First of all, I want to thank those who reviewed this story. Reviews are necessary to keep a work alive, so please head on to other authors' works and give them what they deserve.

Sorry for any grammatical errors or whatsoever. Please review, that's all. :D

Cartoon version :D

"This place is not quite what is seems
Or any place that I was told it'd be."
- Get up by Mayday Parade.

"Ow!" She yelled out a sharp breath of pain for the third time of the same hour, stepping the smallest shard of broken glass under her heal. Perhaps she should have worn slippers before she took out the broom and dustpan. Great, another mistake of the day. She stopped sweeping the smallest shards and sat down on the kitchen table, raising her foot to knee level. She cursed under her breath again. This time, her heel was bleeding pretty badly.

From the corner of her eye, she caught the sight of one of them entering the kitchen. He stopped when she looked at him, then paced slowly towards her. His brown eyes shone under the light above them, and his brown hair swayed so gracefully as he moved. She should probably ask him to get a haircut.

His eyes wrote concern. "M-Mom, are you alright?" He asked.

Brittany smiled at him, her face giving out reassurance and warm love. "Of course I am, sweetie. Nothing can hurt me, remember?" Except your father walking away, She thought.

Her son looked at her foot for a moment, observing the small amount of blood gushing out. "But you're bleeding. Can I help you with anything?" A polite and gentle tone from a ten year-old. It reminded her of the sweetness of their father's tone, how the words came out of his red, lively lips. Brittany shook her head, forgetting the thought. She's sworn to herself not to remember any simple detail of him ever again, for what he did.

"No, I'm fine. Stay away from the kitchen or you'll end up like me." She smiled before going on. "Is your sister okay?"

"I think she's afraid you might ground her." After saying, his face wrote an expression of complaint. "Mom, why did I have to get a cry-baby for a twin sister?" He crossed his arms over his chest immaturely.

"You're just like her, you know. You cry at times too," She stated.

"Yeah, but not all the time."

Brittany rolled her eyes. "Okay, enough. Don't say things like that to your sister. You two are twins, and you act and look exactly the same way. What you say about her, you say to yourself. Remember that."

"Yeah, but-"

"Jay, hush." Brittany tried hard not to raise her voice.

Then his expression wrote another complaint. Brittany sighed. Do these things ever end? "Mom, can't you call me by my real name, for once?"

"I can't."

"Why?"

Because as stupid as I was, I named you after your father, that's why, Brittany thought but didn't say. "Because it's too long, that's why." Brittany didn't wait for another answer; for another complaint. She stood up from her seat and careful not to step on her pricked heel. "Now, Jay. Be a good brother and go to your sister. Tell her I'm not going to ground her. It was just an accident."

He sighed. "Okay, mom."

She staggered out of the kitchen, walking carefully with her other foot still hurting and bleeding. Outside the kitchen, she greeted the living room where Jay's twin sister sat on the brown couch, avoiding her gaze. Walking slowly and painfully, she smiled at her, then at Jay before heading up towards the stairs. She used the railings for support as she climbed up the steps. Reaching the end, she staggered carefully into the bathroom, not bothering to close the door behind her. She grabbed the medical kit and sat down on the rim of the bathtub.

After dressing the wound, she carefully stood up and placed the first aid back in place. As she head over to the sink, she caught a glimpse of herself in the bathroom mirror. She stopped and took her time to look at herself. She smiled, observing the changes she had undergone since he left. She still had the same auburn hair, blue eyes, perfectly pale skin tone, and the lips that used to be kissed all the time. The only changes were the two new lives walking around her house, and the responsibilities as a mother.

Her ex-boyfriend impregnated her when she was just 16 years old. But that didn't ruin her life in any way. She tried and failed to become a recording artist, and because of her early parenthood, her college choices were stretched thin. Her only choice was Education and she obtained her college diploma with flying colors. She never knew she could pull through college like that, and it seemed so easy. And now, she's a successful teacher in Jay and Brianna's school. Not only that, but because of her sisters' fame together with their husbands, she became known throughout the entire state as well.

Although she didn't fulfill her dream to become a famous singer, she's a proud as she could be where she was. A successful professional and a proud, young mother.

But even though she's as complete as she could think of, a part of her still felt a bit empty. Something inside her that doesn't feel satisfied with what she had. Something inside her that wants more. Something more.

But what?

She didn't know. But there's nothing she could do about it, and there would be no way on earth is she going to visit a therapist, so she tried to live her life as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.

But that empty spot still gave that uncomfortable tingle, and whatever she did, the feeling still lingered inside her.

.

