Chapter 9
Joey's POV
1:00 PM August 15th 1999, Chapel Street
"No, seriously" I smirk. "You look exactly the same."
"Oh really" Denny gives a fake smile through his busted lip. He lifts the bag of frozen peas off his black eye and jokes "I scared Kerry when I walked through the door."
"Well I never said you were handsome."
"Just admit it, I look like crap."
"Eh, you've always looked like that."
Denny swats the back of my head but chuckles along with me. He turns away when the phone rings inside the house. I'm about to get up to answer it, but Denny waves me off "I'll get it." He puts out his cigarette on the porch's floor and walks inside.
Staying seated, I take a drag of my own baccy and survey the back yard. It's pretty small, but has enough trees and shrubs to give us a good amount of privacy. A couple kids are playing on the grass with a ball. That reminds me, I haven't seen Jasmine all day.
"Joey!" Denny calls out from inside the house.
"Coming!" I yell back. Jumping up, I make my way into the kitchen. Denny is finishing up his conversation on the phone, then looks to me after he hangs up. I ask "All right?"
"Jay wants you down at Hyde Park" he answers simply.
I frown in confusion "Why?"
…
Jasmine is easy to spot in the park. I can feel her fear from the other side of the fountain. The man she is sitting with is making her very nervous, heightening my growing concern. I don't recognize this man. He has dark hair and from what I can tell, dark eyes. He looks friendly enough, especially the gentle way he appears to be speaking to Jasmine. But something is off, and I can't exactly tell what.
"Hey" I say as I near them.
The man and Jasmine turn to notice me. Jasmine's discomfort doesn't lighten any; instead her eyes widen as she asks "What are you doing here?"
"Jay called, wanted to meet me here" I explain.
Jasmine turns to the man "You said…"
"I told you I would not call him. I never said I didn't do it before I approached you" the man states. He turns to me "I was the one who requested your presence here."
I blink, "You…but Denny said…"
"Never mind what your babysitter thought" the man brushes off. "I wanted to chat with the two of you alone without the interruption from anyone in that zoo you live in. After seeing your sister here at the park, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk to you both. I knew you wouldn't come unless that pimp of yours told you to."
"I…he's not my pimp" I mumble, still utterly confused.
"Close enough" he chuckles. The man takes a moment to stare at me before commenting "You're much shorter than I thought you'd be Joey."
"How do you know my name?" I ask cautiously, now I'm understanding Jasmine's discomfort.
"Your father told me" he explains simply, yet the statement makes me want to throw up.
My eyes flash wide open as I look to Jasmine whose scared appearance is making much more sense. She eyes me worriedly. The dark haired man interrupts our silent discussion "Let me start from the beginning. My name is Royce Sita" he stretches a hand out to me, which I only stare at. After a few seconds he puts it down. "As I was just discussing with Jasmine before you showed up, I'm not here to hurt you" he raises his hands in a surrendering motion. "I just want to talk."
"About what?" I hiss.
Sita smirks, "You remind me of him. Your father I mean."
My hands clench. Why the hell would he say that! "I'm nothing like him" I growl.
"I said the same thing when I was your age. People always compared me to my old man. They told me I would turn out just like him."
Jasmine inquires timidly "Did you?"
"Oh god no. I was completely right" Sita chuckles. "Daniel would agree."
Seeing that I am still fuming over Sita's earlier comment, Jasmine continues the conversation by herself "How do you know Daniel?"
"We grew up together my dear. In fact we were best friends as children."
I can see the surprise in Jasmine's expression, probably mirroring my own. That was not an answer I was expecting. Sita reads our reactions and continues to explain
"That was a long time ago though. We still keep in contact but…we are a different close than we were before. He told me about Emily's pregnancies and you two being born. It's a shame that Emily didn't survive your brother's birth. She made Daniel so happy. Whatever happened to your brother anyways? Daniel's been searching for you three."
"What do you want?!" I snap viciously. "What do we have to do so you won't turn us in to Daniel? We don't have any money if that's what you're after!"
"Shhhh" Sita hushes, eyeing a group of people nearby who are beginning to give us strange looks. "You don't want to attract attention, now do you? Besides Joey; why would I give you two up to Daniel?"
"You…What?" I stutter. "Isn't that why you're here? I thought you said you're his friend."
"So? I don't see how that has anything to do with this."
My mouth hangs open as I try to come up with some sentence structure that will properly exhibit my bafflement. Instead, Jasmine comes to the rescue and inquires for me
"We thought you being Daniel's friend would mean you would want to help his search for us. If you two are as close as you said…"
"Oh little one. Daniel and my's relationship is far too complicated as to put it under the term 'friends.' There's far too much history between us."
"What do you mean?"
Sita smiles slyly "Daniel and I have known each other our entire lives, which is much longer than you would think by looking at us. When you know someone for that long...we developed a very complex affiliation. I'd say I know your father better than anybody, even your mother who had probably the closest connection to him that a person could think of. But Daniel and I been through everything together, I understand him on a level that you two will eventually learn of one day. When all your friends and family die off and you are left with a handful of people who are able to stick around and know why you are different from the general population. I wouldn't consider Daniel and I 'friends' though. We don't get together to watch sports on weekends or go out to the bar for drinks. He's grown into more of a comforting associate than a friend, someone who you can discuss anything and everything with."
