Here's the second chapter. It's a little shorter than the last. I've found shorter chapters to be an easier read. If you don't think so, be sure to let me know and I'll lengthen them.
And I know the BPRD doesn't have windows in the lower levels. I just couldn't change it and make it work, so it's slightly off in that aspect.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm thinking about leaving."
"You just got here."
"I know."
"Myers won't be happy."
"I know."
"Do you want to talk first?"
"To whom, and about what?"
"Well, you could talk to me. Or Liz or Abe. We should get to know each other. Then you decide if you want to leave." It was my turn to be quiet. "Laura?"
"I've decided what I'm going to call you."
"I thought you chose 'Whatever.'"
"Something different."
"What, then?"
"Yoblleh."
"Where'd you get that?"
"It's your name backwards." I turned from the window and walked towards him. "Hellboy becomes Yoblleh."
"Ah. I think I like 'Whatever' better."
"Really?" I tilted my head, then moved to sit on the bed. "Then that's what I'll call you, if you prefer it so much."
"I was kidding."
"I know. My comment was also in jest." When he sat near me, Buster jumped into my lap.
"He must like you."
"I hope so. It feels good to be liked."
"How did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Get him to like you. He doesn't like other people."
"I'm not other people."
"That explains it." I stroked Buster, waiting for Hellboy to ask a question.
"What do you want to know about me?" I finally asked.
"Your story."
"Will you tell me yours?"
"Sure."
"Okay. Well, I was a normal kid growing up, except that I hardly every got hurt. And I had better senses than everyone else."
"Like you do now."
"Yep. It happened a few days after I turned 15. Someone had left a towel on the stove and left it on. The towel caught fire and so did the house. John somehow helped me out—"
"Why was he there?"
"He is my—was my neighbor. We grew up together and I like to think we're good friends. He has stuck by me since my parents didn't make it. I got out with no injuries other than my eyes. They were burned by the hot smoke."
"But your eyes are clear. I wouldn't know you were blind if Myers hadn't told me."
"Yes, well, it burned the back of them and I haven't been able to see ever since. I was moved in with an aunt and uncle I didn't know and whom I learned I couldn't stand. They didn't believe I was blind for the same reason you just said. So I gladly took the offer when John told me about this place."
"How long did you stay with your aunt and uncle?"
"Ten years."
"Wow."
"Actually, I'm glad they were mean. I'd rather have that than pity."
"I understand."
"What about you?"
"During World War II, a group of soldiers and a Catholic man, with them because he was an expert on the occult, found me. That Catholic man raised me as his son. Liz and I kind of grew up together."
"How old are you?"
"Actually in my 60s, but I age differently than you. It's like reverse dog years, so I'm in my 20s or 30s."
"Okay. Continue."
"This crazy guy killed my father, but I got my revenge. So now, I fight any monster that happens to appear and mean harm."
"Cool. So you're a sort of superhero."
"I guess."
"And you like cats."
"Yep."
"So we have two things in common."
"Three."
"Okay, tell me."
"Well, cats for one. We both lost parents, and are both fireproof, if what I'm told is true."
"Yeah, I don't get burned for some reason." We were quiet.
"Well, I better go see if I'm needed for anything."
"Okay. It was nice talking with you."
"Are you going to stay for a little longer?"
"I might. Here, take Buster." Buster shifted in my lap.
"No, you can care for him if you want. There are plenty of others. Hell, he may convince you to stay." I smiled.
"Thanks."
"No problem." And he was gone.
I soon heard an alarm and a lot of people rushing down the hall. Buster jumped down as I stood to find out what the commotion was about. I felt John nearby and walked towards him.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"We found some unfriendlies in the subway again."
"What can I do to help?"
"Stay here."
"I'm not helpless. I can do something!"
"I know that. You can help by staying here. Watch the cats or something."
"I'll give you something to watch," I muttered.
"What?"
"How am I supposed to watch cats if I'm blind?"
"You know what I mean."
"Yeah, yeah," I said quietly, but went back to my room anyway.
--
As they headed down to the subway, Hellboy turned to Myers in their 'discreet,' yet high-tech garbage truck.
"Hey, Myers, where's Laura?"
"I told her to stay back."
"I wouldn't have done that if I were you."
"Well, you're not me. She'll just get in the way, Red."
"Not from what I hear. And she spoke so highly of you."
"What—" he was cut off by Liz.
"When did you talk to her?" she asked.
"Before we got here. I was trying to get to know her like Myers here asked me to," Hellboy replied.
"What did she say about me?" John cut in.
"She said you were her best friend and had always stood by her. I guess she was wrong."
"Hey, I just don't want her to get hurt."
"I'm sure she can take care of herself. She has so far, hasn't she?" John didn't reply.
--
I believe John thinks he needs to take care of me. Well, he doesn't, and I might just have to give him a piece of my mind. I was reading my Braille books and fuming when I heard a knock at my door. I guess they're back.
"Come in," I called. When the door opened, I realized who it was and said, "Hi Liz."
"How'd you know it was me?"
"I read presences. Your presence is powerful and fiery."
"What about the others?"
"Well, John is a quiet strength and Hellboy…he's just big."
"What about Abe?"
"I haven't been around him much. He wasn't at breakfast. Watery, I guess." When she still stood by the bed, I began to speak again. "You can sit near me. I don't bite."
"Okay." She sat down.
"What can I do for you?"
"I want to get to know you."
"Okay. What do you want to know?"
"I guess your story." I nodded and recounted my story for her the way I had told it to Hellboy.
"What about you?" So she told me that, when she was younger, her parents had died in a house fire, too, and that she lived with the same Catholic man as Hellboy. When she couldn't control her fire power, she checked into a hospital that was more like an asylum. She began to control it and John convinced her to return. She did and now she helps Hellboy. There's something both she and Hellboy are keeping from me, but I won't pry. "Wow."
"Yep," she replied. "That's my story."
"I mean the similarities. The house fire, losing parents, being the odd one out." I sighed. "I just won't get to help."
"Myers is just trying to protect you."
"Well, I don't need it. I can hear and sense well, and I know martial arts. I could handle a few people. Or I could distract them." I felt her smile. "You don't smile much, do you?"
"No, but I smile more often now."
"Good. Everyone needs to be happy." Her mood became serious.
"Are you happy?"
"If I can fit in here, then I'll be very happy." She relaxed.
"We'll try to make you comfortable." I put my hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." She left and Buster began to meow for attention.
TBC
What will Laura say when she finds John?
Find out next chapter!
Oh, and please review! Or flame if it's absolutely horrible. It'll get better later on, I promise.