Hey guys, I'm back! I'm so sorry it took me like, four weeks to update but life got in the way. I've been super busy with school, soccer and karate but I did find time to write. Slowly, I wrote this chapter and it came out WAY longer than I expected. Like, 6000 words longer.

But, it's finally here! Also, you'll see the introduction of a new character here, who I know you already know ;)

Thanks for all your amazing reviews guys, I really wouldn't be here without you all :)

I finally present you chapter 7! Enjoy!

Desclaimer: I don't own Kickin't and anything else mentioned.

Warning: swearing in some parts of the chapter.

"Kim?"

Cecelia couldn't believe her eyes. They had to be seeing things. 'No, no it can't be. NO!' Cece thought franatically, while shaking her head, hpoing to clear out her vision. Stiil when she opened her eyes, Kim was still standing there, with an innocent look on her face. When Cece realized that this Kim wasn't going anywhere, she bagan to actually believe she was back. She just needed to...

Kim eyed Cece warily as she lifted her hand, still looking at her with distrought eyes. She knew she should say something before Cece went insane but she couldn't. The happiness, exitment and nevousness were too much. She couldn't move. So she just stood there and watched as Cece seemed to have million thoughts running in her mind. Kim felt something warm on her cheek and snapped back to reality. She looked at Cece's raised arm and saw that she had placed her hand on her cheek. Kim realized what this all was about, so she decided to cut the chase before her beloved auntie fainted. She turned her gaze back to her and smiled.

"Hi Auntie Cece" Kim said softly, trying to get Cece to believe.

Cece, had it. As soon as Kim's voice reached her ears, Cece finally believed. Her eyes didn't betray her, instead they brought her the sight that she had been longing to see for the past years. Cece started tearing up, overwhelmed by emotions,

"Oh My Goodness" She croaked out as she threw her arms around Kim, embracing her into a long-lasting warm hug. Kim sighed in relief as she hugged back. She was really worried about their reaction, after all, she just showed up on their doorstep just like that, after several years of not talking. Cece was taking it pretty well, now two more to go.

"Kim, I can't believe you're here! What are you doing here?!" Cece said as she pulled away and brought Kim inside. She lead her to the living room, with Kim looking around. Everthing was still the same. The pictures, the style, everything. Kim was glad to see that even through the absense of Jerry, the family still put all of his pictures out in the open, for everyone to see. She was happy that they didn't close him out, they weren't afraid and they had nothing to hide. A lot of memories resided in this very house. It was where Jerry and Kim first walked, where they had their first birthday, their first fight...so many memories.

Cece made her sit down on one of the couches and began showering her with questions,

"Kim what are doing here? What were you thinking? No, it's not like that, I mean, I'm really glad to see you again, but you-I-" Kim cut off Cece's rambling by getting up from the couch and putting her hands in front of her, to stop her,

"Cece I-"

"I'm just so happy to see you, I don't even know what to s-"

"Cece! Calm dow-" At this point, Kim began raising her voice, trying to shut her up so she could explain herself, but Cece too raised her voice,

"I thought I'd never see you again!" The room went silent. Dead silent. Kim had her mouth open, from what she was going to say, but now, her words got caught in ther throat. Her arms were still raised but she didn't move to lower them. Cece on the other hand, began breathing franatically, but still, she continued on,

"I never thought I'd see you again Kim. I-I..." Cece's voice began cracking, she couldn't find the right words. She was still shell-shocked. Kim wanted to do something, anything. She wanted to grab Cece and make her sit down, she wanted to calm her down before she seriously freaked out...but she just couldn't move. Kim didn't know why she was acting like this, after all, she kind of expected an out-burst like this. But she never thought that it would hurt her. Yeah, Cece's words stung right on her heart. Only now she realized just how much the Martinez family was shattered. It's not like she didn't before, but only now she fully realized how much big her mistake was. It was much bigger than she knew.

Kim was like the daughter Cece never had and Kim felt horrible that she really thought she would never see her again. But what hurt her the most? Her biggest mistake ever was leaving. Leaving when they needed the one person in the Whole world...her. She was the closest real thing they had left of Jerry, yet, she left too. They had no one. Cece didn't have Natalie, Ricardo didn't have Chase and Andrè didn't have Jace. But all of them didn't have her.

Cece calmed down on her own after a while, moving her gaze from the floor to look up at Kim,

"Kim, listen, It was very good to see you, believe me...but..." Cece lowered her gaze and shifted her eyes back and forth from Kim to the ground. Kim saw her clear hesitation, so she pushed her further,

"But?" Cece sighed and bored her eyes into KIm's, looking at her with a straight and very serious face,

"But you have to leave right away" At this, Kim's eyebrows shot up. She looked at the older woman in front of her, her expression saying it all, 'Are you serious?'

'I came all the way here for this?!' Kim thought desbelievingly, before voicing her thoughts,

"Woah hold up," Cece was taken aback from Kim's sudden change of tone. Kim placed her hand on her hip, her eyebrows rasing once more questioningly,

"You're saying that I should leave? Just like that?"

"It's not like it's the first time you're doing this..." Cece muttered to herself, still, Kim heard her. Hurt flashed in her brown eyes but it went away as quickly as it appeared. She knew she deserved it anyway.

"Cece look, I didn't come all the way here just to run away again. I'm her to make things right" Cece looked at her shocked and when she didn't say anything, she continued,

"I'm sorry for running away all those years back. I know that you must've lead a horrible life but trust me, mine wasn't any better! The pain just wouldn't go away, all the memories haunted me until I forced myself into pushing it all aside. I basically supressed my soul and went for seven years with nothing in my life to look forward to." By now, Cece had tears in her eyes while Kim's were welling up. She refused to let the tears fall though, she had to stay strong. She had to prove that she was strong. Strong enough.

"I became a-a...a nobody. But I had no choice. In order to continue living I had be that way." Kim was still trying to hold it all in, not to break down. But the more she talked, the harder it became for her to stay composed. Cece just stood there, too dumbstruck to do anything.

