RUNAWAY

Chapter 4- Changes

A/N/: Thx for all the reviews, sry but I'm too lazy to list the names. Ill probably just respond to your reviews personally! For the extra wait…I give you an extra long chapter…RxRxE (Enjoy! xD)

Six Years Later

The Fenton's household was still standing tall with the Fenton Works sign fading in color and speckled with rust. Things have changed, a lot has changed. It's funny when you want time to stop, but life drudges on without skipping a beat, leaving you behind. The battle cries and the random explosions of green ectoplasmic goo were missing. The evening was set and the night began to dawn, while a woman with a plain blue bathrobe, sipping a cup of warm ginger tea, observed the outside.

Her short red hair was streaked with graying hairs and her mouth simply did not have enough strength to turn anywhere but south. The grim expression haunted her lips as well as her eyes which seemed lifeless and dull; without a purpose.

Turning away slowly and climbing the stairs to the second floor, she continued forward to a closed door. Lifting her hand to knock gently, she suddenly stopped, and instead, turned the golden knob carefully.

A man was sitting on an over-stuffed arm chair with a gaunt expression. Only the very top and bangs of his hair were midnight black while the rest gave way to age. Seeing her husband lifeless like a corpse churned her heart. She should have been used to it, he has been expressionless for a while now.

"Jack?" she said. There was no response.

She knelt beside him, but he avoided her gaze and aimlessly stared at the wall behind her. "Jack, honey? Would you like some tea?" Again, no response came. "Well, I'll go make some anyway incase your up for it." she concluded. Closing the door behind her, the same haunted expression came from her husband; pain and emptiness.

Climbing back down the stairs and shuffling into the kitchen, she began to heat some water for the tea. Tears clung at her eyes, so much has happened.

Returning to her usual spot in the living room, looking outside the window, she observed life moving onwards outside her door.

It was now completely dark, and the only shadows that were visible were created by multiple streetlights outside; most of them which were broken. Suddenly her heart lurched forward and her eyes widened with disbelief. In the dim light available and her fading eye sight, their seemed to be a man about six feet tall with spiky hair formed into a mess. She couldn't make out his features because of the lighting but he seemed slim. As she drew closer to the window to get a better look, she blinked and the shadow man was gone.

These ghostly illusions still taunt me she thought and then bitterly added Ghosts! Haven't done much involving them in a long time. Not since they caused my life and world to stop turning.

Life goes on, but everything has changed. Jack has changed. He still remains a quiet and reclusive man; reviving the memory in his mind.

The Fentons are gone.

Their children were gone; their life; their happiness. Gone.

Riiiing- Riiinngg Riiing- Riiinngg!

An irritated groan was heard from beneath the mountain of covers.

Riiiing- Riiinngg Riiing- Riiinngg!

While another groan was heard a slender pale arm with a black bracelet by the wrist searched for the object that made the dreadful noise. A picture frame fell from the nightstand and crashed to the floor, breaking the glass.

The fluffy black comforter was pulled back to reveal a young girl of about 21 years of age with a serious case of bed head. She pushed the ebony strands of hair away from her face and picked up the dark and sleek cordless phone. Looking down at her feet, she saw a picture of 3 teenagers: a goth, a geek and a mystery. I could have sworn I put this picture away in a box somewhere. She angrily shoved it underneath the bed so it would be soon forgotten and would be able to collect dust. She pressed the send button and with a groggily voice she sighed "Hello?"

"Good Morning Samykins! How are you?"

Groaning again Sam toppled back into her bed and pulled up the covers still warm from her own body heat. Great, I moved away from my parents so that I can still be bugged by their peppiness. I am STILL cursed with morning people.

"Fine."

"Wonderful sweetie! Now I know this is kind of sudden, but your father and I found this lovely educated young man. He…"

This is where I stop listening. Ever since their dream came true and he left, my parents have been a constant dating service team. I was sort of day dreaming when my mom said "His name is Lion Matoos. His family owns that company…Samantha, are you listening to me?"

"What? Oh! Yeah, yeah, I am."

"What did I just say?" demanded my mother.

What was she saying? Some one called Lion Matoos? Who names their kid Lion, I mean I can understand Leo, but Lion? Matoos? What is that...greek?

