10. Brother
"What if he says no just because he knows you're gonna be there?" Jason asked being skeptical once again. It hurt that he still doubted me. I rolled my eyes and I was going to half to explain it to him once again.
"Were going to say that Angel and me are going away for a while and it's just going to be the guys there." I was smiling with an exuberant mood. I liked this idea. The idea where Jason is close to me.
"You're leaving!" Jason panicked. I shot a glance at Skylar, whose muffled laughter was shaking the car.
"I'm not going to be in school, but I'll be around. I'll be home or where you are. I'm not leaving your side ever again. Unless someone is with you." I wouldn't have to explain this so many times if he would just listen. What was it with teenage guys and listening to girls? Beats me.
His face composed into a calm mask so I knew he understood this time. "I'll go in with you. There is no way that he could say no to my persuading skills." His smile was so wide it flashed all of his teeth. I was so tempted to just knock one of them out.
Jason seemed to believe Skylar and got out of the car. Skylar made it to the door first and knocked on the door a little to loud for human's ears. He smiled at me again and I was on the edge of my seat. Skylar could do this, but I didn't know if he would somehow ruin it all the same. His dad opened the door and I could almost feel Jason shaking in his boots.
"Hello." Skylar started. "My name is Skylar Emerson," Jason flinched on how he used my last name. Stupid Skylar for revealing he kissed me. I was going to let him have it. I growled silently and I knew Skylar could hear it. He looked back at me with the calm the 'calm the hell down' signal. He turned back to his dad. "I'm Claire's brother. May I come in?" he asked it in a way that I couldn't even refuse it. Damn persuasiveness. I thought silently to myself. I wasn't even sure that was a word, but I just made a new one then.
They both walked in, Jason last to. He looked back at me franticly. I saw Skylar's pale arm pull him into the house. I laughed to myself. I could hear the conversation perfectly. "What is it that you have came for, uh Skylar right?"
"Yes sir." He said. I laughed loudly for that one. Skylar never said sir to anyone.
"And you said you were Claire's sister?" it seemed like he was stalling for something.
Skylar nodded simply. "I came here to ask something. You see Claire and Angel are going out for the week. Nick and I would be in our house and I was wondering if Jason would like to stay. We would get him to school and everything." I was flabbergasted at the way his tone sounded. I don't know how it would work on Jason's dad, but it seemed to be working on me.
He seemed to hesitate. "Claire will be gone?"
"Of course. It will be like a guy's only week. No girls aloud. Oops I guess Nick can't stay." He smiled at his own joke, but no one laughed. "Don't worry Claire id going to be gone. Her and Angel are leaving in about an hour. I promise." I laughed at that too. Skylar brakes any promise he makes, unless it's very important.
"Well Skylar first off my name is Jake," he introduced himself, "It would be nice for him to get out of the house for a change. Jason has been kind of moping around since he heard that Cody has disappeared." Jason, Skylar and me all flinched. We all knew what really happened.
"Thank-you, Jake." Skylar concluded. I heard him say goodbye to Jason, winked at him and then left the house. I was already out of my car and in Jason's room waiting for him. Skylar drove away with a nice purr of my engine.
I heard small footsteps coming up the stairs and I felt Jason's energy. It seemed like his footsteps were sagging just a little bit.
"Jason?" Jake called. I heard Jason's footstep halt in mid stride and turn around to face his father. "Is Claire really going to be gone?" I could almost hear his eyebrow raise as I heard Jason sigh.
"Yes dad. Why can't you ever trust me around her?" his tone was serious, like an accusation. I couldn't believe the tone I was hearing in his voice. I was causing so many problems here like it was my job.
"I just feel overprotective I guess since your mom died." Then I couldn't listen anymore. I held my hands to my head like it was going to explode. I had hurt this family so much. Was I willing to take Jason away from him too? So many thoughts filled my head and I knew that if Syd were here she would also be in pain. I could remember the memory of her first hearing the thoughts of my changing.
"She's awake Ben!" I called. Syd had just finished being changed, against part of my will I might add. But who could take Ben away from his true love? Certainly not me.
