Rachel Grey
Uh…my head… I opened my eyes and glanced around, I was back in my room… I pushed myself out of the sheets, but pain shot through my veins, "Ah! OW, OW!" tears ran down my cheeks as every move I made hurt.
I heard running footsteps and my door slammed open Luke flashed in and kneeled next to me, "Are you ok?!"
Tears filled my eyes, "I – was jumped…I – I – I," Luke held my hand softly he motion me back in the covers.
"Do you know who did this to you?" Luke asked.
I stared at the ceiling I closed my eyes thinking back to the attack… It was loud huge group of people but their faces are a blur I shook my head getting frustrated, "I – can't remember! It was a few blocks from the party house – there – there was a group of people surrounding me… but I can't see their faces!" I sprung up and pain hit me again, "OW!"
"Calm down! Don't move you are really banged up –,"
"Luke how bad is it?" I asked. He looked uneasy, but he flipped his iPod over showing my reflection on the back. I gasped in shock my face was bruised around my eyes and cheeks and I'm guessing my whole body was worse.
Luke shuttered, "Rachel do you remember anything else?"
I stared at him then nodded, "They threw me in my father's house – Luke I could hear him! He wanted to throw me in the basement and lock the door to keep me from escaping –,"
Luke held my shoulders I winced, "Rachel he isn't there –,"
"I know what I saw! He was mocking me how I was weak and pathetic… how did I get out?"
Luke looked concerned, "The agent brought you back to Emmanuel's…"
I thought for a minute as I tried to remember, "Agent… Garcia, she was looking for me – the real me, she's working with Bennet–,"
Luke interrupted, "Rachel, you need to relax. Get some more sleep because school is tomorrow –,"
"Luke! How can I go to school? I can barely pick myself up!" I argued.
Luke sighed, "The gang is coming over to help you. Heather's aunt knows some meds that you'll have to bathe in to get some of the pain away."
I covered my face in the blankets, "I look horrible! Why –,"
"They all saw you when you were worse last night." Luke replied.
"Oh that makes me feel so much better!" I replied sarcastically under the sheets.
"Rach please, you can't miss school people will know something is up."
"I know besides I don't want to skip school I have a biology test tomorrow and that reminds me, I need to study!" I lifted myself up but Luke pulled me down gently he shook his head, "No you don't! You are on bed arrest, besides you need to relax you study too much, and Tim will give you help –,"
"No I'll help him because he's horrible at biology," I replied smirking. He laughed but he was interrupted by the doorbell.
"You stay put! If I catch you out of bed –," He smirked at me and race down to open the door.
Huh… bed arrest, how can I handle being in bed for a whole day?!
"Luke! Come on I can't stay in here the whole day!" I hollered. Numbers of footsteps headed up stairs. I was greeted by grinning Alex, Pat, Heather, and Tim.
"C'mon being in bed wouldn't be that bad, you'll be served food in bed… you'll have us as personal slaves." Alex chuckled.
I grinned, "Very true! So who'll go get my backpack from down stairs?"
Everyone stared at Tim, he sighed and race down the stairs everyone chuckled. "So what you been doin'?" Pat asked me relaxing on my dresser.
"What do you think I've been doing? I've been laying down here for ages! I just want to get up –!"
Luke wiggled his way through the gang and replied seriously, "You ain't going anywhere! And y'all –," he glanced at his friends, "—don't let her out of your sight! You hear?!"
Everyone nodded their heads, since they don't want to mess with Luke. I pushed myself up again ignoring the agonizing pain in my upper and lower back.
"Rachel!" Luke snarled racing to me trying to push me back down.
His touch hurt, "OW! Luke stop!" I pushed his hand away.
He scowled at me, "Rachel come on now you'll still have to go to school."
"I know! But if I practice resisting the pain I'll survive sitting in a chair for five hours." I argued I won!
Luke sighed shaking his head, "You know you can be so stubborn… Fine – but stay in this room! I don't want to see you falling down the stairs –,"
"Oh come on I'm not that confident…yet!" I smirk as he shook his head disagreeing with me and he walked over to Heather, "She's all yours. Call me at work if she's a handful ok. And Rachel, stay off your feet!"
"Luke I will—geez you're worse than a grown up!" I replied.
Everyone laughed Luke chuckled, "I'm responsible for all of you kids –,"
Pat cut in, "Hey I'm the same age of you!"
"That's why I'm leaving you in charge. Is there any more arguing? I'm late for work! See y'all later." Luke flashed out of the room while Tim walked in with my backpack.
"Finally he's gone." Tim replied as he sat on my bed taking out my biology folder, "So you still feel the need to study?"
I pulled my pillow higher I winced as I laid my back to it I smirked at Tim, "No I already know everything I'm going to help you."
Tim gave me a bewildered look, "I know it!" Heather laughed, "Sure you do…"
While Tim and I went over the study guides for our biology test, Pat shook restlessly awake. Alex and Heather played poker on the floor using coins as the poker chips.
Pat yawned getting bored, "Is anyone hungry?"
Alex put down a flush and took the entire 'chips' and replied, "Now that you asked, yeah, I am. How 'bout you get us some pizza grandpa –,"
"Why I ought a –," Pat tackled Alex all of us laughed as they summersaulted across my room.
Heather replied, "C'mon Pat you know he was kidding you."
Pat pushed Alex away. Alex chuckled, "Yeah,"
Pat stood up and smirked at his sister, "I know but I just want to give him a piece of his own medicine. Ok everyone up for pizza? I'll go but I'm leaving Tim in charge –,"
Heather cut in, "What's wrong with me being in charge?!"
"Nothing, just I know you too well." Pat replied racing down the stairs before Heather can throw her shoe at him. Guess some of them are a little drunk since they'll never leave anyone in charge of fifteen year olds and especially Tim!
Tim smiled mockingly at Heather, "He left me in charge!" She came over to him and sat on his lap. He kissed her neck.
I replied sarcastically, "Get a room! Anywhere but mine and take Alex with you I need to change."
Heather responded, "You need anything before –,"
Tim picked Heather off the bed and they raced out of the bedroom.
I laughed, "Huh… nope!"