"It was horrible. It was like everything was all in black and White. Nothing to hold onto...the monotone life. It sucked. Eventually, this affected my family too. It affected them badly. I was so cold, I couldn't even feel safe in my own house!" KIm's reathing ragged, she blinked back the tears before continuing,

"I know you all hate me Cece. I know. And I know that you can't ever forgive me for being such a coward, but I'm sorry." Kim's voice didn't raise, like Cece expected. Instead, it became softer and softer. Kim kept looking at her feet,

"I'm sorry. It's all mu fault. Th-that night, it was all because of me." At this point, Cece couldn't bare to see her like this, so she made to move forward but Kim stopped her.

"I could've stopped it. I could've saved him." Kim stepped back, until the back of her legs hit the couch. She collapsed on it, continuing with a whisper,

"But then I left all of you, when you needed me the most. I acted selfish and you all had to pay for it. You suffered more than me. Yet..." Kim gulped down a sob, still fighting against the tears.

"Yet, you still held your heart close. You never gave up on life. All this while, thoughness was just word to me. I lost it while you guys became stronger. You shielded yourself bravely while I just stood behind Others." Kim let out a bitter, sadistic laugh whilst shaking her head. All this while, Cece didn't know what to do. She knew that comforting her wouldn't help, as she needed to let it out. No matter what she would say, she knew Kim wouldn't shut up until she was finished.

"I'm ashamed of myself." Cece's eyes widened as Kim gritted her teeth. Kim got this murderous look in her eyes and now, Cece was getting scared. She desperatly wanted to do something to end Kim's misery, but she didn't know what. She was afraid that someone would get hurt, but Km seemed to want to only beat herself up.

"I'm ashamed. I Always claimed to be tough one...but I only proved what a coward and a weakling I am. It's all my fault"

Kim couldn't believe it. Her running off completely changed their perspective on her. But no, she couldn't believe herself

'They think I'm not strong enough...they think I'm too weak. They think I can't handle any of this. They think I can't do something. They think that this not my home anymore' Kim didn't know what to do, what to say. What can she do to convince them?

After that, a long awkward silence followed. Cece was trying to process everything in her head, while Kim continued to glare in thin air. Her glossy eyes still held anger and Cece decided to bring Kim out of her fallen state.

The guilt slowly crept up her spine and filled her whole being. The poor girl had just come back to look for a new something...a new happy something. The moment that was supposed to be happy and joyful, turned out to be the worst memory lane Kim had ever endured. Cece really didn't mean to cause Kim major pain, instead she wanted to save her from more pain. Pain that she would surely feel if she stayed in Seaford.

This wasn't a safe place for her anymore. Actually, it has never been the safest place for her. If that night didn't happen, Kim might have been okay, but now, danger is around every corner and she is the one and only target. Pain wouldn't be the only thing she would feel.

'Kim please, try to understand...' Cece was about to voice her thoughts when a small whisper cut through the silence of the room.

"I'm sorry" It was the only thing she could do. Apologise. The only thing she could say. Sorry.

But 'sorry' doesn't mean she'll go away. She'll stay. That's how she'll convince them.

Finally, Kim broke out and let all her tears cascade down her cheeks, as she began crying silently.

Cece felt herself begin to cry too, as she shook her head, as if trying desperatly to tell Kim that she was wrong, that none of this was her fault. But nothing could come out, she couldn't speak.

So she just stood there, as she watched Kim wallow in sorrow and self-disdain.

Anger sparked in Cece as she watched her dear Kim. Her broken Kim.

'It's not Kim's fault! It's...her fault!"

'But Kim doesn't know any of it...'


I put my hands on the railing as I leaned against it. I took a deep breath in as I started to relax. A smile came onto my face as I looked up at the nighlty Seaford sky. A light summer breeze blew onto my face as I continued to gaze up at the stars. The full moon casted an incredible pale glow onto the town, the million stars looked like little gems shining brightly. I closed my eyes as I fully relaxed, before bowing my head down and turning my gaze onto the courtyard below me.

'I really need to clean that place...but I like the pots...'

My brief moment of relaxing ended though, as soon as I looked ahead, beyond the entrence of my mansion. My smile got replaced by a frown as the reality of the Seaford hit me.

"What is wrong with these people?" I huffed out, shaking my head disbelievingly.

Ever since I came here and bought this mansion, all they wanted me to do is leave! Who do they think they are? They can't just tell me what to do, I'm 20 for God's sake! Plus, they're strangers, people who I barely even know, if they think I'm fleeing just because they constantly tell me to, then they're wrong. I never listen to anyone, especially complete strangers.

You'd think that after staying in Seaford for almost a year now I would know all the citizens here, but no. I really don't. Trust me, I tried. I tried hard to socialize but the only thing they ever say to me is,

"Get outta here while you still can' same sentence, always accompanied with a frown.

Kind and really talkative people, right? Yeah, I know...

People here seem to love frowning and glaring, as they do so even with eachother. It's not pleseant to watch every person glare at one another all the time. The tension and the awkwardness in the air never leave but I always find myself in the middle of it all.

Sometimes, I don't even what to think. If they should go out in the sun more often, to learn how to smile, or just stay at home and keep their glares to themselves. And the children. Oh, I swear, the day I see a kid outside, secretly playing, away from the others, is the day I just can't stop smiling til I go to sleep.

But sadly, it rarely ever happens. I really don't know how parents can be that cruel to their own children, never letting them see the daylight.

There is something off with this town...there are many things I don't know about Seaford...

I start looking around and slowly, the smile reappears on my face. I may dislike the other residents here, but I still don't leave. Why, you ask? Simple, because I love this mansion.

It's my sanctuary. My personal heaven, my man cave. Even though it doesn't look like a guy lives here because of the interior style...

But it's still the most beautiful house I've ever seen. The perfect place for an artist...like me.

