Inconsolable – Chapter 4: The Emotion

Jasmine came back two days after she found out Alek wasn't eating. Though, Alek didn't know that was the reason, he was glad to have her back. She brought some food, clothes, soaps, and other things like that. Chloe wasn't sure how she carried it all to the cabin.

When Chloe saw Jasmine was back, she squeezed her in a hug. Jasmine was pretty shocked. Even though she had apologized, Chloe felt horrible about the other day.

"I told you, I probably would have reacted the same way." Jasmine told her honestly. Alek came into the room and gave Jasmine a smile. A smile that Chloe hadn't seen in weeks. Her heart swelled with hope that he was doing better.

"Any word on the Rezza's?" he asked, not even glancing at Chloe. She just kept quiet and took a seat on the couch.

"None, but mom's planning I think." She said with a sigh. Chloe got a look at her – a real look – and noticed how tired she seemed.

"When was the last time you got sleep?" Alek asked, making Chloe almost jump. She looked at him like he was crazy.

"Oh," Jasmine said, a little unsure. She bit her lip and looked at the other two with a tired smile. "Guys, I'm fine. Trust me." She stood up and looked at Chloe. "But sleep does sound nice, so I'm gonna crash on you bed. Okay?" Chloe nodded quickly and Jasmine left the room. Alek stood and stared after her. Chloe looked down at the table and played with her hair. The one thing she really hated about being here was having absolutely nothing to do. It seemed like eating or sleeping were the only existing choices.

Since Jasmine had her bed and Alek took the other room, Chloe swung her legs onto the couch cushions and let her head fall onto the arm rest. That was when she saw Alek still standing there. She gasped lightly before feeling the blush worm its way up her neck. He looked at her blankly before turning and heading towards his room. She shook her head. He was utterly confusing.

She hadn't even seen Alek since he said he missed Mimi the other night. He's been hiding in his room, but she's been doing her fair share of hiding, too. The thought of Mimi still made her eyes sting. She missed her so much. Her best friend, the person she'd been closest to for years, was gone. And it was her fault nonetheless. Not again, she thought.

Chloe felt her throat tighten. She's been crying a lot less lately, but it still happens. But right now, at that moment, she was in the open to both Alek and Jasmine to walk out and find her crying her eyes. She definitely didn't want that happening. She drew her hands up her face till she met her eyes and pushed so hard she saw white. She stood quickly and blinked a couple of times before stepping towards the door. No one would miss her if she stepped outside, so she did. The first thing she noticed in the darker sky was the bright stars. They were dazzling, the darker blue color bringing them out even more. She smiled softly. She loved winter. Everything looked so calm and peaceful, at the same time as being completely hectic and rushed. The ground was covered with a light sheet of snow and she saw a few flurries making their way down.

She took a seat on the small set of stairs and breathed in the bitter air, filling her lungs with it. She couldn't explain why she loved the scent of winter and at the same time, it made her feel so empty. She closed her eyes as more tears burned her sight.

When she was younger, around 7 or 8, her mom would always take her to the park one a week to play in the snow. She remembered everything being so bright as it shined off the snowy ground and hills that were made up. Her mom hated the cold and would complain the whole time, but Chloe knew she loved her and saw her smile when she would try and fail to make snowballs. The thought of her mother made another wave of tears fall down her cheeks. The chances of seeing her again were slim and she knew it.

Still to this day, after almost 4 years, her mother didn't know a single thing about her being Mai. When she left for college, her mom laid off a bit, letting her have her space. They still talked about once a week. She's probably worried sick. Chloe brought her knees to her chest and placed her right cheek on them. How much she wished things were different, how Mimi were here now instead of her, how she just wished she was normal again. She thought of Mimi's face when Whitley killed her; how strong she had looked. Chloe could only wish she was that strong.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered out, her message being carried by the fast wind. She was sorry for many things, the one main thing being Mimi's death. There was no changing the past, Chloe knew that, but she could get revenge. She could always make Whitley watch while she killed his precious son in front of his own eyes. Chloe blinked at her own thought. If this were her nearly four years ago, thoughts like that would never cross her mind. But it was all different now, because now, it was either kill or be killed. She knew that. So why was it so hard to think of actually killing someone, especially when they've killed her and someone she loved?

