which worked cause he let go when his arms spasmed from the blow, and face planted the waxed tile flooring.
Small boy quickly ran off while I was distracted, and that only left one. " Casey Jones." I grinned.
" Hey I'm just here for the show." He smirked. " I warned them, but did they listen nooooo."
" Last day of school. Might as well go out with a bang." I cracked my knuckles.
" I'll say. But I ain't here to fight." He laughed leaning against his hockey stick. " I was wondering if-"
" No."
" You didn't even let me finish!" He threw an arm in the air.
" Unless you don't wanna end up like dork one and dork two here. Then don't ask." I narrowed my eyes. This boy is always trying to ask me out, every since I transferred here.
" Fine, fine. Can't blame a guy for trying." He lifted his hands up in surrender.
" Whatever." I rolled my eyes turning on my heel walking down the hall.
" Nice see'n ya too Sunshine!" He yelled out, his voice echoing throughout the hall.
When the last bell rang, it was like a herd of animals were let loose out into the wild. People shoved each other against lockers trying to get the hell outta here. I mean who wouldn't? It was the last day of our prison sentence.
I stuffed my hands in my pocket as I turned a corner walking across the street. The day seemed to stretch when I had to walk home.
Ever since Diane adopted me (of course I gave her a hard time in the beginning but this woman wouldn't let up on me, she's the most patient woman in the world), we had moved to the other side of the city. It was more dark and gloomy over. The residents always cranky and snapping at each other's necks. But this is New York, what can you do?
I walked past Antonio's pizza, smelling the fresh cooked dough cooking in the oven. As a pipe over the building let the aroma escape into the air. My stomach growled from just the smell alone.
And in just a few minutes I found myself buying two boxes with a slice already in my mouth. Hey Diane said to get take out. Pineapple and Jalapeno is always my favorite. What? I like them spicy. If only I had red pepper flakes.
Balancing the boxes on my hand, I walked past an alley. And in the corner of my vision I saw a figure standing dead smack in the middle. Pausing to turn I saw that it was a man in a suit, but the second I blinked, he was gone.
Um?
I looked around but people just passed me by like there was no Slenderman in the alleyway. Glancing back one more time I continued my walk down the block. The pizza boxes warmed my hands from the cold. Feeling the warmth through the leather gloves. They were a gift from Diane, she knew I wanted them cause when ever I saw someone wearing them I would just stare. And when she would ask I would play it off. But that woman saw right through me. What is she psychic?
A brown hair strand blew in my face, as a breeze pressed against my face. Maybe Diane was right, I could use a trim. My hair grew way past my shoulders. But the pony tail didn't keep the strands out of my face. Maybe a pixie cut? Nah.
Walking up the steps to my home, I saw Furball sitting at the window, but she didn't even acknowledge me. Usually she's rushing to the door. She kept looking out across the street. Following her gaze I saw that she was looking at a large white van parked down the lane. And if my cat was wary, then so was I. Furball is like our security cat. One time a rat was in our kitchen and she just mauled that thing. Of course we took her to the vet after.
But, if she saw something was off. Then you should be scared. Animals tend to have a sixth sense. And I don't believe in the supernatural, but I sure as hell believe in my cat.
Opening the door I walked in undusting my boots on the welcome mat. " Furball, you alright girl?" I set the pizza's down on the coffee table and made my way over to the living room window. There she was sitting, I could hear the growl emitting from her throat, her fur was puffed up just like how it always does when she gets defensive. Moving the curtains, my blood went cold.
There was never a man standing outside the van. It was the same one with the black office suit. He was facing in my direction, I can just feel it, and that seemed to make Furball hiss with rage.
Grabbing the cat, I placed her on the floor and frantically pulled the blinds down and shut the curtains.
I'm being stalked by Slenderman…
Rushing over to the door, I locked it and shoved a chair under the knob. The air in the house was quiet and still. And that's what scared me. Diane had made me take some self defense, cause hello! We're living in New York, anything could happen! But I didn't think I would ever be in this kind of situation in my life.
SHATTER!
Me and Furball jumped at the sound of glass breaking. It came from upstairs. Furball crept towards the stairs keeping her body low to the ground ears pulled back. I can't believe my pregnant cat is taking the initiative of the whole situation. I'm pathetic.
Grumbling I grabbed her gently moving her behind me. " You stay here girl. Can't have you overworking yourself. Ain't that right momma?" I rubbed her head as she snorted.
Looking around I moved to grab the iron rod from the fireplace and made my way up the stairs. Trying to keep most of my weight off my feet. With rod in hand I looked down the narrow hallway.
Diane's room was at the end of the hall, but my room was to the right, the only with the fire escape. I always kept the window locked cause I found that to be a vulnerability to this small buildings design. Anyone could pull the ladder down from below and break in. But my pepper spray was in the drawer of my nightstand.
I knew I should've carried that damn thing around with me. Back against the wall I saw that my room door was slightly open. Using my other hand to open it, the hinges creaked. There lay the shards of glass across my room floor. But there was no one there.
Dios was I wrong.
Slowly turning around, there he was.
Slenderman stood behind the door face stoic. It just held no expression, he closed the door and stepped out of the corner.
I backed away glass crunching under my boots. I held the rod at my side waiting for him to make a move.
" Mason Anderson Grey." He spoke in a monotone voice.
I just looked him up and down, he didn't look like he was holding a weapon. His posture was stiff, his lifeless eyes stared at me. Everything about this man was off. His chest didn't rise or fall, like any normal human being. It was replaced with a faint sound of beeping coming from under his suit.
If some freak comes in and just knows your name and looks like frigg'n Slenderman. What would you do?
Well, I know what I'm gonna do.
Rod raised in hand, I charged aiming for his head. But he bent to the side at an angle at unnatural speed, the rod dug into the door behind him. I tried tugging it out of the door but wouldn't budge.
The man's hand came up and grabbed my arm twisting it. Crying out in pain my legs bent down out on reflex to lessen the pressure of his hold. But it still hurt like hell.
The only way to get out of this is to unwind the pressure. He had my wrist in a twist hold. So I quickly swept my legs around reversing the hold turning my arm in the process. But that didn't lessen his grip, still holding on strong. At least I was facing him now.
I swept my leg to hit him right at the side of thigh. The second my leg made contact, it burst in pain. It's like I hit a metal pole!
" All resistance is futile, cause that which you are doing is futile." He spoke in a monotone voice. The man ducked low sweeping my legs from under me. My back landed on the glass, but my jacket kept it from piercing my skin. " Surrender now." He loomed, reaching down to grab at my jacket.
Blindly reaching out, my hand touched something soft, not caring what it was I grabbed it and swung it at it's face.
SQUEAK
Furball's squeaky toy wheezed as it collided to the side of the man's head. But he didn't even blink! But it did distract as he watched the toy fall to the floor with another squeak. Diving under his legs I moved to grab the rod from the door, finally prying it off. Just as the man turned around to catch me, the rod grazed across his face making him stumble back.
There was no cry of pain, no blood. Just as I looked at the rod then to the man, who was now slowly turning to look at me. My body froze.
It wasn't even human.
A large tear from its temple stretching across to where the eye should be. There was a robot looking back at me, it beeped in malfunction as it regained it's composure.
" What are you?" I unconsciously backed up towards the door. As it stepped closer.
And before I knew it, there were hands wrapping around my throat, Dark spots covering the corner of my vision. And the last thing I saw was the robot looking right back at me, waiting.
" .Kraang..."