I've always had the passion for drawing, ever since I was little I would try to draw every new thing I would see, try to capture the sight before me in my own way, with my own hands. The feeling I get whenever I draw is...something special. It's like I'm in my own world where everything is sketched, black and white, but most importantly, it's all made by me. The king of my world...yeah, that's me.

After High School, I had no plans of going to college. I just wanted to dedicate my life to my art and then I would decide if I want to get a real qualification. I had my whole life planned out, but the hardest part was convincing my parents. After some 'what if's' and 'you can't...' me and my sister finally managed to convince them, on one codition though: I had to take online courses.

I knew it was hard for my parents to accept that, I mean, I come from a rich family so it's no surprise if they wanted me to become a lawyer or something.

But like I said, my life, I don't listen to anyone, but still, I agreed to take the courses.

Over the next year, I looked for some place where I could live on my own and in peace. I found Seaford out of the blue and when I arrived here for the first time to check it out, I found this mansion and fell in love with it. The town seemed tranquil and I could afford the mansion, so I moved here by the time I was 19.

I let out a laugh as I remembered how people reacted when I asked them how much the mansion cost, since there was no sign and I was sure nobody already lived there

"Um, excuse me sir but, uh..." I stuttered, trying to find a way to say it. I really want to know but I still don't want to look like an idiot. Even though I already am with my mouth still open when I'm not saying anything...

I quickly shut my mouth as the man behind the counter turned to me and raised his eyebrows.

"Yes?" I observed the man more carefully. He seemed to be one of those badasses you would find in old alleyways, with his disgustingly big muscles and broad form. He only had half of his left eyebrow and he also had a scar under his right eye. I have to admit, he really looks intimidating but he doesn't scare me. Fourth degree black belt here. But I still wonder how he ended up working at a toy store...

He narrowed his eyes at me and placed his fist on the counter before I realized that he was waiting for an answer. I snapped out of it and cleared my troath,

"Sorry. So um, I just saw this really...cool mansion on the other side of the woods" I started explaining the reason of me being here in the first place. It's been years since I've stepped foot in a toy store.

The man, who I now identifided as John Wilder, scrunched his eyebrows in confusion

"...so?" I knew that I shouldn't have started off that way!

"Sooo, I like it. Like, really like it and dude-" The look he gave at 'dude' made me cut short. He narrowed his eyes even more and leaned forward a bit, making me lean back. I quickly corrected myself,

"Mr. Wilder." Okay, I may be a martial artist but I'm not a suicidal! This dude really knows how to be scary.

"Mr. Wilder, I really like that mansion and I was wondering if you knew how much it costs. There isn't a real agency where I can ask" I finally say the matter, actually feeling accomplished. Well, that is, until I see the straight face John is giving me. I nod my head as if to ask 'what?', but his expresion doesn't change.

"And why would you excatly want to know how much it costs?" I stare at him confusion.

What the heck man? Why do you think I asked it genious? So I can feed it to my cat? Well, sorry dude, but I don't have a cat.

"...because I want to buy it?" Instead came my non-provocative answer...question. I stil don't want my perfect face to be punched in.

John eyed me wierdly, his face growing redder by the second. He suddenly bursted out laughing hysterically. The other clerk turned towards us for the first time since I came in here. I expected him to come over and ask what was wrong, but he just turned back around and speed-walked towards the back of the store. I stared after him disbelievingly.

'Whimp', 'Oh look who's talking, Mr. Scardy Pants. Weren't you the one who was about to piss his pants just after Hugey here looked at you?' 'Hey, at least I didn't run away!' 'The guy has the right to be afraid. He sees the man every day'

After I finished arguing with my coscience, I turned to face John again, to see him wiping away a few tears that escaped and trying to control his breathing. He let out a few more laughs before fully regaining his breath,

"Go home kid. Just...ah go home" With that he turned around, still chukling a bit.

"Buy that hell hole. Ha, what an idiot" I heard him mutter. I start walking away indignantly, while giving him the finger and making many weird faces behind his back. I really whished he saw them though.

Once outside, I bumped into this old man wearing nothing but a long white tunic and carring a big yellow cloth bag. The man looked up at me and just stared at me for a good five minutes. He seemed to abserving every little detail of my face, judging bu the way he kept squinting his eyes. After a few moments, his eyes widened a little and something shone in them. Wait...was that-

The man suddenly stuck his finger up in my face, that look in his eyes gone.

"You. You incosiderate boy. Do you know even what you're talking about?" I opened my mouth to answer but I got cut off,

"No. You have absolutely no idea!" By now, he was full out yelling, his finger still up to my face.

"Listen this boy, just go away. Don't talk about things you don't even know." He finally lowered his finger and finally let me say something,

"But I-" spoke too soon...

"Enough! You have no idea of what you're heading towards. You don't know a thing about that mansion, I won't let you just-just buy it! You don't know what lies in there!"

He ignored my confused expression and just continued yelling,

"Don't do it! Just go away, it's for the better!" The man looked at me one last time, the anger didn't leave his face as he was still fuming. With a glare, he turned around and limped away.

What the...?

"Unbelievable"

Really unbelievable. That was my first time in Seaford and the first time I've noticed their weird behaviour. The first time I've questioned their sanity. The first time I got a whole town to turn against me. Unbelievable right?

After that day, I just moved in without second thoughts. No one could make me change my mind, not even big scary cashiers or creepy old men.

What was their problem anyway? This mansion is amazing! The perfect environment for anyone to live in. Every little thing in here is interesting and worth drawing.

The quiteness here is unbelievable, like something from the other world! My inspiration gets constantly sparked. The open space, the antique furniture and style...this mansion has it everything!

I really don't know why everyone wants me to leave. But there is one thing though th-

My phone began ringing and I finally tore my eyes away from the door opposite me, on the other side of the courtyard.

I smile as see the caller ID. Grace.

"Hey sis"

"Jack Brewer! You..."


The clock stroke midnight as the moonlight shone in from the open window. Kim layed on the bed in the guestroom, still wide awake. Her hands were behind her head and had her legs bent upwards, the right one over the left one. She had been in this position for almost an hour now. No matter how hard she tried, she wouldn't fall asleep. How could she, when her mind wasn't at peace?