"Uhhh…no mom I wasn't listening, but just cause you and dad got married at a young age doesn't mean I have too. It was an arranged marriage anyway!" I exclaimed

"It was not young lady, you know that…"

BlaBlaBla. My mother soon became a distant squeaking in my ear.

"Your cutting out…I can't hear you…something must be wrong with the phone…bye!" I hung up.

I rested back into my pillow which seemed to hug my head from all sides. Then I felt something wet and gross touch my hand. Shooting up, I was met with two big brown eyes and a mighty lick on the face. "Bleh! Spooks! Down boy, down! You know I love you, but dog saliva on my face, is not one of your best qualities." The black, medium sized dog cocked his head in curiosity as if he were trying to actually understand what his 'master' was saying.

I began to slip my hand through his fur, making him smile. "Good boy!" Spooks became part of the family very soon; right after I moved out. I was actually looking for a cat, put at the pound I came across a recent addition. A five month year old black mutt, who was found abandoned by a construction sight. He had specks of golden paint across his back, and full of fleas, but adorable never the less. You could say it was love at first sight. I t must have been those big brown eyes.

That's funny. "Spooks you usually come get me when your ready to go out… and that's usually when I'm ready to leave for work." Spooks nudged his long nose under my hand as if to say "Keep petting!" I continued to stoke him until my body clenched, what time is it.

I looked to my alarm clock to see it blinking twelve o' clock. "Crap!"

I scrambled out of bed desperately trying to find my cell phone. "Come on, come on, where is it? Its gatta be around here somewhere? Aha!" I tilted the screen so I could read the time… "Double crap!"

I ran to my dresser and slipped on whatever I could find. It ended up being a lilac shirt that fitted me well with a simple black skirt …not too short, not too long. I'm still goth, just not too the extreme, and I will NEVER let go of my ultra- recycle vegetarian habits!

Brushing my hair quickly and letting it down due to the fact that I keep loosing all of my hair ties, it's quite annoying actually; it now reached my shoulders. Spooks was confused, so he just followed me around everywhere wagging his tail.

I rapidly brushed my teeth to get the awful morning breath out and ran out the door with Spooks in tow; of course he was on a leash!

Taking the stairs two at a time, not trusting the elevator, I got outside to the welcoming spring weather. It was usually raining, so it was a nice change for a bit of sun. While walking as fast as I could, my favorite coffee shop came into view. Might as well get something for Brenda to say sorry. Entering Robbie's Café, the familiar smell reached me and calmed my senses at once. I love this place.

"Hey Sam!" I looked to see a red head with glasses wearing a green apron with a clip that said "Hello my name is: Mikey" Although we never really talked in high school, Mikey had become a good friend. Most of the staff at the café knew my name anyway; they should, I give them great business!

"Hey Mikey! I'll have my usual and a small white hot chocolate."

Smiling he replied "Coming right up! Say, aren't you running a bit late today?"

"Glad you noticed." I said sarcastically "Yes, I had a late start, there must have been a power surge in the middle of the night; it defeated the purpose of setting my alarm clock."

Spooks was tied to a pole outside, waiting impatiently. He usually could come in, but not on the days when 'Robbie' was here, the owner of the café. No one called him Robbie, since he would probably yell at you about something like disrespect, or some nonsense like that. The employees are only allowed to call him 'Mr. Roberts'. Which is why, I never applied for this job. I would love to work here, if the boss wasn't such a jerk.

The two drinks were placed in front of me and I paid.

"MICHAEL!" roared a voice. Mikey paled and turned around "Uh…yes sir?"

"What did I say about talking to the customers? You can't just go around blabbering about, I have a business to run here!" grumbled Mr. Roberts.

"Y-yes sir!" stumbled Mikey.

Rage engulfed me, but I put on my nice voice "Excuse me sir, but I have no problem with a friendly employer. In fact, I think it's better to be a bit social." I put on my 'I dare you to talk' sort of smile. Mr. Roberts was about to say something, but then closed his mouth in humiliation and stalked to his office. Mikey mouthed thank you on my way out. I just waved.

Sipping my coffee and Spooks by my side, I passed a new shiny, state- of- the- art building. It had multiple stories and looked awkward standing so tall compared to other buildings in Amity Park. In big boxy white lettering it spelled Matthews Corp. vertically. It was a new company in town for "city development". Even though it just arrived, the company was already greedy for land, and wants to expand. They are planning to take most of the land from the Amity Park's City Park.