Ben came rushing in as Syd took everything in. Skylar came in with Taylor who was curiously looking at our new comer. She seemed to be doing everything very well, but I was waiting for her to snap at any moment. My muscles were like a spring waiting to be released.
"Syd?" Ben asked. He took a hesitant step toward her and she looked at him with amazement. She danced around the room with such grace. I felt almost a pang of jealousy, but then it slipped away as quick as it had come. Syd was watching everything with aware eyes.
"Thank-you Taylor." Syd said, but no one had said anything. I looked at Taylor who was just as shocked as me. Syd was looking at Ben now. She leaped to his side in one bound. Only 10 seconds had passed through this whole commotion.
"I love you too, Ben." She smiled at him with such passion I was again jealous I had no one to smile at, but I had my job and it was protecting each of my family members.
I was confused at what Syd was saying; no one had said a word or made any indication toward her. I wonder how she could her herself with this thirst that raged inside her. With my gift I could feel it.
"How is she doing?" I felt Skylar suddenly appear next to me. I would love to know how he did that. Then I remembered what Angel could do. Even after 50 years of her being here I still couldn't get used to it.
"Fine with the thirst. I don't know how she is avoiding it like that." I shook my head. "Then I'm wondering why she is talking like that when no one had said anything. You think she has a gift? Like you and me?" I asked. It came down on me so fast. I could see his face. The face of an Angel, but yet the face of my demon. I was remembering everything again for the first time on 2 decades. It was all so jumbled up in my head that there was a lot to sift through.
Then Syd was on the ground with her hands on her head. She was screaming in pain. All eyes were on me wondering what I was doing. Ben was the only one who glared.
"I'm not doing anything!" I promised. How could they not believe me? Why would I do such a thing? As soon as I had stopped thinking about Cody she was back on her feet breathing a little too hard. Intuition filled the entire room as we all stared at her like she had grown two more eyes.
"What?" Syd demanded. We all were awestruck at what she could do. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" Ben was the first one to break the silence.
"Syd you're gifted. You have a very special gift." I snorted. I had the special gift, but it was repulsive at the same time. Ben laughed then turned back to Syd and her confused expression. It soon became impatient.
"Just tell her already!" Angel exclaimed. She popped out of nowhere as usual. Syd was the only one who jumped. I rolled my eyes and then saw Nick come from the stairs.
"Syd you can read minds." Her face then became full of wonder. All of us were laughing, even Sam. Then Syd was growling and I had to explain that before things got too bad.
A sigh awoke me from the past. Jason was sitting on the bed looking at me with a tortured expression. I then got up ready for anything. He just shook his head and I saw a single tear trickle down his cheek and down his throat. Rage filled every corner of my body, but the rage was at me. I was doing this to their family-or the only family they have left.
"I'm doing this to you." I cracked. My head fell into my hands once again and Jason took in an exasperated breath. I didn't want to lie anymore. I was harming him more than Cody-Jason's Cody-had harmed him. I felt like the monster. I have always been a monster, but now there is no way I couldn't fit that part.
"No! Claire don't blame this on you. Please don't!" he would have yelled it, but he knew his father all too well and he knew he would come to check on him.
"Jason how am I to deny the truth? Look what I have done to your family! Can you not see it? I surely can! I've taken your mother," I cringed at that thought once again, "and now I'm taking you from your father. I…I can't do that to you." I stuttered. I got up without thinking and paced the room with silent steps. I felt Jason's eyes burn holes into my shirt, but I couldn't escape the fact that I was right. I had to leave Jason, before I ruined everything life has given him.
He looked down. I walked over to sit by him as he leaned into my arms, breaking out into a soundless weep. Tears were staining my shirt, but I didn't care. I just wanted to comfort the boy in my arms. I loved him so dearly.
I didn't know how long time had passed, but soon he stopped and then he looked at me, tear streaked face and everything. "Your leaving aren't you?" he asked. Then as I looked into his face all my doubts vanished. Me leaving will destroy him. I knew that if I left I would do him more harm than good. I was here to take care of him and that is my purpose it always has been; Jason just wasn't born yet.
"Do you want me to leave?" I asked. How many times have I asked him this same question? I already knew the answer, but I still had to hear it.
