A/N: Yay finally another chapter! Although it's a pretty long one actually (you must be glad). Well I've got nothing really to say except that I had a great March Break in Australia and that yes why did it have to end? But think, only three more months of school left! (For me)
Now to clear a few things up…yes I know it seems odd that Kori needed to stay away from Roy to find out if she loved him, but it does seem logical. I know some people who have done that because they're unsure about their feelings for someone else and need to try new things just to make sure they aren't making a mistake. Kori was going to marry Roy and she was just nervous and unsure.
Dedication: This story is dedicated to my wonderful sis, Emily (even though she put 'Jen' :D)! Tsk tsk if you steal my brownies Em, I'm going to steal your diary (evil grin).
Disclaimer: No sorry I don't own the Titans…yet…I'm still trying to figure out a way to hack into the security system (what I need is Cyborg!) and then actually get into the building where the show is made and then steal all the technology, and threaten to burn it if they don't allow me to own Teen Titans… oh yeah, but I do own Violet…he he…you'll see…
Chapter Two: Sad Goodbyes and New Beginnings
From last time…
As Kori fell into her bed, she thought about the program she was going to, in a whole different city. She was leaving next week. But would this really change her? Would she really find another love? Or would she come back, completely unchanged and worse than before?
"There!"
Kori put the last article of clothing into the blue duffel bag and then put it beside the other bags that were all piled in her room – what would be her old room in a couple of hours. The train to Gotham City left at eleven, in two hours.
Kori's room had been stripped of everything she would need. All her clothes and various belongings had been packed away. Her bed and dresser and desk had already been sent to her new apartment along with some furniture. All she needed to do now was bring the rest of her stuff and of course, herself.
Kori smiled satisfactorily at her job of packing and organizing but then suddenly frowned. She was leaving. Leaving her best friend in the whole world. Leaving her adopted brother. Going to a place she knew absolutely nothing about. And hoping to get help but not even knowing at all if she would and could heal from what had happen. And not just the Roy thing: her whole life. She still hadn't even healed from that. Just buried it. She sighed and dropped herself on one of the chairs that were still in her room.
Flashback…Kori had tears streaming down her face. It had been two years since her parents had died and sister and brother moved to another foster home but she was still sad. Kori clutched a small pink teddy bear – the last present her mother had given her –to her chest and wept her little heart out for the umpteenth time.
"Hey."
Kori felt a hand on her back and turned to see the face of eight year-old Gar.
Kori managed a small smile, "H-hi," she said shakily, her voice cracking.
He pulled her into a brotherly hug. "It's okay. They're gone…but we still have each other."
Kori nodded. She understood what he was saying.
"And…" Gar paused, a tear falling down his face, "We have to be brave for them…"
Kori cried even harder.
End of flashback
Kori hugged her knees to herself as she remembered that night. It was the last time she had ever cried about her parent's death and the separation from her brother and sister. The last thing Gar had said, she remembered that and even tried to live by it. Gar had helped her so much. He was so strong and brave, always making everyone feel lighter and happier with his humour. No wonder Rachel had fallen for him, even though she'd never admit it.
Rachel…
Flashback…
"Hello! My name is Kori! What's you favourite colour! Where do you come from! I love the chocolate! Do you love the chocolate? How are you on this glorious morning!" Kori exclaimed, sticking out her hand and giving the girl a huge smile.
Rachel glared at her, giving her the death glare that told people they'd better leave or she'd be the last person they'd ever be able talk to.
But Kori didn't seem to notice. She stayed there smiling at the Goth. This was her and Gar's first day at the high school and she was trying to make friends. They had been moved to a new foster home and had to start at a completely new high school.
A girl with blue eyes and blond hair, who was walking by with her friends, suddenly stopped and stared at Kori.
"Look, I've never seen you before so you must be new. You're pretty so you'll probably be popular. Rule number one of being popular, no talking to losers, geeks and Goths. This one here" – she motioned to Rachel – "falls under all those categories." She smirked, "Plus Rachel'll probably kill you if you try and be friends with her. They say it happened to last person that was her friend.
