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Chapter 9

Ophelia

I run through town without really knowing where my feet are taking me. All I know is that I have to get away from Mom and Dad.

Before I know it, I've turned up at the door of a house. A house that I know only too well. For a split second, I ask myself why I'm here, but I realize that if I want to get back at my parents, this is the best way to do so.

I take a deep breath before knocking on the door. A few minutes later, it opens to reveal an angry looking Chloe.

She looks around, mumbling, "If this is another prank…" but then she sees me and smiles sweetly. "Ophelia! What a nice surprise! Come in, come in." I follow her inside, thinking that this might not be such a bad idea after all.

Chloe leads me to the living room where she gets me to sit down on the couch. "What are you doing out at this hour?" she asks. "And where are your parents?"

I fight back tears as I answer her. "I-I ran away."

She seems genuinely surprised. "Oh," she almost whispers. "Well, how would you like to live with me?"

Her face looks so sweet and innocent, but I can't forget the fact that she's evil, working for the Order. "I don't know…" I start, but she's too quick.

"You have a very powerful skill," Chloe informs me. "And once you learn to use it to its full extent, there'll be nothing and no one who will stand in your way!" Her eyes narrow at these words.

"But…what more can I do?"

Here, she smiles. "I can help you to draw out your second skill. I can force it to reveal itself, and then together we can harness it."

It all sounds very tempting… "Why would you want to help me?"

"Because it would make me feel like I have a child."

So that's what she's playing at! Suddenly, this idea doesn't sound so great. "How long would the process take?" I ask suspiciously.

"Why does it matter? You hate your parents. That's something we both have in common. And besides, where else would you go? If you don't accept my offer, you can't live here, and who else do you know that would take you without telling your parents?"

She's got a point there. But I'm still a little suspicious, not to mention starting to want to go home. I sigh. "I thank you for your kind offer, but I'm not mad at my parents anymore, so I think I'll just go home." As I leave for the door, Chloe puts up one hand.

"I'm afraid it's not that simple," she says. "There is no way I'll let you go now. I've waited for this moment for 5 whole years, and I'm not about to give up."

I fling the door open and try to leave, only to be knocked backwards, sprawled out on the carpet. The last thing I hear before I pass out is Chloe laughing maniacally.

"Force fields," she reminds me before everything goes black.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I wake up in a nice cozy bed, and at first think that that was all a nightmare, and I'm still in bed at home. But then I realize that this isn't my room, and Chloe comes in.

"Well it's about time you woke up!" she exclaims. "You've been out for two days!"

I groan and sit up. "Two days? My parents must be worried sick!"

Chloe shrugs. "Doesn't much matter now, does it? It's not like you'll be going home any time soon – or at all, for that matter." She motions to a set of clothes. "Now put those on and come downstairs for breakfast. After you're finished, we can begin the year long process."

My eyes widen. "A whole year?!?" I exclaim incredulously.

She just nods. "Yep. How long did you think it'd take, a minute?"

"No," I sigh.

"Good. Now get dressed. We've got a long year ahead of us."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I soon find out what Chloe means by "helping me draw out my second power". It's all code for one thing: she overshadows me, and tries to force my body to do what it obviously isn't ready for yet.

It's not very comfortable to be overshadowed, as I'm sure my Dad could tell you. Your soul just sits back and watches what the other person is doing with your body. The only upside is that you don't feel any pain – that is, until the other person's soul leaves. Then all the pain comes rushing back.

That's what I have to deal with every single night for an entire year. At first, nothing happens, but once the year is over, we're finally done.

Aren't I evil? Just wait: you ain't seen nothin yet! Yes, that's bad grammar, but I don't give a shit. Seriously. Once you've finished this fic, you'll hate me forever. Until you read the murder mystery I'm working on…then you'll only hate me for eternity. Anyway, review please!