Chloe stood up, getting fed up with her mind, the overwhelming thoughts of the world, just everything. She needed to talk to Jasmine.

After knocking a few times to be let in, Jasmine gave her a pointed look and told her that's why she shouldn't leave in the first place.

"I didn't exactly 'leave'," Chloe reasoned, her right hand pointing towards the porch. "I just stepped outside. I was still technically on the premises." She said with a satisfied smile. Jasmine shook her head, but held a smile of her own.

"Well, since you woke me up, I'd like to go lay back down." Jasmine said with a wave, but Chloe caught her shoulder. Jasmine turned back around, eyebrows pinched. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Actually, yes," Chloe said with a pitiful smile. Jasmine knew she was about to hear something she didn't like.

"What'd you do now?" Jasmine sighed. Chloe looked at her and narrowed her eyes before shaking her head.

"I didn't do anything," she bit her lip. "Yet. I want to if I can get out of here. Go somewhere." Jasmine was about to protest, Chloe noticed by her raised hand and mouth that looked ready to attack. "I know, I know – I'll be putting myself in danger. But, I'll even wear a disguise! I don't care what I have to do, but I need to get out of here. Or I'll just go without your permission." Chloe stated, placing a hand on her hip and giving Jasmine a serious look to get her point across. Jasmine tried to stare her down and make her give in, but after minutes of silence and staring, she let out a sigh.

"Chloe, I can't just let you walk out of here." She said, something in her voice letting Chloe know she would if she could. "Watching you is my responsibility, along with watching Alek, and I can't be in two places at once." Jasmine lowered her voice and stepped closer to Chloe. "And I think we both know he won't be going anywhere voluntarily." Chloe closed her eyes and ran a hand across her face, landing at the bridge of her nose.

"Jas, I need this." Chloe pleaded. She tightened her jaw as if it would hold back the tears she felt coming. "You don't get it. No one does!" She started, almost yelling. She swallowed hard and saw Jasmine step towards her, but she stepped away. "Look, I watched it all happen. I saw what they did to Mimi and then they did the same to me. The difference is that I remember every detail, the pain, and seeing it happen to one of my best friends'." Chloe said breathlessly. Jasmine looked away from her the moment she brought up Mimi. "I know I can't be the only one in grief and pain, but it's eating me up. And I'm afraid I won't be able to escape it. That's why I need this, Jas. I need a distraction. You have to believe me and understand that I'm not putting myself in danger. By asking this, I'm trying to take myself out of danger. From myself." Chloe said, tears know glistening her reddened cheeks already from the bitter cold. She swallowed again bit her lip to stop from breaking down.

Chloe walked past Jasmine and sat on the couch, placing her blond head between her hands, elbows on her knees. Her shaky breathing, stinging eyes, pain in her throat and chest, it was all making her feel so weak. She felt a hand wrap around her shoulder and knew it was Jasmine. She sunk into the other girl's hold and cried her little heart out for minutes before pulling away and rubbing her eyes and cheeks. She laughed at herself.

"I don't think I can go an hour without crying anymore." She spoke softly, voice horse and raw. Jasmine just rubbed her shoulder and let her know she was there. "Look, I'm not doing this for a guilt trip or to try and make you feel like you have to. Just think about it." Chloe said, pulling her legs underneath her to be more comfortable on the old sofa.

"She's right," Chloe shrieked lightly at a voice she wasn't expecting. She turned around, trying to get her heart to slow down again. Alek was standing in the doorway, not looking at either of them but down at the floor.

"Who is?" Jasmine asked what Chloe was thinking.

"Chloe," he practically scoffed. Chloe looked down, not wanting to be more embarrassed. "We've all been through a lot and we need a distraction. I've been thinking the same thing, but I didn't have any actual suggestions." As he spoke, he came to stand right above the two girls on the couch. He leaned down. "Either of you have any suggestions on what to do?" Jasmine spoke quickly.

"Alek, us going out is not an option." Jasmine said sternly. Alek just stared at her blankly, brown eyes burning with agitation. Jasmine rolled her eyes. "You glaring at me isn't going to change my mind. It's not happening." She stood up and walked towards the doorway, Alek and Chloe staring after her. She turned back around to say one last thing. "Forget about it and go. To Bed." She gave a pointed look to the both of them, letting them know she meant it. She walked into the hallway, then the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

Chloe sat uncomfortably with Alek still standing above her, though not leaning anymore. When he didn't say anything, she looked at him, trying not to be obvious. Too bad for her, he was already staring right at her. She bit her tongue and stared back for some crazy unknown reason. He shrugged, as if she'd asked him a question, and walked away. Chloe didn't even react. She just let herself fall into the couch, her bed for the night. She didn't know how long she actually was lying there before she fell asleep.