After patching up her foot with a band-aid, she though again of her children as she made her way down the stairs. With every step came a new thought, of how proud she was of what they have become. Sure, Jay can be obnoxious at times, but he's a smart, handsome kid. After a tutor with one of Simon's kids, Jay passed every test the next day. Simone - Simon's son's name - thought he'd be hard to teach because of his rebellious nature (thank the father!).

And Brianna too, was exactly like herself, except for the brown hair. Pale skin to blue eyes, Brianna had it all. Smarts, yes. Beauty, double yes. Sweetness, over the normal, yes. She and her daughter had been best of friends for the past ten years. They did almost everything together, along with Jay too, of course. On a better point of view, she did everything with her children. Back when they were five years old, they used to practice for school plays almost every month, and they always take the lead singing role. They had nice voices too with amazing ranges.

Jay had the voice of an angel. Brianna sang like one, and never in her life had she felt so proud just watching two new lives receiving praise and applauds from strangers.

She stepped down the stairs again, and another thought hit her, which made her frown in thought. She cursed herself for even remembering.

She slowed down in her tracks, remembering the happy times she'd been through with Brianna. The "I love you, mommy" sentences, the sweet voices singing to her every new song she learned, the times she would tell her about what happened in school, the fragile, talkative child with suck an innocent voice whispering to her ear - all but a distant memory.

No one knew the reason, not even Simon who was a master of both medicine and psychology. She's been through several therapist across the state, and none of them seemed to help. Of all children, it had to happen to her. All of the sudden, at the age of seven, Brianna Kris Miller stopped talking.

. . . . . . .

He couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe everything. He's gone for only four years, and the whole California surprised him with many changes he'd missed. Everything has changed from parking lots to the airport sign. Once, it had been written in brown, block style and posted neatly above the entrance. But now, it was written in script style and it was everywhere, from hotel receptions to taxis. He couldn't believe it.

Every step he took, his mind would say things like, "Hey, I thought there was a store here," or, "Wasn't this thing like this or that?"

Heck, even the payphone was clean and shiny as if it had just been installed a few hours ago. A few minutes ago, he had contacted Simon to pick him up from the airport, but now it's night time between five and six o' clock, and he's still hasn't arrived. At least Simon was just as he remembered him to be - Smart, but not the most punctual person ever except when it comes to school.

After his departure with his (now) ex-girlfriend, Charlene, he couldn't control the urge to leave for California immediately. He arrived late afternoon, an after before five. For the whole travel, his mind was clear of Charlene's image, and he was even surprised himself on how quickly he had forgotten her after all they've been through.

His other ex-girlfriend hadn't been so easy to forget. His first ex-girlfriend, to be exact.

Brittany Miller. Eleanor and Jeanette's eldest sister.

At the thought of her name, clear images appeared quicker than he could stop them. He forced them out of his thought, and even tried shaking his head, but the images were stuck in the walls of his mind like a permanent glue. Not only were they quick to appear, they were clear as well, as if he had only seen her seconds ago.

The image of silky, smooth auburn hair that flowed gracefully down the shoulders. The image of the soft, pale skin that made him shiver to his spine when they accidentally touch. And not to forget those blue eyes that shone like the bluest sapphires under the radiant moon. And when, all of a sudden, did he become so passionate when describing someone?

After a day in the army, he had sent letter to everyone including Brittany, letting them know that he was missing them already. Everyone but Brittany replied. His next letter was for Brittany's mother, Miss Miller, asking about Brittany. That too, came unanswered, and he knew their relationship was over. After months, he stopped sending letter to Brittany and her sisters, and tried to forget her. But even though he was deployed to the other side of the world, the image was stuck in his mind. And when he met Charlene, she was all it took to forget her, like a cloud blocking the sun.

But if that was the case, then Charlene was a huge rain cloud. A scumbag for all he knew. The kind of cloud that would take you out of the sun just to get you wet. But the storm that's so called Charlene has passed now, and she's nothing but a distant memory to him. Just a few hours, she's already gone from his mind, forgotten.

Unlike Brittany.

Standing at the waiting area, he saw a car approaching, in which he considered as awesome. It was a Lamborghini, the latest model clad in blue with a low roof. The only man that could drive that had to be rich, and judging by the color and the way it slowed down next to him, he knew he was in for a ride. Stepping out of the driver's seat, his brother Simon emerged.

He smiled and greeted him. As he did, Alvin knew now that some things haven't changed at all. Simon still wore the same glasses, still wore the same sweater, he still had the same blue eyes, the same hairstyle, everything. Alvin smiled back, and when he's brother spoke, he still had that same as-a-matter-of-fact accent.

"Need help with a bag or anything?" Simon asked.