Ungrateful to free land business people. Parasites! Who do they think they are! That park has been there since …forever!

I stopped at the window and glared at it, but you couldn't see anything but your reflection. However, it is opposite on the other side of the glass; people can see you perfectly. I walked away without noticing a handsome man looking back at me.

"Yes, yes…Jonathan, could you hold for a moment please? Thank you" said the young man as he hung up the phone. He darted outside to catch the young women who appeared to be scowling at his window.

"Excuse me...Miss!"

She turned around and looked directly at him. What extraordinary eyes! Her dog growled. "Shhh…Spooks, quiet!" She tucked her inky black hair carefully behind one ear while trying to calm her dog. "Yes?"

"I couldn't help but seeing you give an… odd look… at the window of the office. I was just wondering… why?"

With a quizzical look and frown she bluntly stated "I disagree with what the company is doing to Amity Park; especially towards the park. It has been a part of this city for a long time; it's part of history now. It would be disastrous to destroy."

Unsuspecting the answer, I gave a small laugh. "Would you like to come in? You're more than welcome to give more complaints in where my business intends to go."

"Your business?" she responded with one eyebrow raised.

"I'm next in line to inherit the family job. Forgive me, I'm Brian Matthews."

"Well it's been a pleasure Mr. Matthews, but unfortunately I have to be somewhere. Though, I highly doubt you will ever see me again, because I don't like to associate those, who like to destroy natural…things." She ended confidently and awkwardly.

Smiling I replied, letting my tongue slip "My, what a little spirit you have! I've many places, but might I say, I've never seen anything as pretty as you." A small bluch came upon her cheeks and my smile grew. Little did he know what was going inside her mind.

JACKASS! The nerve of today! It was a compliment though…I wish he would wipe that creepy smile off his face. It's kind of nice though. He has shiny dirty blonde hair, more blonde than brown which looks soft as silk. He stares at you with dark chocolate eyes that make you want to melt. See Spooks, look what your brown eyes have done to me! ICK! I now know what its like to think like those at the shallow end of the gene pool…snap out of it! SNAP OUT OF IT!

I came out of my critical reverie and jumped when his eyes were looking directly into mine. "I've got to go." I went to turn, but his question stopped me "Would you like to join me for coffee?" I lifted the two cups in either hand for his response.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"Wait, what's your name?"

"Sam…Sam Manson!" His eyes betrayed his inner thoughts; he seemed to recognize the name. Whatever, I don't have time for this…

I opened the glass door that had many small painted hand-prints of all different colors and in formal writing: Brenda's Day Care.

"Hello?" I struggled with the door to get inside. A stout middle aged woman came and opened the door. She welcomed me with warm emerald eyes "Hello, Sam. Come on in."

"Thanks Brenda." Sam followed the curly mass of auburn hair towards the counter.

"I'm so sorry that I'm late. My alarm didn't go off and…"

"That's okay Sam, it seems a lot of people are running late today" she looked around the room absent of all the little children "So your fine." she then smiled.

"I brought you your favorite!" I chanted "Mmmmm…white hot chocolate…"

"Aw, you didn't have too, your such a sweetie." She replied eagerly taking the drink from my hands while pinching my cheek as a joke.

I wasn't a big fan of kids. But this was the only job offer that was opened and that seemed okay. I mean, I got fired from my last job at a book store, because apparently I showed too much attitude! Then my other two choices were Robbie's Hell Café or, well, here.

Brenda Simmons opened her own daycare service ever since her husband past away. She is like a second mother to me, well first mother more like it. I took a few animal crackers out of a huge plastic jar. They were for the kids, but they were just as tasty for adults. Plus, they aren't real animals, so I can eat them.

"I could have been here earlier if it weren't for the random son-of-the-company-buisness chat." I complained.

Brenda gasped, "Brian Matthews?"

"Yeah, how do you know his name?" I questioned.

"Oh, all the younger volunteers are talking about him. Apparently he's quite the young man." She said with a wink.

I rolled my eyes "Oh please! He's too sophisticated, tall- about a head taller than me- and sturdy; has deep chocolate eyes, dirty blonde hair, the color not actually dirty, probably spoiled rotten, just the next in line to inherit the family business and also probably hasn't actually worked a day in his life. It's not his fault he has been molded into his parent's perfection."

"You have much in common." stated Brenda.