Jasmine and I remain silent for a minute, comprehending what Sita just said. Slowly, we come to the same realization.
"You know of Daniel's powers" Jasmine whispers, barely audible for me to hear.
The smirk on Sita's face returns, "Know of? I was there when he figured out what they were. As he was present when I discovered my own."
"You have powers too?"
"Button, how else do you think I still look this young when I was there when Big Ben first rang?"
Jasmine's expression grows confused.
Sita turns to me "You never told her?" He tells Jasmine, "Chipmunk, our kind doesn't age. Did you not know that?"
Astonished, Jasmine looks to me. I grumble to Sita "I wasn't completely sure about that; I only had hunches."
"I guess your father never did explain anything to you. Well, we stop physically aging after our twentieth birthday. Although your family tree has always looked younger than that, and I'm sure your mother's age won't help your cause either. I'll be interested to see when you will reach your age limit."
"What do you mean?"
"Emily was only seventeen when Daniel stopped her aging. My father had told me that most of our kind pauses our lover's age when they turn twenty; so they match us. But Daniel just could not wait to spend and eternity with your mother. I'm not sure if that will affect your growth or not."
"He couldn't just wait for three years?" Jasmine asks.
"It was the twenties" Sita shrugs nonchalantly. "Dancing was freer, alcohol was flowing, and women admitted they like having sex. Daniel and Emily connected at a speakeasy, then never wanted to be apart. Her parents were strict, so they rushed the process. They didn't want a future any different than the lives they were living then. No plans other than to enjoy life and freedom. They actually never intended on having kids."
"Well that obviously changed" I mutter.
Sita gives me a look, "I think all three of us know that neither Daniel nor Emily think of you as their children."
The statement icily sinks in. Even Jasmine glooms at bit at hearing it. I don't know why it's tough to hear; it's not like I'm surprised. As Sita said, Jasmine and I both knew Daniel and Emily's feelings towards us. However, hearing it from another person…I guess having it rubbed into our faces just doesn't feel right.
"Exactly how much of our lives do you know about?" I grumble.
"Most of what Daniel knows" Sita smirks, glancing at Jasmine. He picks up a strand of her hair and begins twirling it around in fingers while adding "I told you, we're close."
Ignoring Jasmine's discomfort at Sita's actions, I inquire "Then why aren't you going to hand us over to him?"
"My reasons don't concern you" he shrugs.
"I think they do" I snap.
"Well with that attitude, maybe I should give you over. After all, Daniel and I do generally tell each other everything. There is only a handful of carefully chosen secrets that I keep from him."
"No!" Jasmine jumps, her hair still in Sita's clutches. "Please, don't!"
Sita warmly smiles at the pleading girl. "Well since you asked so nicely darling." He begins to gently play with her hair again.
Jasmine watches the man, slightly leaning away from his touch. Finally she begs "Why are you here? Please, just tell us."
"I told you before dear, I'm just here to talk."
"Oh really?" I sneer. "You have no hidden agenda."
"Not one that you need to be afraid of. In fact, my presence benefits you."
"How!?"
Smiling cockily, Sita explains "I know all about our kind. Don't even try to lie by telling me you have never been interested in knowing more than what your father told you."
I pause, registering Sita's reasoning. He's right, I have always been curious about our kind. Daniel isn't ever going to answer any questions I have; Sita could help Jasmine and I understand our powers. But…"Can we trust you?"
Sita's eyebrow raises "That is for you to decide." He checks his watch, "I have to get going. I'll give you two some time to think over what we have discussed. If you do decide you want answers" he grabs a couple cards from his jacket and hands one to Jasmine sweetly "give me a call." Standing, he walks up to me and hands over the other card "I'd love to chat again."
With a cocky grin still written all over his face, Sita saunters out of the park.
Jasmine's POV
9:38 PM October 10th 1999 Chapel Street
I hear the front door swing open. Running into the living room, I see it is only Valerie returning with some groceries. She looks at me with apologizing eyes as she passes into the kitchen, knowing she is not who I was hoping to enter through the door.
Joey didn't return from his delivery today.
He was supposed to get back by at least 5:30. Later than the rest of us, but still decently early. When he wasn't back by six, Denny and I began to worry. When the time reached seven, Denny began to make some calls. The rest of the house became quite tense. The last time one of us was really late was when Braxton was caught by the cops. We haven't seen him since. Denny finally decided to drive out to Joey's drop off area around eight o'clock. There hasn't been any sign of either Denny or Joey since.
Sighing, I sit on the couch. For the past hour and a half, I've been shuffling around the house trying to distract myself from thinking about Joey. But…where is he? A pit has formed in my stomach containing all the horrible explanations my imagination has come up with for Joey's disappearance. What if the delivery went wrong? Or he's lost? Or kidnapped? What if Daniel found him? Or Sita? We haven't heard from him since the day in the park, who knows what he's up to.
"You're leg is shaking" a voice says next to me.