Kori looked at Rachel, and giving her a smile she turned back to the girl who had just spoken to her. "Thank you for your assistance in the information of who this girl is and what 'category' she is in, but I am sure I can judge that for myself. I also do not believe that she would ever kill someone, even though I do not know her. She does not appear to be someone who would commit such a thing." She turned back to Rachel – who was staring at her wide-eyed.
No one had ever actually talked back to Tara. Every time someone new came and talked to Rachel, Tara would say that and the person would always be convinced that she was right and never talk to Rachel again. But this was the first time someone had actually stayed.
Tara was staring at Kori like she had been slapped in the face. "Fine! Don't listen to me. But don't say I didn't warn you. The last person who tried to be her friend went missing!" She turned around and stalked back to her friends – but not before giving Kori and Rachel an evil glare.
Kori turned back to Rachel and smiled again. "My name is Kori Anders! I would like to be your friend. What is your name friend?"
"Um…" Rachel momentarily forgot what her name was.
Kori smiled, "Did the blond girl not say it was um, Rachel I believe?"
"Uh yeah…"
"Well friend Rachel, I am pleased to meet you! Would you mind in giving me the 'tour' of the school?"
Rachel was about to say yes when she remembered what she was. "Look, I'm dark and gothic and you're happy and um…high spirited. You should be over there with Tara and the popular people. Not me." Rachel turned away. She had just brushed off her first chance of ever having a friend.
Kori looked confused. "Rachel…you do not wish to be my friend?"
"Um…no…yeah…I don't know…"
"Or is it that Tara does not want me to be your friend?"
"Well I-"
"Do you want me to be your friend?"
Rachel looked around at all the people in her school. All laughing and talking with their friends. All her life Rachel had wished to be one of them. "Yeah."
"Glorious!" Kori pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "Now let us view the school!"
She skipped ahead, leaving Rachel staring at her back dumbfounded. She had just made a friend.
Kori pulled out the books she needed then quickly slammed her locker and ran down the hall. She was late and she knew it. There was no one in the hall and Mrs. Hickey was going to kill her when she showed up at English late.
As she turned down the hall, she bumped into something solid, falling to ground with it.
Looking over she found that she had bumped into Malchior, a hot but really mysterious guy in the school.
"I am so sorry! I did not see where I was going!" She quickly got up and grabbed her books.
Malchior got up as well and smiled, "Oh you don't have to apologize!"
"Yes but I was being clumsy and I could of hurt you."
"I know a way you can make it up to me."
Kori looked confused, "Wha-"
But before she had time to answer, Malchior grabbed her. He slammed her into the wall and crushed his lips against hers.
Kori struggled but her was holding her too tight.
As Malchior continued to make out with Kori, he moved slowly over to the broom closet where no one would hear him do his…business.
'No!' Kori screamed inside her head, as she saw what he was doing. She going to be raped and no one would be able to hear her if she screamed.
Just as he reached the closet, someone grabbed him and threw him against the lockers on the other side.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Gar punched the guy, and then gave him a kick in…well you know where. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING TO MY SISTER?"
Rachel ran over to where Kori was slumped on the floor. "Kori? Are you okay? What did he do?"
Kori quickly got out of her daze and returned the hug Rachel gave her. "Nothing that drastic thanks to you and Garfield."
Rachel smiled – a rare thing – and patted Kori's hand. "Well I'm glad we left English to find you."
"Yeah Kori, you're never late!" Gar said, giving Malchior a final punch and then running over to Kori to see if she was okay.
Rachel suddenly stood up, rolling up her sleeves.
Kori and Gar looked at up at her, questioningly.
Rachel grinned evilly, "Excuse me but I've got some business to take care of." Kori heard her mutter, "No one hurts my best friend and gets away with it."
Malchior's whimpers could be heard as Rachel approached him.
End of flashbacks
Kori smiled sadly as she remembered those memorable times. Rachel had always been there for her and Gar was like her guider even though he was a year younger than her. She was like a lost traveler and he guider her. What would she do in the new town without them?