"I won't make you stay, but that doesn't mean I don't want you to." He looked out his window. He leaned away from me and sighed.
I took his hand and brought it to my face. I looked at his bewildered expression as I took in a deep breath. The scent was strong, but yet so tamed. I knew I couldn't do anything to harm this boy. Then I took his face in my hands and then I let my lips press against his ever so lightly. They were so warm and soft. I broke away when he needed to breathe.
"Does that answer your question?" my breath was short, but it was nothing to compare to him. I thought he was going to faint. He simply nodded not being able to find his voice. I laughed softly, my shoulders shaking.
"You should get some rest. Skylar is going to pick you up tomorrow and I will see you after school." I winked. For some reason he pouted. I was trying to figure out his face when in dawned on me.
"You don't like Skylar do you?" I held his gaze so he couldn't look away from me.
"He's not my favorite person in the world." He said grimly. The smile vanished and it was replaced with a sad mask.
"Why?" what a stupid question to ask, but I still wanted to hear it. He tried to pull away from my grip. But it seemed so small it was hard to believe he was really even trying.
"He kissed you." razors filled every syllable in that small, but large and powerful sentence.
"He was confused, Jason. He loves Taylor," I flinched at her name. I could tell Jason noticed, "more than you could possibly imagine. I was just as shocked. Please don't blame him. He loves you as a brother already, trust me." My eyes seemed to smolder, because he looked at me like he was in a deep trance.
"I do trust you. I trust you with everything I have." He said that like he made a vow to me.
"Don't." I teased. That threw him off for a second. My smile widened and I pounced on him. I pressed my teeth to his throat as I heard him intake a breath. His heart rate went up and he tried to stop making it so obvious. I laughed and I pulled away.
"'Night, Jason." I said and I bounded out the window. I ran as fast as could so I could make it to my house. I passed Angel who was coming this way to watch Jason for me. I had to hunt and I had to hunt badly. I can't risk it with me being around Jason a lot more. Being extra cautious this time I went about 200 miles away from the city, somewhere towards Canada, to be sure that I don't hunt another one his friends or family. I couldn't bear it I did that again.
The trees here were lusciously green. The forest here was not big, but it was large enough that I would find some hikers. Over 50 feet tall, did this one pine tree stand. I believe they called it a Fur tree, but I never really did study trees much. Pinecones were scattered across the ground in different directions. I wanted to pick one up and see how far I could throw it-which I knew it would be far-but I had a job to do.
I let my senses range outwards toward anything human. I let my mind take control as I swept through each tree and hole in the ground. There were five small cabins or huts as you may call them depending on the size. Each cabin was occupied so I tried to pick the one that would best suite me. One had two people in it. I raced down toward the scent not ready to strike yet. I would see who was in each cabin, to see who fit my hunting criteria.
This one had a newly wed couple inside. The one man was tall and had light blond hair. He was wearing a light jacket and he had his arm draped around the woman. The women seemed to be slighter and a little bit more joyful. Her laugh was loud, but they didn't know anyone was watching. A sudden pain entwined in me as I thought about taking both of their lives. I just couldn't do that to them. They were just starting their new lives. Who was I to have to right to take it away from them?
I ran more south this time finding another cabin that had about 5 people in it. I didn't even look inside. I knew it was a family of happy children and parents. I just couldn't do that to them either.
Each cabin I checked had at least a family in it or a new couple. I couldn't believe my luck right now. I was deliberating whether to check the last one or not, but I decided that it couldn't hurt. And now I was glad that I had. Inside was a young teen that was in the process of hanging herself. I didn't even hesitate. I felt a strange wave of calm pass through me. I thought of death and of how peaceful it was. Then I heard a thud on the floor and the young girl dropped dead.
The room she was staying in was empty so I was sure she just came here to do this quick, easy, and away from other people so they couldn't stop her. I turned her body over so I could get a good look at her neck. The blood still flowed through her body trying to find out why she had dad. When I took I bite all of my pain was vanishing. It didn't taste as good as when it was still pumping, but I would never inflict that much pain on this innocent girl on purpose. I'm not all that bad.