Jerking my head sideways, I see Valerie giving me a worried look while holding two mugs in her hand. I bite my lip and revert my eyes back to the coffee table they were staring at before.
One of Valerie's mugs scoots into view on the table. "Drink up, it'll make you feel better" Valerie recommends gently.
"How?" I mumble.
She sighs "Maybe it'll take your mind off him?"
After letting out a sigh, I grab the cup and take a sip of the hot liquid. The tea has a lemon ting to it; Valerie knows my favorites.
"He's going to be okay you know" she states. "Denny will find him…"
A loud bang sounds from inside the kitchen. Valerie and I exchange confused glances a voice yells "SOMEONE OPEN UP!"
Recognizing the voice as Denny's, Valerie dashes to the kitchen as I stand. I hear the back door creak open, followed by Valerie gasping. The pit in my stomach wants to explode. Denny runs into the room, carrying a groaning Joey over his shoulder. He walks over to where I am standing. Without saying a word, he swipes the mugs Valerie and I were drinking, off the coffee table and lays Joey on it. The mugs crash on the ground, their pieces scattering everywhere; but I don't pay attention. All I can focus on is the big red stain soaking through Joey's tee shirt.
"What happened!?" I yell.
Footsteps run down the stairs. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Hunter and Donald fleeing down the staircase, pausing when they see Joey. Kerry and Ted are right behind them. Ryan is the last to appear, he slowly makes his way down the stairs.
"He was shot" Denny snaps before calling out orders to us. "Hunter, get me the first aid kit from the bathroom. Donald, I'm going to have to check for an exit wound, help me lift him onto his side…"
"Why was he shot!?" I panic.
Denny sends me an annoyed glare "Deal went wrong. Valerie, I called Jay already for some medical assistance. Call again to see if they have sent anybody yet…"
"Why isn't he awake!?" I scream.
Huffing in exasperation, Denny tells Ryan while pointing to me "Get her upstairs."
Ryan nods and grabs around my waist, trying to pull me towards the staircase. I struggle, but he eventually picks me up over his shoulder and carries me up the stairs.
"No!" I fight. "Put me down! I have to make sure Joey's okay. Please let me go, please."
Ryan walks us into his, Hunter and Donald's room. The second he places me on the ground, I try to make a run for the door; I have to get back downstairs. Ryan grasps out for me, and catches my arm. "Shut up! Stop being stupid!" he growls. I don't listen and still try to wiggle out of his grip. Ryan yanks on my arm, pulling me back into the bedroom. I turn towards him, as a fist connects to the side of my face.
The punch sends me staggering towards the floor. The force wasn't enough to make me fall completely, but enough for me to cling onto the side of a bed for support. I take in a deep breath, getting over the shock. It's not as if it's the first time I've been hit, but it still took me by surprise. My face doesn't hurt yet…it will probably sore in the morning though; I can already feel that there will be a bruise.
A figure comes up behind me. Ryan sneers "Finally you're quiet. What the hell did you think you were doing down there? Huh?"
"Joey…" I begin.
"Won't get any better with you freaking out" Ryan interrupts. "God! You can be so annoying sometimes. Your brother needs medical attention, and you just get in the way. You always do this you know, get in the way. Joey's smart, he's going to fly through training easily and could probably get higher up in the business. But you're just going to hold him back
"Screw you" I glare.
"What did you just say?" he growls angrily, grabbing the front of my shirt.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" I scream, pushing him away. "And don't talk to me like that!"
"Why? Can't face the truth?" he mocks. "You know I'm right."
"No you…"
"Geez, you're so stupid. You do realize you wouldn't even be here if it weren't for Joey."
I internally roll my eyes at that statement. It's true; if it weren't for Joey, I wouldn't be here. But honestly; I wish that were the case.
Ryan's taunts overpower my thoughts "He's probably mad that he has to always be taking care of you. He's probably so annoyed about how much you hold him back. You better hope he doesn't die, which he might. In fact, he probably will. He's going to die and then…"
"Stop!" I yell, tears peaking at the corner of my eyes. I'm not exactly sure what I'm crying about, yet I can't help it.
Ryan's voice begins to turn softer "I didn't mean it. Seriously, I didn't; Joey's going to be fine. He'll be in a lot of pain for a while, but it's Joey; he'll pull through." Ryan tries to put an arm around me.
"Don't" I take a step away.
"C'mon Jasmine, don't be that way" Ryan coos. He pulls me towards him "I was just being honest, it shouldn't upset you this much."
"Go away."
"Shhh, it's okay." He wraps his arms around me, I give up trying to fight. All I can do now, is wait and see how Joey is.
11:30 AM October 11th, 1999 Chapel Street
The wind blows at my hair, making it drift around me. It also sends a chill down my spine; causing me to shrug into my jacket. Only slightly do I feel the sprinkles of rain fall onto my hair. Why does it have to be rainy and windy? I hate weather.
