Chapter 24

It had been 3 months since Corey and Yasmin had joined the family. They learnt to sleep through the night quickly after the first 2 weeks but they'd already done enough damage. Tala and Star were completely shattered, Kai and Angel had gone to sleep at the Abbey and Hilary…she stayed outside all night because the twins thoughts didn't reach out that far. Now thought, everything had calmed down. Kai and Angel were back at the mansion. Angel started her education and Hilary and Kai went back to work. In fact Hilary tried to spend most of her time at work to hide the fact that the twins thoughts were stronger than anyone else she'd meet.

Hilary was sat in her office at the abbey, starring out the window. She had the scientists working double time to try find out what the anomaly in Angel's blood was. But she wasn't having much luck at all. She picked up the first piece of paper her hand could reach from the desk and looked over it.

"Great. Just what I wanted to do. Salaries," she muttered to herself as she faced the desk properly and got to work.

She was half way through them when she heard a small knock at the door.

"Come in," she called out. The door opened and Hilary looked up to see Angel standing there, with tears in her eyes.

"Angel," Hilary exclaimed running over and picking her up. She tried to sooth Angel as she went back to her chair and sat down again. Angel was suppose to be in school for 2 more hours. What had made her come to the abbey?

"Angel, what's wrong?" Hilary asked.

"Some girls were picking on me," Angel cried into Hilary's shoulder, "They got some boys to help them."

"Calm down sweetie and tell me everything from the beginning," Hilary said softly.

Angel sat up straight, drying her eyes with the ends of her sleeves.

"I was playing with Sophie at break. And these girls came over with some boys and they all circled round me. They were calling me names and saying I was bad luck because mum, grampa terry and grampa boris were all dead. I tried to get away to tell a teacher like you said but two of the boys held me back. They started punching and kicking me and I can't remember anything until I was looking round and most of the bullies were on the floor and all the kids were looking at me calling me a freak," Angel explained.

"Well don't worry bout them anymore. We'll get your grandmother to start teaching you at home instead. Why don't I set the DVD player up and you can't sit in the secret bedroom watching DVD's until I've got all the usless important stuff done?"

"Sure," Angel exclaimed jumping to stand at the secret door. Hilary laughed getting up and entering the secret bedroom with her. Angel jumped onto the bed whilst Hilary set up the DVD player. Hilary went out and locked the office door closing the blinds and windows before sitting on the bed with Angel working on salaries whilst Angel watched Enchanted. Hilary looked at her every now and then, Angel had fallen asleep after an hour. Hilary got up calling Angel's grandmother lillith, letting her know not to pick up Angel before calling Kai at Hiwatari Enterprise.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Phone Convo -_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Kai: Hilary, What's up? You never call me at work.

Hilary: Well normally I wouldn't because I'm busy and because your secretary loves to piss me off by not putting my calls through so she can tell me how many girls you've slept with during the day.

Kai: I'll fire her.

Hilary: You said that last month when I told you she was saying she slept with you. Why is she still there?

Kai: I fired Amelia

Hilary: Who's your secretary now?

Kai: Joanna. I hired her for her skills but obviously she isn't that great.

Hilary: Hire a man that isn't gay then.

Kai: Last guy i hired that wasn't gay turned gay because he was working with me.

Hilary: Well why don't you have Tala work with you then. He's married. Shouldn't give you any problems.

Kai: I'd like to think so. Anyway what's up?

Hilary: Angel's here at the abbey.

Kai: Did school finish early?

Hilary: No she turned about an hour ago crying. Some kids were picking on her and started to beat her up. But according to her she blacked out and then suddenly all the kids were on the floor and everyone was calling her a freak.

Kai: That's odd.

Hilary: I think it might have something to do with that anomoly in her DNA. I've had the scientists working double shifts to find out about the anomoly and a bonus if they get exact details.

Kai: Can you afford to give out bonuses.

Hilary: Yeah i was looking through salaries today we've got a lot of money left over every month.

Kai: Hopefully they find something if they've got motivation.

Hilary: I'm hoping. Angel's asleep in the bedroom at the moment so if they find something now I don't have to worry about her hearing.

Kai: Well I'm just about finished with work her. How about I grab some takeaway for all of us on my way over?

Hilary: You've got at least 3 hours of work left haven't you?

Kai: It can wait till tomorrow. Or later tonight. I need your opinion on some of it anyway.

Hilary: How come?

Kai: You're my-wife-to-be so the company will be half yours soon.

Hilary: True. Ok. Just don't take too long.

Kai: I won't...hang on a sec..

Hilary could hear the door open in the background, she could always hear everything in the background when she called Kai at the office.

"What is it Joanna?" Kai asked.

"I've got everything up-to-date sir. There shouldn't be much paperwork for a while apart from reports from the departments," Joanna replied sweetly.

"Did my fiancee call today? It's important i got that call," Kai asked. Hilary frowned, he obviously needed to check for himself.

"No sir. If you don't mind me asking, what is it about? I only ask so that i know it's ok to interrupt you while you're busy."

"It's about our wedding. Her calls about the venue, the arrangements, the reception and her wedding dress."