But then she remembered Roy and what he had said and done to her. She was so confused. She loved her friends but she needed to get away from the town that had made her life hell. She heard someone move behind her and spun around only to face Rachel.
Rachel smiled sadly. "Thinking about old times?"
Kori nodded.
Rachel sat down. "And you're confused because you don't want to leave us but you need to get away from Roy and this miserable town?"
Kori giggled, "You always know what I am thinking."
Rachel laughed a little but then became serious. "Kori don't worry. You'll be okay in the new city. You may think you're weak and lost but if you really look inside you, you can find that strong and brave person. I think that there's a hero in all of us that guides us around and gives us hope to live. I never had any hope until you and Gar came. You were – are my heroes."
Kori had silent tears running down her face. "I-I thank you Rachel." She sniffled, "It's just that…well I'm going to miss you guys so much."
Rachel nodded and wiped away a tear that had rolled down her cheek.
Gar suddenly came in and sat beside Rachel, putting an arm around her. She leaned into his embrace, tears coming down fast now.
Gar turned to Kori. "She's right you know. Leave us behind and go experience new things and find yourself. We'll still be here in three years. I promise."
Kori nodded. "I know. I have informed myself of this many times but it is still very hard."
A tear rolled down Gar's face. "It's hard for us all."
At eleven o'clock, Kori stood in the train compartment, her head hanging out the window. She was saying her last goodbyes to Rachel and Gar. As the conductor whistled and Rachel and Gar moved away from the train, Kori quickly grabbed Rachel's sleeve.
Rachel looked up at her questioningly.
Kori just shook her head. "Rachel?"
"What?"
"Get together with Gar already! It is so how you say 'obvious'."
Rachel blushed. "But I don't-"
"Yes you do."
Rachel and Kori glared at each other for a second before Rachel started laughing and crying at the same time. "Kori…you really are my best friend."
Kori stared out the window as the trees and bushes and countrysides went by. She touched her chest pocket where a pocketknife lay. She wasn't going to, but…well she liked to feel its reassurance.
She felt a little sleepy from all the stress that week. Packing and registering for the program, feeling sad about leaving…it had all had an affect on her and she barely got enough sleep. As she drifted into unconsciousness, she dreamed about what her new life was going to be like.
"That'll be forty bucks Miss."
Kori struggled to open her purse and shakily pulled out two twenty-dollar bills. She put on a fake smile and handed them to the taxi driver. He took the money and looked back up at her.
"What, no tip?"
Kori turned red and stumbled with her words. "Um-um, I'm so sorry but um…you see I do not have e-enough m-money."
The taxi driver glared at her. "Sure…that's what they all say." He closed the window and drove off, not even bothering to offer to help Kori bring her bags into the apartment building.
Kori sighed. She really didn't have enough money. Actually, she only had enough money to buy some food for her apartment that day, as all meals would be included in the program. Some people just didn't understand; they only assumed what they knew.
Kori turned to the grey apartment building. It was in one of the poor sections of Gotham. She could see some children in ragged clothes playing on the old and decaying playground.
A bag lady was walking on the sidewalk, pushing a buggy that had a bunch of garbage in it. She was rocking back and forth as she walked repeating over and over, "My baby…my baby…my baby…my poor, poor baby."
She stopped in front of Kori. She looked at Kori, her eyes not focusing, and yelled, "She didn't deserve to die! My baby!" Then continued down the sidewalk repeating again, "My baby…my baby…"
Kori felt her eyes tear up as she thought of her own baby.
She shook her head, deciding that she would not think of that. A new town for new things.
A gang of teenage boys rode by on their bikes, a few of them whistling at Kori saying, "Hey sexy!"
Kori felt chills run down her back, glad that the boys turned at the next street. She looked down at her bags. Her five bags. This was going to be hard to bring in all the bags at the same time into the building. She picked up three, and attempted to pick up the other two, but it was no use. She sighed dropping all the bags on the ground again.
"Um…excuse me Miss…um but do you need any help?"