Chloe couldn't have slept for too long before she felt someone shaking her shoulder. She jumped up fast, nerves on edge. She was in a crouched position, claws out and eyes slitted before she could help herself. Alek stood in front of her, kneeling on the wooden floor, now staring up at her crouching figure on the couch. He gave her a small questioning look before standing up. She gulped a breath of air before letting herself fall back onto the couch.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, a little confused. It's not like her and Alek were best friends. Far from it. Or any type of friendship.

"Fine," he answered coolly. She nodded, staring up at him. He stood and looked around the room. Chloe noticed he wasn't in any time of night wear. He almost looked dressed up. "Got a date?" she joked lightly before realizing what she just asked. She choked on her own words, hands flying up when she was about to defend herself. He glared harshly, almost making her feel like looks really could kill. She looked down at her hands, wishing she was anywhere but there. She bit her lip hard and dared to look back up and Alek who was still glaring at her. She took a deep breath and looked away.

"Now even I know that wasn't meant to come out that way, but think before you speak next time." Alek spoke calmly, something Chloe wasn't really expecting. She just looked away, feeling her whole face flush with regret and embarrassment. "Now, I snuck this when you and Jasmine were talking earlier. Put it on and meet me on the porch." He threw something black down on the couch beside her and walked outside. Shutting the door softly behind him.

Chloe sat there, plainly confused for several confused for seconds before picking up the black material. It was a simple black dress, one Amy had made her buy and long time ago. She told Chloe that every girl, especially a girl with a good body like her own, needed a little black dress to flaunt around. Chloe let her do what she wanted but had never actually wore it. She never had reason to. So what exactly was her reason now? Chloe stood up and stepped into the bathroom. All of her makeup and beauty essentials were in the room Jasmin was in, so she had nothing like that to bother with. She slipped off her other clothes and into the tight material of the cotton dress.

When she looked in the mirror, even she couldn't deny the way it held her figure and curves perfectly. When she was her face, still blotchy from crying earlier, she knew she had to do something quickly. She splashed some cold water on her face several times before drying it off and pulling her hair up into a loose and messy bun. She snuck into the room where Jasmine was sleeping to grab some mascara and eyeliner before sneaking back out. Luckily, Jasmine was out like the dead and didn't even make a move.

Chloe applied a little bit of the black mascara and brown eyeliner and decided she was fine. When she was bout the walked out the front door, she remembered she had no shoes. With a sigh, she snuck back into the room where her sleeping friend lay and prayed she remember a pair of heels. She looked in one of her bags and found the pair of black one-inch heels she had for casual purposes. They would do, though. She snuck back out and room and slid the heels on her feet quickly, hopping around a bit before finally opening the front door.

Alek was still standing there, looking quite cold now, and took a quick look at her before hissing at her to close the door. She did as told and turned back around, but he was already walking. She followed him, regretting completely that she hadn't brought any type of jacket. Her legs were bare and so was the rest of her as far as she was concerned. She felt her body start to shiver within minutes and finally caught up to Alek.

"Mind telling me where we're going?" she tried, rubbing her arms up and down. She envied Alek who had on a nice black leather jacket. He looked over at her but didn't say anything. She knew she didn't have anything to worry about, safety wise. Even if Alek didn't like her very much at the moment, he would never hurt her.

Would he?

Chloe stumbled a bit at her own thought, shaking herself from being so ridiculous. Of course he wouldn't, she assured herself. But somehow, she didn't feel so assured. And that scared her.

Almost two hours later, Alek had dragged Chloe on three different buses and they were now standing in front of a club. A dance club. That they had to be over 21 for.

"Hate to ruin this little plan of yours, but neither of us are 21." She told him, hissing. Not at him really, just the fact that her blood was now below freezing. Well, not literally.