How could she relax when her whole being kept shaking? So she just decided to open her eyes and see if she could tire herself out without even trying.

After Cece had calmed her down earlier, she brought Kim into the room and comforted her in every way possible. She pretended that nothing ever happened and gave Kim a nice warm hug, saying how happy she actually was in seeing her again. It wasn't a lie, she really was and now, she wanted nothing more than for Kim to feel welcomed again. She figured that it would be the best way to start off with.

She prepared Kim a nice dinner and as they waited for Ricardo and Andrè to come back to town after some work, the girls had a nice talk, finally letting themselves turn into how they were seven years ago. Carefree.

Finally, the boys came back and to say they were shocked in seeing Kim, would be an understatement.

"Hey honey, we're home!" Ricardo called out to his wife as he and Andrè walked thorugh the front door.

"Mamma, what's for dinner?" Andrè hadn't eaten anything since noon, and it's been six hours now. His stomach was eating him alive.

Both father and son walked into the kitchen when Kim truned towards them, a grin on her face from her conversation with Cece. The boys looked up when they both jumped back, clutching onto eachother.

"Whoa!" they exclaimed, eyes wide as saucers.

"What the-?" Ricardo got cut of by Andrè,

"Mom, you look exactly like Kim! How did you do that?!" he asked in amazement, letting go of his father.

Kim scrunched up her eyebrows as Cece rolled her eyes, 'Oh boy...' she thought while sighing. She stepped from behind Kim and faced her two boys. Andrè and Ricardo's mouths dropped open as they both froze.

"Holy. Shit" Andrè croaked out, still gaping away at the blonde in front of him. It's been so long...

He was the first one to snap out of their trance, as he began taking cautious steps towards Kim. One step after another, slowly, he stood in front of Kim, eyes not wide anymore, but eyes that held wonder. Cece had backed away, knowing what was about to come. It was just a matter of time before he snapped.

Kim eyed Andrè joyfully, 'I can't believe how much he grew up'

"Hey An-" Kim didn't get to finish as Andrè jumped on her, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.

"Oh my God, you're real! You're really here!" Andrè couldn't find a way to express his happiness, just hugging her wasn't enough. He had missed her so much, a single day wouldn't go by where he wished she was there with him.

Kim laughed as she hugged him back, gripping the back of head in her palm. She clutched him tight, almost feeling like Jerry was in her arms.

They both pulled away at the same time and grinned at eachother. Andrè was just about to ask hr something when a voice came from behind him,

"Kim?" Ricardo was still frozen in place, barely able to speak properly. Kimmy was back...

Kim smiled meekly at him,

"Hi uncle Ricky"

Not much happened after that, they all just sat at the table and had dinner togheter. Ricardo was stil in a shock, he was lost in his own world and everybody decided not to bother him. They ate in silence, with Andrè occasionaly asking Kim silent questions. After dinner, they all silently went to their rooms, wanting to just go to sleep after an eventful day.

That's how Kim ended up where she was. Still unable to sleep, gazing up at the ceiling.

A sudden knock on the door startled her, making her gasp. The door opened slowly and soon, Ricky's head popped out. Kim gave him a confused look as he smiled at her.

"Can I come in?" Kim stiffly nodded, still surprised in finding Ricardo there. Ricardo stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He walked over to Kim's bed, sitting at the foot of it.

For a few minutes, they just sat there quietly, Kim still confused and Ricardo trying to find what to say.

"Hey" came his casual greeting. Kim allowed a small smile to appear on her face as she responded back,

"Hey"

Ricardo turned towards her and just looked at her. He had a million questions running in his mind but he didn't know from where to start.

"H-how's everyone Kim?" Out of everything, this was the thing he was dying to ask.

"Everyone's fine Ricky...they miss you all"

Ricardo gave her a sad smile. Kim knew what he wanted to ask, but also knew that he wouldn't do it, so she just anwered his un-asked question,

"She's fine Ricky. She misses you a lot too, really." Ricardo looked up at her and gave her a sad smile.

Natalie was his best friend. He still considered her as his little sister, he never stopped loving her as one. He would do anything just to see her one more time.

Ricardo shook his head to clear out all his thoughts, then he focused only on Kim being in Seaford.

"Kim...would you mind telling me why exactly you're here? Not that I'm not happy. I am. Just, curious..." He trailed off, looking at her expectantly.

"I'm here to make things right Ricky. I realized my mistake and I'm here to try and fix this all. I'll try my best. Just leave it all to me, I know what I'm doing. All I need is your support. Nothing else." Kim explained, looking Ricky straight in the eye. He stared back at her, bofore nodding determinatedly at her. Slowly, a smile grew on his lips as he started nodding faster.

"Okay. I will support you. I'll do anything you need, you know why?" Kim shook her head, honestly intrigued in why,

"Because I knew you would come back one day. I knew you would come back here and try to fix all of this. That's why I've been preparng myself for this day. I trust you Kim. I know you can do it." Rickly told her, causing Kim to grin widely and hug him.

"After all, you're a Crawford"

After that, Ricardo got up and walked out of the room.

"Goodnight Kimmers"

"Goodnight Ricky"

Kim layed down and turned onto her side, finally closing her eyes.

'Yeah, a Crawford...I'll find you Jerry. I will find you, I know you're still here'

",",","

'You don't know what lies in there!' Haunts me every night...


The next morning, Kim woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the hell that was to come. She showered and threw on an over sized Nike t-shirt, black yoga pants and white Adidas. She went downstairs and into the kitchen. Cece was pulling something out of the fridge, ready to make breakfast. She saw Kim and smiled at her,

"Good Morning Kim. Slept well?"

"Yeah I did, thanks"

"So what do you plan on doing today?" Cece asked her as she poured some of the pancake batter in in the pan. She quickly glanced at Kim and saw her shrugging.

"I'm just going to go around town. Just observing, I guess" At this, Cece turned to her, pancake forgotten.