Kori looked over to see one of the kids that had been playing on the destroyed playground. She was a small girl, but by her face you could tell that she was around eleven. She had long black hair that went to the middle of her back and green eyes. Kori felt her heart go out for the girl who was shivering a little. She was wearing a thin green T-shirt, black torn jeans, and sandals. Not the type of clothes for the November cold. She stood smiling nervously at Kori, fumbling with her hands.
Kori gave the girl one of her best smiles. This girl looked like she had gone through more than Kori had.
"Of course you may! I would be delighted to have some assistance."
The girl smiled, liking the way Kori talked. It was odd but very polite. Something she never experienced from strangers. She reached down, her thin hands grabbing two of the bags. Kori couldn't help but notice how thin the girl was. But then again, so was she.
As they were walking to the building, Kori turned to the girl. "My name is Kori Anders, my I inquire what yours is?"
"Violet."
Kori smiled genuinely. "I like that name, Violet."
Violet felt warmth fill her body. No one had ever said they liked her name. Not even her mother. "T-Thank you."
When they reached the lobby of the building Violet asked, "What's the number of your apartment?"
Kori reached down into her purse and extracted a piece of paper. "Floor three, Number 65."
"Hey that's just down the hall from where I live!" Violet exclaimed. Then in a small voice she added, "M-maybe I could um…visit some time…if you don't mind."
"Of course I do not mind Friend Violet! You may visit me anytime you wish!"
Violet smiled. "Thanks."
The two took the elevator up to the third floor and started walking towards Kori's apartment. Just as they reached it, a woman came running out of one of the apartments down the hall.
"Violet! For the love of-What did I tell you about your curfew?"
As she approached them, Kori saw that she was a slim woman in her twenties. She had long pink hair and black eyes. She was a little taller than Kori (which was rare because Kori had always been the tallest female in her school) and she was wearing tight blue jeans, a black tank top and a hoddie.
The woman sent a stern look towards Violet but then sent Kori a confused look. "Who's this Vi?"
Kori smiled. "My name is Kori Anders. I am to be your new neighbour! Violet was merely assisting me in bringing some of my bags to my apartment."
The woman grinned. "Well my name is Julia – that's all you need to know – and I'm Violet's mother."
Kori's jaw dropped. "Her-Her m-mother?" This woman must have been in her early twenties and she already had an eleven year-old?
Julia laughed. "Yeah, yeah I betcha thinking, 'This girl is way too young to have a kid', but I'm not her real mother."
Violet nodded sadly. "My mom died of leukemia."
Julia patted Violet's back reassuringly, giving her a kiss on the head. She turned to Kori, "Yeah so I met Violet's mom through this program for people who had just quit drugs, five years ago, and we became good friends. She already had Violet from some son-of-a-bitch father who had just left them. When she died of leukemia, I took Violet in." She gave the small girl a squeeze.
Kori felt her eyes tearing up. "Friends…" She whispered. "I had no idea!" She pulled them into a bone-crushing hug.
"K...o…ri!" Julia wheezed out, "You're…crushing…me…"
"And me!" Violet squeaked out.
Kori immediately let go of them. "I am sorry but I could not help it! What a sad story!"
Julia nodded. "Yeah most people say that but really, don't be. It's no one's fault that Violet and her mother had to go through what they did." She thought for a moment. "Well actually it's technically Violet's dad's fault but yeah but yeah I won't go there..."
Julia suddenly became sad, "Violet and her mom really changed my life…I used to do drugs…I was a criminal…" She looked at her hands sadly.
It was Violet's turn to give the girl a hug. "It's okay Auntie."
"It's what she calls me," Julia explained for the use of 'Aunt'.
"Yeah and Aunt Julia saved me!" Violet exclaimed. "I was going to be put in a foster home and moved to another city." Violet looked her hands sadly, "B-but I didn't want to go! I really like my friends here!"
Kori smiled inwardly. It was nice how this girl still had some innocence in her. She had lost her mom but she had enough courage to still live her life.
Julia cleared her throat. "Yep so I'm not usually this emotional…" She trailed away but then grinned, "Alright so let's get these bags to your apartment!"