I could go inside, but they haven't gotten to cleaning up the sitting room from last night. There isn't any pools of blood, but there is a lot of soaked rags and clothes lying around. The furniture is still rearranged, and there is a few medical tools still lying around on the coffee table. Upstairs; Denny, Jay, Liam, Perez and Dr. Smith are hanging out around the room Joey and I share. Joey woke up a few hours ago, but is very tired. We all are; nobody slept for more than an hour or two last night. Apparently Dr. Smith (I highly doubt that is his real name) is going to be staying around for a day or so (much to his displeasure) to keep an eye on Joey. Why Jay, Liam and Perez are still here; I don't know. All morning they have been talking, making the other kids and me nervous. After a while, I just needed a break from the house; so I came outside to sit on the brick fence. And now it's raining…great.
"You could catch a cold you know" a familiar voice teases.
Whipping my head around, I am met with Royce Sita smirking down at me. He is dressed in a long black coat with some tan pants. Sita's right hand is holding a black open umbrella, while his left is buried in his pocket.
"What are you doing here?" I question, fatigue obvious in my voice.
"My dear, you sound exhausted." Sita comments worriedly. "Here, you shouldn't be sitting out in the rain" he says as he sits next to me, positioning the umbrella to cover both of us. Sita then gently places two fingers under my chin and lifts my face. He frowns "What happened to your eye?"
Flinching away, I mutter "Nothing." As I predicted, a bruise formed around where I got hit last night, right under my left eye.
"Don't bother lying Cupcake. I know a punch when I see one. Who hit you?"
"Doesn't matter."
"You shouldn't let people hit you Bunny. A pretty girl like you deserves better."
I roll my eyes, "What do you want Sita?"
"Sita? Why not call me Royce?"
"Fine. Royce, why are you here?"
"I heard about what happened to your brother. Haven't heard from either of you since the day in the park, so I thought I would check in."
Jumping in my seat in surprise, I ask "How did you hear about…"
"I have connections Darling. Not much goes on in London that I don't know about. Let me see that eye again."
"It's fine" I try to wave off his hand.
"Doesn't look that way" he gently lifts my face again to examine the bruise. "When did this happen?"
I sigh in defeat, "Last night."
Sita tuts, "That long ago and it is still this dark?"
I bite my lip and nod gently. Usually bruises like this would be somewhat healed by now. Back at the villa minor ones were sometimes gone by the next day. But the bruise currently on my face doesn't look to have even started healing.
"Did you get any sleep after the hit?" Royce asks.
"No" I admit.
"Well that may be one reason it's so bad. Our kind heals faster when asleep. But even so, for how much time has passed; it should be lighter than this."
"Look, you came to check on Joey. He's fine, probably napping right now. He's the one lying in bed with a gunshot wound, you don't need to worry about a stupid bruise. It's no big deal."
Royce tells me soothingly, "Pumpkin, it is a big deal. Joey has all the people inside taking care of him. Right now I'm worried about you. Now; when did you start healing slower?"
"I…I don't know. It was super-fast when I was really little. It became a lot slower a couple years ago. Over the past year it seems as if I heal at the same rate as everybody else. Joey's the same way. We just thought it was from getting older. Is it?"
Royce frowns with concern, "No. You should still be healing as fast as when you were younger, if not faster." He thinks for a second "How are your powers?"
"They" I blush and look away. "Joey and I don't use them."
"What!" Royce almost gasps.
"They're bad."
"Oh Hunny, why would you think that?"
I attempt to reason "Daniel wants them. That's why I was born, so Daniel could have my powers. If I use them, I'd be bad like Daniel."
Royce raises an eyebrow skeptically "Do you really believe that?"
"I…" Not being able to answer honestly, I trail off.
"What made you say they are bad?"
"Joey he…Daniel's powers are bad. He uses them to make people do what he wants."
"So the way your father uses his powers is bad. Does that really mean the powers themselves are bad?"
"I…I guess. I've never seen them used for good."
"Just because you have never seen it doesn't mean it's not real. What about Santa Clause?"
"He doesn't exist."
"Of course he does!"
Rolling my eyes again, I tell him "I am nine years old and the only gift on Christmas I have ever received was a rosary from a bunch of nuns. No, Santa Clause does not exist."
"Well my point still stands. Are your powers bad because of the way you use them?"
"No, because I don't use them!" I snap.
"I use my powers…am I bad?" Royce points out.
Taking a moment to think before answering, I tell him "I don't know."
"Have I done anything bad?"
"I don't know."
"Have you seen me be bad?"
"No but…"
"Is this why you haven't called me since the park?"
Biting my lip, I look away; not wanting to answer. But Royce knows
"I see" he says. "Princess, like I told you that day, I don't mean any harm to you or your brother. I am just here to talk. I could help you with so much. Do you really believe the best way to handle your powers is to completely ignore them?"
Still not able to look at him, I stare at my hands silently.
"Oh Pookie" Royce rubs my back comfortingly. "There is so much you don't know. It's not fair that you have to deal with all this, it's not as if you signed up for it. But it doesn't have to be so hard. Pulling the short stick doesn't always mean a consequence, try thinking of your powers as a gift; one that you just don't completely understand yet. I can help you, I want to help you. You trust me…right?"