"What's wrong?" Kim asked, concerned for Cece's sudden change of mood.

"Kim..." Kim nodded at her to go on,

"Look honey, I just think it would be better if you, you know, acted a bit secretive?" Kim rose her eyebrows, amused at what Cece was trying to say. She had already understood.

Cece noticed her look and backed herself up,

"What? You really should do it! Kim, if anyone sees you back here, they might not take it well." Kim sighed,

"I know Cece, I know. My intentions were just that. I know what you mean and you're perfectly right. Don't worry, I'm not letting anyone see me...but you might want to worry about that pancake..." Kim pointed behind her, as a burning smell started to form around. Cece silently cursed, before quickly taking out the burnt pancake from the pan.

"Yeah, I should just, go now." Kim started walking backwards, grabbing an apple on her way out.

"Wait, don't you want any pancakes? They're still your favourite right?"

"Yes they are, but don't worry! An apple will be just fine" With a final smile, Kim turned around and walked out the door, leaving the safety of the Martinez house and into the open world of Seaford.

",",","

I've been walking around for almost an hour now, sneaking past everyone, trying not to attract attention. It wasn't very hard though, as there weren't many people out. Actually, the morning seemed to be the only part of the day that was more or less lively. More people were out, and by more, I mean like 15-20.

And I watched them all. I watched from a distance as they did their daily chores. I still recognized them all. I saw Mr. White mowing his lawn, sweet old Mrs. Campbell sitting on the swingchair on her porch, Karin who used to work at the ice cream parlor, and a few others

Everything was silent though, nobody talked to eachother. It was like they were complete strangers to eachother, as they passed by giving cold shoulders. They also have a thing with glaring and keeping grim faces. All they ever do is glare at this, glare at that, give him/her the stink eye, silently wishing they would desappear in thin air...it all creeped me out badly.

Seaford wasn't like this at all seven years ago. Everybody loved eachother, no one was left out. People were there for eachother, always ready to offer a shoulder to anyone in need. Love used to fill the air, along with laughter and warmth. Now, the closest you have to some noise is the grass cutting machine Mr. White has. Everthing has changed.

I get out of the bush I was hiding in and start sneaking my way to the park. I'm sure no one's there, so I can walk around freely without having to crouch down. When I arrive at the park though, my feet freeze at the entrance. Mamories of that night come flooding back to me. It's almost as if I can see what was happening here before the all the drama. Kids running around, music blasting through the speakers, people scattered everywhere dancing, drinking, eating and whatnot. I still remember where my and Jerry's parents were when we left them. At the tree. There they are. Infront me. They're there talking without a care in the world, dad and Ricky having a tight hold on mom and Cece.

Lost in my daydream -that looks so real, by the way- I don't feel myself beging to walk forward and into the park. I unconsciously start looking around. Nothing has changed. Same big old tress, the only difference being the empty playground. I continue to walk around blindly before I find myself at the entrance of the woods. Agian, I freeze.

Deciding that I have nothing else to lose, apart from myself, I just walk into the sea of trees.

Walking into the woods is even worse that walking through the park. This used to be mine and Jerry's place, our personal immense hideout. Our own playground. All the costant nights we spent here, are flashing right before my very eyes. Wherever I turn, there's us.

I see me on Jerry's back as he runs around, I see the both of sitting on logs telling eachother scary stories, I see us running around like lunatics, jumping over branches, getting scratches everywhere.

I see us walking that night, further into the woods. I start following us and I don't even seem to realize how idiotic this sounds. Still, I follow them like a lost puppy and I find myself staring at the backyard of-of...the mansion.

I blinked and suddenly...I was all alone. Jerry and I weren't infront of me anymore, I really was alone. Suddenly I had full control of my body again and I forced myself to move forward and to walk around the building to face the front. It was obvious that my inner self wanted to just get out of here quickly.

But I'm here with a mission and this is the best way to start from.

I glanced up at the mansion and took it all in. It really hasn't changed much, maybe apart from the paint that was no longer faded. My eyes snap towards the front door though, as soon I hear a sound coming from the inside.

My eyes widened when I saw a figure coming out of the house, closing the door behind them. I squinted my eyes to look closely and see it's a guy.

To say I was shocked would be a total unstatement. Who the hell was that guy?! And how did he get in there without suffering from a brutal attack?

My eyes widen again as the guy and me lock eyes now. He slowly starts walking towards me, neither of us looking away. The closer he comes closer, the more my eyes start to go back to normal. Finally, he's standing two feet away from me, under the large entrance leading to the cortyard, still inside the boundries of the mansion.

I finally tear my eyes away from his and look at the rest of him. He has longish, shaggy brown hair, two amazing chocolate brown eyes that I can just get lost in and- wait. Amazing? What the heck am I saying, I barely even know the guy. My heart still takes the lead though...

His face is perfect and with his two little moles on each cheek he looks so cute! He has a really built body, the muscles are evedent from his tight black t-shirt. I can tell he's taller than me and finally, he looks to be around my age. After I'm done checking him out, I glance back up at his -strangely familiar- handsome face, his eyes holding wonders as I tried to keep myself from getting lost into them once agian. I couldn't though, they're hypnotizing! I started melting into those chocolate pools of his, and I almost let myself into another daydream...until he rolled his eyes at me.

Confusion rushes through me briefly, before my eyebrows rise up. If attitude is what he wants, attitude is what he'll have.

He scoffs, looking at the ground for a moment, before looking back up at me.

"Look, I've never seen you here before, but I know why you're here" he speaks up for the first time, holding his arms out and putting his hands up as if telling me not to step any further.

Gosh, his voice is so deep and- okay, this guy really needs to hold in his sexiness. I'm trying to be mad at you dude!

I cross my arms as I stare at him curiously. He knows why I'm here? Oh, now that's something I wanna hear. I title my head to the side, urging him to go on.

"You're here to tell me to leave this place. I bet the others sent you here." He lets out a laugh, smirking slighlty.