"On the contrary, I took a different lifestyle and chose to make a statement and an individual out of myself. I could have easily just live off my parent's money, but instead I found a job." I pointed out.

"I guess," Brenda said while placing napkins and snacks out around a long table for the soon-to-be-arriving 'clients', "but they do pay for your education."

I grumbled something that was inaudible and was about to say something back, but the door opened. A small boy around 4 years old with a mop of brown hair on his head walked in.

"Hi Toby!" He smiled at me revealing that he was missing one of his front teeth. His attention soon was diverted to a certain black dog. "SPOOKS!" He ran by me and went to pay attention to the dog.

"Nice, to see you too." I replied to the thin air with amusement. Spooks was the most entertaining factor at the day care; he is the main attraction.

Steadily more and more kids began to flow threw the door until there was about 15 to 20 kids. They were all seated having 'snack time' when a simple jingle sounded. I reached into my purse to find my phone and flicked it open. "Hello?"

"Hey Sam!"

"Hey Tuck." I replied sitting at a stool near the counter that jutted out like a bar.

"Guess what? I officially put out fliers for 'Searching for Roommate' all over campus."

"That's great! Hopefully he won't be a slob. Oh but wait, you're already are one so it wouldn't matter!" I retorted sarcastically.

"Ha-Ha, you're hilarious. And who said it was only opened for he's?"

"TUCKER!!!"

"Hehe…just kidding. Hey, ya wanna hang out tonight? We could have a movie night or somethin'" said Tucker.

"Sorry, but..."Something caught my attention. "Hold on." I said covering the phone with my hand. "Sarah." A small girl with chestnut hair looked up with clear blue eyes "Finish your snack. When I look up, I don't want to see any animals left. She nodded and stuffed a cracker in her petite mouth. "TOBY! Do NOT try to stick those up your nose… I assure you that they won't fit!" He laughed his head off, and apparently Tucker too. I sighed.

"Well aren't you the little mother." He said through chuckles.

"Shut up."

"O.K."

"Anyways, I can't tonight Tuck, I've got classes."

"Whoops! Right! My Bad! Maybe another time, eh? Don't work yourself too hard, try to have some fun once in a while..."

"Yes, Uncle Tucker, I promise to be a good girl." I said while smiling.

"Good, girl." he laughed "See ya later."

"Bye."

The kids ate and then slowly but surely filed outside to play. Brenda came back in from the sliding door.

"Not that I don't love your company, but your free to go now." She said with a motherly smile. She knew I had classes at four and it was already 3:30.

"Thanks!" I gathered my stuff up and Spooks and headed towards the door. I then paused and saluted back to Brenda exclaiming "Have no fear! For I, Sam Manson, will return!" She laughed and I went on my way out.

I didn't make it far. As soon as I turned, I met face to face with a chest and stumbled over. "I'm sure you don't mean to fall for me." said a deep voice.

The scary thing is, I recognized it. "Sorry to follow you here Miss Manson, it must seem really queer that I followed you in the first place." said the one and only Brian Matthews.

Who uses the word queer? Stalker. HE'S A STALKER!

He must have seen the panic written on my face so he blurted out "Please, let me explain!" Spooks began to growl again "Shhh!"

I waited. "While you were leaving, I heard a noise and I turned to find, I believe, your wallet, and I'm simply here to return it to you."

I checked inside the wallet for anything missing and then realized Why would he take my money, his family business is filthy rich, which equals more than enough money for him! I embarrassedly put my wallet in my bag. That doesn't explain the stalker part.

As if reading my mind he said quickly "I apologize, but I did look in your wallet to see if there was a way to reach you and came across the card for the day care. So I drove myself here to give it back." He then gave a heart warming smile.

Okay, no longer stalker. I smiled back "Thanks." Spooks began to give small barks at Brian, "Spooks,shhhh! Be polite!"

"I see now why you were in such a hurry." Brian said casually pointing at Brenda's house. I nodded, trying to fill the awkward silence.

"So, since you're not busy anymore, would you like to get a bite to eat or something?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Uhhh…ye..oh,no…I can't. I have classes at Amity Blair University." I replied giving little sad smile. The weird thing is…I actually felt disappointed. I mean, he did come all this way just to deliver a wallet AND he did it personally.

"Well, then, I'll just have to keep trying won't I?" he said with mischievous glint "How about this coming Friday."

"Umm…yeah. That sounds good.