Slowly I look up to Royce and nod. It's true. After talking for how long; he does feel trustworthy. But "Joey doesn't think…"
"Your brother doesn't have to control every part of your life, Doll" Royce reasons. "You can make decisions without him. Here" Royce hands me his umbrella so he can fish a card out of his pocket with the arm that isn't wrapped around my shoulder. "If you want to talk, feel free to call me."
"I don't think Joey will want me…"
"Is Joey really the one you want to listen to? He is just as confused with his powers as you are with yours Gum Drop. He's the one who decided you two would stop using your powers?" I nod as he continues. "If Joey hadn't done that, he would be feeling a lot better right now and that bruise on your face would be gone."
I blink from shock at Royce's bluntness. He notices and gives me a kind smile "Just food for thought Chipmunk. I must be off, tell your brother I hope he heals well." Royce stands from the brick wall, then gives me a kiss on the top of my head. "I hope to hear from you soon" he smirks, before beginning to walk down the street.
The kiss causes me to sit in a confused stupor for a while. It isn't until I notice the umbrella still in my hand that I break out of it and call out "Royce! You forgot…"
"Keep it" he calls back, before turning the corner. "Don't want you getting sick, stay out of the rain."
Joey's POV
I feel like crap. Dr. Whatever has me on a lot of meds, so I'm not exactly in pain. But I still feel like crap. The bandages around my chest make it uncomfortable to lay in the bed, but I'm too tired to get up. Besides, the doctor told me not to move for a few days. I guess I should listen to him; not like I have experience of watching people recover from wounds like mine.
My bedroom door creaks open. Jasmine pokes her head in and says "Hey."
"Hey" I answer groggily.
"How are you?" she asks, entering the room and closing the door behind her.
"No better than before. What did you expect?"
Jasmine shrugs, scanning my body up and down. As she does, I notice something "What happened to you?" I inquire.
Placing a hand on the obvious bruise forming on her face, Jasmine quickly says "Don't worry about it."
"Whatever" I grumble. "Are Jay and Liam still here?"
"Yeah, along with Perez."
"Really? Thought he would have left a long time ago."
"No, he's still here along with the doctor. They are in the kitchen right now talking."
"About what?" I frown.
Jasmine shrugs "I don't know. I just passed by when I came inside."
"Inside? Where were you?"
"Just…sitting on fence."
Frowning in confusion again, I look to the window. "It's raining" I state.
"Yes?"
"How are you not wet?"
"I had an umbrella."
"Since when do we have umbrellas?"
Jasmine closes her mouth and suddenly takes an interest in the bottom of my bed. She smooths down the part of the blanket near my feet. "Jasmine" I say, trying to get her attention. When she doesn't respond, I assert "Jasmine." She keeps to her task. "What are you not telling me" I growl.
"Nothing."
"Don't lie."
Taking in a deep breath, Jasmine finally answers "I talked to Royce Sita."
"Sita?" I frown. "What…why? I told you not to go near him."
"I didn't. He heard about you getting shot and wanted to know how you were doing. I was sitting outside and he approached me."
"Why didn't you walk away?" I snap.
"He…we just talked Joey."
"I don't care. When I tell you to stay away from someone, stay away from them. God! You know Sita is a friend of Daniel's. Why would you talk to him?"
"I don't know, but…I'm glad I did."
With all the energy I can muster, I send her my best disapproving glare.
Jasmine tries to explain "He told me why we aren't healing as quickly anymore. It's because we block our powers. If we didn't do that, we could heal faster again. You don't have to wait as long to heal from this…"
"That's your solution?" I hiss. "Turn back to powers that bring nothing but…"
"What if they aren't as bad as we tho…?"
"Don't interrupt me!"
"But just think…"
"NO!" I yell, my voice a croak. "I told you that already! How about you just listen to me!?"
Jasmine slowly develops an angry glare that I can only imagine matches my own. "Just like always huh" she sneers before charging over to the door. Jasmine yanks it open, to reveal Denny standing there shocked. She barely nods towards him before storming down the hallway.
I let out an irritated groan as Denny walks in and closes the door. "I ask one thing of her."
"What is up with you?" Denny asks. "It feels like every other day you are screaming at her."
"Because she never listens!"
"I think you give Jasmine a lot less credit than she deserves" Denny states calmly, taking a seat next to my bed. "You're going to have to learn how to compromise with her you know. Or else you will lose her."
"Doesn't sound like the worst idea in the world" I grumble.
"Don't say that Joey. Unlike the rest of us, you still have some family. Don't give it up so easily."
'I've done it before' I think to myself. Maybe I would be better off without Jasmine. Maybe she would be better off without me? NO! I shouldn't think that way. Denny's right, I shouldn't give up on her. I still have my promise to Armando.
Denny takes my attention out of my thoughts when he says. "Joey, I've got to tell you something."
"What?"
"You know Perez was here earlier?"
"Yeah. Jasmine said he was downstairs talking with you, Jay and Liam."
"He was. We were…talking. About that…You know I'm going to work for Perez after I'm done with training, right?"
"Yeah" I say, eyeing him wearily. Where is this going?
Denny takes in a deep breath, "Perez has decided he wants me sooner than later. I'm going to start working for him earlier than I thought."