Kori's apartment was small but it would do. There was a living room that also included the kitchen table. A wall dividing that opened into the small kitchen. There were three doors, one a closet, consisting of a vacuum cleaner and other thing, a bathroom and a bedroom. There was no laundry room to which Violet had explained, "The apartment laundry room is in the basement."
Kori set her bags on the ground and Julia and Violet copied her.
"Nice apartment," Julia commented.
Kori smiled. "Thank you."
"Aunt Julia I'm hungry."
"Um, okay well it was nice to meet you Kori."
Kori smiled at Julia. "And you too friend!"
"So I'll see you tomorrow?"
Kori suddenly remembered the program she was doing. "No, I am afraid not. I forgot that I am doing a program." She turned a little red, "It is for my um, my problem."
Julia suddenly became interested. "Go on."
"I um, I had a 'break-up' with someone important to me and I almost took the knife to myself or as you call it, the 'cutting'." Kori stared at the floor, "I am going to a place called 'Karen's Institute'…" She looked up at Julia. "I am unsure whether you know the place?"
Julia stared at her. "Kor, it's where I went! For my drug addiction!" She patted her friend on the back. "You'll like it. Believe me! I was a stubborn, young, 'lost' puppy until I went there. But like I said, Violet's mom changed my life. They really do help. They put you with the best people!"
Kori smiled. "Ah thank you friend! I am much assured now. I was very anxious as to whether I would like the program."
Julia smiled. "You will."
Kori felt the sunlight on her face. She smiled. She'd had the dream again. The one where she was in a big house, with lots of food and many rooms that were filled with furniture. Every time in her dream she remembered that the house was bigger than even Roy's mansion. She would always be walking around the house or the backyard, feeling pleased at its look. Then she would always sit down to a feast at the dinning room table, a man with black hair – that's all she could remember – sitting across from her as the maids served them. She felt so happy and light in these dreams. She wished she could live in them. But everyone knew that life was not like that. She would never again live in a mansion with lots of food every meal and a man that she loved.
Kori sighed and opened her eyes. She glanced at the clock on her bedside and panic took over her as she read the time on the clock: 9:30. The program started at ten!
Kori jumped out of bed and into the shower. No time for a big breakfast, she would have to eat the one apple she'd brought.
Kori ran quickly out of the bus glancing at her watch. She breathed a sigh of relief. She still had five minutes. She started walking towards the large cream coloured building.
The sign in front of it read: 'Karen's Institute for alcoholics, drug-attics, emotional issues, and other.' There was a picture of a bumblebee and underneath it read in italics, 'We are very friendly and encourage you to join this wonderful program. There is no embarrassment in doing the right thing.'
Kori thought that the comment underneath was very wise. There should be no embarrassment in getting help. If was going to help organize your life and give you hope then what was the problem? Now all Kori had to do was believe this herself. Even after what Julia had said, she still felt a bit iffy about it.
When she got to the doors of the building, she stopped. This was it. Entering into this building would mean that she was really starting her new life. She couldn't go back. Either she entered these doors or turned around and went home.
She pushed the doors with all her might and walked as confidently as she could into the room.
There were a few people in the room, obviously people had arrived early or some were just late. There was a desk at the front where a few people stood in line, giving their name and what program they had purchased. Kori went to stand behind a girl with red hair. She was chewing gum anxiously, her eyes searching the room nervously. Kori guessed she was here for a drug-addiction problem.
Kori observed the room. It was so friendly; the walls were yellow and there were various pictures of people who had graduated from the program. There was a few frames with sayings like: 'Is the cup half empty or half full?' 'The Grass is always greener on the other side', 'Life is an empty canvas and a paintbrush. You are given the canvas and brush; it's up to you how you want to paint your life.'
There were also a few sofas and a long table that held some sweets and coffee and tea. The room was warm and smelled of roses. There was also some classical music playing in the background; the room just screamed (or whispered) comfortable. Kori felt the stress leaving as she became comfortable in the warm, rose-smelling room.
"Um…Miss?"
Kori snapped back to reality, realising that she was next.
"Oh um, sorry. Yes my name is Kori Anders and I am in the program for um e-emotional issues."