"Isn't it traditional not to let the groom see the dress until they meet at the altar."

"It is but we don't keep secrets from each other. So would you like to tell me the truth because my fiancee calls my mobile if she can't get through to the office phone."

"She calls your mobile?"

"If it's important, about Angel or she's done some work for me which i need straight away. She seems to be calling my mobile a lot lately."

"Miss Hilary's on the phone now isn't she?"

"Yes. Clear your desk in 10 minutes. Security guards are already outside waiting to escort you out the building."

Hilary heard the door slam and smiled.

Kai: So where was we?

Hilary: Apparently planning our wedding.

Kai: First thing i thought of.

Hilary: Ah. So i'm not allowed to keep my wedding dress a surprise?

Kai: I'd prefer you didn't. But I know you'll look beautiful anyway.

Hilary: Aww how sweet. Doesn't mean I'll let you off. So takeaway?

Kai: Yes. I'll be there in half an hour.

Hilary: Ok. I love you.

Kai: I love you too Hilary. See you soon.

_-_-_- End of Phone Convo -_-_-_

Hilary walked back into the secret bedroom and saw Angel sitting up, her eyes glazed over and half closed.

"Mommy. Why can't I tell them?" Angel asked.

Hilary didn't reply. Angel hadn't seen her, she was busy staring at the door of the bathroom.

"But they're bound to find out sooner or later," Angel said before falling back to sleep.

Hilary looked at the bathroom door questionably. 'Why was she staring at the door? Unless she can see ghosts. Which is nearly impossible,' she thought.

She decided to wait until Kai arrived before waking Angel and telling Kai what had happened. She wasn't too sure what to make of it herself. She sat on the bed and pulled the laptop back onto her lap, finding a delayed email from her father. She went to look at it but her office phone began to rang. She ran out to answer it

~* Phone Convo *~

Hilary: Hello?

???: Hey Sis

Hilary: Tala? What have you done wrong to be calling my office phone?

Tala: I haven't done anything wrong. I couldn't get hold of your mobile.

Hilary: Oh right. Sorry I think it died on me earlier.

Tala: Anyway, Star's making a meal for everyone tomorrow night so you can't work late.

Hilary: I'll try not to. Tala?

Tala: Yeah?

Hilary: Have you ever noticed Angel talking to herself at home or a door by any chance?

Tala: A couple of times. But I thought it was because she missed her Madison.

Hilary: She did it here at the abbey.

Tala: Maybe it isn't because she misses Madison. What did she say?

Hilary: Something about why can't she tell us and we'd find out sooner or later.

Tala: Think it has something to do with that anomaly that was found in her blood.

Hilary: Possibly but I don't want to get my hopes up on it.

Tala: Why's that?

Hilary: Anomaly's in the blood are never a good sign unless you're a sci-fi superhero.

Tala: Or Kai.

Hilary: Yes or Kai. But what could Angel possibly know that we don't?

Tala: True. Madison would of raised her as a normal child not letting her know a thing.

Hilary: I know. It's weird but it may have something to do with an email I haven't been able to read yet.

Tala: Who's it from?

Hilary: Dad.

Tala: Well that's never a good sign.

Hilary: No. It isn't.

Tala: Right. I'll be over later to pick you and Angel up.

Hilary: Don't worry. Kai's bringing Angel back later.

Tala: You're not coming back?

Hilary: I love the twins to pieces but their thoughts to me are like a dog whistle to dogs.

Tala: They're babies they can't help it.

Hilary: I know but until I can put up a resistance to it. I can't go near them unless I'm physically drained of energy.

Tala: Ok. But I'll still come over. I wanna check out what dad sent in the email.

~*End of Phone Convo*~

Hilary put the phone down and stared at it for a while. Whatever Angel had been hiding, it was something she was keeping secret for a reason. And Hilary didn't like it. She heard a knock at the door and went over to answer it, knowing it was Kai. He walked in and she locked the door again.

"Hey that was quick," Hilary said.

"Well if I want to get out on time no interruptions it's possible. Where's Angel?"

"Asleep."

"What's up? One word answers are never a good sign with you,"

Hilary sat and explained what she'd seen and what her and Tala had spoken about. Kai agreed with the ideas her and tala had come up with.

"What do you think we should do?"

"Carry on as we are. She'll tell us eventually," Kai replied.

"Ok. So what did you bring for dinner?" Hilary asked, peering into the bags Kai had put on her desk.

"Chips and chicken," Kai replied.

"I better go wake Angel before it gets cold then," Hilary said.

Hilary went to walk into the bedroom but Kai grabbed her hand and pulled her into his embrace.

"It'll be fine for a little longer," he said before kissing her passionately. She returned it wrapping her arms round his neck as he placed his hands on her hips pulling her even closer. They pulled away for air and he wrapped an arm round her back.

"I could always get Tala to look after Angel tonight," Kai said.

"Horny bastard," she responded smiling.

"But you love me anyway," he stated.

"Very true," she said smiling, "I'll think about it but first we need to get Angel up."