"You're not leaving today are you?"
"No, no. Don't worry. I'll still be around for a while. But…I'm leaving after your recovery is finished."
"What?"
"After you are fully healed, I'm moving out. Perez wants you to be in charge of the house when I'm gone."
Jasmine's POV
-3 years later-
2:19 PM November 2nd 2002 Hyde Park
"What do you mean you're leaving?" I ask in disbelief.
Royce smirks and gives me a shrug. "Sick of the rain Angel Face, decided to move my show to the desert."
"You're a stage magician. What success would you have in the desert?"
"Baby, have you never heard of Los Vegas? I will have them eating out of the palm of my hand over there."
I sigh, "Why though? You're doing great here, why move?"
"Money makes the world go round Darling" Royce laughs. "I was offered a better gig, so I took it. Enough about me though, how are you?
"Well first off, we are not finished discussing your flee to the colonies. And second, I'm fine."
"Really? Joey not hassling you anymore?"
"Well he is, I'm just used to it by now."
Royce gives me an empathetic look, "Oh Pookin."
"It's fine, really. It's gotten a bit better since I moved into Stephanie's room. At least now I can avoid him."
"Unless he walks down the hall."
I sigh, "He doesn't talk to me unless absolutely necessary. It's not so bad."
"You shouldn't have to feel the need to avoid your own brother."
"There's no use complaining about it" I state. "It's just the way things are between us. It could be worse."
"It should be better."
"What do you want me to do about it Royce? Talk to him? We can barely say two words to each other without ending up in a screaming match."
"I honestly don't understand how you two can fight so much? What is there to argue about?"
"I don't know…everything I guess."
"That's not an answer" Royce snips. "What was your last argument about?"
"Uh…" I think. "Oh! Yesterday, when you and I met up for lunch, I had told Joey I was going to the mall. He found out I lied and went off about it."
Royce raises an eyebrow, "Why didn't you just tell him the truth?"
I glare, "You know why."
"Still being restricting on using powers?"
"Yup."
"I can't believe that he never uses his."
"I think he does" I admit. "Not often, but enough. He can always tell when someone's lying and always knows where everybody is."
"Maybe he's just good at keeping track of you all?"
"No it's different. Like, he can walk into the house and know who's in the bathroom, who's taking a nap, if there are any guests over. He…he has to be using his powers."
"Yet you still refuse to try yours out?"
"Yeah I do!" I snap. "Why do you keep pushing me to use them?"
Royce raises his hands in surrender, "I'm not. I am only surprised you still listen to Joey's orders when he doesn't follow them himself. You still believe your powers are bad? Your own brother uses his."
"Yeah because I really want to turn out like Joey" I mutter, barely audible enough for Royce to hear. Speaking up, I say "I disobey Joey enough. Using my powers doesn't need to be added to the list."
"When do you ever break his rules?"
I smirk "I'm talking to you aren't I?"
Royce smiles, "That you are Treasure." He pauses before inquiring, "What would Joey do if he ever found out about our little meet-ups?"
Biting my lip, I answer "I don't know. He'd probably start yelling I suppose. Training keeps him too busy, so he can't really follow through on any punishments. Although, that will change in a couple weeks."
"Ah yes" Royce comments. "Late start finally got an assignment."
"Well he's always had an assignment" I clarify. "Perez just hadn't found anyone to replace him back at the house. He was debating moving Ryan to our house, but instead he decided to bring Hunter back to London."
"Speaking of people you shouldn't be talking to; how's the arsehole?"
Rolling my eyes, I answer "He's fine. And don't call him that."
"Just speaking the truth."
"He's not always a jerk."
"Just when he speaks to you. Can't believe Joey approves of you seeing him, yet is furious at the thought of talking to me."
"Ryan doesn't have a reason to betray us."
"And I do? Jasmine, I'm offended" Royce jokes.
Smirking I reply "You still talk to Daniel, so yes. Besides, in a few days Joey will be Ryan's boss; that helps I think."
"So when are you two moving?"
"Four days, I think? We found this little apartment; it's kind of by the Royal Opera House. Perez found it. Now that Joey is fully working for Perez, we can afford a nicer place."
"He has already begun?"
"Kind of" I explain "He has gone on a couple jobs. Perez seems to be slowly weaning Joey into the job; I assume because of what happened to Denny. But yeah, for the most part Joey has 'begun' his new job. Perez had him sign some paperwork and took pictures of Joey and me for some file."
Royce inhales sharply at this, "He took pictures."
Frowning at his reaction, I say "Yes. Why?"
"N…nothing" Royce relaxes before asking "How do you feel about Joey working full time for Perez?"
"I…I'd be lying to say I'm happy about it" I admit.
"Oh really?"
"He comes home all the time beaten up. I mean…it's not my business; it's his life. But…" I shrug "I just think we could find a better option."
"You don't have to move with him you know?" Royce states.
"Joey and I have always stuck together."
"Just because your brother has decided to doom his own life, doesn't mean you have to do the same. As you said, you could find better options."
"Where would I go?" I roll my eyes.
There is a short pause before Royce offers "Come live with me?"