"That's why we aren't going through the front." He said simply and kept walking around the building until they hit the door. It was held open by a brick at the bottom, exactly for this reason, Chloe guessed. Alek looked around quickly before bending down and grabbing the brick, pushing the door open and holding it for Chloe. She walked past him and he placed the brick back before following her. They walked carefully out into the main room and Chloe instantly felt warmth flood through her body. Along with the feeling in her legs and fingers. She wiggled her fingers until she was sure she wasn't becoming an amputee anytime soon.

Alek walked past her and took a seat in a booth, glancing at her and telling her with a gesture to come and sit with him. She sat on the other side and they both leaned towards the middle.

"We're here for distractions. Nothing more, nothing less." He told her seriously. She nodded quickly. "If anyone comes near you or you don't feel like something's right, walk away and find a place away from the area you were in. It's a big place, I'm sure you can." He pulled away and didn't wait for her response before taking off his jacket and throwing it on the cushion. Chloe wasn't so sure she could leave a jacket randomly on the seat, but he was up and walking away before she could tell him that. She sighed and sat for a few minutes before looking around the room. She could see many guys she would consider attractive and wished she could be like any other 19-year-old girl and grab a guy for a night. But kissing was definitely a big no-no. Along with anything above that. That didn't mean she couldn't dance with any of them, right?

Chloe stood up, shaking herself off and walking towards the huge throngs of people. She sat near the bar and waited for someone, or at least hoping someone, would ask her to dance.

"Can I get you anything?" A guy, big and bald asked her from behind the bar. She bit her lip. She couldn't risk getting drunk, especially with no kind of ID.

"Club soda," she said with a sad smile. "Designated driver." She said with a sigh. He gave her a smile and poured some into a glad for her, pushing it her way. She took a sip and looked above the rim of the glass. The lights, purples, yellows, greens, the strong scent of alcohol and sweat filled her sensitive nose. She knew it wasn't a good smell, and that the lights would make her go blind if she stared at them for too long, but she was grateful to be in that place at the moment. It made her feel like she was normal, if only for a second.

A tall guy, looking to be about her age, maybe a bit older, walked and stood next to her. He had black hair and piercing green eyes that made her almost get lost if them even for only the moment she looked at them. He sent her a smile, no doubt extremely flirty. She knew his type. Definitely the guy who likes to take girls home, and she wasn't so sure she wanted to get mixed up in that kind of drama if he asked her.

"You look a little young to be here," he said, leaning closer. He pulled away and waited for her answer. She took a long sip of her drink before answering him

"Well, I could say the same for you," she told him, smiling dully. His smile widened into a smirk and she almost rolled her eyes. He pulled out a few dollars and threw them down on the bar, telling the bartender it was on him. The guy nodded. She set her drink down. "Whattya' say we dance for a bit?" he asked, holding a hand out. He was a risk. He was definitely a risk as to putting herself in danger of being noticed and getting drama once he asked her what he really wanted. But she took is hand anyways.

The stranger dragged her to the floor, spinning her around so she was facing him. He cocked his head and gave her a once over.

"What's your name, sweetheart?" he shouted loudly over the music. Chloe winced. She always hated that other people couldn't hear the way she could. She decided it would be better to give him a fake name.

"Diana," she shouted back and he smiled.

"Eli," he replied and placed his hand on her hip, still holding the other one. She smiled back, trying to let herself relax. She decided she better save Eli the trouble of trying to get her into his bed.

"You know," she said, leaning closer. "I'm not leaving here with you. I'm here with a friend and I'm not that type of girl. Sorry to disappoint." She gave him quickly, hoping it would take care of any thoughts in his mind. She just wanted to dance. The look on his face wasn't one she was expecting. Chloe almost laughed when she was pretty sure she was his cheeks flush.

"Well I'm not exactly that type of guy," he said, shrugging. Chloe could tell she hurt him a bit though.

"Then keep dancing!" Chloe shouted and turned around in his arms, crossing them across her stomach. She placed his hands on her hips and looked behind her to see his face lit up with a smirk. He uncrossed his arms but kept his hands on her, trying to get her to move a bit with the music. And Chloe let go.

I could have been minutes, it could have been hours, but all Chloe knew was when she came back from the trance she'd been in while dancing with Eli, she was panting and sweating all over. When she looked at him, he was the same. His black hair was plastered to his forehead, but he didn't seem to notice. His face was holding a smile now. She noticed how perfect that smile was.