"Wow, people must be desperate for me to leave. I don't listen to them, what makes them think I'm gonna listen to you?" At that, I uncross my arms, feeling the anger inside me rise by the second.

Yeah, pretty face my ass.

"Yuo're just a newcomer" By this point, my hands were balled up into fists, as my whole body started to shake due to anger. What the hell? Who does he think he is exactly?

'A rather hot guy who's making your insides squirm' 'Shut up conscience!'

"Oh, I see you still didn't get the messege. I think you should leave now." When I didn't move, the Jackass rolled his eyes once more, letting out an exasperated sigh,

"Oh yeah right, forgot you were a blonde" (Okay, no offence to blondes. My own best friend is a blonde!) At that, my eyes widened slighltly, before rage completely filled me. Oh now he has crossed the line!

I glare right into his eyes, trying to get the messege through, 'SHUT UP!'

"Me no leave. You leave" 'Shut up before I seriously kill you!'

That's it! This dude really needs a brainwash!

After rolling his eyes one more time, the jerk truned around, and walked away. He crossed the courtyard and was just about to open the front door, when I finally snapped. 'He's not getting away that easily'

"Hey! Jackass!" I step forward until I'm right infront of the grand entrance, but still not crossing it. The guy freezes as soon as he hears me. He makes no move to turn around but I know he's listening to me.

"I'm more than you think I am!" Still no movement. 'But I ain't gonna stop'

"And I would like to clear up a couple of things! First off, you really need to stop with the steryotypes. They won't do you any good. Because I may be a blonde, but I ain't nowhere near to being dumb. You are proving yourself the dumb one here, if you actually think that everything the world says is true. And I don't care if it was just a joke, because some people might take it to heart." I'm pratically yelling at him across he courtyard, but I need to let him know that nothing he said had really affected me, like he probably imagined.

"Second and the most important thing, something i've already mentioned, I'm more than you think I am." At this, he turns his head towards me slightly,

"You think you already know Seaford more than enough huh?" Turns a little more,

"Well guess what? You don't. Apparently, you don't know a single shit about Seaford if you're even here in the first place. People are right, telling you to leave." As I finished my -awesome- comeback, I was speaking with a normal tone, knowing I had gotten my messege through clearly.

The guy had fully turned around by now, looking at me speechlessly. I smirked, putting my hands on my hips. I have to admit though, the newfound fire inside me was burning like crazy. There was something about him that just ignited this fire and it filled me to the brim. It was a lively feeling...like I had energy to live fully again. But still, the anger didn't subside,

"I really can't help but agree with them. Now, I know I didn't come here for this but...leave til you still can." And with a last warning glare, smirk still on my face, I turned around feeling somewhat proud. I began stomping away, but if would've waited, I would've seen the confused look on the guy's face, almost wanting to know more.

But none of this would change my new perspective on him though.

'Stupid freak'


That afternoon, I was seated on a bench near the elementary school. I had nothing to worry about now, Cece told me that people don't ever dare to go out at this hour. It was perfect for me to have some more alone time and to observe the town more carefully.

After my encounter with that freak, I had gone straight home and asked Cece who that guy was. The curiousity was seriously eating me alive.

"Hey Cece, can I ask you something?" I was leaning against the counter top, watching Cece prepare lunch. She turned to look at me and smiled,

"Of course sweetheart, what is it?" I turned my body to face hers, as I suddenly started to become nervous. 'What if she gets mad at me for going there? Well, she can't be mad, after all, I am here for this...but still she-'

"Kim? Are you ok?" Cece's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, my eyes foucusing on her concerned face. I smiled at her, trying to reassure that everything was fine.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just..." I trailed off before spilling the beans,

"See, I went back to the masion, actually, it wasn't me, it was my feet. Blame my feet and my stupid head, they guided me! I-"

"KIM! Relax, slow down! Chill!" Cece moved forward and placed her hands on my arms, trying to calm me down and to stop my unnecessary rant.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, before looking at Cece. I stared at her relaxed face for a bit before starting to speak, words coming out on their own,

"I was walking through the woods, when I saw us. I kind of started following us and they lead me to the mansion. There, I saw a guy. Like, a guy guy. He came out of the front door, like he owned the place and started going all judgemental on me! He told I me to just go away, because he was so sure that I came there to tell him off. But most of all, he insulted me! Just like that! That dude really has some nerve. He told that I was a newcomer! A NEWCOMER! So now I want to know, who the heck is that guy?!"

Through it all, Cece just kept a calm face, listening to me intensily. I, instead, kept flaing my arms around like a manic, emphasizing whenever I could. Finally, I looked at her with a mixed expression, showing anger and despair. I really didn't know what to feel right now. I was already messed up and this guy just sent me into another whirlwind. I don't even know his name yet, and he already has this major effect on me. Never have I ever been this cought up with someone I barely just met.

Cece taking her hands off my arms brought me back to reality. She sighed, turning around to face the living room and leaned back onto the kitchen counter.

"Okay, first of all, that guy has a name, which I know you're dying to hear." She looked at me with a pointed look as I nodded eagerly.

"His name's Jack. Jack Brewer, and the reason he seems to 'own' that place is because he actually does." Say what now? Okay, I really wasn't expecting that! I assumed that something just went to his head, nothing this big! This is huge! Cece must have noticed my beliwered expression as she continued,

"I know, I know. Total setback, believe me, I went there." I nodded once again, too dazed to actually say something.

"He moved here a year ago and the mansion caught his eye. Obviously, he bought it"

"But...and the others? Did they not do anything to stop him? I mean, I know people still tell him to leave, he thought I was about to! But still, he must have struggled a lot to buy it."

Surprisingly, Cece let out a snort, too amused for my liking. I mean, this is a serious matter! Come on!

"Struggle?" A laugh.

"That boy doesn't know the meaning of 'struggle', because it's obvious he never had to face it."

I was still confused though, and thankfully, Cece is a fast catcher.

"But yes, the whole town tried to persude him to go away, a few even offered to buy him a nice house somewhere else!" Cece began walking into the living room and plopped onto the couch. I followed suit, bringing my legs up.