Alex glanced back quickly as he walked behind them and shut the door. I slipped my legs out of the covers my jeans were covered in dirt and blood. Pain filled my legs as they brushed the carpet. OW! How can I get out of these jeans with my body cramping up?!Maybe I can use my ability but I think I could get it… I cautiously lifted myself up. Pain filled my throat I swallow a shout. "OW, OW! Crap—!" My legs collapse and I tumbled to the floor. As my body hit the floor a scream left my lips and my body went numb with pain. The door slammed open and Alex came to the rescue he put my head in his arms, "What the hell were you thinking you should have asked!"
"I thought I could get my other clothes in the dresser." I replied swallowing back the painful tears.
Alex glanced at the dresser then back at me and said again, "You should have asked before we left." He helped me slowly on my feet and sat me on the bed. "Tell me what to get." He pulled the dresser drawers.
"I need jeans and get any shirt on the top." I replied pointing to the dresser.
He brought me a fresh pair of jeans and my skull T-shirt. "Thanks." I clutch the clothes and laid them on the bed. He just stood there.
I raised an eyebrow, "You know you can leave right?"
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" He asked. Remember how crazy he was about me being different than the others, besides I'm so not that confident being alone with him. "I'm sure, besides if I need help I will call Heather." I replied.
He nodded a little disappointed and walked out.
Alex Mather
Alex trudged down stairs feeling sick to his stomach. What the hell was I doing just standing there?! She'll think I'm some kind of pervert…man I should have known she'll need help. Stupid! He hit himself on the head annoyed. He glanced at Tim and Heather who were making out on the couch. That was always me kissing the hot chicks… He sat on the kitchen table annoyed glaring at the window. He heard Tim yell harshly, "What the –!" Alex heard a thump he glanced up bewildered and saw Tim's body hitting the floor. What the f—! A hand covered his mouth and darkness fell around him…
Rachel Grey
I carefully pulled off my bloody, mud stain jeans. I examine my legs they were blue and purple on the sides and were burning numb. I clutched for the fresh jeans and carefully stood up and slipped into my jeans. That was easier than I thought it would be… I slipped my tank top over my head slowly and I glanced in the mirror only seeing my shoulders and head. Geez, I really got beaten to a p— wait, where's my necklace?! I clutch my neck, under my shirt, and glancing around my room from my bed. Tears filled my eyes I can't believe I lost my mom's necklace! I scornfully pulled down my fresh shirt. I carefully walked out of the room holding the bed frame and furniture, ignoring the pain of my feet supporting my weight. I glance around the hall no sign of anyone. I wiped my tears away and held onto the wall as I move towards to the stairs.
"Alex? Heather, Tim? Where are you guys?!" I hollered down stairs. Where are they! I hope they aren't eating the pizza without me! "You guys better not eat all the pizza!" I held onto the stair railing and slowly trudged down stairs. Every step down came with a hot stinging pain in my lower back. "Hey! Alex… Tim… Heather!" I finally made it to the first floor and held onto the railing for support, "Where –," I spotted Tim first unconscious on the floor I stared bewilderedly at him and around the room Heather was laying on the couch and Alex was laying on the kitchen table. What the hell?! I stretch towards the sofa and held myself gazing around for the cause. I heard a small creak behind me my body froze as I felt a hand on my bruised shoulder. "OW!" I yelped jumping away and I flicked my hand backwards sending my attacker flying. I didn't glanced back when I heard the crash I hop away over the couch trying to get to the back door, but my legs collapsed underneath me. As I fell I attempt to crawl but my arms stung painfully keeping me stuck in a hot agony, I stared horrified behind me. But I realized that I was facing a face that I haven't seen in weeks, Gabriel. He brushed himself off after I sent him flying.
He stared at me, then gazed at my bruised arms, "Rachel, what happened to you?!"
I held my place on the floor afraid to feel the pain, "I… fell."
He glared at me, "Don't you dare lie to me –,"
"What are you going to do?! I've been taking care of myself for weeks –,"
He half-heartedly laughed, "Yeah you sure are doing a real good job taking care of yourself…"
I sat up, but my back disagreed with me filling with the paralyzing pain, "OW! Damn –!"
Gabriel kneeled next to me he held out his hand about to touch me I brushed his hand away feeling a part of my face cleared from burning pain, "No, you – can't heal me or someone will think something's up when all of the bruises are gone –,"
"I'm not letting you be in agonizing pain –,"
"You can heal half way then…" I replied back he stared into my eyes I glance away closing my every thought. He held out his hand and clutched one of my legs. I close my eyes feeling the pain extinguish in my legs and back I push him away as the pain stopped in my upper back.
Gabriel stared at me getting frustrated, "So are you going to tell me what happened –,"
"What did you do to my friends?" I asked cutting in as I stood up slowly staring at my unconscious friends.
Gabriel sighed, "Just knocked them out. At first I didn't know that they're friends of yours…"
I stared horrified at him, "So you erased their memories!"
He raised an eyebrow, "No just knocked them out, why, you want me to?"
I glared at him as he raised his hands innocently, "So how did this happen?" he asked nodding to me wanting answers.
I sighed, "I got jumped by a group of people."
He stared at me skeptically, "You aren't telling me everything… So this is how it works if you don't give me answers then maybe your friends will." He nodded to Alex and Tim.
"You wouldn't dare!" I scowled at him.
He sneered walking slowly to Alex. I couldn't help it to run in front of him and held out my arms to block him, "Fine I'll tell you! That's a new low for you black mailing me. What the hell happened to you?"
He smirked at me, "I've always been like this, but you didn't seem to care." I examined his eyes they were black holes—no emotion in them at all. The job must get a whole lot out of him. I moved him over to the living room and he sat in a chair near Tim's body, while I sat on the couch near Heather's legs. I didn't let my shoulder touch the couch they were the only things that really hurt.
I sighed knowing I can't hide everything from him, "Fine I was at a party and got bored so I went outside… then a blur of figures were above me –,"
"A blur of figures…" he raised his eyebrow still thinking I'm holding something back. I was –about the reason for going outside, but I couldn't remember the faces of the people.
I scowled, "I got beaten up and my memory of the attack is a little fuzzy. Guess I got kicked in the head and punched way too many times!" I shot at him and continued, "The next thing I knew I was at my father's old place and an agent was hugging me."
He nodded, "Agent Garcia, she came back to the government building early in the morning saying what she found in the haunted house. Didn't expect you're the girl who was beaten and thrown into the house…"
"Do you think Bennet expects it was me?" I asked.