"Great." I didn't know if it was possible but his smile grew even wider with sparkling white teeth. Gosh, is everything perfect with this guy.

He awkwardly swayed on his feet until he broke the silence "Well, now it is I who must be going. I'll see you later and hopefully sooner." He hopped back into his car which was a navy blue Mercedes. I gave a small way and began my walk back home. Spooks simply trotted beside me, happy as could be.

After dropping off Spooks and gathering my stuff for my Painting class, I hoped in my black hybrid and drove to the campus of ABU.

My parents don't approve of me going for the art career choice; they say "It's a waste of time, money and effort. Samantha, why don't you…" and once again their off trying to govern the only life I have: mine. I never realized how much art helped me express what my internal thoughts were, making sense of something that I thought impossible to understand, especially after he left.

Arriving in my designated parking area, I leapt out of my car and began to cross the opened planned campus of Amity Blair University: known for its technology, arts, science and football.

A single paper blew in front of me and I picked it up to throw away.

"SEARCHING FOR ROOMATE!!!

Looking for a comfortable roof over your head with your own personal bathroom?

Don't mind living with another person?

Call Tucker Foley at (555)121-349

P.S.: Ladies, you can take my number down even if you don't want the room 

Tucker! He wasn't kidding! Well…he white lied.

I entered the studio as fast as I could and then realized that I was five minutes early. I began to set up my place with paints but before I could even so much as go near my easel "Sam, we won't be using those today. Today is history block." Mr. Lucas said across the studio.

Mr. Lucas, my art professor, who loves the sound of his voice too much. I swear that he looks like he could be related to the ghost writer, minus the pointed teeth and ears, even Tucker agrees with me. He was balding a bit on top with short dark hair with specks of white. He is strict when it comes to his class, but very understanding if something goes wrong.

Disappointed that we weren't going to paint today, I began to put my supplies back in my portable art bag.

"Sam!" I heard a voice shout from the back of the room. I turned and smiled; their sat one of my best friends. We met here in this classroom. "Hey Emma!"

"How's it going girlfriend?" her grey eyes lit up. I took a seat on the next desk over since all of the rest were occupied. There were multiple rows of rectangular black-topped desks that sat two people at each one. I think they used to belong to the science department. Sitting across from each other was fine, it was actually easier to talk this way.

"Nothin' much." I shrugged, settling down for the longest class of art history. Art history is fascinating, but like I said before, Mr. Lucas likes the sound of his voice way too much. He tends to get a bit carried away when given a certain topic.

Emma pulled pack her wavy light brown hair with a clip so it appeared to be in a half ponytail and criss-crossed her legs Indian style. "What's wrong? It seems like you've been thinking too much again."

I laughed. "Nothing, I just met this guy randomly…"

"OOOoooo…a guuyy! Give me the details." This is one of the greatest differences between Emma and I…me independent…her boy crazy.

"Come on tell me, was he…oh my! Who is that?" Emma said directing her gaze towards the front of the room where Mr.Lucas stood.

"EW! Emma! That's Mr. Lucas…"

"NO! Next to him you stupid fool!"

I looked up expecting someone odd. Though I did like unique people, some students around here, especially in the art department, worried me. Some are just a little too intense. He seemed to be arguing with Mr. Lucas about something; all I got was "There has to be a mistake! I never signed or even asked for this class!"

I was surprised to see a skinny guy with dark brown tuffs of hair jutting out of a black beanie. He had a dark forest green shirt under a beat-up black leather jacket that looked like it could fall apart any second. Wow, I've seen this kid for a second and he's already on my bad list; that poor cow!

The only odd thing was that he wore a pair of round shades near the middle of his narrow nose and his clothes seem to sag over his small frame.

"Class, we have a new comer." Hmmm…he must have lost his argument.

Great. Just what we need, a newbie. I looked around the room seeing where the 'new kid' would sit. I groaned. The only seat available was right next to…yup should have guessed…me.

I had a weird feeling in my gut. When I looked up, I noticed his eyes, not because of their electrifying hazel color, but because he was staring straight at me!

A/N: Wow! That was long. Hope you liked. Who is this new kid, and why is he staring at Sam? What about Brian Matthews…the handsome business man? No one knows…well xcept me! Please of your read, I would appreciate if you would review. It encourages not just me but many authors to write when they get feedback. Thx…Oogles