The lady smiled. She had brown skin and black hair that was tied into a bun. "Yes I believe I remember talking to you on the phone. You're the one where your fiancée broke up with you and left you to deal with quite a bit."
Kori looked down. Rachel must have told her that. "Yes," she said quietly.
The lady smiled reassuringly. "Well my name is Karen Breecher but friends call me 'Bee'. You can call me that if you'd like."
Kori nodded.
"Okay, so here's your package. It shows you what you will do with your 'colleague' for the next two months. It's just some guide lines but most likely your partner will decide what they want to do to help you with whatever predicament you have."
Kori tried to smile, but she just couldn't.
Karen seemed to understand. "Don't' worry Kori, I've picked a great person for you. I've known him since I was a little kid. He may a jerk and snobby at times but he's got a great heart. I'm sure you guys will bond and he'll be a great help for you."
Kori stared at Karen. "H-He?"
Karen nodded and suddenly jumped up realising the time. "Alright it's time for me to give the introduction! Come on."
Kori followed Karen in sort of a daze to a door that lead into a room with about forty people all sitting in chairs. Kori took her seat in the back, not really wanting to talk to anybody.
Karen explained that the session went from November to June and that they would graduate based on if they had bonded with their partner and if they had managed to overcome their problem. She explained that the grounds held many meditating rooms, pools, hot tubes, saunas, and comfortable rooms to just rest and think. The building was close to the sea and in the spring the grounds were filled with forests and many spots that would be great for healing and relaxing.
Karen smiled. "I'm sure you'll all heal and find yourselves here. Your 'colleagues' or partners are volunteers but are the best that we've picked. According to what you're here for, we've paired you with someone we thought could help you. Of course since you are paying for this, if you don't like who you're with, we will put you with someone else. But we encourage you to remain with who we've picked. Our highly trained researchers here have studied your file and made the best judgments. So even though you may not like them at first, them may indeed be just what you need. Just like life. Something doesn't turn out or something goes completely wrong but in fact, it leads you down a wonderful path that you would never have gotten on, had that horrible thing never happened."
She smiled again and held up a paper she was holding. "I have all you names on here. I will read your name and which room you are to go to. That is where you partner is." She looked at the paper, "Anna Romano…room thirty one. Sarah Green…room two. Kori Anders…room seven…"
Kori got up and walked quickly to the door, she turned to look back before she left the room. Karen was smiling at her. Kori returned the smile and headed out of the room. She walked down the hall, searching for room seven. Lucky number seven…at least she hoped.
Finding the room, Kori took a deep breath before she pushed the door open. Inside was a small pink room, consisting of a desk and two soft chairs, and a large window that looked out onto the large sea. There was also a bed – Kori assumed it was for her to meditate on. There were two pots of flowers, one on the table and one on another small table by the window.
Oh and there was also a person.
He was standing, facing the window, his arms folded together. Hearing Kori come in he mumbled, "It's about time!"
He turned around to see who he was going to be 'helping' and stopped in his tracks. His jaw dropped. In front of him stood an angel. She had long red hair and beautiful green eyes and seemed to have all the right curves. He thought he'd never seen a more beautiful girl.
Kori clutched her purse like it was her lifeline. In front of her stood a very handsome man, about her age. He had jet-black hair and was built quite well. But the thing that Kori noticed the most was that he was wearing dark tainted sunglasses. In the morning!
Kori looked again around the room and said the only thing she could think of. "I love pink."
The two stood there staring at each other until the man began to chuckle.
Kori raised her eyebrows.
"I-I love pink too."
Kori had to laugh. She would never have expected this big muscular man to like pink. "My name is Kori Anders. What is yours friend?"
"Richard Grayson."
A/N: Ooohh! Cliffy! So I'm sure all of you were probably expecting the dude to be Richard (Well the summary does say that Kori meets him when she goes go the program thing). So what did y'all think? By the way, Julia is Jinx (if you didn't already know) and the little girl, Violet, is um well no one in particular (except me as an eleven year-old lol. But she does play an important role in the story later on…well sort of).
REVIEW!
Violet