"Who knows. He doesn't have solid proof and besides putting your name as Ray stirred his suspicions and now he's trying to find information about the kids at the party house." Gabriel replied unworried.
I glanced pitifully at my hands. Gabriel notice and replied, "There's still something else you didn't tell me."
I stole a peek at him his face was a mask, "I lost my mom's necklace…"
"Don't worry it'll turn up some day –,"
"I'm just worried that I would never get to find it! It was the last thing that was the only thing she gave to me that was hers!" Tears filled my eyes I brush them away quickly.
"Rachel… look at me." I glance up seeing that he was serious, "I don't want you to be snooping around in that house or anywhere else to find it. The streets and the house are under surveillance and I don't want to go back and hear that you've been spotted. You need to be under the radar."
"Oh come on –,"
"I'm serious Rachel, if I find you out in the streets…"
I challenged, "What are you going to do?! Erase my memory or throw me in a ditch?" Now it's time to confront him.
"I might have to if you aren't serious about –,"
I cut in, "Tell me Gabriel why did you come to Luke's house a year ago?"
He stared surprised at first but his expression vanish, "On business –,"
"Oh come on! Do you really think I'm that stupid?! You kidnapped an agent, and threatened to kill Luke and his mom!"
He stared hard at me, "I only want answers on where the old man was hiding –,"
"You could have handled it a different way!"
Gabriel shot back, "I was unstable back then –,"
"You seriously think that you're stable now?" I stared at the floor as tears fell from my eyes, "Get out."
"Rachel –,"
"Gabriel, please get out! Like you said, I have to stay under the radar." I answered.
He scowled at me knowing we wouldn't get anywhere by arguing, "Fine…" he stood up and vanished in thin air. Tim, Alex, and Heather stirred awake and I put on a smile as all of them dazed around.
"Geez… what happened?" Tim asked clutching his head.
"Guess you guys had a little too much to drink last night." I replied.
Tim responded, "But there was –,"
The door opened and Pat jumped in two large steaming pizzas, "Pizza delivery! Who ordered a pepperoni pizza?!"
"Me!" Everyone moaned.
"What happened to y'all?" Pat asked staring at us.
Alex rubbed his neck, "Guess we didn't have enough sleep last night…"
"Yeah me either let's eat!" Pat replied opening the pizza box and pulling out a slice and rubbing it in our faces. I rushed over and took a slice and chowed down to pizza heaven.
Everyone stared at me and I raised an eyebrow glancing at my pizza making sure nothing was wrong with it, "What?"
"How did you get downstairs?" Pat asked.
"With difficultly, but hey, at least I know that I can walk." I replied smiling innocently and took another bite out of the pizza. We all devoured the pizzas in minutes and my belly was about to explode, we all kicked back our seats relaxing. I still had pain in my shoulders, arms, neck and face but lesser then I had before. Heather and Tim left the table and sat on the couch watching some kind of horror movie… hearing the creepy music, it's got to be One Missed Call.
Alex took a quick glance at my legs then at my face, "How are you doing?"
I smiled at him feeling the little burns coming from my cheeks, "Much better. Guess Luke was right about taking it easy."
Alex nodded, "Yeah you don't really look too pale anymore. Besides how did all the pain in your legs just disappear? 'Cause when I was in your room you can barely stand,"
What could I say?! "Guess they only hurt for a while but my shoulders and neck are still killing me." I responded hesitating to touch my neck. As I touch the back where I got hit by a sharp object my whole body tingled. "OW!" I winced, "I got hit in the back of the neck by something sharp yesterday."
Alex stood up and brushes my hair away from my neck and pulled slightly on a bandage, "Ouch! That looks painful… looks like a glass beer bottle or something."
"I scratched one of the jumpers in the face… guess he was pissed off. Does it look that bad?" I asked while he examined my neck.
"You mean bad as in a gash in your neck then yeah. Geez somebody must really want to take you out… Do you remember the guy's features?" Alex replied.
I thought a second, "Um… brown hair… that's the only thing I got,"
Pat glanced over me, "That what I call gross you definitely need to put some kind of bacteria cleaning thing and another Band-Aid…" Pat search in the pantries.
Alex kneeled in front of me as Pat came back with Band-Aids and some bottle called Bactine. I glance wryly at Pat as he went behind me. Alex held my hands as Pat sprayed the Bactine on my neck. Agonize stung me, "AAAAAHHHHH!" I screamed as it went on. Pat and Alex held me down as Pat tried to add the Band-Aid to my neck. OW, OW, OW, OW, STOP! Tears filled my eyes as the stinging alleviates and it felt cool. Alex and Pat smiled innocently and I glared at them, "You could have warned me!"
"Yeah… but you will never want to try it, besides it saved you from infections." Pat replied casually.
"Pat you should have told her!" Heather yelled over on the couch.
"Sorry, but it did save her from getting sick!" Pat shot back.
I kicked Pat and Alex softly at the legs, "Next time, tell me or you'll have a little visit from Luke!"
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! "Huh…" I so hate that stupid clock! I punch the snooze button and the clock died. Another day of school is just what I need! I trudged out of bed and glance in the mirror. My face was still a little swollen from the other night and the bruises darkened going to have to put a lot of makeup on to take away the blue and black!
I rolled my shoulders feeling the pain yet again. Trudging to the bathroom, I washed out my rat's nest of hair and put some of Heather's aunt meds on my body. Glancing at my battered and bruised body, I noticed my upper back was black, blue and purple; but the waist down was the ugly color of brown, yellow, and my natural skin color. Geez! Going to have careful to not show any skin… I doubt it will be a problem since it's at least 40 degrees outside.
I grabbed jeans, boots and a black sleeve shirt out of my drawer. Putting on the jeans and boots was the easy part, but the shirt was difficult, every time it brushed my skin my body tingled.
Before I went down the stairs I added a lot of powder to my face and gently added blush so I wouldn't be the walking dead. As I quickly checked myself over I pushed all my hair in front and behind my neck so I wouldn't show my bandages.
Luke walked me out with my backpack swing over his shoulder with his and he replied, "So tell me why you can walk all of a sudden?"
I looked at him and sighed, "My brother came yesterday and he healed me half way to my waist. I still have some bruises on my legs but they only hurt if you press real hard on them."
"Does anyone suspect some thing's up?" Luke asked me.
I shrugged wincing forgetting about my shoulders, "Maybe Alex but I doubt he thinks something is wrong."