Eli took her hand in his and dragged her over to the bar and ordered two beers. She was about to tell him that she didn't want any alcohol, but decided she just wouldn't drink it. He took a swig of his the second it was in his hand and she just gave him smile and set hers down.

"Don't drink?" he asked, leaning closer to her. She shook her head and gave a small shrug. "It's cool," he said with another light smile. Chloe looked around, wondering where exactly Alek was before finally spotting him. He was dancing, looking focused on moving his body along with the music, and holding a tiny brunette close to his chest. She felt a pang of something and looked away, face falling almost completely. She cleared her throat and looked back up at Eli who was already staring at her.

"Here with friends?" Chloe asked. He looked around for a second before pointing to a table full of 5 other guys, all of different looks. Chloe knew they must be in college by the way they were acting. She almost smiled before thinking of college. Which meant thinking of Mimi.

"You?" Eli asked, leaning towards her again, and she nodded. She didn't point out who, though. He gave her a curious look. "They around?" he prodded and she bit her lip.

"One friend, and he is a little busy." She gave him shortly. He frowned for a second before giving her another curious look.

"I'm not gonna be dealing with a hostile boyfriend for dancing with you, am I?" he asked, seeming a bit worried. Chloe laughed. A laugh that left her breathless and confused all at once. Of course, Eli wouldn't have to worry about Alek as a jealous boyfriend, but maybe just as a protective bodyguard.

"No, no, we're not dating," she reassured him and he nodded happily. She smiled again at him and he smiled back. Then they just started at each other for seconds before Chloe cleared her throat, blushing profusely, and looking away.

"Wanna dance some more?" he asked, holding out his hand again. She nodded and grabbed it, letting throw a few more dollars on the table before they walked out to the floor. He grabbed her tightly, this time with them facing each other, and started rocking her body to the music. She clutched his shoulders tightly, closing her eyes and letting herself go again. That was before she felt Eli's breath on her cheek.

Chloe's breath hitched as he let himself hesitate, still breathing on her dewy skin. She could smell the beer he drank. She turned her face so he caught her cheek when he leaned forward again. He pulled away quickly and looked at her, a bit confused.

"I – I told you. I'm not like that," she said softly, loosening her grip on his shoulders. His face dropped and he let her go.

"It was a kiss," he said sharply, not exactly angrily. He shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't think it was a big deal. Sorry." He said before walking off. She was about to retort but didn't feel like she should. It would only be leading him on anyways. She sighed and turned around, walking towards the booth Alek had chosen earlier. Turns out the jacket kept their place empty and she plopped down on the cold rubber, letting herself relax a bit. She had no idea how long they'd been there, but now she just wanted to go home.

Chloe looked around in the crowd for that certain blond boy until her eyes finally spotted him. He was still dancing with the same girl, but they were much closer and Chloe could only guess what they were really doing besides dancing. That thought made Chloe feel like throwing up. Okay, so she could get past her dumb feelings for him, but the fact that he was doing that when Mimi had only died barely three weeks ago was the sickening part. But that's what they were here for, right? To be distracted. She was so glad the plan was working well for him. She shook her head to try and clear it, but her mind kept drifting towards Mimi.

Well this is going great, Chloe thought, pinching the bridge of her nose. Why couldn't she go five minutes without crying anymore? Why couldn't Mimi be here instead of her? Why hadn't the Order just left Mimi and taken Chloe and tortured her? Even that would be better than the pain and guilt and grief she felt now. She just wanted it all to go away. So she forced it to. She got up and sat next to some guy who looked almost ten years older than her and sent him a shy smile. He licked his lips quickly.

"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked. She told him whatever he was having. And to keep them coming.

After her third, she felt light headed and free, like she could do anything in the world. The guy actually kept the talking to a minimum and didn't ask her very much, which she was happy for. She reached for the fourth one and chugged it, feeling it burn her throat and she like it. She liked the way the pain felt. She needed it. She deserved it. She grabbed the fifth and drank it slowly, savoring the bitter taste and the liquid fire that went down her throat. She closed her eyes and didn't realize she was crying until then. She shook her head and wiped her face with the heel of her hand, chastising herself for crying. The guy told her he was going home and she should think about doing the same.

