A/N: I like the positive response over Trina in the previous chapter. I enjoy showing her warmer side and how she can be there for someone when things get really bad. I wanted to savor these scenes between her and Tori especially because in one of my recent finished stories, Trina wasn't in it and you could definitely feel her presence missed.

Besides, I think the best horror build up the characters, making them likable and relatable, before introducing the menace.

A few shout-outs:

- S.K. Rowling; welcome aboard and hope you're liking the story as well

- katieblack2012; thanks for the follow on Twitter (if you haven't read her current story Enemies, you really should!) she's been working really hard on it and it's good - and yet I feel like the only one reading it - - - GO CHECK IT OUT

- Invader Johnny, Lushcoltrane and Timeless Reader: your enthusiasm in every story of mine is the force that pushes me forward

- Kuchiki-san urahara and Quitting Time: it's been a little while; if you're busy I totally understand but otherwise I would like to hear from you guys again

- and to all the "guest" reviewers, thanks for coming out and I hope you register and join us - it's fun and everybody's doin' it

;-)

Tori followed Trina into the massive building, teaming with shops and eateries. The clear sunny sky shone through the glass ceiling, natural light outdoing the neon and bulbs from the various businesses below.

The mall was built on a hill so depending on which side you entered meant a different level. Where Sisters Vega parked led them to the second tier.

"Oh, right" Trina groaned.

"What?" Tori asked.

"I forgot they moved Palindromes to downstairs."

"We'll get there soon. We can check out some of the other stores."

Trina folded her arms. "Fine. But the good tops better not be taken by the time we get there."

"OOOOOOHHH," Tori said, waving her hands. "That was my worried face."

"Don't make me pitch you over the railing."

The sister laughed and proceeded along the promenade.

Cat was drawing in study hall, letting her colored pencils roam freely across the paper. Her unique stream-of-consciousness style would lead to some very creative visuals and her art teacher would gush over her sketches.

On this occasion; Cat was using the red, orange and brown heavily. She bit her lips, scrawling on the parchment with a growing sense of urgency like she couldn't speak and this was her only was to communicate.

Robbie couldn't help but notice her frazzled but driven demeanor.

"Cat?" he asked cautiously. "What you drawing?"

She barely acknowledged him. She just kept drawing. It seemed like she was going faster with each passing second. When it seemed like smoke was going to rise form the paper, Cat collapsed onto the table. Her head made a sound that echoed through the quiet library.

Robbie nudged her, "Cat! Cat! Please wake up!"

The little redhead leaped out of her chair and fell onto the floor as if 10,000 volts flowed through her body. Her eyes were wide open, not blinking once. She seemed to be in a trance. But whatever it was, Cat snapped out of it when Robbie touched her arm.

An earth-shaking shriek dwarfed whatever disturbance rung through the library in the past.

"NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOO!" Cat screamed at the top of her lungs. (And anyone who heard her sing could only imagine how high her voice went.)

"Cat," Robbie attempting to hold her down. "It's okay. You're safe now."

"Hold on, Rob" Andre jumped into the room and pulled his hand away. "Keep her still. She might have a concussion or something."

"It was him," she whispered. Chills went up the spines of both boys near her. They exchanged glances.

"Are you hurt?" Andre asked.

"No," Cat shook her head. "I got away."

"What do we do?" Robbie asked.

Night was setting in. Tori was exhausted. She couldn't believe that Trina had her there for six hours. Her feet ached and it seemed like she was going to fall asleep the second she sat down.

"Trina," Tori dragged out the name for emphasis.

"Yeah, Tori?" she seemed a little annoyed.

"Are we done now? I'm so tired," Tori yawned the last sentence.

"But Tor, I wanted to go back to that surfboard store on the other side. That sandy-haired guy at the register was so hot..."

"Oh, come on, we've been here all day. Let's just go home."

"It hasn't been that long," Trina said checking her phone and raised an eyebrow. "Holy shit," the elder Vega snapped. "We gotta get back."

"Told you it was too long," Tori said.

Trina shook her head. "Not just that but the eight missed calls from mom. You probably got a few."

"Darn it, Trina" Tori chastised as they begun running to the door. "I told you that stupid app you downloaded on my phone screwed with my vibrate."

"Just shut it and let's go!"

The sisters piled into the car with Trina's bags. Tori didn't buy anything. She wasn't interested in anything at all. Trina would go off on her own and look for stuff and then find Tori wandering, just gazing blankly at merchandise. She saw that this trip was not getting her mind off things. Which was why she kept her there, losing track of time.

"I'm sorry I yelled," Tori said.

Trina looked around the minivan in front of her for the exit. "It's okay. I just hoped you had a good time."

"I did," she insisted.

"Didn't look like it," Trina shrugged.

"Sorry, it's just that thing with Jade still bothered me."

"Don't think of me as a couples counselor but maybe you won't get over this until you two work it out."

Tori nodded slowly. "You're right," she said quietly. "You know what," her voice got more affirmative and she sat more with confidence. "Take me to Jade's house. I will ambush her and her parents and then the cat will be out of the bag."

"Sounds pretty sneaky and bitchy," Trina smirked. "I've taught you well. We Vega girls don't sit and mope. We go and get!"

"Speaking of, how's it going with Beck?" Tori asked, yawning.

"I...I...think I'm wearing that boy down." Trina thought and nodded. "He'll come around." She looked at her little sister. "Right?"

Trina didn't get a response but a mild snore next to her. Tori's head was leaning against the window, her mouth hanging open. Trina stopped at a red light. She tapped the steering wheel for what felt like the longest minute.

"Finally," Trina muttered when the light turned green.

Trina didn't see the city bus barreling out of control through the intersection and obliterating the front half of her Passat. Her head reeled from the impact but the literal spinning of the car that followed only exacerbated her headache. She peered through the smoke and shards of broken glass and saw her sister laying motionless.

"Tori," she coughed.

"Don't move, ma'am" she heard a voice. Then a loud mechanical whirring scared Trina. Through the corner of her eye, she could see metal crumpling around her. It was then she started to feel dizzy and pass out.

Trina sat up and was stopped by her mom.

"Oh god, honey" she cried hugging her. "You need to take it easy."

"What's happen...where am I?"

"You were in an accident."

Trina's eyes widened in horror. "Tori! Where is she?"

A/N: Next chapter will have Jade. Promise.