Luke nodded and smirked, "Today you're going to get the royal treatment. Jason thought of it about you getting carried like a queen up the stairs and in the halls – so you wouldn't get hurt by the herd of people." He added as I sighed embarrassed.
"I wouldn't –,"
Luke laughed, "Hey! C'mon I bet it will be fun! Gettin' carried around like royalty! Which reminds me –," Pat came behind Luke and they both scooped me up off my feet both of them had me sitting on their combined arms. I clutched their shoulders trying to hold back some of the pain in my upper body.
I laughed as they carried me down to the bus stop, "You're kidding me! Through the whole day you guys are going to do this?!"
Pat grinned, "Not just us the whole MNJ!" Oh my god, people will definitely be staring!
As we were approaching the bus stop, Tim and Heather laughed seeing me held high sitting in a human chair. Pat and Luke grinned wickedly at them. I laughed, "Come on guys you can let me down now! I wouldn't need to do any walking while waiting for the bus!"
Pat and Luke let me down gently but Luke still kept my backpack. As I sat on the bench Heather and Tim accompanied me and I made sure I wouldn't lie back hitting any sensitive area. I glance up as The Social Reapers came walking by. One girl had a small bruise on her left cheek but I really didn't pay any attention, just Ashley who wrapped Luke around her. What does Luke even see in her?
I was saved by the bus pulling in. I jumped up, but Pat and Tim picked me up, they grinned at one another as they carefully walked up the bus's stairs, Heather laughed behind them. They sat me on the front seat while Heather slid in next to me. Tim and Pat sat across from us. As the Social Reapers climbed one by one they all gave me dirty looks, as they always do. As Ashley got up she sneered at me hearing her say, "Nice face."
I glance down at my hands Heather raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"
I glance up at her, "Did I put on too much powder?"
She nodded as the bus went in motion, "Yeah, here let me get some off for you." She brushed her palm over my face.
"OW! Not too hard I have bruises remember?!" I replied as she softly took off the powder.
"Um… the bruises are visible… I think I took too much off."
"Great! Now everyone will be asking what happened," I sighed, "Oh well…"
"Hey at least you'll be the talk of the day." Heather replied.
"It's bad enough that I'm going to get carried!" I sighed but smirked at her, "I bet Ashley would get super jealous, I'll be getting carried by the finest!" We both glanced over to the reapers. All of them were checking their hair and makeup, we burst out in laughter.
The bus went to a halt and the door opened to Jason, Alex, Emmanuel and Romero. Jason grinned at us and in the seat behind us with Alex, "Hey how's ninja girl?" Jason asked smirking.
I laughed, "I'm fine so is that going to be the new name for me now?"
"Hum… nah just wanted to say it!" Jason grinned wickedly. We all burst in laughter Jason can always get people laughing.
Emmanuel, who was sitting across Jason and Alex, replied, "You want to know what happened yesterday?"
"Sure," We all responded.
"Pigs came by my house and they were looking for the girl who got beaten –,"
I laughed uneasy, "Did you tell them where I was?"
Emmanuel snorted, "Why would I do that? When the Popo is looking for one of my homies, I just make somethin' up. Besides they just wanted info about your family. I just told 'em that I know nothing about you and just the person you know was at my house."
"Is that all you said?" I asked bewildered.
He thought for a second, "I'm pretty sure they all called you by Ray and they got that name out of you. I just didn't really understand why they wanted you."
"Did Luke tell you that the fed found me in the old Greys' house, maybe I was on private property?" I lied, covering up my brother's past.
Everyone gasped Jason replied, "Maybe they wanted to know who attack you, they might be thinkin' that the old geezer beat you."
I shook my head, "No, I definitely know he didn't attack me, I thought he left a year ago."
Jason shrugged, "Yeah you might be right, but it's a theory or the jumpers threw you in there thinkin' nobody would find you."
A shiver went down my spine, "Let's not speak about this again 'cause you guys are freaking me out with the ghost tales."
The bus screeched to a stop and we all lined up. I got up and Heather went down the stairs first. I was about to go down myself until Alex and Jason got a hold of me and carried me down. The worst part about it is –they are both in my homeroom! They grinned at me, "We ain't goin' to put you down until we're in Mr. J's class!" Jason replied.
I sighed, "Fine but I first need to get my bag from Luke!"
Alex and Jason held onto my back and legs as they race towards Luke. I clutched onto their shoulders not trusting their strength. "Hey Luke, the Princess needs her royal bag!" Alex hollered as they skidded to a stop I was swung forward but Alex stopped me from tumbling off their arms.
Luke and Ashley glance up at us. Ashley was glaring and Luke smirked at me, "Princess huh? So that will make me the king or something! Sure here you go." Luke took off my bag and handed it to Jason who swung it over one shoulder.
The bell rang and Jason and Alex raced to the doors If I survive today I don't know how I'm going to survive another one! They stopped as a herd of peers thrashed around trying to get in the building first. Someone brushed past my arm and a small burning pain responded back. OW! How can I handle one day?!
I ducked when we went through the doors and Alex and Jason went on towards the stairs, "Wait! Before you guys go on the stairs you should let me down! I don't want to fall up high down the steps!"
Alex and Jason glanced at each other and both nodded, "Yeah you'll be in a worse condition if you'd fall…" They let me down and both walked up with me both sides. People were pushing us up the stairs and every time someone stumbles behind or in front of me I winced in pain. Jason and Alex tried their best they could to be my "bodyguards" most of the time through the halls as they both pushed people out of the way. Jason pushed too hard a couple of times sending kids flying in the opposite direction! Finally we made it up the stairs and into Mr. Jane's history class. I sighed in relief as Alex motioned me to sit next to him and Jason. In the hard metal chairs, sitting even hurt! Jason gave me back my backpack and I made it a back cushion. Krystal sat in front of Alex ignoring us.
"Good morning students! Now everybody pass up your essays about War World II please. I'm going to choose some of you to read it out loud." Mr. Jane replied as the tardy bell rang.
Alex reaches over for my bag I shooed his hand away, "I can get it myself thank you." I twist my hips and felt a small crack, but I ignored it and pulled out my three page essay. And I hid my face; Mr. Jane loves to make me go first…
"Ms. Cline! Would you do the honors to read your paper? Come to the front please." Mr. Jane announced. I glanced nervously at my hands; I stood up and walked quietly to the front of the class holding my paper in front of my face shielding my face from the stares.
