Chapter 2

As Schuyler lay on her bed thinking of her showdown with Charles; her cell phone beeped it was a text message from Charles,

Don't forget about tonight! It is one of your conditions."

Schuyler threw her phone back on the bed. She had forgotten about the Ball tonight. She was still caught up with what had happen with Charles. She thought she was going to have to stand her ground with him, but was surprised at how well it went. She had slammed the door to tell Charles she meant business and it worked after they both took a couple of seconds to cool down. Schuyler had asked him the questions on the Van Alen history, the paths; gates and what about this sister she is suppose to have? Charles explains about the Van Alen's and why he left the family after Allegra's relationship with Schuyler's father. He did say there were rumors that Schuyler had a sister, but Charles had cut off communications with the Van Alens after his falling out with Allegra. He only knew of Schuyler from the birth announcement in the paper; he then told her that they will start meeting in his office before dinner each night to go over the Van Alen history. Charles stood and opens the door for Schuyler. She rose and as she reached the door, she whispered, "Charles, I think I have something of value to you."

Charles laughed at this until Schuyler pulled out Allegra's sword. His face went blank, "How could she have this and how did Allegra give it to her?"Charles hurried up shut the door and he pressed a button to close the drapes. Charles then turns to Schuyler and demanded to know how she stole the sword from Allegra. Schuyler felt the rage building up inside of her.

"I didn't steal it; she gave it to me at the Conclave."

Charles yelled back," You are lying. She couldn't have given it to you. She is still in a coma."

Schuyler proceeds to explain what had happen to her in Rio and her vision with her mother. Charles was shocked; he realized then that the prophecy was true. That Schuyler was going to be their salvation. Charles then told Schuyler the Van Alen prophecy and decided to lay down some new rules for Schuyler.

First, she could move back home to the Van Alen mansion, but only on the weekends. Second, she had to live at the Forces during the week. Third, she will be watch at all times by Oliver and Hattie on the weekends. Schuyler was thrilled avoiding Jack just got easier, but having to spend the weekend with Oliver had its problems too. The last rule Chares gave her was going to be the hardest, she had to get a new familiar. Oliver was not going to be happy about that, but at least they got to spend the weekends together endlessly. Schuyler then remembered that she needs to go back to the Forces to get her gloves for the ball. "No problem; I will get in and out. Plus Jack is with Mimi for some bonding meeting."

Jack left Mimi and went to pick up his suit for tonight then he decided to go home. He had to get away from Mimi and all of the talk of the bonding. Jack thought about stopping at the Van Alens just to check on Schuyler, but he decided to drop off his suit at home first. He had been doing this a lot lately, checking in on Schuyler without her knowing it. He likes to sneak in her room at night and watch her sleep. To him, she was an angel and he was going to keep watch over her even if Oliver doesn't.

Schuyler opened the front door to the Forces and listen for any sounds. She let out her breath and thought, "Good, no one is here." Charles was still at a business meeting, Trinity was at the spa, and Jack and Mimi were together. Schuyler ran to the guest room where she was staying and got her gloves. It shouldn't have taken very long, but she forgot where she put them and then Oliver called.

"Where are you?" Oliver said with a little worry in his voice.

"Ollie, I am fine. I just had to run and pick up my gloves for tonight. I am leaving now, I will see you soon."

"Hurry up; I have a surprise for you."

"Ollie, you know I..." Oliver hung up before she could finish. She was trying to call Oliver back when she ran into someone on her way to the door. "Crap." Schuyler thought. Without looking up Schuyler said,

" Sorry Mimi, I was just leaving." Schuyler was waiting on Mimi to say something back, but she heard nothing.

"What no comment from the princess?" Schuyler looked up and saw that it was Jack. He had a surprised look on his face; this was the first time their bodies touched since that night at the apartment.

"Sorry Jack, I was just leaving." Schuyler stepped around Jack and starting heading for the door. "I can do this. I can do this. I just have to make it to the door and then I am free." Jack heard her thought and made it to the door in front of Schuyler.

"Wait a second, Sky." Schuyler's heart was in her throat, she loved it when Jack called her name.

"Stay strong don't let him see your weakness. Who am I kidding, he is my weakness."

"Jack, I really need to get home so I can get ready. Charles is going to kill me if I am late for the Ball."

Jack laughed and Schuyler's heart fluttered. "Since when did you care about what Charles wanted?"

"Since he holds my freedom in his hands."

"Um Ok Sky, I do have a question for you." Jack looked at Schuyler like he was a lost puppy as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Why don't you love me? Why did you choose him over me?" Jack never used Oliver's name around Schuyler he was the other man.

"Jack that was two questions and I don't have time for this." Schuyler said this as she reached for the door to leave, but Jack slammed her up against the wall. Schuyler didn't see Jack anymore she saw who he truly was, Abaddon.

"Yes you do and you will explain yourself," Jack demanded. Jack then realized what he was doing and the look on Schuyler's face terrified him. He never meant to hurt her nor scare her and he was doing both. He released Schuyler.

"I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you." Schuyler didn't give him a chance to explain because she ran out the door and all the way home.

Schuyler reached the front door of her home and before she got her key out to open the door, Oliver opened it.

"Hey Sky, it took you long enough. I was starting to get worried. You know you aren't suppose to go anywhere without me." Schuyler smiled at Oliver is way overprotective of her.

"I am fine, Ollie. So about this surprise." Schuyler had to admit that she was interested in what this surprise could be.

"Oh yeah, come on it is up in your room. Hattie is laying out the dresses Charles sent over for you."

Schuyler stepped back," What Charles sent over dresses for what reason?"

"Oh Sky you know it is part of your conditions. Plus I have to agree with him on the dresses he sent over."

Schuyler crossed her arms, "What you want me to be like Mimi?"

"What? Oh hell no, I just want you to show off how beautiful you are." Schuyler sighed and walked into her room. There was Beauty lying on her bed with three dress bags and a little blue box on top of one of the bags.