"But Jack just wouldn't budge. He had his mind set and he's the second most stubborn person I've ever met"

"Who's the first?" came my obvious question. Cece smiled, turning towards me,

"You" came the all-the-more-obvious answer. I rolled my eyes, before nodding at her to go on,

"So yeah, he ignored us all and went ahead. Besides, he didn't even buy the mansion! How could he buy it when there wasn't even a prize?" Point taken. Then what did he do?

"The next day, we saw him going back and forth through town carrying all kinds of stuff. It was obvious that he had just gone in there and claimed the place as his." Bold, are we? Too bold...

"From that day on, he's been living here like a normal resident. People still go to him and try to change his mind but he always refuses. I wonder when they will realize that it's all useless..." Cece trailed off and I knew that story-time was over.

I sat there quietly, before a thought struck me.

"And you?" Cece looked at me confused.

"What do you think about this? Don't you want him to go away? Haven't you tried?"

Cece stared ahead, face serene.

"I've never tried. I knew it would be useless, there was no point." She shrugged, before growing on a serious face.

"But it was like...something was stopping me." I furrowed my brows,

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that...something about him stopped me from doing anything. It's been a year, but I still don't know what it is. Him coming here brought up yet another mystery...at least to me."

A few moments passed, neither of us saying anything as we were too absorbed in our thoughts.

But wait, he seem-

"Okay so, enough with all of this. Lunch time" Cece slapped her hands on her knees before getting up.

"You coming Kim? I made lasagna" She smirked while I smiled teasingly,

"What is it with you and all my favourite dishes today? Oh, I feel so special" I grinned as Cece went into the kitchen laughing.

Soon, Ricky and Andrè had joined us too and we all began eating. After finishing, I went upstairs and changed into a yellow tank top, a white cardigan and a pair of black leggins. I planned on going out again, but this time, I brought a criss-cross bag with me to carry my phone and a bunch of other stuff. I told Cece I was going out and she told me a few things, like not having to hide anymore, whick I was grateful for. I went out the house and was on hunting-mode again.

Which brings me to where I am right now. Sitting on a rusty bench, staring at the empty roads of the now creepy looking Seaford. But I wasn't at peace at all. No matter how much i tried, Jack just wouldn't leave my mind. It was like everything I thought of, connected back to Jack. I could start by thinking of chocolate and it would lead to Jack's eyes. I could think about animals and they would make me think of Jack's moles. This is ridiculous!

I just can't seem to forget about him!

"Ugh, why did he look so familiar?" I hiss out quietly, tensing up. Afer hearing myself say it out loud, I freeze and think. Think hard.

'Why did he look so familiar?' It's true, he really did. Whenever I imagine his face in my head, I'm lead back to a really faded image in the back of mind. The feeling of having seen him before is strong though.

'But where?'

",",","

As Kim sat on the bench lost in her thoughts about Jack, said boy sat on the steps of his front porch thinking about her. As his face flashed before her eyes, her words rang in his ears. Both focused onto the ground infront of them, glaring imaginary holes into the dirt.

At this point, they had given up on trying to advert their thoughts on something else, as all that came from it, was always the other.

After Kim had walked off, Jack had stood there frozen in place, million thoughts filling up his mind. He had seriously thought that she was just another passer-by, someone who he wouldn't see ever again. But that sparkle in her pretty brown eyes, it's something he won't ever be able to forget.

'I'm more than you think I am!'

'You don't know a single shit about Seaford'

'You don't know what lies in there!'

Apparently, Jack didn't seem to know a lot of things, but he knew two things for sure. One, those words will keep haunting him, along with that door, until his mind finally sees the light of aknowledge again, and two, he would see that -beautiful- blonde girl again.


Kim shook her head, blinking rapidly, trying to clear out her head because it had begun throbbing.

'I really should go home and rest. This is too much' Right now, she wanted nothing more than to sleep, with her head on her mother's lap, Jace playing with her fingers and her father watching a game on tv with the volume all the way up. (I know what it feels like...I just have another brother playing with my hair)

Yeah, that was her family and she missed all of them like crazy, even though it's only been like a day.

Sighing, Kim got up from the bench and started crossing the road, eyes fix on the ground, too lost in her own world. It's a deserted town, who would come all of a sudden with a car? Jack.

Jack's BMW turned around the corner and onto the road Kim was in. She was too caught up in her thoughts to notice, and he was too caught up in his music to slow down.

It's a deserted town, who would be crossing the road, emerging from their house out of the blue? Kim.

Jack opened his eyes just on time, only for them to widen at the sight of Kim about to be hit by his car. Kim's head snapped up as soon as she saw a flash of light coming from her side. Her face showed pure terror as they both curesed out loud and Jack jerked the steering wheel to the side. The side of the car hit Kim's, making her swirl and sending her to the ground, dropping her bag and spilling the contenets onto the concrete. Kim's body hit the ground as the car abruptly stopped. Jack rushed out and ran to the blonde sprawled out on the road.

"Oh my God" He breathed out as he kneeled down and grabbed Kim's arms. He gently pulled her up into a sitting position as Kim moaned softly.

"Ow" She muttered, bringing up her right bloody elbow. Jack looked over her shoulder as his chest pressed up against her back, and frowned at the injury caused by him.

They both looked at Kim's elbow as she began blowing air on it softly. Jack turned his head slightly, the tip of his nose brushing against her ear. He gazed at her, as her eyes remained on her injury. The wind picked up slightly, blowing aside Kim's hair, some soft strands hitting Jack's face as he continued to admire her beauty. He watched with wonder filled eyes as Kim assisted her elbow, wiping away the blood with the sleeve of her cardigan.

Being this close to her, made Jack's heart thump faster and louder. So much that he feared she might be able to hear it or feel it due to their closeness. Her sweet strawberry scent sent his head spinning wildly. He let his body relax as he closed his eyes. He leaned his head even closer to Kim's hair, breathing in ever so slightly, a small content smile forming on his lips.