When she was drained I leaped from the room and ran back to Oregon. I noticed how I never wanted to learn the name of the town. I didn't want to because I knew I would just have to try to forget the memory either way. As I passed the sign it said: Welcome to Baker City
It was on the big board like it was typed there from a computer. I couldn't imagine why they would do that, but all well, it's not my city to run. Thank god for that.
I slowed down into a walking pace as cars were starting to fill the streets. The sun was barely coming up so I knew Jason would be awake soon. It felt so weird to walk at a normal human speed, but at the same time it felt good to not have to rush. As the sun appeared in the sky pink and yellow lines shot through the sky like a rainbow. It was so beautiful that I stop and stared. So many memories of Cody filled my head at one time.
"Beautiful isn't it?" a soft voice whispered in my ear. He grabbed my waist and twirled me around. "But it's no where near as beautiful as you." Cody's angelic voice rang in my ears. I laughed
"What?"
"There is no possible way that I'm more pretty than that dazzling sunrise." I took his hand and then I looked into his violet eyes. How someone could get violet eyes I have no clue, but they were gorgeous.
"You're right." He said. He surprised me. I thought he would say 'I'm right and you know it' adding in that smile that made my heart falter in speed. "You said pretty and I said beautiful. There is quite I difference there." He challenged. I sighed in defeat. I knew he was right and I wasn't going to push it.
I shook my head. I could my head begin to throb; it hurt so much to think of Cody. I continued walking again and as soon as I was out of sight I ran like you couldn't believe. My house was just in view as I ran to meet Skylar who was racing Angel, again. He was also losing, again. I laughed as he tried to catch up and went up to change my clothes.
"Should I go get him now?" I whirled around to see Skylar's face just inches from mine. His breath prickled on my skin and I curled out of the protection hold he had put me in.
"Yes, but please behave. Nothing about you and me got it? He already doesn't like you for kissing me." I reminded him. His smile faded slightly, but didn't go away completely.
"Promise." He said as he ran. I laughed as I slumped on my bed. Thousands of thoughts raced through my head, but I tried to not think about it. I couldn't wait till school was finished for the day so I could have Jason in my arms. Then I remembered about the 'sleep over' as Jason had called it. If he were staying he would need something to eat. I sighed and got into my car. I would watch him sulk at school after my shopping was done. I might even get him a few new pairs of clothes. It was the least I could do for endangering his life like this. I smiled at the thought and hopped in my car.
I drove slower than normal and I went into the market place. Beaver Creek Store. I had no clue why they would name it that. That isn't even the name of the town.
"Stupid humans." I muttered under my breath. I smiled at my own joke and then I walked into the air-conditioned store. This was a new sight to me. I never did the shopping for Sam, Skylar always did that part for me. I smiled at the reason behind it.
"I just don't want you to break a nail." He teased. I looked him straight in the eye. I was in no mood to talk about this.
"The only reason your doing this for me is because you don't trust he yet!" I exploded. I no longer cared who heard this contribution.
He hung his head in defeat and sighed a little too dramatically. I shook my head.
"Fine you can go get it for me, but you have to tell her why your going with her instead of me." I smiled my smile that just made him want to bite my head off.
"You don't fight fair." He hissed.
"Skylar can you keep the cussing to the minimum in your head please? I'm getting a headache. And could you please stop picturing you ripping Sam's head off?" she snarled. I knew it was a joke, but I couldn't help to play along. His mouth dropped open as he took in my face. Then I couldn't stand it any longer. My laugh filled the house, booming and echoing off the walls and coming back to me like a boomerang. Syd joined in, as Skylar seemed to relax. Then I lunged at his unsuspecting figure.
"Can I help you miss?" the store lady asked me impatiently. I suppose I didn't hear while I was in my trance. I looked over her. Then again maybe she just sounded like that because I was like the picture of perfection. With these trait humans, who could tell? Her nametag said: Hello my name is Amber.
"No thank-you." I tried to say as sweetly as I could, but she jumped back at the acid leaking from my tone. She knew I was already mad by the way that she addressed me.
She tried to smile and walked away too fast to be walking away normally. But who did things normally these days?