"Rachel we will need to see your face when you read." Mr. Jane replied.
Hope Heather didn't take too much makeup! I pulled down the paper, I sighed and reading, "In… the World War – many historical events had occurred. The attack at Pearl Harbor, the Holocaust, the Hitler Youth, and fighting all across Europe… Millions of people perished, soldiers and the innocent by standers… The death toll is still unknown but we all know in those times we've lost millions. It all started when the first war world ended and left Germany to pay. When the citizens of Germany was at mercy Adolf Hitler took the stand and brain washed most of the citizens, especially teenager and kids, which later will be form into the Hitler Youth. When Germany built their army they form alliances with Japan and Russia and the surrounding countries around Germany.
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii they brought the United States into the War. U.S joined forces with Great Britain and Russia, after Hitler tried to ambush Russian territory. Most of the soldiers that make up the Germany forces were children to ages 10 to 20. And most of the other soldiers from different countries hesitate to attack children.
In Poland, and other countries had contraction camps that was responsible for killing thousands of Jews. Many died from hard labor, burning in gas chambers and starvation. As the American and Russian soldiers broke down the doors they were horrified by the sight –," I jumped as Mr. Jane claps his hands.
"Bravo Rachel! Now let's have someone else do the honors. Rachel come over here and hand in your essay please." Mr. Jane replied smirking at my presentation. I walked over to him and pushed my hair in front of my face. He glanced at me and examine more closely. I glanced down at my boots knowing he was staring at my bruises, "Ms. Cline can you step outside with me." He raised his voice, "Amanda! Can you come up and read in front of the class please." Mr. Jane motions me to follow. I glance helplessly at Alex and Jason as I step out in the hall.
Mr. Jane shut the door and glanced at my face, "Is there something you want to share with me?"
I shook my head, "No sir, it's nothing –,"
"Rachel, do you know how serious this is? You need to go to the nurse right now –,"
"But sir, I don't want any trouble with the nurse or Mr. Walker. Besides I'm just having problems at home…"
"Rachel…"
The door slammed open and Alex came out shutting the door behind him, "Mr. J it's nothing, you know we get a lot of enemies…"
"Mr. Mather you're telling me that this is nothing?" Mr. Jane stared skeptically at him catching the "we"part.
The door slammed open and Jason rushed out glancing at all of us then and Mr. Jane. Mr. Jane stared at the two boys deliberately, "Don't tell me Jason is in this sort of gang also,"
"Yes sir, if you want names I'll give you names. Rachel is a part of this 'cause her cousin is the… leader…" Jason confessed.
Alex nudged him so hard knocking him slightly to the side then added, "Besides we all take care of her."
Mr. Jane stared hard at all of us then he turned his attention to me, "Do you have any other bruises?"
I nodded mournfully I knew this will happen! "Have them all the way from my waist and I have a cut on the back of my neck." Mr. Jane is the only teacher that every student feels comfortable to tell what bothering them.
Mr. Jane sighed, "You kids these days need to be more aware of the evil in this world. I'm going to hate myself for saying this but it's my duty to report all three of you to Mr. Walker."
Our blood ran cold. Mr. Walker is the most fearful adult in the whole school even the toughest guys are scare of him.
"All of you get your things and head down to the main office." Mr. Jane commanded. We trudged back inside and grabbed our things the whole class went quiet as we entered and left. Great, I bet we're going to have a lot of explaining to do…
Jason and Alex were quiet as they walked next to me down the stairs. They didn't bother to carry me, the halls were deserted. We glanced nervously at the main office's doors and trudged in. The lady from the front office glance up from her laptop, "Can I help you?"
I replied, "We're here to see Mr. Walker."
"Go right in. He's in his office," she answered staring at each of us. Alex went in first while Jason went after me. Walker looked more frightening in the lightly lit office with the shades closed. He stared at us with those dead, hard gray eyes. "Mather, Norris, welcome back."
We sat on the couch facing Walker's desk. We all glanced down not wanting to meet those eyes. Walker went on, "Tell me why you three are here today?"
I glanced at both of them, but I knew that neither Alex nor Jason would talk, so I spoke up, "We're here because our homeroom teacher saw my bruises…"
Walker examined my face not bothering to get up, "And how do these two fit in with the bruises? Did they beat you?"
I shook my head, "No, they were one of the people who helped me –,"
Walker cut in, "I doubt that, these two have been in here for many reasons especially Mather who had a case that was a part of assault…"
"That's not true!" Alex hissed.
Walker glared at him, "Really, so all those girls who ended up dazed in the bathroom wasn't you?"
I stared horrifyingly at Alex remembering what he said when he was drunk, "You're not flirting with me, you doing nothing, I can't get you –,"
Alex stared hard at Walker, "I didn't hurt 'em!"
Walker shook his head annoyed and he pulled out two files and opened them, "Both of you were caught for drinking and using drugs on campus and gang related fights… But Cline you haven't had a criminal school record, you're an A, B student, all the teachers love you… I just don't understand how you fit with these delinquents."
I glanced at the boys they both didn't look me in the eye, "My cousin knows them…"
Walker didn't look surprised, he just pulled another file out, "Ah Luke he's been suspended for fighting, and smoking on campus. It's a shame that your father is in the military and I can't inform him that his daughter is running around with gang members."
Doesn't matter, Gabriel doesn't care and since 'my father' is at war I wouldn't get in to much trouble. "'The gang members' are the only people who I really care for, my real family," I shot back.
Walker raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Tell me, were you the girl that was found in the Greys' old place, the news are trying to find?"
I stared at him, "Who knows maybe I am, maybe I'm not,"
"Cline, come over here," Walker commanded.
"I would rather stay where I am." I argued staying put. Alex and Jason looked uneasy.
Walker slammed his fist on the desk and leaned over his desk, "That wasn't an option! Mather, Norris, wait outside my office now!" They raced out of the room leaving me with Walker, "Has anyone told you that I used to be a Sargent in the military?"
I smirked slightly, "I could tell –,"
"You little smart mouth. That will cost you a detention," He walked up to me and pressed his hand on my shoulder. I winced in pain and dropped to my knees, "AAHHH! Let go of me! This is battery and you – can go to jail for touching a kid –," He flicked my hair from my neck and found the bandage, "So you are the girl who was jumped two days ago!"