Alvin shook his head. "No. I can handle it." He only had one bag.

Simon nodded. "Okay. Put it in the trunk and ride shotgun. I'll be inside."

Alvin did as he was told. When he went to the rear-end of the car, the boot was already up. The smell of warm, contained air mixed with the odor of Velcro loops greeted him as he placed his backpack inside the empty space. When he closed the boot of the car, he couldn't help but notice two more figures from the tinted window. They were moving around playfully. Simon's kids, not doubt.

He went around the car and opened the front passenger's seat. He went inside as the scent of blueberry freshener entered his nose. Simon smiled at the two children behind them.

"Hey, kids. Say hello to your uncle Alvin," Simon said.

Alvin looked behind to the backseat and saw the two children seated, behaved unlike when he saw them through the tinted window. They both smiled at him and he smiled back. They both had brown hairs and pale skin. The boy had brown eyes, and the girl had blue - from Simon, no doubt. But then it suddenly struck him that no one in Simon's side had brown eyes. Jeanette had lavender, and Simon had blue like the girl's.

"Hello, uncle Alvin," The boy greeted. The girl remained quiet and greeted with a wave.

"Hey,... uh..." He paused, not knowing the name.

"It's Jay," the boy answered.

Alvin felt the car moved, but kept his sights on the children. He smiled. "Ah, hey, Jay." Alvin turned to the girl. "And you?"

The girl's smile faded and just looked at him. Alvin waited for an answer, but it was Jay who filled in for her. "She's Brianna," He said.

"Ah," Alvin smiled. He took a small glance at Brianna, as if waiting for a word from her. As if he wanted to hear her voice, but she remained quiet. She waved and Alvin smiled at her too before finally turning back to the front windshield. To his left, Simon was fully focused on the road in front of the car.

"So," Alvin started, trying to make a conversation. "Are they your kids?"

Simon shook his head and snickered. "Nope. Not mine. They're named after their parents."

"And who might they be?" Alvin asked.

Strangely to Alvin, Simon looked at him, unusually serious. "That, Alvin, is something I shouldn't tell you."

Alvin craned his neck. "What? Why?"

From their distance, Alvin could see the Hollywood mountain that, unlike others, haven't changed at all. Under the night sky, it was illuminated by a few lighting from neighboring studios. After a moment, Simon answered his question, "I can't tell you that, either."

Alvin was about to ask again, but then realized he would be repeating the same words he had said. Instead, he let it go with lingering curiosity and stared outside the tinted window. The buildings have changed a lot. Some hotels had white lights from their windows, and some had yellow. From his right, they passed the building with the sign "Jett Records," he knew they were close to Dave's home.

The silence lingered again, and as a soldier who was used to explosions and gunfire, he found it uncomfortable. He turned to Simon again, looking for a topic. From behind him, he heard Brianna yawn from the backseat.

"The girl's awfully quiet," Alvin stated.

Simon nodded. "I know."

"Why is that?"

"She can't talk, Alvin." Simon looked at him again, serious expression still written in his face. And for that, Alvin thought Simon was hinting him that it was his fault. Simon went on, "I ran a few test on her, and I think this has something more to do with psychology than medicine."

"What's wrong with her?" Alvin somehow found the topic interesting.

"I don't know. But I think..." Simon paused dramatically. A habit he's always had since they were kids. "I think she's psychologically damaged. I mean, she used to talk a lot, even much more than her brother. But when she turned seven, she came home from school, and... well,... nothing. She stopped talking, just like that."

"Bullies?" Alvin asked.

Simon scoffed. "Look at her, Alvin. Do you think someone would bully her? She's sweet and innocent, and not to mention beautiful. Even Simone goes quiet every time he gets near her."

"What's her problem, then?" Alvin asked.

Simon shrugged, then aimed his most serious expression at him. "I don't know, Alvin. Maybe she realized some things she never had."

"Like what?"

Simon didn't answer. He looked at him for a moment before finally turning his sights back on the road. Dramatically, he started driving slower. Or did the time just went slower? He didn't know. But he found himself thinking about Brianna again. A girl who stopped talking when she turned seven? That's unusual.

He turned to Simon again. He had his serious expression on as he looked at the road. That was strange. Simon's usually a smile-everyday kind of guy. But then he was aiming his expression at him a few moments ago. Finally, a striking idea popped into his mind, and then next words came so unexpectedly he couldn't stop it.

"You know what's wrong with her, don't you?"

After a moment, Simon nodded. Finally, he said quietly: "Yes, I do."

Please review, that's all. If you have any questions or if you noticed some errors, feel free to PM me.