I walked toward the food section and I stuffed it up with some of his favorite stuff. There were pizza rolls, cheese only, Hot pockets, Ham and Cheese only, pop-tarts, orange juice, milk, chocolate milk, eggs, bread, and some crackers. I stopped and thought what the hell? I grabbed some donuts for breakfast and a chocolate cake. I was lucky Sam wasn't here. She would devour this thing in one bite. More like inhale it if you ask me.
Next I went to the clothes section. I grabbed about 15 pairs of different jeans-I didn't hesitate for I already knew his size-and got some nice shirts. New shoes, boots, socks, and hats. I didn't dare to grab any boxers that would be just too weird. I'll let Nick or Skylar do that with Jason.
I walked fast as I pulled the cart to the register. She looked at me with wide eyes and she rung everything up. It totaled to $426.01. I smiled and held out my credit card. I could almost hear her thoughts. She was thinking 'it's not fair. She had beauty and money.' I gave her about a $100 extra and she about handed it back to me.
"Keep the change." I said sweetly. All her anger toward me vanished in an instant.
"Thank-You."
I nodded and walked out of the store. I pooped the trunk of my car and three boys walked by.
"Nice ride." One said. His eyes popped out when he looked at me. I closed it after putting all of the stuff in and smiled like I meant it. Which of course I didn't.
"Thank-You." if his heart hadn't stuttered by my smile it would have now. His friend had to catch him while the others stared at me dazed. I laughed and looked at the boy who fell and he blushed. I got in the car and sped of to my house. Angel was sitting at the door again waiting for me like usual. This time Cody was sitting next to her. I'm glad that they have gotten along for right now.
"Hey." They both in synchronization. I smiled and then they got up to help me carry in the bags. Not that I needed it but I was guessing they just needed something to do.
"All these for one person?" Cody snickered. I beamed at him and put all the stuff in Jason's room. It was the extra room that nobody used so I gave it to him. It was right next to mine.
"Any word from Nick or Skylar?" I asked, feeling calm. There was no reason to be anxious yet. Jason would be just fine.
"Nope. We were waiting for you so we could go all together." Angel was in the far corner. She was leaning against it and her eyes were closed. She looked so peaceful it made me want to cry.
Cody was at my side and Angel was in front and we walked out the door. We decided to walk to the school, or in our translation we would run. Jason would be at lunch by now and it was a warm day, but the rain would ruin it. I saw him outside scanning the trees looking for me. How I longed to go up to him and just take his hand, but I knew better.
"Wonder where Claire is. Angel is also missing too. I wonder if they went with the others and that they left the guys." A girl snickered. I growled and her head twisted to look at me, but finding nothing. Skylar saw me though. He was shaking his head and smiled. Jason looked where Skylar was looking, but he couldn't find anything. He looked down and that urge to comfort began all over again.
"At Study hall." Skylar whispered into Jason's ear. If I had one my heart would be doing flips at this point. Jason smiled and then seemed to walk away from Skylar and went to sit with Trevor.
"What your sitting' with me now? Why don't you just go and stay with your precious Claire." Trevor spat. Jason's face was shocked and angry at the same time.
"I mean I don't know why she would like you. You're ugly, uncoordinated, lazy, dumb, and did I already say ugly?" this time I was so furious, but I wasn't the one who hissed.
"Don't-you-dare-talk-about-Jason-like-that!" Skylar pushed Trevor, who fell on the ground. Jason turned to look at Skylar. Everyone including Jason took a step back from the look on Skylar's face. Nick tugged on his arm and pulled him into the school with Jason right behind them, his face shocked and surprised. I watched about to jump in if need be-the hell with being on the trip-but my services weren't needed. Trevor on the other hand was about to get slapped, hard.
He looked over in this direction and there was something in his eyes, it was like he wasn't really there and that his brain wasn't really his. But that wasn't what caught my attention and held it there. It was that it was the same way Ben looked at me that one day. It was like he was there, but it wasn't him who was controlling his body. It also reminded me of the day I attacked Skylar. His eyes were confused, but the face was so sure. Something was happening and it all had to do with me. And I was going to find out what it was, even if it killed me. Angel was gone, but Cody was still at my side. His hands were also clenched into fists.
"I can't believe that Trevor would say that!" he hissed under his breath. I looked at him with a sincere look.
