2

The next day was Saturday. Marissa disappeared early in the morning. Kerissa had no doubt that she had gone to see whoever she had been with last night. Serena was busy, Vanessa was out with her mom at a movie filming, Jimena had community service, and Catty was off doing whatever Catty did.

After taking care of her, and Marissa's, many potted plants, Kerissa decided to see a movie. Something that was Drama/Action/Romance.

And maybe some Adventure, too. She walked to the theatre, bought a ticket, a box of popcorn, and sat down. She glanced around. The previews were beginning. Kerissa settled down in her seat.

Suddenly, someone sat down next to her. She looked over. It was Him.

He smiled that alluring smile at her. "Hey." His voice was soft and seductive.

She forced herself to act natural. "Hey."

"I'm Alex. Alex Dredth"

"Kerissa. Kerissa Cauran."

He grinned. "You're new here, aren't you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"Nah—but I've lived here forever, so I get used to it."

Kerissa smiled. What was she supposed to do?

The movie began. Kerissa tried to concentrate, but it was impossible with Alex sitting next to her.

The final scene began to play out. Alex yawned, and stretched, and… put his arm around her shoulder.

"You don't even know me," Kerissa murmured.

"Then we'll have to remedy that," Alex whispered.

Kerissa smiled, "I'd like that."

His breath was warm on her face. "Will you meet me at Planet Bang, then? Next Tuesday, 8:00."

"Yeah. Yeah, I'd like that."

Alex smiled that secretive smile. "I'll see you there." He got up and walked out.

Kerissa blinked, and realized that the movie was over and the theatre was slowly emptying.

Serena frowned. Something was happening with Kerissa. She had been sarcastic, smart, uptight, and yet fun when they had met. She was already different.

Serena closed her eyes and reached out with her mind to that tiny little ball of emotions in her head that was Kerissa. Kerissa was positively glowing. Serena had only known Kerissa a short time, but she knew that this type of delight wasn't typical of the girl.

How different they were. Marissa was fun, easygoing, and flirtatious. Kerissa was more uptight. Somehow, Serena felt more drawn to Kerissa. Marissa was nice, but somehow rubbed Serena the wrong way.

A new presence entered the room. It was Stanton. Serena took a moment just to study him. He was so hot. She felt incredibly lucky to have him.

Hey, Stanton whispered, seductively.

Hey.

He frowned slightly at her preoccupied air. What are you doing? He shifted through her mind to see what she was doing.

That new girl, Kerissa? What does she have to do with anything?

What do you know about her? Serena asked.

Nothing, really, but she doesn't seem like she's a Daughter, if that's what you are thinking.

How else could she wear the amulet?

It's called a normal necklace, Serena. Look, you know I'm committed and all to the Atrox, but I do care about what happens to you. Therefore, to the Daughters.

Serena pondered this info. Could it be a normal necklace? It was possible. She would just have to wait and see. Boy, these twins could be trouble. In fact, the twins already were.