Oh, how he wanted to just freeze in this moment with this blonde who he still doesn't know the name of.

A hiss from siad blonde pulled him back down from his heaven, as he opened his eyes and looked back at Kim's elbow. The frown reappeared on his face as he remembered she was hurt.

"Are you ok?" He asked softly, watching as she blew on the injury.

"Yeah" Kim replied, just as softly, nodding slightly.

They both stayed in the same position for a few more moments, as the wind blew past them. In those few moments, everything else seemed to desappear, all the worry, all the mysteries, everything. It was like all they needed was eachother. They both heard nothing but the thumping of the other's heart and the wind whistling.

When pain shot through Kim's elbow though, reality drowned on her as she suddenly felt that fire in her again. Though this time, it was nothing but rage.

She shot up from the ground, scaring the daylights out of Jack. She sharply turned towards him as he too rose up. Now they were both face to face, with Kim's face holding despair while Jack held a straight look. No way would he let her know the effect she had on him.

"If you don't know how to drive, the why do you drive?" Kim barked, eyes narrowing and looking at Jack expectantly. Jack's eyes widened slightly, before gaining the same look as Kim's.

"If you don't know how to walk on the street, then why don't you just stay home?" He shot back, face showing anger too. Kim gasped silently, 'Oh no! He won't turn this around on me!'

"If you don't know how to talk to people, then why don't you just stay silent" Kim roared, also reffering back to their earlier encounter.

Jack sighed angrily, getting exasperated by the second. 'This chick is the moodiest person I've ever met!'

Kim's hands formed into fists as Jack raised his right arm, in his hand was a black object.

"Listen, you-" Jack got cut off by Kim, who saw the thing he was holding and grabbed it, pointing it at him. Just then, he noticed it was a small spray can.

Kim looked at him with a pointed look, spray can in the air pointed directly at Jack. He took a step back, caught off guard by her sudden and unsual action.

"Pepper spray." Kim said mattef-of-factly. Jack looked at the can and back to her.

"Girls need to keep it for their safety." She told him, eyes piercing fiercely into his.

"Maybe girls won't need to worry about their safety if they stopped going out" Jack told her bluntly, blurting out the first thing that popped into his mind.

Kim gasped loudly. She stared at him wide eyed, rage getting the best of her. If there was one thing she hated, it was sexism. She couldn't stand it, it was unaccepetable!

'Oh my God, how dare he?!' Kim thought infuriated.

Suddenly, Jack realized his awful mistake as he saw Kim's face grow red. She looked like a volcano about to burst. He hated volcanos...

"Oh my God, what is wrong with you?!" Kim shouted in his face. This was just the beginning though, and Jack knew it.

He opened his mouth to say something, but Kim didn't let him as she began ranting, flailing her arms around wildly

"What is wrong with your world of males?! Huh?! Can't you stop being unsensitive for little while?" She asked him, narrowing her eyes at him, as he just stood there and listened to her with a hard face.

"Of course it's our fault! It's always us girls, isn't it?! Like, 'Hey! She got raped, it must be her fault! She shouldn't be walking down the street' or, 'She got killed, it was definetly her!' It's like we don't value a single peice of shit! We're not fucking worth it!" Kim was yelling at the top of her lungs. She didn't care if she was being too loud and attracted attention. She was heated up, she was fuming. She couldn't stop.

"But guess what?! Girls are fucking awesome! We deserve to have rights, we deserve to be treated equally! We're not barbie dolls, so we can not be thrown around as such!" By the end of her short speech, Kim was breathing heavily, trying to cool herself down before she went on another ramapage. Jack stared at her, face showing no emoton and Kim hated it.

'Didn't he listen to any thing I said? This dude turned out to be heartless' Kim thought, almost disgusted. She scrunched up nose, leaning back. She shook her head while Jack blinked and sighed.

"If you're done-" Kim's glare hardened, "I just wanted to say sorry, okay?" her eyes softened a bit

"Or should I bring you a whole wardrobe full of new shitty pink clothes?" Jack rose his eyebrows at her, as she gave him the meanest glare she could muster.

'Oh, he's totally asking for it!' Kim was so enraged that she didn't know what to do. She wanted to scream out loud and punch him with all her strenght.

"Keep your pathethic aplogises to yourself, I don't need them! Actually, it would've better if you just kept your mouth shut!" She hissed at him, her fists turning white.

"Hey, you're bringing it upon yourself, it's not my fault!" Kim looked at him incredilously. She didn't know how he quickly he managed to find a way to turn the tables.

'What the hell did I do?!'

"I-you-but th-" She stammered out before stopping abruptly. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips togheter. She opened them again and brought her hands up in surrender

"You know what? That's it, I give up. It's impossible to deal with you and I've had enough."

"Me, impossible? You're kidding right? Ha, you are the moodiest person I've ever met! I have had enough!" Jack countered back, not wanting Kim to win this fight, with him looking like an idiot.

"Oh yeah? Well then, if you have had enough then why don't you just get lost?!"

"Oh I think I will"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

With that, they both turned around sharply and began stomping away. They couldn't believe how unbelievable the other was being. This was crazy!

No...

'Crazy sexist freak!'

'Crazy moody chick!'


Somewhere in the woods, in the middle of the night, a dark figure stood beside a tree. They panted as they put their hand on the trunk and hissed. Bright yellow eyes looked around franatically, as a loud growl was heard. Blonde hair flashed in their eyes as they seemed to turn to their normal colour. Their body relaxed, though for not even a second before they began shaking again. The yellow animalistic glow returned as another growl was let out.

They punched the tree, effectively making a dent in the trunk.

"Where is she?"

Here it is! This took me lots of time to write but I'm proud of how it came out. I hope you're happy that jack and Kim finally met, even though their encounters weren't the best...

But anyways, I would really like to know what you think of Jack and why he 'looks so familar' to our ladies. Also, what do you think of this 'she'?

I hope you liked it and make sure to leave a review!

Until next time,

-Alex