Tears filled my eyes as he kept on examining my bruises I flicked my hand and he fell backwards. I stood up and the pain took a hold of me Walker jumped back up and tried to restrain me, but I pop out both of my hands and forced him down tears ran from my eyes. Walker stared at me in horror and rage as he struggled with my power. The second period bell ranged but I held my ground with Walker.
"Shush you are going to listen to me!" I pushed the thought to Walker. He stopped struggling and took deep slow breaths. His eyes were blazing I ignored them and went on, "You are going to forget everything that happened and won't remember any of my gang members names. Also forget about the incident about the girl who was jumped and thrown into the Greys' house." Walker grunted and his eyes rolled back and his body went limp. I gasped taking big long breathes and used my power to move Walker under the desk to make sure nobody will see him. I glanced at the folders that Walker pulled out and I stuffed them into my backpack. I stepped over Walker and opened the door Alex and Jason glanced up at me, "Does he want us to come in?"
"Nah, he wants all of us to go back to class. He just wanted to see how severe my cuts and bruises are." I responded as I carefully placed my bag on one shoulder.
Alex raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything outside the office. He tried to take my bag from me but I smacked his hand away. I asked "Was it true what Walker said about the other girls?"
Alex face darkened, Jason just went ahead of us with the late students not wanting any business of it, "It… I –,"
I stopped and glancing sickly at the floor Alex stopped also, "Were you going to do the same to me at the party?" I glanced up at him.
He hesitated, "No—,"
"Don't lie to me!" I spat.
He glance down with embarrassment his face burning, "Well I would have if you were wasted also… I'm like the guy – who every girl loves and wants –,"
"I can't believe you! At that party I thought you were crazy but you were actually telling the truth!" I went up to his face he stared into my eyes ashamed, "How dare you! I'm not that kind of girl. If you really want me, try and work for it," I slapped his face in anger and tears rolled down my face.
He glanced up mournfully, "Ray –!"
I continued to spat, "I trusted you and felt safe around you but you just trying to use me as another piece of your game!" I stormed off meeting Jason in our second hour class.
Jason opened the door to the class where all were talkative since this was our free hour and we sat at our usual table with Tim and Heather. Heather glanced worriedly at me then Jason, "Where have you guys been?"
"Walker's office about Ray's jumping incident," Jason replied.
"Rachel, are you alright?" Heather asked.
I said nothing but Jason answered, "She had a showdown with Mather she found out about his dark secret,"
Heather sighed, "That guy is a creep ever since middle school… But don't think about him. I'm just glad you didn't fall into his spell,"
I whispered, "You insisted on me to talk to him at the party," I stared at her, "Why didn't any of you warn me?"
She went on trying to ignore my question but couldn't, "I just want you have a reason for you to go in the party and I wanted you to have fun…"
"Yeah I had plenty of fun!" I responded sarcastically pointing at my bruised face.
Heather went silent for a long time and urged herself to finish her statement about Alex, "He's a womanizer, a player, ever since sixth grade he had almost all the girls in school under his charm, I was one of them." Tim hugged her tightly and she kissed his cheek, "But I have my man right here,"
"You're lucky to find the right person," I sighed.
Heather pushed Tim away and glanced at me and her face turned guilty, "I'm a horrible friend –,"
Tim, Jason and I stared at her bewildered and we all assured her, "No you not!" or "You're awesome!" But Heather kept shaking her head, "I should have never encouraged you to go to that party!"
I sighed, "Heather –,"
"No I'm serious I should had known that Alex will be a bastard when he's drunk and I told you he'll be easy to talk to!"
"He was and I turned him down when he was talking crazy stuff. I told him I'll talk to him when he wasn't drunk."
Jason stared at me baffled, "And he just let you walk away when you talk to him like that? Damn took a lot of nerve I swear he's scary when he's drunk and angry!"
"Guess I'm lucky…" I responded twirling my pencil.
The lunch bell rang and I limped away quickly before Heather, Tim or Jason could catch up. I painfully raced down the stairs and every time someone pushed me I just pushed back just wanting to get out into the fresh air.
I threw a plate of chicken fingers and French fries on my tray and stormed off to the bleachers. I sat at the very top and I pulled out Walker's folders fixed on the folder that read Mather, Alexander …
Jack Walker
Walker groaned as he hit his head underneath his desk how… did I get here…? He struggled back into his seat and dazed around his office. He clutched his head unable to remember what happened and he was having a migraine. Jesus something hit me hard… He went through a small box on his desk and pulled out a tape recorder remembering that he always record encounters with students just in case he needs the proof to any of the student's parents… He pressed play and he listened as the door opened. He listened to himself saying, "Mather, Norris, welcome back." Walker took out a pen and a paper, Mather and Norris ok. And he press play again.
Listening to himself go on, "Tell me why you three are here today?" He took a note of three kids.
He listened as a girl answer, "We're here because our homeroom teacher saw my bruises…" He wrote, One a girl…
"And how do these two fit in with the bruises? Did they beat you?"
She responds, "No, they were one of the people who helped me –,"
Walker listens with interested and curiosity feeling his head as he said, "I doubt that, these two have been in here for many reasons especially Mather who had a case that was a part of assault…"
"That's not true!" Walker stopped the tape and scribbled down Mather delinquent with assaulting girls.
He played it again and stared at the paper puzzle, "Really, so all those girls who ended up dazed in the bathroom wasn't you?" Earlier I knew everything about these kids and now nothing!
"I didn't hurt 'em!"
Walker listened to rustling of paper and himself, "Both of you were caught for drinking and using drugs on campus and gang related fights… But Cline you haven't had a criminal school record, you're an A, B student, all the teachers love you… I just don't understand how you fit with these delinquents."
"My cousin knows them…"
"Ah Luke he's been suspended for fighting, and smoking on campus. It's a shame that your father is in the military and I can't inform him that his daughter is running around with gang members." Luke Cline, military family. Walker scratches down.
"'The gang members' are the only people who I really care for, my real family," She shots back.
"Tell me, were you the girl that was found in the Greys' old place, the news are trying to find?"
"Who knows maybe I am, maybe I'm not,"
"Cline, come over here," Walker wrote down Last name Cline.
"I would rather stay where I am." She argued.
"That wasn't an option! Mather, Norris, wait outside my office now!" He heard the door slammed and listened, "Has anyone told you that I used to be a Sargent in the military?"