My heart skips a beat "What?" Did I hear him right?
Royce smiles warmly "Move to America with me. My apartment there is huge, I have more money than I know what to do with, and it would be a clean start for you?"
"Royce…I'm not doing that" I laugh.
"Why not? I would love having you there."
"I can't leave Joey…"
"Dove, I sorry but yes you can. You and Joey…from everything you have told me over the years; you two have never been close. Over the past year especially, you two have done nothing but fight, bicker and keep more secrets. Frankly, I don't see your relationship getting any better. Five minutes ago you were telling me how you feel the need to avoid Joey in your house. Do you really believe that will change once you two move to your own apartment? I hate to think of what will happen when I go to America and leave you here alone with him."
"I…" Damn. Why does he have to be right? He didn't need to point all that out; I knew it already. "You would really let me move in with you? Just to get me away from Joey?"
"Frankly I would take you with just to get you away from Ryan" Royce smile.
I smirk, "Thanks Royce, but…I can't. What if Daniel found out about me living with you; it's too big of a risk."
"Love; you wouldn't have to worry about Daniel finding you. I know how to keep him away."
I shake my head no. Royce sighs, then gently brushes a piece of my hair behind my ear. "Just think about it Baby Doll. Promise me that."
Remaining silent, I only answer with a snort nod.
Joey's POV
7:21 AM, November 8th 2002, New Apartment
God, where is it? I swear if this damn wrench causes me to be late…where is it?! I had it yesterday opening boxes. The sitting room is still a giant mess; Jasmine is cleaning that today when I leave. After we get rid of all the boxes it will be better. I didn't mind getting furniture for the apartment, until it all showed up in GIANT boxes! Only a couple are full of stuff Jasmine and I brought back from the group house. All the other boxes are things we need, pots, pans, bed sheets, furniture, mattresses, curtains. My wrench could be in any one of them.
"Jasmine!" I call out to the kitchen.
"What?" she answers back.
"Have you seen my tension wrench?"
"Your what?" she asks confused.
"My tension wrench" I repeat. "The one Dante gave me."
"Who's Dante?"
Right. She wouldn't know Dante, he did leave the villa when she was only a few months old. "Nobody. Have you seen my tension wrench?"
"Why do you need it?"
"I just do! Have you seen it?" I snip, getting irritated.
"No. When did you have it last?"
"Yesterday, but I've checked all the boxes we unpacked."
"I brought a couple unfinished boxes into my room this morning. Did you look through those?"
"No" I mumble before squeezing my way through the cluttered hallway into Jasmine's bedroom.
The room so far only has the bed set up along with a dresser with a bunch of papers and packaging tape on it. There are about six boxes stacked on top of each other, but only two that are open. Walking over to the one closest to the dresser, I immediately spot my wrench. As I grab the tool and place it in my pocket, I notice something strange on Jasmine's dresser. Amongst the mess, sits a colorful brochure. Picking it up, I read the words 'Las Vegas' at the top. It is covered in pictures of bright lights, stage shows and casinos. I've heard of the city before, but why would Jasmine have a brochure of it? Suddenly a bright blue sheet of paper falls out of the inside, onto the floor. Crouching down, I grab it and read the message written on it
'Just thought I would show you a bit more of your other option. Think it over.
Always willing to talk-Royce Sita.'
The name at the end causes every fiber of my being to tighten. Royce Sita? I told Jasmine years ago to stay away from him. Why would he be sending her a brochure? And what is the 'other option?' 'Willing to talk;' has she been in contact with him? For how long?
Slowly standing up, I stalk my way to the kitchen. Jasmine is standing at the stove cooking some eggs; facing the opposite direction. She is humming a Samuel Barber tune as she pokes at the contents in the pan she is using. It isn't until I clear my throat that she turns notices me.
Jasmine turns around questioningly, until it growl "What is this" and hold up the brochure and note. She then freezes and gulps
"Nothing. Don't worry about it."
"Have you been talking to Royce Sita?"
Jasmine doesn't answer, only stares. Her silence still gives me an answer.
"I can't believe it" I snap. "I told you three years ago to stay away from him! How dare you…"
"Joey calm down" Jasmine states.
"Shut up! How could you be so stupid?! Do you even realize how dangerous he is? He could turn us in to Daniel!"
"He won't…"
"How the hell would you know?!"
"Because I've actually talked to him" she snaps back. "I've talked to him for three years and he still hasn't told Daniel about us. Why would he now?"
"You know how much danger you have put us both in by talking to him?"
"Better than not seeing him at all and having no idea what he's doing."
I glare "What does the note mean?"
Jasmine pauses then quickly turns back to her eggs while mumbling "Don't worry about it."
My anger seethes. Storming over to the stove, I grab the pan she is cooking with and throw it at a pile of boxes. Jasmine is left staring at the burner; spatula still in hand. She doesn't look at me as she says in a small voice "I wasn't going to do it. You don't have to worry."
"What does it mean" I growl.
"Nothing you need to know."
"That's not an answer! God! What have you two been talking about?! He's probably been poisoning your mind with who knows what? Have you…" I lower my voice in anger "Have you used your powers because of him?"