She scoffed at his advice and stood up, falling into the bar stool as she did. She cleared her throat and stood back up, pulling down her dress a bit. Apparently even Mai could get a bit tipsy. She searched the room a bit before finding Alek at the booth, enjoying a drink of his own. She sat, or fell, into the seat in front of him and he just started at her. Then Chloe saw the twitch of his lips.

"You're drunk," he stated simply, almost in disbelief. She gave in a dopey look.

"Well, 'scuze me for trying to 'distract myself' the only way I could think of," she slurred a bit and used her fingers as quotations. He sighed deeply and looked down at his own glass. He stood up and threw his arms through his jacket before telling Chloe to do the same and she did. Once they were both standing, he shooed her towards the back door and she made her way slowly and extremely wobbly.

Once they exited, Chloe barely registered anything else. She just felt cold. Cold, cold, and more cold. Almost instantly, she started shivering and she wrapped her arms around herself. She felt her eyes get heavy and her mind start to draw a blank canvas. She kept walking but wasn't sure where she was going, or why she was starting to see white. She wasn't sure why her legs felt like lead either. Minutes later, she felt like she'd been walking for days without food or water and her whole body felt weak.

"A – alek," she spoke, voice shaky. She stopped and leaned against the brick wall, feeling it snag onto her dress. She closed her eyes as her whole body felt like it was giving out. She started seeing things, hearing things; things that sounded like screaming. Her screaming. She saw red. No, not just red; blood. She saw Mimi's white and lifeless face before her and fell to the ground with tears falling fast down her face. "No, no, no," she started mumbling, over and over again. She was losing it. She knew it. It was finally her breaking point and now she was going to be thrown in some bubble room with a straight jacket tied around her. Where were all of these thoughts coming from? Why was everything around her so black and hazy, as if she were in a movie with bad lighting?

"Alek," she tried again. She didn't know why. She knew he was the last person on earth who would want to help her. Besides maybe the Order. But still, what was he going to do? Snap her out of it, slap her? She tightened her body and regained enough feel of herself to curl up against the cement wall next to her. The cool brought her back for a second. Then she was back.

Black and gray and white and dots and stars. All surrounding her. Bring me back bring me back bring me back. She was begging. Begging herself and anyone who could hear her. Finally, she felt a sense of relieve. Warmth and more warmth curled around her and her mind blanked again, this time in a good way. She finally felt the only thing she'd been wanting to for weeks now – nothing at all.


Chloe wasn't sure how long she blacked out. She was only aware of the fact that where she was now was definitely not the cabin, or the club, or even the alleyway. She looked around and still only saw black, but it was almost calming. It wasn't a scary darkness, more like the kind that she sees before you fall asleep. Just waves of black flowing over her sight and mind until there's nothing really left to see. . .

Her body jolted and she felt like she was thrown from her spot sitting where she was. She could see a small circle of light form, growing bigger as her eyes adjusted. She could see a faint silhouette growing in the middle of it, too, something her eyes couldn't make out just yet.

Chloe.

Chloe gasped, looking around and feeling her own head. She heard a voice, a voice that wasn't hers, inside her head.

"Wh – what's happening to me?" she asked aloud, hoping she wasn't as crazy as she thought.

Chloe, dear, you're safe. You're here with me and no one is going to hurt you.

She bit back a choked gasp as she heard it again, clearer as though someone unblocked the connection. The light got bright and the figure became clearer, but still not as clear as Chloe would like. She could see the shape of a curvy and beautiful woman, but her face was where it became blurry. She could see it clear enough to know the woman had golden skin, but the rest was out of place. Chloe could barely tell if the woman had eyes.

"Who are you?" she whispered out. The woman's figure came closer, though she wasn't walking. Her legs were still and her body was gilding forward as Chloe stood taller.

Young Chloe, I would think you would know who I am. Chloe thought for a second – an absurd second – that this may be someone bigger than her. Bigger than anyone.

"Baset," Chloe said, feeling breathless. The woman made a vague movement of her head and Chloe guessed it was a nod. Chloe breathed in deep, not believing her own eyes.

My dear child, you're so young. This pain – the loss of your friend and yourself – is eating you alive. I believe in you, Uniter. I chose you for a reason. Her voice was raw and tough, as if she hadn't talked in centuries. As far as Chloe knew, she might not have. You must not worry. About you or any of your loved ones. No one else will die, and if they do, you'll know what to do.