"I don't know about you. But I don't think Trevor wanted to say something like that." I knew I would sound crazy, but there was something wrong with this picture forming in my head. It was like some form of mind control.
His face was now composed into a confused mask. He was about to say something when he shook his head.
"You guys really are the most talented coven aren't you?" his tone was teasing, but his expression wouldn't even match it by an inch.
"I guess we are." I let it go. I had more important things to think about right now. He nodded and just stood there like a stone.
One by one I watched the kids go back in to learn once again. They all seemed to be taking in Skylar's reaction. I was guessing that they didn't mark him for the violent type. Boy were they far off.
"Claire?" Cody's voice broke the silence as we walked around the school for the 15th time.
"Hmmm?" I asked as I was pulled away from my thought. I heard his footsteps come to a halt so I turned and leaped back to him.
"Would you mind if I asked you a question?"
"Shoot." I smiled. Cody was just asking me a question. What was wrong with that? Absolutely nothing of course.
"The day we had the meeting, I was just wondering why you treated me like one of you. I mean not that I don't appreciate it, but why? I almost killed Jason and you didn't even try to kill me. I mean you could have done that in less than a second.
"Then you talk to me like I'm your brother and you smile at me like I'm someone important. I don't get it. Why do you treat me like that? I'm just another monster you have to take care of." His red eyes looked straight into mine and for a second it was like our minds were one.
"I did that because you are part of this family. I treat you like that because you are brother. And no you're not just another monster, we all are. You're nothing different from I am or what Skylar or Angel is. You're part of this family now and I'm going to treat you like it." he looked at me like a brother should, whose sister just took the blame for something he did. He loved me like a real brother should, like the brother I never really had.
"Can I ask another one?" he hesitated.
I smiled flashing my teeth and he seemed more confident this time.
"You and Taylor," he stopped taking in my expression, making sure he hadn't hurt me I was assuming, "Have you two always been best friends?" it was a simple enough question that I knew the answer to right away. "I'm not going too far am I?"
"No. Taylor and I haven't always been on the best of terms. When she first met me, I could see it in her eyes. Taylor absolutely loathed me. She thought I was going to take Skylar away and that she was just a pawn. We had our share of fights, but what made it worse was that Skylar would take my side and say she was over reacting.
"Skylar and I have never been more than a brother and a sister. He was the only person who ever understood me besides…" I cut off from the wound that seemed to pierce my side. I hated thinking about him. I hated everything about him. But not I couldn't regret that he made me what I am, for if he didn't I would not have met Jason.
"Besides…" he prompted. He seemed to be looking at a bird in the tree rather than looking at me.
"Cody."
He raised one eyebrow and I shook my head. "Not you. There was another Cody, the Cody that changed me." He nodded and then began looking at the tree again
"What's it like to find love?" he asked suddenly. This question threw me off guard. I had no idea this was coming on.
"Well it's not something that can be explained until you feel it yourself. You can't describe it without being tongue-tied. Its like nothing you have ever felt before." I didn't know how else to explain it and I was right, it was like nothing you could really explain.
"Ah." Cody walked away seeming like he forgot my presence. I took one step towards him and I opened my mouth to speak.
"Cody did you ever think that you loved me? Like when you were still human I mean. When you first saw me, did you think you loved me?" this question was out of the blue, but at the same time completely relevant.
"I thought I did, but I realized that you didn't love me so I moved on, not knowing that I never really loved you in the first place." His voice and words being put together sounded like he was ages old. I couldn't believe the wisdom he had in just a few short weeks. "What?" he asked when he finally looked at my face. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked. I could see where his thoughts were taking him. He was going over his words over and over again to see what it could have been that could have offended me in any way.
"No." I said shaking my head to fast for a human to tell if I was even moving it. "You said everything right and that's what I don't get. I don't know how on earth you got to be so wise when you have only been like this for a matter of weeks. It took me centuries to get where you are right now, to be able to understand stuff so easily. Jason would be proud to call you his friend." I beamed at him. Which I rarely do to anyone but Jason or Skylar.
"Really?"
"Really, really." I answered as I walked away from him and towards the school. I heard the bell rang for the final class and that final class was the best on of the day, study hall.