"I could tell –,"
"You little smart mouth. That will cost you a detention,"
Walker went bewildered as she started to scream, "AAHHH! Let go of me! This is battery and you – can go to jail for touching a child –,"
"So you are the girl who was jumped two days ago!"
The sound of rustling and him shout made him very curious and when there were him gasping made him baffled and his breathing harden. Walker hears a grunt. Then there was softer gasps and scraping from the floor. What is happening? Walker thought to himself. The rusting of paper was the last sounds on the tape and the door slamming. Walker stopped the tape and stared at the filer organizers Hmm…a few are missing. This is going to be harder than I thought. His eyes wonder to a newspaper article. He rocked his chair back and tried to think what he remembers about the kids but nothing came to his thoughts he thought of his job. He picked up the phone and hit speed dial.
"Hello?" The other end answered.
"I think we got you one of those specials at our school." Walker replied rubbing his head.
"What's the name of the child?" The other end asked.
Walker replied, "Cline,"
Rachel Grey
"What you doing Rach?" I jumped up from the files and slammed them down. Luke raised an eyebrow and slid next to me, "Nothing just – going over my homework assignment for Algebra," I replied not trying to look at him. Ever since we were kids, he could always tell when something's wrong.
"Where's Ashley?" I asked as I dipped a fry into ketchup and popped it in my mouth.
"She's eating with her cheer squad, besides I told the gang to leave you alone during lunch – so you can 'look over your homework'." He smirked at me.
I sighed, "Did Jason tell you –,"
"Tell me what?" Luke asked glancing curiously at me.
He didn't tell him? I picked up my tenders and chewed slowly. Luke waited knowing I would tell him.
I hate when he does that! "All right I'll tell you! Jason, Alex and I were sent to Mr. Walker's office…" I glance down at my food.
"What happened in the office?" Luke moved his face under mine to force me to look at him.
I glance into his brown eyes, "Luke I'm sorry… Walker was asking for it –,"
"Rachel, tell me what happened!" Luke urged.
"When we in his office he was reading out our school records. He wanted me to come closer to examine my bruises and when I refused he send Alex and Jason out of the room. He forced me on my knees and – he knew that I was the one who the news wanted to find… I panicked! I forced him down and erased his memory from ever encountering us."
I felt ashamed. Luke put his hand under my chin and forced me to look at him, "Are you sure that you erase his memory?"
"I should have… I did some practice," I replied I pulled out the files, "I also took these so if I didn't erase everything he wouldn't tie my connections to you, and the rest of the gang."
Luke took one look at the files then at me, "Rachel you know that I'll do anything to protect you?"
I smiled, "I know you have been at my side a long time,"
He hugged me, "And I still will be,"
"Class put down your pencils and hand in your test on my desk!" My Biology teacher ordered. Tim and I turned in our papers I smiled at him, "So how do you think you did?"
He sighed but smirked, "Thanks to you I think I got at least a B,"
"Am I the best teacher or what?" I replied sarcastically. He laughed and led me down the stairs as we followed the other students. We met up with the whole gang and went on the bus. Alex face was expressionless and he sat as far away from Heather and me.
Alex Mather
Were you going to do the same to me at the party? Rachel's voice whispered in his ears he glances at the back of her head she was laughing at Tim who had slush thrown at him. He shook his head trying to get the images out of his head but he was overwhelmed by a flash of memories Alex I will do anything for you… He felt himself becoming sick as he heard his voice reply… anything huh? Take off that pretty shirt… Walker's voice roared in his ears, all those girls dazed in the bathroom wasn't you?! Alex rubbed his eyes guilt raged through his body. Shut up shut up! He yelled at himself.
Rachel's voice whispered in his ear… How dare you! I trusted you and felt safe around you but you just trying to use me as another piece of your game! The bus stopped with a screech Alex glances up noticing that his stop had already left. Rachel, Heather, their family members and the cheerleaders walked off. Alex followed he went the opposite way of the Clines and the Peros but the cheerleaders were ahead of him. Their voices ringed in his ears as they walked next to him. He knew almost all of them—personally the girls glanced over their shoulders to sneak a peek at him; he just ignored them and walked ahead.
"Hey Alex want to go to a party with me?" One of the girls asked. He glanced over his shoulder and notice Ashley asked him.
He felt sick, "What happen to Luke? Not bothering to bring him?"
She shook her head, "Nah he's too busy with his sissy cousin."Alex stopped in his tracks and stared at her. Don't do it man, don't do it! "Ah sure where's the party at?" Who cares Luke will never find out - doubt Ashley will tell him… He thought to himself.
"Well the party started after school and all the important people from school are going to be there," She replied offering him her hand. He stared at it then took it and him and the Social Reapers walk off down the street.
They walked along the road and cut through the fence heading into a backyard. Alex walks in with the girls and smirked and nodded to Look at me now. At the party all the cheer squad, football players and any other team player was there. Alex raced to the dance floor and did a backwards flip showing off to the crowd. It was like any other party he was invited to, lots of girls, loud pop music, and beer. The only difference to this one was there weren't any of his fellow gang members here to stop him; he had any girl to himself and nobody will notice him being gone for a few minutes… In less than an hour into the party he had two bottles of beer, which was less than he had ever took, Ashley on the other hand was having trouble standing. He smirked to himself time for the fun to begin! Alex walked over to Ashley and whispered in her ear, "Come with me…"
She chuckled and followed him into a bedroom. Alex went into her face and she kissed him full on the mouth. He grabs her body and dragged her down on the bed. When he was just getting started his conscious sounded very much like Rachel How dare you! Stop! He quickly stopped and glanced around annoyed Ashley glanced puzzled at him, "What's – wrong?" He sighs, sitting down on the bed putting his hands on his face. Feeling sick again his body was warm and sweaty and he felt hazy. Ashley touches his shoulders; he stared at her then kissed her neck; he felt himself stopping as his teeth grabbed a chain and looking at her neck a heart locket with a cursive A carved into it, "Where'd you get that?"
She glances at the necklace then she smirked at him, "I found it,"
Alex glance hard at the necklace trying to remember why was it was so important about it… Luke's voice ranged in his ears, "It was her mom's, uh she will be heart broken – it's a sliver heart shape locket and has an A for her mom's name – Arianna…" Alex stared horrified at Ashley, "Can I see the chain?"