As for now, there's something I can do for you, isn't there? Chloe looked down, deep in thought. There were actually many things this woman – or goddess – could do. She could take away Alek and Jasmine's pain, maybe her own. She could bring Mimi back. She could kill the people responsible for all of this.

Now, Chloe, I cannot kill what I cannot see. The woman's body stepped closer. Chloe could feel the heat of the bright light. I am not a part of your world. You and the rest of my children are what is left and I will not be able to visit them. But you, you're special. We know that. You are my child, a child whom I am very proud of and expect much from. But the pain you're feeling, the emotion, it's all holding you back.

Suddenly, Chloe's body stated to hum. She could hear it in her own ears and she looked down. She was glowing.

"What's happening?!" she shouted, starting to feel a sensation beneath her own skin.

I'm doing what I can do for you, for now. One day this will be over and you won't be like this, but for now, this is all I can do. I expect a lot from you, as I said before, and I hope you make me proud. Take care of the world, my child.

The light and Baset started to fade, and Chloe's body glowed brighter, her body burning painfully. It felt like she was dowsed in gasoline and she lit a match, lighting her body up like the sun. The pain started to get deeper and Chloe couldn't escape it, so she screamed. She screamed loud and she closed her eyes. Excruciating pain shot through her legs and she collapsed onto the ground, her arms falling limp beside her. Her chest heaved for a breath to keep her going, but she didn't want to keep going. If she was going to burn alive by the hands of her own mother, so be it. Chloe let herself burn until she felt numb.

She opened her eyes once she saw what appeared to be a light and squinted against the powerful shine.

"She's awake!" Chloe heard a voice say. Someone familiar. A friend.

"Jasmine," she groaned, pulling herself up. The pain of what felt like fire was gone and she looked down at herself. She was fine, no burns or reddened areas at all. She was still in her black dress and heels. She glanced at the girl above her, a furious and worrisome Jasmine staring back down at her. Or glaring.

"What the hell were you thinking?" she hissed at her. Chloe looked around the room, feeling unaffected by Jasmine's glare or question. She was back at the cabin, in the bedroom she slept in when she first got there. She threw her legs over the bed and reached down to unstrap the heels. They were killing her feet. She stood up afterwards and headed towards the hallway. "Chloe, I'm talking to you!" Jasmine shouted behind her and she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Chloe spun quickly and had Jasmine pinned to the wall before she could think twice. She pulled away quickly, muttering a sorry, and looked down.

"It wasn't my idea, so don't go putting the blame on me. I'm not always the bad guy." Chloe said simply and left the room. She was heading towards the kitchen when she saw Alek standing above the sink, leaning against the metal. He saw her and she felt – well, she felt nothing. She pursed her lips for a second. Usually when Alek looked at her, she felt like blushing or her stomach felt like someone released a set of wild butterflies. But now she just felt nothing.

"You look better," he said lightly. She nodded and walked to the fridge, grabbing a water bottle. She wasn't so hungry for food anymore.

"I feel better," she said, voice coming out in a whisper. She turned slowly to face him. The fear she'd been feeling to look at him, talk to him, was gone. "What exactly happened?"

Alek looked thoughtful for a second with his eyes narrowed before saying, "I was hoping you could tell me." Chloe sighed and nodded.

"I think I need to talk to you and Jasmine," she said quickly. She saw him nod and start to walk away, to get Jasmine she guessed, but she stopped him. By grabbing his shoulder. She felt him tense immediately and pulled away, but still didn't feel very affected. "We'll do it later. I don't feel like it right now," she said. He walked away, though it was more like jogging Chloe noted.

She stepped over to the couch and took a seat, letting her head fall into her hands. Why didn't Alek affect her like he usually did? She usually couldn't forget the way she felt, the way he felt, but now it was like she didn't care. She bit her lip at the thought. Was that so bad? To not care about her feelings for Alek, and maybe any others she had? Chloe's face drained of color and she swallowed hard.

"So that's what she did," she said to herself. Chloe looked around the room, thinking and almost wishing she were more scared, nervous, happy, but she wasn't. And she figured out why. "She made me emotionless."


Happy Holidays to everyone! I hope you all had a great last few days! Thank you for all your support and reviews you've given me, I hope you enjoyed this. Tell me what you think is happening or going to happen, what you might want to see, anything you want!

~Maria xoxo