+ Category: Fantastic Children

+ Rate: T

+ Genre: Romance / Drama / Angst

Author's notes: I love Thomas; unfortunately, I own neither him nor FC. T_T

~ AS RAIN FALLS ALONG THE ROAD ~

Chapter 4

The lights were all dark by the time we got back, even the house lights were off. I raised an eyebrow at Kailan, but nothing in his face showed anything was wrong.

We had just stepped in the door when the lights flared on, and everyone, even Kalie and Teo, jumped out shouting, and holding a large cake.

I was taken by great surprise.

"Happy birthday Helga!" Flo said holding out a small wrapped package.

"I know it's not much." Chitto grinned as I unwrapped the box. "But we all saved for months to buy it for ya."

I smiled and gently lifted the lid off, and revealed a brand-new cell phone. I couldn't say anything as the others all started talking about what each had done to chip in to buy it.

"An' Dumas and I are gonna pay the bill so you guys don't have to worry about a thing!" Teo chimed in.

"Ok ok." Ian sweet-dropped. "Now come on, this is an ice cream cake, and someone needs to eat it before it melts!"

"OOOOh! I will!" Kalie said making his way over to the cake.

I sweat-dropped at the sight and quietly slipped back outside before the fight for the cake became too heated. The clouds were now overhead and threatened to drop their load at any moment. I looked the phone over again and again. The phone had to of cost at least $300. That could pay one of our bills, or food for a month. But they spent it on me...

"You know the party's in there." A baritone voice said, cutting my train of thought.

"Thomas...Don't do that. You scared me."

He came over and took a seat next to mine on the front step of the dormitory.

"You recently have a habit of popping out of nowhere. You know that?" I scolded him playfully.

"Heh...do I?" Thomas scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly.

I couldn't help chuckling too, 'cuz he still kept such a cute attitude since childhood.

We were both quiet for a few minutes, staring off into the night sky.

For a moment, I felt an intense gaze as I realized his eyes were on me.

To be honest, Thomas has grown into a quite handsome young man. If he was so impulsive and quick to anger in the past, then you can see a different version of him now - mature, calm and collected, but somewhat arrogant since he's a martial-art genius. Even so, he still kept his unruly long hair tied into a pony-tail, which boosts his good look.

Perhaps to girls... he's a lady-knight, the one who is capable of saving them from all evils and brings love to their heart. To me, how I've always felt secure in his presence.

/And how on earth did I have that thought??/ O.o

"Why did you leave so early a moment ago?" I tried to ask, facing him a little.

"I still have things to settle. Besides, Kailan alone can handle the thug." He replied firmly, still keeping his gaze.

"Uh, thank you Thomas." I smiled gratefully to him.

"Eh...you're welcome."

/Wait! Didn't he just...blush?/

"I'm glad you came today." Pretending not to notice, I continued.

He nodded and went back to observe the sky.

"Umn...Helga."

"What is it Thomas?"

"I think I should give you my gift now....." He turned to me and gave his most charming smile - a smile that carries such pleasant feelings.

"Thomas..."

"You'll like this one for sure." He said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

There was something..umn...strange about him today, I could sense but couldn't make it out.

"Umn...all right." I said getting to my feet and slipping the phone in my pocket. "But is it ok after I get back? I'm going down the street and try out my new phone."

"Well, hurry up!" He called after me. "It looks like it's going to rain. Besides I don't know how much longer I can keep your gift a secret!"

"Yes..." I smiled back.

########

I had just turned the corner, when a large hand grabbed me. I tried to scream, but was muted by callous flesh. Then I felt cold steel at my throat, and a harsh voice growled in my ear.

"Heheh, well...I knew you'd come back Helga. So how 'bout we go for a little walk in the park?"

The alcohol was thick on Rogen's breath. I could feel him begin to drag me, farther and farther from the warm lights of my home...

Trees started to pop up on either side of me, and the ground underfoot shifted from cement to grass. The only light now came from a lone street light in the distance. Broken benches littered the ground, and graffiti covered the trees. No one would come here this time of night.

"Now..." He said, using the knife to cut the first strap of my top. "How 'bout we have some fun?"

As the sudden realization sunk in of what Rogen intended to do, I bit down hard the hand that covered my mouth. I tasted blood for a second, before I jerked free from his grasp.

RUN. I had no idea where I was going, just anywhere...anywhere but here.

My freedom, however, was short-lived. Rogen had already caught up to me and slammed me to the ground. I saw stars as he jerked me back up and slammed me against a tree, and the knife was back at my throat.

"You little bitch!" He yelled. "No one crosses me like that! Try something like that again, and you'll be goin' home in a body bag instead of naked!"

Tears leaked out through my closed eyes, as I felt the other strap snap. I was alone and helpless. I wanted so badly to be back with my friends, and Kailan...my Kailan.

"Kailan." I called silently. "Where are you? Help me..."

To be continued...

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