Chapter 4 - That Girl's a Puzzle Wrapped Up In Mystery

A/N: So here I am! It's been a while I know and I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible person :( . Homework has just been piling up. Also did anyone watch either the finale of Doctor Who or Downton Abbey? Both had me in tears. Any way here's chapter 4. Enjoy :)

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING

Liam was confused.

That new girl.. Siren, she was such a strange girl. Mike had said she isn't used to people but the way she acted was more like hatred. You would think that if someone had been isolated from proper company, they would be timid, but Siren is fiery, full of raw hatred.

When she had – quite literally – bumped into him out in the garden he had been startled by the girl. She was clearly the same age as Liam (15) and yet she acted so much older. She held herself so tall and proud but instead of being a figure of strength she looked as though she would shatter at the merest touch.

The girl had proven this to be untrue though after her conduct in the kitchen. First she had fought with him. She was so ready to defend herself she even picked the fights herself. Then in Liam's room she had argued and sneered but there was something about her that suggested her heart wasn't really in it.

Again at lunch, she snapped at Gus, immediately on the defensive. He had attempted to school his features into disinterest but something about the way she had looked at him before she left the room told him that he had been unsuccessful.

He had decided to call a house meeting in his room to discuss her after the incident with Gus.

"Alright, you lot. We've got a problem. Seems to me like there ain't nothin' we can do that don't set this new girl off." Liam stated.

"She has a name Liam. Siren". Carmen said angrily.

"What kind of a name is that anyway? Are we even sure its her real name?" Sapphire cut in.

"May I point out that your name isn't that common either Sapphire. And does it even matter whether it's her real name? You're all just being stupid and blind. Have none of you noticed how damaged she is? Just look at her. She jumps away from people, is always on the defensive, and looks so sad all the time." Carmen was arguing again. It seemed as though the new girl – Siren Liam subconsciously corrected himself, had the misfortune of Carmen taking her under her wing.

"Maybe she's sad 'cause she's in care" he replied in a way that was similar to the way Saph talked to Harry sometimes. Childish. Patronizing.

"No its more than that." she insisted.

"Well that's not any of our business. We need to either sort her out or get rid of her." Johnny offered this ultimatum with a decisive nod as if these were the only two options.

"Why don't we just leave her be." Tee piped up, ever the diplomat, "I'm sure that after a while she'll settle down and then everything will be okay. I'm sure she doesn't mean us any harm."

"Do I need to show you the bruises on my shins. Did you see what she did to my cheek last night? That girl means harm. Trust me." As Liam finished his small rant a short knock sounded at the door. Everyone turned to look at him with wide eyes. Due to his being closest to the door, Liam turned and opened it a crack, only to be faced with Tracy Beakers' disapproving face.

"I know you're all in there and I think I have a good idea why. Now let me in." And without further ado she barged straight past.

"So I'm guessing that you're all ganging up on Siren then?"It wasn't really a question. The guilty looks of the younger ones gave them all away. "This is wrong guys. Siren may have gotten off to a bad start but you can't all gang up against her like this. Nine against one is never fair. Just give her a chance."

"It not nine against one. Me, Lily and Tee aren't against her." Carmen said. Lily and Tee both nodded in agreement.

"I'm glad some of you have some sense. Now all of you out! And think about what I've said." Tracy sent one last disapproving look sweeping around the room and then left. The others were quick to follow, knowing if they didn't Tracy would only tell Mike.

Carmen however did not leave. She stayed and once the others had left the room she turned to Liam.

"I had a chat with Siren you know." she began.

"Oh yeah? Is that why you're now so willing to defend her? Ain't we supposed to be some sort of 'family'? Or don't that mean nothing to you?"

"Of course it does. I was just talking to her and I saw that she's not some evil person like you seem to think."

"Oh really? 'Cause she felt pretty evil to me with her fingers round my neck."

"She doesn't hate you." Liam gave a snort of disbelief, "She doesn't! She told me so herself."

"Look Carmen I see what it is you're trying to do but you ain't been out there, on the streets. Siren has and I know what them sorts are capable of. They can lie their way out of a police cell if they have to and they're pretty damn good at it. She may seem like she's telling the truth but that's what it's supposed to look like." Truth was Liam wanted to believe Carmen, he really did, but the feel of the girls fingers was still too fresh, the hatred in her eyes still too clear, for him to buy it.

Carmen gave Liam one last look that seemed to him like she knew something he didn't, before leaving the room. Liam gave one last big sigh and then collapsed onto his bed, closing his eyes to puzzle over the mystery of Siren.

A/N: Did you like? What do ya think? Drop a review and let me know ;)

And by the way I also edited chapter 2 and corrected any mistakes. See you all soon x