She laid closer to him kissing his neck as he took off the necklace his thumb rubbed against the A he carefully opened the locket a small picture of a little girl with massive curls smiled at him on the other side was a beautiful women with the same curls…
Alex pushed Ashley away raged bubbled in him, "Where the hell did you say you got this?!"
She twisted her blond hair with her fingers, "Does it matter?"
Alex replied in disgusted, "Rachel Cline was wearing this when she was jumped two nights ago," He stared at her shoulders they were slightly bruised.
"Oh that –,"
"You selfish bitch! Rachel didn't deserve that beating!" Alex spat.
"She was taking all of you away from me! She was taking all of Luke and you guys away from me!" Ashley argued.
His raged exploded and he punched Ashley repeatedly until she was limp. Hatred filled his bones as he rushed out of the bedroom placing his cap on his head. He stared at the partying crowd his fist held Rachel's locket. A few guys caught his eye Rachel's voice whispered, "I scratched one of the jumpers in the face…" He replied, "Do you remember the guy's features?" "Brown hair…" One of the football player's laughter filled Alex ears he stared at him he had brown hair and had three claw marks on his left cheek… You bastards mess with the wrong gang! Alex grabbed a beer bottle and raced up to the brown hair jock and slammed down the bottle on the exact spot where he had hit Rachel. Alex raced out of the house into the cool night before the other party guest realized what happened.
Alex sighed as he walked up to the Clines' house he washed the blood from his hands in the slush before he stepped up the steps. He hesitated at the doorbell what am I supposed to say? Oh I found the necklace I beat up Ashley to a pulp and bottled a jock… He sighed and hit the doorbell. In a few seconds the door opened and Luke stared at him, "What you want Mather?"
"Can I come in?" Alex asked looking into the house over Luke's shoulder.
Luke stared at him and sniffed the alcohol off Alex, "What the hell have you been doin'?"
"Can I just see Rachel—it's important," Alex responded hastily.
"What's so imp—," Luke's words were lost as Alex raised his fist showing the small sliver heart, "Where did you find it?" Luke asked as Alex walk past him and glance around the house the T.V. was onto wrestling and books were on the kitchen table.
"I was invited to a party and I took care of it," Alex replied, Luke stared at him wanting the real answer.
"Tell me where you found it or I'll throw you out of this house!" Luke argued clutching Alex's shirt forcing him to look at him Alex gave him his famous sly smile. Luke shook him harder. "Mather what the hell did you do?!"
"Luke! What are you doing?" Both of them glance up at the stairs Rachel walked down in her long sleeve Bobby Jack pajamas. She glanced at Alex and her surprise face turned to shame.
Rachel Grey
Luke hastily replied, "I – was just showing him the door –,"
Alex pulled Luke's hands off of him, "Rachel… I'm sorry about what you heard at school –,"
I stared at him I notice that his clothes were swiftly put on, "Yeah it was big I guess judging by your clothes our conversation didn't bother to stop your actions –,"
Alex glanced down at his clothes and sighs shaking his head. Luke noticed the clothes too and pushed Alex to the floor, "I told you if you did that again –,"
Alex smirked at Luke and shrugged, "I couldn't help it Ashley was a babe –,"
Luke roared in raged and tackled Alex and he clobbered him with his fists. I felt there was more to the story of Alex being here then just picking a fight with Luke. I raced to Luke and tried to pull him off, "Luke stop!" Luke's hands were around Alex's throat and I saw pink and red glowing in his hands, "STOP!" I flicked my hand and Luke went zooming backwards I forced my hand on Alex's chest to keep him down and I raised my other to keep Luke at bay. Alex coughed and clutched his red marked neck, Luke's hands were sizzling he stared at Alex with the look of aversion. Alex just chuckled I stared warningly at Alex and he stopped.
"Luke can you give me five minutes so I can talk to Alex –,"
"Hell no! I want to end him now!" Luke roared.
I sighed, "Calm down, he came here for a reason," I pushed the thought to Luke he stared into my eyes and stormed up stairs.
I turn back to Alex and sat in front of him I notice his sleeves had some blood spattered on them, "What have you been doing?"
He stared in my eyes and he pulled my hands into his I felt something cold in my palms as I opened them my eyes filled with tears mom's necklace! He found it! I stared into his black eyes and smirked, "Thank you so much!"
He smiled slightly, "It been through a lot, I caused a lot of trouble getting that back to you,"
"What do you mean?" I glance nervously at the sleeves.
Alex Mather
He sighed glancing into her big brown eyes, "Ashley had it around her neck and I just gave her own medicine and then I saw the brown hair guy with the claw marks and I just lost it…" He watch as her eyes grew big in shock his heart bounded rapidly. How can I tell her this? He clutched her hands softly and stared into her eyes, "Rachel I never felt so… good around you…" She smiled slightly and waited for him to talk. Huh why am I having such a hard time sayin' this? "Ray, I never felt the troubles of trying to impress a girl before. I swear you're the first girl, I think I'm – falling for you…"
Rachel Grey
I stared at him as he confessed that I was the first girl he truly loved. Alex Mather likes me? Am I dreaming? He glance nervously at me and went on, "The first day I met you I felt a sort of challenge and I always wanted to get your… attention and approval –," He bent in to put on my necklace and kissed me. The shock went away and we both closed our eyes. This is my first true kiss! I pulled away and his ears turned red.
I smiled at him, "Thank you for bringing back my necklace, Alex."
He grinned back dreamily, "No problem, anything for you."
I smirked at him and peered at the stairs, "You should go. Luke's still – steaming about the Ashley thing. I'll have to be the one to tell him,"
He nods and stood up and helped me up, "Oh…ok, see you tomorrow then," I showed him the door and he kissed my cheek goodbye. As I closed the door, I felt my cheek with my hand and felt my face burning.
I walked up stairs and into Luke's room. He had is earphones on and he didn't notice that I walked in. I tapped his shoulder he took them off, "Mather's gone?"
I nodded, "Luke… Alex got my necklace back –,"
Luke cut in, "And he did it with Ashley –,"
"Luke that was nothing you know why? Ashley was wearing my mom's necklace she was a part of my jumping incident," Luke stared at me in disbelief so I went on, "She hated me since my first day of school – no, since the mall. Alex said that he also took out a football jock that I'd clawed."
Luke shook his head but thought over a second but knew the odds…