"That's easy. Just say the word 'food' and she'll be.."

Suddenly Angel came running out.

"Who said food?" she asked excitedly.

Kai and Hilary laughed before passing her some food. Kai didn't mention school so Angel couldn't come up with an excuse for him. Once they were finished eating, Kai called Tala whilst Hilary let Angel pick a film to watch. Kai walked into the secret bedroom to find Angel was perched on his side of the bed and not in the middle like usual. Hilary laughed at the disappointed look on his face and got up. He sat down and Hilary sat in-between his legs. Angel had picked Enchanted. Kai mumbled in Hilary's ear every now and then about his hate for the film. Angel was half asleep by the time the movie finished, which was when Tala arrived letting himself into Hilary's office and locking the door behind himself.

"Ready to go home Angel?" Tala asked.

"Yeah. I wanna go to bed," Angel replied rubbing her eyes.

"Let's get you home then," Tala said.

"Thanks Tala," Kai said.

"You owe me," Tala replied.

"I know. I'll take care of the twins whilst you and Star have a day trip somewhere," Kai responded.

"I'll be surprised if you can get Hilary here to go home," Tala stated before walking out the door with Angel on his back, falling asleep. Kai got up and followed him to lock the door after him.

"Dad I want mom to come home soon," Angel said.

"She will soon and when she does we'll spend the day in playing games and watching DVD's," Kai replied.

Angel smiled and fell asleep. Kai smiled before looking at Tala seriously.

"Did Hilary speak to you about Angel?"

"Yeah."

"Keep an eye on her. Film her if you have to."

"Will do. I'll see you two tomorrow morning."

"Afternoon."

"Haven't you got work tomorrow?"

"No. Told them I'll be off until me and Hilary resolve something with Angel's school."

"In other words you're not going back till you've got a new secretary who doesn't stop Hilary's calls coming through to you."

"Yep."

"That could take a while."

"Yep which means I can spend some time with Hilary. You better get going."

"See ya."

Kai opened the door and once Tala was through, he closed and locked the door. He walked into the bedroom to find Hilary laying on the bed an arm blocking light from her eyes. Kai sat down and she moved her arm up a little so she could see him.

"You ok?"

"Yeah just over thinking."

"About what?"

"Well what happened at the school and what happened in here with Angel, they can't be just random things. They're linked somehow but anything I think of is impossible. There's no way Terry and Dad would have experimented on Angel. Or on Madison to create Angel. It doesn't make sense."

"Who's Angel's real father?" Kai asked.

"No idea. I didn't ask."

"We'll figure it out eventually."

"What if it's too late by then?"

"It won't be. Now will you stop worrying and try to relax."

"OK. What time are you expected at work tomorrow?"

"I'm not. I'm taking some time off and you need to take a break from this abbey."

"True. But it's quiet here."

"I know but you need to let the scientist's have a break. They need to look at their task with fresh eyes or they'll never make any progress."

"What have you got planned?"

"Well one we have to sort something out with the school. Two you need to start going back to the mansion. Three we need to spend some time with Angel to keep an eye on her, to see if this is more frequent than we think. And fourth we've got a business party to attend and you have to wear a dress."

"There's a fifth one isn't there? You just don't want to say it,"

"Ray and Max want to hear from you."

"No."

"Hilary, they're not the ones who did something wrong. From the email I got from today, they're thinking of going back to their old teams."

"Really? I thought they wanted the team to stick together."

"Not anymore. As they put it 'Tyson is another evil dude to add to the list.'"

"Max obviously wrote that bit."

"All they want is an email from you."

"I think I have a better idea. I'll call them. Since I've got some time off now I'll see if they want to come over here."

"Not right now," Kai said grabbing her cell phone out of her hand before she could dial, "They'll be asleep. Call them in the morning."

"You'll have to remind me then," Hilary stated.

Kai leant over her to put her cell phone on the bedside table, only for Hilary to pull him down. He looked at her and smirked seeing her playful smile. He kissed her gently before kissing down her neck.

"Kai?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you regret following me here?"

Kai stopped what he was doing and looked her in the eyes. She'd obviously had had to much time to think whilst she'd been here on her own. He sat up properly and pulled Hilary up gently.

"What started you thinking that?" Kai asked.

"When you started telling Angel all the Bladebreaker stories about a month ago. You may not have noticed but everytime you tell those stories you get this sad look in your eyes. It just made me think that letting you follow me here wasn't a great idea," Hilary replied.

"Hilary I don't regret coming here with you. If I hadn't come here with you I wouldn't have seen you for 3 years, we wouldn't be engaged, we wouldn't have Angel, I'd of gone insane living with Tyson, and the team would have split eventually because we'd all have resent against each other because you left."

"What would you have done if I'd left before you could find dad's hotel room?"

"I'd of still followed you Hilary. All around the world if I had to. So promise you won't ever think again that I've regretted coming here because I've enjoyed being here with you and the only thing I'd change about it is I never hurt you like I did."

"Promise," Hilary said and kissing him gently before he could say anything else. He gave in quickly, letting Hilary push him back to lay on the bed.