A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I appreciate it. Before I pre made those five chapters before ever creating the story. That's how this story just popped out of nowhere with five chapters. So, it might be a tad delayed from here on out. But here's another chapter. enjoy ---------------------

"I appreciate this, Stale-crackers," Brin mumbled, the edge suddenly gone from her voice. "I mean, really..."

Sara brushed aside the appreciation with a chuckle. "C'mon Adams, what are friends for?" Sara dropped down onto the couch in the empty living room. April, her mother had left for work right after dropping Brin off and Justin, her boyfriend, had been at work all morning. Justin had a family, but none to speak of. His mother was a poor, uncaring woman who lived with her eldest daughter, Amber, who had no room left for Justin. Justin did have another sister, who also lived with Amber. That other sister was 22 years old, but mentally retarded. So Justin's last resort had been his recent girlfriend...a year and some odd months ago...

Sara's father had ditched the family scene when she was young. Her mother had revealed to Brin that Sara's father -- John Staley, had been quite the abuser, when Brin was younger. But Sara seemed to have forgotten all the pain since she's still pretty close with her dad, who doesn't live too far away. She has a little sister, who has a different father. But she doesn't know that and Sara's dad treats her the same. Brin, personally, hates Sara's sister, she's bratty and spoiled. But she doesn't act like it, at least not as much as Justin does. Last to the family is Chris, Sara's 19 year old brother who had just moved out. He'd been expelled from school in his junior year and never bothered to go back the following year. He's now married to a close friend of the family's -- tabetha and has a six month old baby boy.

Brin liked Sara's family, she liked her mother and though Justin was the funniest guy there was. But still the sorrow would leave her. "Are you alright?" a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts.

Brin looked up at Sara. "Oh...yeah...sure...why not?"

Sara wrapped a comforting arm around Brin. "I know what'll cheer you up," she chirped happily. "A trip to the theater!" she answered before Brin could ask what. "You can pick the movie?" she then offered slowly.

Alex stood uncertainly outside of Brin's door. He'd never been at her house before, he didn't know how to react. Before he could worry more, the front door swung open and a taller, older teenager filled the frame. Alex stared evenly at him. The teenager had a smooth face, fair brown ear length hair, and loose fitting clothes. They weren't the short of clothes that Brin wore, but pretty close. He wore the sort of clothes that most male teenagers did. Loose, baggy, rebellious. "Is Brin here?" Alex finally asked.

The kid shook his head stiffly. "Who are you?" he then asked. His voice was smooth too. Alex couldn't help thinking that this kid MUST be popular in school...the opposite of his younger sister.

"Alex Rider..." Alex answered truthfully. "Are you Brin's brother?"

"Yeah," he answered. "Name's Drake." He extended a hand. Alex seized it without hesitation. "Look, man...Don't tell Brin I told you, but she said something about being at this one chick's house. She's supposed to 'disappear' without a trace. But we all know it's not that easy. She went to Sara Staley's house. You know where she lives?" Alex shook his head wordlessly. Drake grinned. "Alright. It's not too far from here. I can show you."