"What if I did?" Jasmine challenges. "Why would it matter to you, you big hypocrite?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You think I'm such an idiot" she sneers. "I know you use your powers. You are the first to say how evil and bad they are, but then you use yours anyways. Don't try to deny it."
"Fine, I won't" I snap. "I do use my powers. Just a bit to make my job easier. But guess what Jasmine; they are evil! I just don't care anymore. For the past five years that's all I've been. I've sold drugs, guns, convinced kids to do the same. Worked with the scum of society. Last week I robbed someone's home because Perez wanted some file on their computer. So yeah, I use my powers and that's bad. But it will probably not be the worst thing I will ever do. How about I use them right now and figure out what you're not telling me."
"You wouldn't dare" Jasmine glares.
"Tell me what Sita meant in the note" I demand, fury oozing in my voice.
"NO!" she retorts. "You can't tell me what to do."
Taking a step forward, I trap Jasmine against the counter. "One last chance" I growl.
"You're just like Daniel" she declares heatedly.
Something inside me snaps. Before I can register what my body is doing, I grab Jasmine's hand closest to the stove and slam it onto the hot burner. I hold it there in anger. My rage refusing to let her right hand escape the burning surface.
Jasmine pained scream pulls me back to reality. Oh my god.
My hand releases Jasmine's as I take several steps away; my eyes as wide as craters. What have I done? Oh god! Did I just really do that? I feel the need to throw up. What have I done?
The sound of Jasmine's burning flesh tearing off the burner rips through the room. She clutches her hand to her chest and sobs in pain.
Taking a step forward my voice breaks "Jasmine…"
"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" she screams. Trying to back farther into the counter to try to get away from me.
"I'm sorry. Let me see…"
"Don't touch me" she hisses, running into the hallway.
"Where are you going" I ask worriedly, following her.
"I'm leaving!" she snaps.
"What? Jasmine no, I'm sorry" I say, catching up to her. Grabbing her arm, I tell her "Let me see your hand. You'll need medical…"
"You've done enough" Jasmine yanks out of my grasp. As she grabs for a bag, I see blood fall from her hand.
"Where are you going?"
"I told you I'm leaving. You want to know what Royce's note meant. He offered to let me live with him when he moves to America. I wasn't going to go with him, but I've suddenly changed my mind."
"You can't go with him!" I yell, my anger returning. "He's dangerous! He will give you over to Daniel! Is that what you want? To go back to the villa?"
Jasmine screams back "Why not? It's no worse than my life here?"
"Oh bull sh…" I argue.
"It's true! I got yelled at there, I get yelled at here. Got insulted there, get insulted here. I get beaten there, I have my HAND SMASHED ONTO A BURNER HERE! How is life here with you any better than life with Daniel at the villa? At least there he doesn't act like he's doing me any favors."
"If that's how you feel then maybe you should go! Huh! Go! Watch as Sita gives you over to Daniel! Don't expect me to come save you again though!"
"When have you ever saved me" Jasmine spits.
I growl back "I'm going to work. Don't be here when I return."
As I storm out of the apartment Jasmine yells after me "Don't worry. I won't be!"
-9:30 PM-
Still two blocks to go until I reach my apartment. It will be strange. For the first time in my life I will return to a lifeless home. Jasmine should be gone right now. I hope she's gone. After this morning; I wouldn't be able to face her again. Throughout the day, I've tried to convince myself that her leaving is for the best. Maybe Sita actually will take care of her. Sure I won't be around; but I'm not around for James either and he's probably doing fine. I haven't checked, but he should be fine. Who would be miserable in a circus? I wonder if I'll ever get to meet him.
That thought stops me in my tracks. I take in a deep breath and think. Will I ever meet James? Would I even know if I met him? I have no idea what he looks like. Besides, the world's a big place. What are the chances of us seeing each other again?
What are the chances of me seeing Jasmine again? Sita said that our kind will eventually stop ageing. Will we find each other again at some point in time? If our paths did cross, would either James or Jasmine even want to talk to me? I wouldn't. God…what have I done?
I wonder if Jasmine is still in the apartment. She probably left hours ago. If she is still there…I need to check. I have to know what I'm walking into.
Calming my mind, I focus my powers on the apartment. I haven't used them at this great of distance yet, but this is as good of time as any. Stretching my reach into the apartment, I search for Jasmines mind. Eventually I find her. Oh…so she hasn't left yet. Is she still angry? I gently tap on her consciousness, hoping to find an emotion.
Pain writhes through my entire body. I fall to the pavement, gasping for breath. My lungs feel on fire along with the rest of my body. My head feels as if it is about to explode.
As soon as I let go of Jasmine's mind, the pain goes away. A voice is asking above my limp body "Sir? Are you okay? Sir?"
A tiny group of pedestrians have formed a circle around me; all concerned after seeing my fall probably. I nod and tell them I am fine. After a while they go on their way, leaving me alone.
My thoughts go back to the pain I just experienced; the pain Jasmine is going through right now. I recognize it. I've only felt this type of pain once before in my life.
When Daniel stole my powers from me.